2026 KKPCA SPEDucator Conference: Full Schedule

7:30am HST

Check in: Caffeine & Connection

Thursday July 16, 2026 7:30am - 8:15am HST

Library

Thursday July 16, 2026 7:30am - 8:15am HST
Library

All Campers

8:30am HST

Camp Opening

Thursday July 16, 2026 8:30am - 10:10am HST

Library

Morning Protocol
Opening Camp Kickoff
Mini Slam

Thursday July 16, 2026 8:30am - 10:10am HST
Library

All Campers

10:30am HST

Pitching the Perfect Lesson 🏕️ Access Points: Inclusive by Design

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm HST

(Note: this session will be duplicated later today)Are you feeling a little "lost in the woods" when it comes to reaching every student in your classroom? Don't let your instructional planning be an uphill hike without a map! Join us for a workshop dedicated to building access points—the ultimate "trail guide" for teaching EVERYONE! Don’t let your instruction get lost in the woods;...
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Speakers

Krysta Salon

State Educational Specialist, HIDOE ESB

Krysta Salon has worked within the field of education as a general education teacher, special education teacher, District Resource Teacher, and Hawai'i State Educational Specialist. Her work focuses on the improvement of inclusive practices for all learners including students with... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm HST

Curriculum & Instruction

10:30am HST

Using Math Manipulatives in the Classroom (K-2)

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm HST

Curriculum & Instruction

10:30am HST

Regulate then Educate: Trust and Safety via the Universal Protocol

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm HST

Ravae and Nicole say go to this one! Offers an introduction to the foundational practices of the Universal Protocol, a compassionate framework designed to create learning environments where all students (and adults!) can feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn. Grounded in the principles of Practical Functional Assessment (PFA) and Skill-Based Treatment (SBT), this session explores how proactive,...
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Speakers

Sherene Hajiro

State Office Teacher, Office of Student Support Services

Dodi Pritchett

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm HST

SEL, Behavior, Classroom Culture

10:30am HST

🧸 Feelings Around the Campfire: Kimochis 101 - Introduction to Kimochis Characters and Activities

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm HST

When our keiki are hit with an emotional thunderstorm, it can completely wash out the trail for the whole group. That’s where Kimochis comes in! "Kimochi" means feeling in Japanese, and this evidence-based, social-emotional learning (SEL) multi-tool is the ultimate survival gear for helping kids (ages 3–12) identify, process, and regulate those massive internal weather systems.In this...
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Speakers

Kimberly McDonald

Clinical Psychologist, OSSS

Dr. Kimberly McDonald obtained her Doctorate of Psychology degree from the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology in Springfield Missouri in August 2002. Prior to that, she completed her clinical internship at the Youth Opportunity Center in Muncie Indiana and moved to Hawaii... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm HST

SEL, Behavior, Classroom Culture

10:30am HST

💻 Canva Code w/ Ms. Anna - Think it, make it, teach it!

LIMITED

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm HST

Limited Capacity seats available

Join us for a dive into Canva Code- a way to create individualized websites and activities for students of all ages. No coding experience required! Learn how to make sites that are intuitive and fun, while recognizing the ins and outs of AI. Connect to real time data sheets for up to date information and turn that information into easy charts at the click of a button. Canva account needed at time...
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Speakers

Anna Sanchez-Newby

Special Education Teacher, Keonepoko Elementary School

Anna Sanchez-Newby is a special education instructor for students with extensive support needs in the KKP complex area. She is passionate about merging teaching, music, and technology to build dynamic and effective learning environments. Anna specializes in creating high-quality... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm HST

Tech

12:00pm HST

Lunch: 🍗 Meat Option

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm HST

Library

- Please pick up your lunch at the library
- Karaoke, Sensory Space, or Eat Outside
- Lunches may be eaten in the library, breakout session rooms, or outdoors. Remember to dispose of food trash in the outside RED trash bins.

