MTSS Integrated Conference &#x27;26

Need to track student data? Not sure where to start? Come check out how to easily track data on your students using Google Sheets and other tools. This hands-on tutorial presentation will show you how to track the data you have on your students and make it easy to share with your intervention team, administration, and other specialists. Please bring a laptop with you to this session.

Speakers

Susan Schuh

K-8 MTSS Coordinator, Bridgeport School District

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Orchard South

Data & Assessment

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

10:40am PDT

From Instruction to Referral: Getting MTSS Right for Multilingual Learners with Culturally Responsive Practices

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

Orchard North

This session explores how MTSS and the pre referral process should function for multilingual learners. Participants will examine culturally and linguistically responsive practices, the integration of English Language Development across all MTSS tiers, and structured tools to guide decision making. Attendees will leave with practical tools and reflective questions to support whole child data review, instructional access, and the differentiation of language difference from disability prior to special education referral.

Speakers

Kad El-Atwani

Multilingual Program Supervisor-OSPI, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Kadriye El-Atwani (a.k.a Dr. Kad) is a Multilingual Education Program Supervisor at the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), currently residing in Eastern Washington. Before joining OSPI, Dr. Kad served as a Multilingual Education Specialist at the New... Read More →

Virginia Morales

Assistant Director of Multilingual Education, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Virginia Morales is the Assistant Director of Multilingual Education with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. She has over 20 years’ experience in the field of Multilingual Education. Most recently, Virginia was a Professional Learning Specialist at WIDA. In addition... Read More →

Katie Sperling

Multilingual Education Program Supervisor, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Katie Sperling is a Multilingual Education Program Supervisor with more than 20 years of experience teaching and leading K–12 language development programs across Washington State. In her current role at OSPI, Katie provides statewide leadership and technical assistance to support... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Orchard North

Multilingual Learners

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

10:40am PDT

Pathways to Preventing Targeted Violence in Schools: A Collaborative Approach

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

Red Delicious

This practical session equips K–12 educators with clear, actionable steps for preventing targeted violence. Using a real-world case study to demonstrate how trusted adults, educators, and community partners can intervene early and guide students toward safe, prosocial pathways.
Key Takeaways:
- Identifying warning signs and risk factors for targeted violence
- Collaborative strategies for professionals
- How as a professional you can support students on a prosocial pathway.

Speakers

Jason McPherson

ESD 101

Malorie Woods

Olympic Educational Service District 114

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Red Delicious

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

10:40am PDT

Skill-Building Alternative to Punitive Safety Responses

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

Gala 1

Schools are increasingly challenged to respond to concerning student behavior in ways that maintain safety without relying on exclusionary or punitive discipline. This session explores how behavior support practices and behavioral threat assessment can work together to create proactive, skill-building responses. Grounded in applied behavior analysis and multidisciplinary threat assessment principles, participants will learn how understanding behavior as communication helps teams move beyond reaction toward prevention, shared decision-making, and supportive interventions that balance safety, dignity, inclusion, and staff confidence.

Speakers

Anna Troutman

Managing Director, NCESD

Anna Troutman has integrated her background in behavior analysis and special education into leading this statewide program. Prior to MASH, Anna has worked as a clinical, in-home, and school-based BCBA, as well as an elementary special education teacher. Embracing the wrap-around service... Read More →

Hunter McLeod

Threat Assessment Coordinator, ESD 171

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Gala 1

Target Audience Principals, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors
Experience Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary

10:40am PDT

Identifying and Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness Using the MTSS Framework

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

Fuji 3

If you are looking for effective, inclusive strategies for supporting students experiencing homelessness within the MTSS framework, this informative session is for you. Through discussion, collaborative activities and real-world examples, participants will learn:
• How inclusive systems can remove barriers to student success.
• Practical strategies for early identification of students experiencing homelessness.
• How to design and implement evidence-based supports at all tiers of MTSS.
• Strategies for building cross system collaborations.
Participants will leave this session equipped to support this vulnerable student group, while connecting students and families with essential resources both at school and in the community.

