Growing Well Conference Agenda and Speakers
The 2026 Growing Well Conference offers three days of learning, connection, and inspiration. Timely topics and practical strategies are offered through an engaging line up of keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and workshops. Explore the agenda and learn more about our featured speakers as you plan your conference experience.
Conference Agenda
Sunday, October 4 – Preconference Workshops
1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Preconference Workshops
- Workshop 1 – HINE Workshop
- Workshop 2 – Resources for Resilience
Monday, October 5
9:15 – 10:30 a.m
Morning Keynote
Advocacy & Empowerment
NC/GA Joint Session on Medicaid Waivers, Waiting Lists, and Strategies to Meet the Need
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Breakout Session 1
- Physical Health – Psychotropic Medication Management in Children with Dual Diagnoses
- Mental Health & Wellbeing – North Carolina Psychiatry Access Line
- Communication & Behavior – Evidence-Based Therapy Outside of ABA: Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) for Autism
- Advocacy & Empowerment – Transition from Pediatric to Adult Care for CYSHCN
12:00 – 1:15 p.m.
Lunch
1:15 – 2:30 p.m.
Breakout Session 2
- Physical Health – Interplay of Physical Conditions and Developmental Milestones
- Mental Health & Wellbeing – Supporting the Parent Peer Supporter: Sustaining the Work Amid Emotional Demands and System Gaps
- Communication & Behavior – PrAACtical AAC
- Advocacy & Empowerment – From Waitlists to Pathways: Waitlists and System Redesign
2:45 – 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon Keynote
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Wraparound Systems Change for Families of Children at High Risk of Developmental Concerns
Tuesday, October 6
9:15 – 10:30 a.m
Morning Keynote
Communication & Behavior
Language as a Missing Link and Missed Opportunity
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Breakout Session 1
- Physical Health – Tone Management
- Mental Health & Wellbeing – Trauma-Informed Care for CYSHCN
- Communication & Behavior – Behavior Is a Form of Communication
- Advocacy & Empowerment – Emergency Preparedness for CYSHN
12:00 – 1:15 p.m.
Lunch
1:15 – 2:30 p.m.
Breakout Session 2
- Physical Health – Implications of Aging for People with Disabilities
- Mental Health & Wellbeing – Interplay of Substance Use Disorder and Disability
- Communication & Behavior – What We Know About Kids with Concerning Behaviors Should Impact How We Treat Them
- Advocacy & Empowerment – Oral Health and Disability: What Caregivers Need to Know
2:45 – 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon Keynote
Physical Health
Advancing Transdisciplinary Care in an Academic Healthcare System: A Cerebral Palsy Care Pathway
Keynote speaker(s)
- Kevin Tanner
- Kelly Crosbie
- Natalie Matire
- Tricia Masters
- Gary McGivony
- Ariana Weldon
- Kat Kolaski
Presenters
- Elizabeth Barton
- Felicia Brown, CHW
- Diane Coffey
- Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW
- Andrea Davis, PHD
- Carolyn Gilmore
- Ross Greene, Ph.D.
- Lauren Howard
- Kathleen Kolaski, MD
- Nathalie Maitre, MD, PhD
- Tricia Masters, RN MSN DNP CPNP
- Jason Mehler
- McLean Pollock, PhD MSW MPH
- Kevin Tanner
- Colleen Tarantino, MA, NBC-HWC
- Debbie Thorpe, PT, PhD, PCS
- Angela Tunno, Ph D , M S
- Jennifer Tyson, MPH
- Talley Wells