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm HST
Library

All Campers

12:00pm HST

Lunch: 🥬 Vegetarian Option (not vegan)

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm HST

Library

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm HST
Library

All Campers

1:10pm HST

Using Math Manipulatives in the Classroom (Secondary)

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:40pm HST

Curriculum & Instruction

1:10pm HST

🧸🧸 Navigating the Emotional Wilderness: Kimochis 201 – Keys to Communication and Kotowazas

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:40pm HST

Library

Welcome to the next leg of our journey! Now that you’ve met the characters and packed your basic survival gear in Kimochis 101, it’s time to pitch a deeper tent. In this advanced expedition, we will explore the Kimochis Keys to Communication and Kotowazas (Japanese proverbs)—the ultimate compass and multi-tool for weathering the most unpredictable classroom climates. This session equips...
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Speakers

Kimberly McDonald

Clinical Psychologist, OSSS

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:40pm HST
Library

SEL, Behavior, Classroom Culture

1:10pm HST

FSC: Part 2 - Bring the Joy! Understanding and Supporting Complex Behavior

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:40pm HST

Bring the Joy!Calling all FSC / MGR / Specialized Support Teachers & EA's!PFA, SBT and why we C.A.R.EThis workshop introduces the foundations of Practical Functional Assessment (PFA) and Skill-Based Treatment (SBT) as compassionate, evidence-based approaches to understanding and supporting complex behavior. This session provides an overview of how PFA and SBT can foster safer, more joy...
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Speakers

Sherene Hajiro

State Office Teacher, Office of Student Support Services

Dodi Pritchett

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:40pm HST

SPED Field Knowledge

1:10pm HST

Newer Kumu: The Special Education Wilderness Trek

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:40pm HST

Are you ready to navigate your first year of teaching without getting completely lost in the woods? Lace up your boots and grab your gear for an interactive, camping-themed survival session tailored specifically to help new special educators confidently traverse the instructional trail. Together, we will strategically map out your professional expedition across four vital, high-leverage phases:1....
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Speakers

Gino Pascual

State Office Teacher, Office of Talent Management

Ruby Smits

State Office Special Education Full Release Mentor, Hawaii Teacher Induction Center

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:40pm HST

SPED Field Knowledge

2:45pm HST

Camp Photo & Hui

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:45pm - 3:00pm HST

Library

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:45pm - 3:00pm HST
Library

All Campers

7:30am HST

Check in: Caffeine & Connection & Funky Dance Party

Friday July 17, 2026 7:30am - 8:00am HST

Library

Friday July 17, 2026 7:30am - 8:00am HST
Library

All Campers

8:00am HST

Opening of Day 2

Friday July 17, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am HST

Library

Get ready for some good ideas campers…
How a slam works:

Someone comes to the head of the campfire (aka library)
They volunteer to teach anything they want for 2 minutes. It could be a technology tip, a classroom procedure, or an active session.
The demo presenter has to finish before the two minutes are up

Speakers

Robson Silbanuz

Complex Area Teacher, KKP Complex Area

KKP Sped Resource Teacher. 13 years as Sped Teacher. Passion for guiding our most significant population to living a good life.

Friday July 17, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am HST
Library

All Campers

8:30am HST

Using Math Manipulatives in the Classroom (3-5)

Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am HST

Curriculum & Instruction

8:30am HST

Behavior, Care, Culture Building

Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am HST

SEL, Behavior, Classroom Culture

8:30am HST

Finding Your OASIS: Mastering the Art of the Classroom Environment

Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am HST

Ever feel like you’re constantly reacting to student behavior rather than leading the room? The secret sauce isn't just in the lesson plan—it’s in the environment we build. If you’re looking for a clear, inclusive, and empowering way to look at your space through a new lens, it’s time to discover OASIS.The OASIS Tool (Analysis of Observed Environmental Factors) is more than just another...
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Speakers

Julianne Arkangel-Kawaha and Noe Taum

Complex Area Resource Teacher, KKP Complex Area

Julianne Arkangel-Kawaha and Gale (Noe) Taum are District Office Teachers serving Kaʻu-Keaʻau-Pahoa Complex Area Schools. Both born and raised on Hawaiʻi Island, Julianne and Noe are passionate about ensuring access to quality education and supportive, least restrictive learning... Read More →

Nicole Geraci

Behavior Technicians and Educational Assistants, KKP Complex Area

We are the Behavior Technicians and Educational Assistants under the Intensive Program Support. We assist students and staff at the school by supporting and modeling the implementation of evidence-based strategies.