Speakers

Vivian Rogers Decker

Homeless Student Stability Education Program Supervisor, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Vivian Rogers Decker has spent over 30 years in education serving students and families experiencing trauma, poverty, and housing insecurity. Currently she serves as the Homeless Student Stability Education Program Supervisor for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction... Read More →

Rosemary Peterson

Education & Employment Manager, Washington State Department of Commerce, Office of Homeless Youth

Rosemary Peterson (she/her) is the Education & Employment Manager for the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Office of Homeless Youth (OHY), where she leads statewide initiatives to expand education, training, and economic opportunity for young people experiencing homelessness. Her commitment to this... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Fuji 3

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

10:40am PDT

Inclusionary and Integrated School Mental Health and MTSS: Medical Lake School District’s Implementation Journey, Impacts, and Outcomes

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

Fuji 2

This session will share collaborative efforts to provide a statewide comprehensive and integrated approach to inclusionary practices, MTSS, and school mental health, and will provide examples, resources and tools to effectively align student supports and services into a single system of delivery. This session will feature the Medical Lake School District’s implementation journey, impact, and outcomes from an inclusive, integrated, and wellness-centered approach.

Speakers

Tawni Barlow

Director of Integrated Student and Community Services, Medical Lake School District

My career journey, more accurately described as an ongoing adventure in public service, has taken me from the field of corrections to education, driven by a deep commitment to finding the most meaningful ways to serve my community and make a lasting, positive impact. I currently serve... Read More →

Meg Holliday

Medical Lake School District

Kelcey Schmitz

Director, University of Washington

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Fuji 2

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing
Grade Band District-wide

12:40pm PDT

Designing Trauma-Informed Behavior Supports Across Tiers 2 and 3

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Orchard South

This presentation focuses on conducting trauma-informed functional behavior analysis and assessments, including how past trauma can influence both internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Combining behavior analytic and mental health perspectives helps teams look beyond observable behaviors to identify underlying functions. Through a collaborative team approach and strategic data collection, these protective functions are incorporated into hypotheses. The session also covers developing trauma-informed Positive Behavior Support Plans and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) that prioritize prevention, skill-building, and integrated Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports.

Speakers

Rachel Barrett

Sound Supports

Debbie Limon

Executive Director, Sound Supports

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Orchard South

Behavior & PBIS

Target Audience Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists
Experience Developing
Grade Band District-wide

12:40pm PDT

Your MTSS Roadmap: A Strategic Planning Session for School Teams

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Fountain 1

MTSS works best when teams plan together. Bring your team to this collaborative workshop where you will conduct a self-assessment of current MTSS practices, explore implementation barriers through root cause analysis, and use structured planning time to identify intentional next steps. Whether your team is building, strengthening, or refining MTSS practices, this session provides structured time to reflect, problem-solve, and plan next steps together.

Speakers

Emily Bushouse

Behavior Inclusion Coach, NCESD 171

Emily is originally from Michigan where she earned her Educational Specialist degree in school psychology. She has worked in Michigan, Oregon, Arizona, and Washington in public school, university, and residential settings, serving students with special needs from preK through university... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Fountain 1

General MTSS Practice

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

12:40pm PDT

Building Functional Tier 2 MTSS Systems That Drive Results

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Fountain 3

This interactive workshop helps schools move beyond fragmented, inconsistently implemented Tier 2 supports toward a structured, data-driven system grounded in clarity and fidelity. Drawing from real statewide examples, participants will examine proven strategies for identifying interventions, collecting and using data, and strengthening team infrastructure. Using a Tier 2 Teaming Guidance Document, teams will assess current systems and build an actionable plan tailored to their setting.

Speakers

David Mendez

Associate Director, True Measure Collaborative

David has worked alongside educators his entire professional career as a teacher, community organizer, instructional coach and in various non-profit leadership roles. He is passionate about ensuring all kids have access to a high quality education, especially those who are furthest... Read More →

Micheal Williams

Program Manager, True Measure Collaborative

Program Manager with The True Measure Collaborative, I bring 18 years of experience in Special Education supporting students with a wide range of cognitive, physical, social, and behavioral needs. Prior to my current role, I spent 3 years in the Tukwila School District, as a district... Read More →

Cassie Watkins

Program Manager, True Measure Collaborative

Tasnim Elmaghrabi

Program Manager, True Measure Collaborative

Program manager with The True Measure Collaborative supporting schools across washington state, as an experienced educator and program leader with over a decade in K–12 special education across charter and public schools in California and Washington. She began as a Special Education... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Fountain 3

