Alliance 2026-2027 Parent Advocacy Series

Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 6:30 – 8:00 pm

The IEP Roadmap – Understanding Your Child’s Educational Plan – Laura Siclari, Esq

An IEP is the foundation of a child’s special education program, but the document can be difficult to understand. This presentation will help parents identify the essential parts of an IEP, understand the role of each team member, and recognize whether the plan meaningfully addresses their child’s individual needs.

This event is co-sponsored by NJASEPS

About Our Presenter

Laura A. Siclari, Esq. – serves as Of Counsel to Parles Rekem, bringing over 20 years of experience in education law at both the K–12 and higher education levels. Her practice centers on representing students and families in special education and general education matters, guardianship matters, as well as in disciplinary and higher education proceedings across the country. In the K–12 arena, Laura has represented countless students in special education due process hearings, IEP eligibility and placement disputes, Section 504 accommodation matters, and disciplinary matters. She also has extensive experience handling issues of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), as well as high school sports issues involving the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA). Laura’s practice also includes higher education advocacy, where she represents students in Code of Conduct proceedings, Title IX investigations, and disciplinary hearings at colleges and universities nationwide. She has become a trusted resource for families navigating the increasingly complex landscape of student rights in higher education. Laura also has deep experience and understanding of mental health and addictions law issues, particularly as they relate to minors and students, having served on various boards for over a decade in these spaces, and has translated that experience into her student advocacy work. A frequent writer and lecturer on education law topics, Laura has published extensively in the New Jersey Lawyer Magazine and has presented to parent and professional groups on special education and student rights. She is known for her practical, compassionate, and solutions-oriented approach, helping families achieve results that preserve both educational access and student well-being.

Laura A. Siclari, Esq.

Thursday, October 29, 2026, 6:30 – 8:00 pm

From Testing to Services: How Evaluations Shape the IEP Basics – Laura Siclari, Esq.

Evaluations influence nearly every major special education decision, from eligibility and classification to goals, services, and placement. This presentation will explain how assessments should be conducted and used, what parents should look for in evaluation reports, and what options are available when the school’s testing does not fully capture a child’s needs.

This event is co-sponsored by NJASEPS

About Our Presenter

Laura A. Siclari, Esq. – serves as Of Counsel to Parles Rekem, bringing over 20 years of experience in education law at both the K–12 and higher education levels. Her practice centers on representing students and families in special education and general education matters, guardianship matters, as well as in disciplinary and higher education proceedings across the country. In the K–12 arena, Laura has represented countless students in special education due process hearings, IEP eligibility and placement disputes, Section 504 accommodation matters, and disciplinary matters. She also has extensive experience handling issues of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), as well as high school sports issues involving the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA). Laura’s practice also includes higher education advocacy, where she represents students in Code of Conduct proceedings, Title IX investigations, and disciplinary hearings at colleges and universities nationwide. She has become a trusted resource for families navigating the increasingly complex landscape of student rights in higher education. Laura also has deep experience and understanding of mental health and addictions law issues, particularly as they relate to minors and students, having served on various boards for over a decade in these spaces, and has translated that experience into her student advocacy work. A frequent writer and lecturer on education law topics, Laura has published extensively in the New Jersey Lawyer Magazine and has presented to parent and professional groups on special education and student rights. She is known for her practical, compassionate, and solutions-oriented approach, helping families achieve results that preserve both educational access and student well-being.

Laura A. Siclari, Esq.

Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 6:30 – 8:00 pm

When School Becomes a Struggle: Understanding and Helping Children with School Refusal/Avoidance – Dr. Michael Selbst, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA-NJ

Getting your child to school can become one of the most stressful parts of the day for both children and parents. Whether your child complains of headaches, worries excessively, refuses to leave home, or experiences emotional distress related to school, understanding the reasons behind these behaviors is the first step toward helping. In this informative and practical webinar, Dr. Michael Selbst will explain factors contributing to school refusal/avoidance, including the impact of anxiety, stress, learning challenges, social difficulties, and family issues, and what parents can do to respond effectively. Participants will leave with evidence-based strategies to support their child, reduce conflict, build resilience, and work collaboratively with schools to promote successful school attendance.