Team members:
Nicole Geraci
Tiare Anguay - [email protected]; Amanda Kimmal - [email protected]; Briana Crabbe - [email protected]; Tifanee Smart - [email protected]; Samuel Teare - [email protected]; Alysha Gustafon-Savella - [email protected]; Jason Viloria - [email protected]... Read More →

Lynda Tarantino

Complex Area Resource Teacher, Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa Complex Area

Aloha, my name is Lynda Tarantino. With over 30 years dedicated to education and a continued commitment, I serve as a District Office Teacher for the Kau, Kea’au, Pahoa complex (KKP) on the Island of Hawaii. In this role, I provide professional development, IEP support, and program... Read More →

Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am HST

SPED Field Knowledge

8:30am HST

Happy Campers: A Beginner’s Map to Parent Partnerships and Navigating Preschool

Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am HST

This two-part course equips beginning teachers with navigation tips for a successful school year, from building warm and trusting parent partnerships, to starting preschool students off in an inviting classroom environment.Part 1: The Parent Partnership Playbook - Audience: Open to All Grade LevelsBefore the school year kicks off, invest in parent relationships! This session equips you with...
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Speakers

Ruby Smits

State Office Special Education Full Release Mentor, Hawaii Teacher Induction Center

Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am HST

SPED Field Knowledge

8:30am HST

AI in Practice: Building a Better AI Workflow

Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am HST

Are you trying to adapt curriculum for diverse learners but finding yourself trapped in an endless cycle of copying and pasting between tabs? You aren’t alone. Join us for a hands-on session where we break down a multi-tool Google AI pipeline built specifically for streamlining differentiation in special education. We’ll demonstrate how to link the brainstorming power of Gemini, the...
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Speakers

Shane Asselstine

Educational Specialist, HIDOE State Office

Shane is a passionate advocate for leveraging technology to transform teaching and learning. With nearly two decades of experience in Hawaii's education system as a classroom teacher and complex area resource teacher, he has a proven track record of driving successful technology initiatives... Read More →

Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am HST

Tech

10:00am HST

Cookie Break

Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:10am HST

All Campers

10:10am HST

Active Bodies ARE Active Minds: Strategies to Move and Motivate Every Student

Friday July 17, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am HST

Transform your classroom into a dynamic environment where purposeful movement drives focus and academic success! In this high-energy session, special education teachers will discover how to use strategic physical activity to naturally redirect challenging behaviors, release restless energy, and sharpen student focus. Participants will walk away with a practical toolkit of total participation...
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Speakers

Robert Kelly

Adaptive PE Complex Area Resource Teacher, KKP Complex Area

Bob is a 2013 graduate of Kent State University with a Degree in Physical Education and a Hawaii Certification in Special Education. Over the years, he has worked with students of all abilities in the PE and classroom settings. He is passionate about movement and works to ensure... Read More →

Jason Schafer

Complex Area EO, Complex-Kau

Jason loves to play and move! He taught elementary physical education for over 10 years on the mainland and now serves as the lead for the KKP complex area health and physical education programs. He strives to ensure that ALL students have access to opportunities for joyful movement... Read More →

Friday July 17, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am HST

Curriculum & Instruction

10:10am HST

The Ka Lama Compass: Navigating the Path from EA (or E Hire) to Licensed Teacher

Friday July 17, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am HST

(session duplicated later today at 12:30 after lunch)Are you an EA who has been the "backbone" of the classroom for years? Or maybe you’re an emergency hire teacher currently navigating the wilderness without a full compass? If you’ve got the heart for our keiki but need a hand reaching the summit of full licensure, this campfire is for you!Since 1995, the Ka Lama Education Academy has been on...
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Speakers

Donna Camvel

EDUCATION SYSTEMS SPECIALIST, INPEACE

Francine Medeiros

Friday July 17, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am HST

Professional Growth & Teacher Wellness

10:10am HST

Family Engagement & Transition

Friday July 17, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am HST

TBA

This session in meant for all school staff including special education teachers, general education teachers and parents. Learn how to work with families in the transition process from high school to adult. Know where resources are and how to engage families in the process.