Leadership & Systems

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

12:40pm PDT

From Silos to Systems: Reimagining School Safety Through MTSS

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Gala 3

School safety and violence prevention is most effective when it is embedded within a strong Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), rather than implemented as a standalone initiative.
This session will highlight how districts can integrate safety and violence prevention strategies across Tiered supports. Presenters will share how school-based threat assessment, behavioral health supports, and community partnerships are being aligned within MTSS to create more cohesive and responsive systems.
Attendees will leave with practical strategies and tools to integrate violence prevention into their existing MTSS framework.

Speakers

Amber Wynn

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Gala 3

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

12:40pm PDT

The Tier 2 Black Hole: Fixing the System Before Behavior Becomes Risk

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Gala 1

Students often stall in Tier 2 supports, where unclear systems, inconsistent interventions, and weak progress monitoring limit impact. This session helps teams identify why students get stuck and how to strengthen Tier 2 as an early prevention layer. Participants will learn to diagnose system breakdowns, apply clear decision rules, and recognize patterns of escalation—supporting timely intervention and reducing the likelihood of behavior progressing to more significant safety or threat concerns.

Speakers

Hunter McLeod

Threat Assessment Coordinator, ESD 171

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Gala 1

Target Audience Principals, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, District Administration
Experience Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

12:40pm PDT

Inner Spark - Peer to Peer T-SEL Support

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Fuji 3

This session introduces Inner Spark, a component of the Domestic Harmonizer Program that empowers high school students as peer-to-peer leaders promoting Transformative Social-Emotional Learning (T-SEL). Grounded in cognitive science principles, the program builds leadership skills, supports stress management, and deepens emotional understanding while clarifying boundaries of peer support. Participants attending this session will learn several cognitive and somatic practices that strengthen self-awareness, connection, resiliency among students.

Speakers

Karen DeVoogd

Non-Profit Leader, Other

Conflict Resolution Educator Trainer for the DHP. She was formerly also a faculty instructor with the system-wide California State University multiple subject teacher credential program, CalStateTEACH through the CSU Chancellor’s Office and CSU Fresno.

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Fuji 3

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists
Experience Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Secondary

12:40pm PDT

The Science of Hope

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Gala 2

Hope is not wishful thinking—it is a measurable, teachable framework linked to improved academic, social, and emotional outcomes. This session introduces the Science of Hope, grounded in the research of goals, pathways, and agency, and explores how schools can intentionally build hope within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports. Participants will leave with practical strategies to foster hope for students and adults, strengthening engagement, resilience, and well being across tiers.

Speakers

Jolynn Kenney

Executive Director, Other

Executive Director by day. Professional hope-instigator by night. Leads a statewide nonprofit, corrals mentors like a benevolent chaos wizard, and will absolutely ask you to “just real quick reimagine the entire system” before lunch. Fueled by coffee, justice, and a deeply held... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Gala 2

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

12:40pm PDT

Where Teams and Data Drive MTSS

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Orchard North

See MTSS in action—where systems meet impact. Learn how South Kitsap School District and one of its elementary schools are bringing MTSS to life through strong teaming, cycles of evidence-based practices, and intentional data use. Discover how this work is driving measurable outcomes for students and staff. Walk away with real examples, proven strategies, and momentum-building ideas you can use right away.

Speakers

Jamie

Principal, South Kitsap School District

Kristi

South Kitsap School District

Jamie Del Palacio

Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, South Kitsap School District

Aimee Sanford

Teacher, South Kitsap School District

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Orchard North

Special Education

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, District Administration
Experience Developing
Grade Band Elementary, District-wide

1:50pm PDT

Elevating Student Voice to Transform MTSS Systems

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT

Orchard North

This session centers student voice as a critical driver of effective, equitable MTSS. Participants explore how student perspectives can strengthen universal instruction and targeted supports, practice tools such as empathy interviews and student-led data reviews, and examine implications for Tier 1 redesign. Through reflection and collaborative planning, teams identify concrete ways to elevate student agency and embed student feedback into MTSS systems and decision-making.