This event is co-sponsored by NJASEPS

About Our Presenter

Michael C. Selbst, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA-NJ is the Executive Director of Behavior Therapy Associates in Somerset, New Jersey. He is a Licensed Psychologist in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Certified School Psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the Doctoral level, and Licensed Behavior Analyst in New Jersey. Dr. Selbst earned his undergraduate degree with honors in Psychology at the University of Delaware, and he was awarded a University Fellowship to Temple University, where he attained his Master’s in Education and Ph.D. in School Psychology.

He has expertise in the evaluation and treatment of clients who present with symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, mood disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, social skills deficits, learning disabilities, as well as family and relationship issues, parent training, and co-parenting. Dr. Selbst has extensive experience working with pre-school-aged children through adults, including expertise in helping individuals work through significant life changes and transitions. He has led numerous workshops, including at local, statewide, national, and international conferences. Dr. Selbst is co-author of the Behavior Problems Resource Kit: Forms and Procedures for Identification, Measurement and Intervention and the social skills curriculum, POWER-Solving®: Stepping Stones to Solving Life’s Everyday Social Problems, and the book chapter “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” in A. G. Dempsey’s (Ed.) book, Pediatric health conditions in schools: a clinician’s guide for working with children, families, and educators.

Dr. Selbst’s professional interests and approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Training (ACT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and applying Behavior Analysis in his work with individuals, families, and organizations. He assists clients in increasing their psychological flexibility, making meaningful steps toward who and what is important to them. Dr. Selbst is a member of the following professional organizations: American Psychological Association; National Association of School Psychologists; Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies; Association for Behavior Analysis International; Association for Contextual Behavioral Science; New Jersey Psychological Association; and New Jersey Association of School Psychologists. He has previously served as a member of a Human Rights Committee for adults with developmental delays. Dr. Selbst also serves as a Volunteer Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Michael C. Selbst, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA-NJ

Thursday, January 14, 2027, 6:30– 8:00 pm

Barred From the Classroom: Navigating School Clearance Requirements – Laura Siclari, Esq

What happens when a school says a child cannot return until a medical, psychological, or psychiatric clearance is obtained? This presentation will explain parents’ rights regarding school exclusions, continued educational services, district-funded assessments, disciplinary protections, and the practical steps families can take to get their child safely and promptly back into an appropriate educational program.

This event is co-sponsored by NJASEPS

About Our Presenter

Laura A. Siclari, Esq. – serves as Of Counsel to Parles Rekem, bringing over 20 years of experience in education law at both the K–12 and higher education levels. Her practice centers on representing students and families in special education and general education matters, guardianship matters, as well as in disciplinary and higher education proceedings across the country. In the K–12 arena, Laura has represented countless students in special education due process hearings, IEP eligibility and placement disputes, Section 504 accommodation matters, and disciplinary matters. She also has extensive experience handling issues of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), as well as high school sports issues involving the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA). Laura’s practice also includes higher education advocacy, where she represents students in Code of Conduct proceedings, Title IX investigations, and disciplinary hearings at colleges and universities nationwide. She has become a trusted resource for families navigating the increasingly complex landscape of student rights in higher education. Laura also has deep experience and understanding of mental health and addictions law issues, particularly as they relate to minors and students, having served on various boards for over a decade in these spaces, and has translated that experience into her student advocacy work. A frequent writer and lecturer on education law topics, Laura has published extensively in the New Jersey Lawyer Magazine and has presented to parent and professional groups on special education and student rights. She is known for her practical, compassionate, and solutions-oriented approach, helping families achieve results that preserve both educational access and student well-being.

Laura A. Siclari, Esq.