Speakers

Amanda Kaahanui

SPIN Program Specialist, SPIN - the Special Parent Information Network

Amanda Kaahanui works for SPIN - the Special Parent Information Network. She lives in Ainaloa with her husband and 22-year-old son. Amanda has worked to support her son through his IEPs and is still working on a transition plan for him to work and go to college. She is passionate... Read More →

Friday July 17, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am HST
TBA

SPED Field Knowledge

10:10am HST

Who’s Leading the Hike? The MGR/ FSC Trail Boss Toolkit: Navigating Classroom Flow & Adult Communication

Friday July 17, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am HST

Let’s be real: as a Multi-Grade Resource, FSC, or specialized support teacher, your classroom isn’t just a room—it’s a busy base camp with a lot of "hikers" coming and going! If you’ve ever felt like you’re trying to direct traffic in a thunderstorm while simultaneously reading a map, this session is your dry socks and a warm campfire.Led by a fellow veteran currently trekking the...
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Speakers

Rebecca Akiona

UH Hilo School of Education

Friday July 17, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am HST

SPED Field Knowledge

10:10am HST

AI w/ Shane in Practice: Building a Better AI Workflow

Friday July 17, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am HST

Tech

11:40am HST

Lunch: Meat Option

Friday July 17, 2026 11:40am - 12:20pm HST

Library

- Karaoke, Sensory Space, or Eat Outside
- Please pick up your lunch at the library
- Lunches may be eaten in the library, breakout session rooms, or outdoors. Remember to dispose of food trash in the outside RED trash bins.

Friday July 17, 2026 11:40am - 12:20pm HST
Library

All Campers

11:40am HST

Lunch: Vegetarian Option (not vegan)

Friday July 17, 2026 11:40am - 12:20pm HST

Library

Friday July 17, 2026 11:40am - 12:20pm HST
Library

All Campers

12:30pm HST

☕ Java & Jobs: Fueling the Trek to Adulthood - KKP Work-Based Learning

Friday July 17, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm HST

Are you ready to help our students pack their bags for the ultimate expedition—life after high school? In the world of special education, we know that the "backcountry" of adulthood can be a rugged trek, but Work-Based Learning (WBL) is the compass that keeps our keiki on the right path.Join us around the campfire as we explore the incredible WBL landscapes within our own KKP 'ohana. From the...
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Speakers

Robson Silbanuz

Complex Area Teacher, KKP Complex Area

KKP Sped Resource Teacher. 13 years as Sped Teacher. Passion for guiding our most significant population to living a good life.

Friday July 17, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm HST

Curriculum & Instruction

12:30pm HST

Dismantling Ableism on the Classroom Trail

Friday July 17, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm HST

Grab your flashlights! It’s time to shed some light on the hidden roots and boulders that can trip up even the most well-intentioned educators. In this high-energy panel session, three of our seasoned veteran teachers are opening up their survival kits to look at education through a fierce, anti-ableist lens.If you’ve ever wondered how to spot systemic ableism (treating disabled people as less...
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Speakers

Parker Pratt

Pāhoa Elementary School

Jessica Bacchi

KKP Complex Area

Hannah Scherzer

Special Education Teacher (Math) and SPED Department Head, Pāhoa High & Intermediate School

Friday July 17, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm HST

Professional Growth & Teacher Wellness

12:30pm HST

The Ka Lama Compass: Navigating the Path from EA (or E Hire) to Licensed Teacher

Friday July 17, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm HST

(session duplicated earlier today at 10:10) Are you an EA who has been the "backbone" of the classroom for years? Or maybe you’re an emergency hire teacher currently navigating the wilderness without a full compass? If you’ve got the heart for our keiki but need a hand reaching the summit of full licensure, this campfire is for you!Since 1995, the Ka Lama Education Academy has been on a...
See More →

Speakers

Donna Camvel

EDUCATION SYSTEMS SPECIALIST, INPEACE

Francine Medeiros

Friday July 17, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm HST

Professional Growth & Teacher Wellness

12:30pm HST

Adapted Physical Education for the FSC/MGR Classroom

Friday July 17, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm HST

Meet the KKPCA Adapted Physical Education Resource Teacher, and learn ways that APE can be used in your MGR/FSC classroom. We will look at the different levels of APE, and the qualifications for each. We will learn how to create the best setup for APE in your unique setting, and strategies on how to implement lessons with your students. Finally, we will go over what an APE...
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Speakers