Speakers

Trish Geraghty

Collaborative Learning Solutions

With over two decades in K-12 and higher education, Trish helps schools turn research and frameworks into actual practice. Her expertise spans MTSS, Universal Design for Learning, instructional coaching, and strengths-based leadership approaches she's used to help schools remove barriers... Read More →

Jodi Shuppert

Principal, Kern School District

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Orchard North

Data & Assessment

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Secondary, District-wide

1:50pm PDT

Beyond the Binary: Gender Inclusive Classrooms Uplift and Celebrate Transgender Youth

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT

Gala 3

Participants will first experience an intro level session on gender diversity for school staff, including Tier 1 strategies to create intentionally inclusive spaces. Then, they will explore research that clearly indicates the need for this work and policy that calls for Washington educators to take action. Then, they will embark on a journey to explore multiple paths to classroom, school-wide, and district implementation of inclusive educational spaces that uplift and celebrate trans youth.

Speakers

Tracy Werthman

Social Emotional Learning Specialist, Highline School District

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Gala 3

Equity & Inclusion

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

1:50pm PDT

You Can’t Run MTSS on Burnout: Fueling Sustainable Systems and Staff

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT

Orchard South

MTSS effectiveness depends on the people implementing it. When expectations outpace capacity, even strong systems become inconsistent and difficult to sustain. This interactive session moves beyond awareness into action. Participants will work through a practical tool to identify where misalignment is occurring in their roles and leave with a clear plan to realign expectations, improve clarity, and create more sustainable routines—supporting both staff well-being and long-term MTSS implementation.

Speakers

Mariah Angele

Auburn School District

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Orchard South

Leadership & Systems

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing
Grade Band District-wide

1:50pm PDT

Before It Escalates: The Connection between HIB & Threat Assessment

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT

Gala 1

This applied training focuses on Washington State’s Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) procedures and School-Based Threat Assessment practices. Using practical applications, participants will explore the realities of how school safety has intersections with school climate, student behavior, and intervention systems. Participants will practice how to identify behaviors and provide early intervention, implement safety interventions, and support students using existing systems to balance safety and inclusion.

Speakers

Jocelyn Nunez

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Amber Wynn

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Gala 1

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

1:50pm PDT

Bridging BTAM and MTSS: A Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Approach to School Safety

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT

Red Delicious

Discover how Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) already reflects
core MTSS principles through early identification, multidisciplinary teaming, and tiered
intervention. This session highlights the SK Cascade Student Threat Assessment Team
(STAT) Process and connects research, real-world application, and system alignment to
demonstrate how comprehensive threat assessment processes address threats of
school violence. Outcomes include identifying opportunities to strengthen violence
prevention, enhancing team collaboration, and aligning evidence-based practices and
the MTSS framework.

Speakers

Courtenay McCarthy

Senior Advisor, School Safety Solutions, Public Consulting Group

Courtenay is a school psychologist and senior advisor of school safety solutions for Public Consulting Group. She served over a decade as the lead school psychologist in student threat assessment and management for Salem-Keizer Public Schools, conducting multidisciplinary behavioral... Read More →

John VanDreal

Chief Architect, Violence Prevention Solutions; School Psychologist, Public Consulting Group

John Van Dreal is a school psychologist, the chief architect of violence prevention solutions for Public Consulting Group, and the retired director of Safety and Risk Management Services for the Salem-Keizer School District. He continues his career consulting with school districts and communities... Read More →

Katie Callahan

Research Assistant, University of Washington Tacoma

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Red Delicious

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

1:50pm PDT

Policy to Practice: Universal Mental Health Screening in Washington

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT

Golden Delicious

Learn how regions and districts in the state of Washington are engaging in universal screening within an MTSS. We will share how they've expanded team membership and taken an integrated approach to School Mental Health and universal screening. Participants will learn about how universal screening data can be used to promote education equity for all students. This session will demonstrate approaches that foster adults' cultural competence and an interconnected approach to enhancing comprehensive school mental health.

Speakers

Mari Meador

School Mental Healther Coordinator, University of Washington

Kelcey Schmitz

Director, University of Washington

Rayann Silva

School Mental Health Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator, University of Washington

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Golden Delicious

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing, Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

1:50pm PDT

Project ECHO for Inclusive Education and Collaboration

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT

Gala 2