Tuesday, February 23, 2027, 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Effective Planning: Wills, Trusts, and Guardianship – Jared B. Oberweis, Esq., Hinkle, Prior, Fischer & Oberweis

Every adult should have an estate plan that includes a Will, a Power of Attorney, and a Medical Directive. For parents of individuals with developmental disabilities, estate planning is more complicated because parents want to provide for their children while also ensuring that children maintain access to means-tested government benefits like Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, and services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Improper estate planning can jeopardize your children’s benefits. This workshop will explain estate planning basics, including a detailed discussion of special needs trusts as well as what to consider when appointing executors, trustees, and other fiduciaries. Attendees will walk away with a concrete understanding about how to provide for their children when they are gone. The workshop will also explain the basics of guardianship and other surrogate decision-making options, with an aim towards attaining the maximum possible independence for your child while preserving vital protections for important decision-making.  This 90-minute presentation includes a Q&A for attendees.

This event is co-sponsored by NJASEPS

About Our Presenter

Jared B. Oberweis concentrates his practice in estate and trust matters, guardianships, special education and adult services. Jared enjoys representing clients with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to ensure their rights are protected. He was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey and is a graduate of West Windsor Plainsboro High School North. Jared was admitted to the New Jersey Bar and Pennsylvania Bar in 2014 after receiving a Juris Doctorate from Duquesne University School of Law. At Duquense University School of Law, Jared served on Duquense Law Review as a Senior Staff Editor. Prior to law school, he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Pittsburgh, graduating Cum Laude. Jared is the past President and current Vice President of the Board of Directors of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mercer County (NAMI Mercer).  He also serves on the Board of Directors of The Arc Gloucester and Disability Rights New Jersey.  He is a member of the Mercer County Bar Association. Outside of work, Jared enjoys golfing, cooking and traveling. He currently lives in Yardville, New Jersey with his wife, Lyssa, and their daughter and dog, Jax.

Jared B. Oberweis

Wednesday, April 14, 2027, 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Tech as Tool, Not Crutch: Building Independence in Special Needs Kids Through Sensory-Based Learning Aubrey Schmalle, OTR/L, SIPT

For parents of children with special needs, a child’s relationship with technology is complex . A communication app gives your child a voice; a visual schedule reduces morning meltdowns; speech to text reduces writing demands. But what happens when the tool becomes the only way your child can cope? When the tablet is the first ask in the morning and the last fight at night?

This webinar helps parents understand what their child’s nervous system actually needs to grow, regulate, and build real independence.

Drawing on over 20 years of clinical expertise in sensory integration and pediatric occupational therapy, Aubrey will walk parents through the neuroscience behind why screens feel so regulating for neurodiverse kids but at the same time so disorganizing. You’ll learn how to identify when tech is supporting development versus substituting for the sensory and motor experiences your child’s brain needs most and how to create a balance.

Parents will leave with:

• A framework for evaluating any tech tool through a sensory lens
• Practical, low-barrier sensory strategies to pair with or replace screen-dependent coping
• Confidence to advocate for a tech plan that supports a child’s growth

You will leave understanding your child’s nervous system well enough to take the first steps in giving them what they truly need to thrive.

This event is co-sponsored by NJASEPS

About Our Presenter

Aubrey is the owner of Sensational Achievements and has specialized in the evaluation and treatment of sensory processing disorders since 2005. She holds certification in sensory integration theory and practice, with advanced clinical expertise in functional visual skill development and sensory-based learning disabilities including dysgraphia, dyspraxia, and executive functioning deficits. She conducts Independent Educational Evaluations in Occupational Therapy across 27 Connecticut school districts.

Aubrey presents four professional continuing education courses through Theramoves covering sensory supports, handwriting, intervention roadmaps, and praxis from a neurosensory perspective. She also offers an online course through PESI — Distracted and Disorganized Kids in a Digital Generation. In collaboration with Dr. Anthony Kardaris, PESI offers a Certification in Tech Addiction that includes Aubrey’s course materials.

In 2015, Sensational Achievements launched Body Activated Learning™, a framework helping parents, teachers, and professionals support neurologically diverse children by applying sensory principles to optimize the brain and body for learning. In November 2025, Aubrey published Uniquely Human: Raising Leaders and Creators in a Digital World — a guide for parents navigating the unique challenges facing today’s generation and sharing the five pillars children need to thrive in an AI world.  When she isn’t educating or working with children, she spends her time with her Poochon Cooper and gardening.

Aubrey Schmalle, OTR/L, SIPT