CHEO Special Needs Conference Workshop Schedule

Join us for a full day of equipping, encouragement, and practical tools for families homeschooling children with special needs. Below is the complete workshop schedule and speakers.

2026 Conference Schedule:

8:30 – 9:00: Registration Check-In

9:00 – 9:10: CHEO Welcome and Announcements

9:10 – 9:50: Opening Session: Colleen Kessler

10:00 – 10:45: Breakout #1

11:00 – 11:45: Breakout #2

12:00 – 1:00 Lunch Break

1:00 – 1:45: Breakout #3

2:00 – 2:45: Breakout #4

3:00 – 3:45: Breakout #5

4:00 – 4:45: Breakout #6

5:00: Dismissal 

**See Breakout Schedule below.  Schedule is subject to change

BREAKOUT SESSION SCHEDULE

BREAKOUT #1 – 10:00-10:45

Raising a Special Needs Child and Finding Support for the Journey

Steve Demme

A Developmental Approach to Homeschooling Special Needs

Stephanie Buckwalter

Brain-Based Learning for the Homeschool

Carol Brown

BREAKOUT #2 – 11:00-11:45

When Worry Overwhelms: Helping Your Anxious Child

Colleen Kessler

It Takes a Tribe: Finding and Building Your Community

Staci Morgan

Joy Under Pressure: Managing the Real Barriers in Homeschooling Autistic Learners

Jacqueline Carnes

BREAKOUT #3 – 1:00-1:45

Navigating the JPS and Autism Scholarships in Ohio

Jeannine Ramer & Melanie Elsey

Brain Fitness for Homeschool Families K-12

Carol Brown

A Seat at the Table: Creating Gospel-Focused Community for All People

Kim Bezek

BREAKOUT #4 – 2:00-2:45

God’s Got Your Back

Steve Demme

Session TBD

A Focused Look Into Homeschooling a Child with ADD / ADHD

Staci Moregan

BREAKOUT #5 – 3:00-3:45

Executive Function Skills: Wiring Kids for Success

Colleen Kessler

Curriculum Compass: Navigating Curriculum Choices for Your Special Needs Learner

Staci Morgan

The Reluctant Reader

Carol Brown

BREAKOUT #6 – 4:00-4:45

Finding or Creating a homeschool Co-Op Where Your Child Can Thrive

Jeannine Ramer & Kim Bezek

Low Power Mode for the Special Learner Homeschooling Mom

Jacqueline Carnes

Transition Planning for Older Students: Preparing for Life After High School

Stephanie Buckwalter

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

** 1:00 & 3:00 – Q & A with Karen Holinga:  Reading and Writing Glitches Addressed