Mark Francis began his career as a Special Educator in 1986. He has worked in a variety of school districts as a School Social Worker, Special Education Supervisor and a Special Education Director.

In 2003, Mark Francis was honored for his career work in the field of Special Education by the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE). As the state of Michigan closed their state institutions, Mark worked with his team to develop new programs that would meet the extreme needs of Michigan's and Oakland County's most challenging students. He was the Principal of Oakland County's largest center program for 9 years. He was the first Native American to receive this award in the State of Michigan.

Mark served as the Director of Special Education for a large urban county that included the city of Detroit. He also served as the Director of Special Education for a small rural county in southwest Michigan. In his work with Michigan's largest county, not only did he help develop policy, he oversaw the educational needs of over 48,000 students with special needs. He has served on a variety of local, state and national boards, committees and task forces. This would include President for the State of Michigan's Council for Exceptional Children (CEC); the Board for National CEC's Division for Autism and Developmental Disabilities; Executive Board member (Past-President) for the Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES); Member of the American Indian Caucus; MAASE's Framework for the Future which worked on developing recommendations for new state rules and many other local and state committees. He has been interviewed numerous times by Detroit area newspapers and Education Weekly on various issues in Special Education. He was also interviewed on National Radio in Jamacia during a conference in which he was the Keynote Speaker.

In 2009 Mark incorporated FYI-CSI, llc to begin the second phase of his career to the support of student's with disabilities. Over the years FYI-CSI has grown from a one person operation to a company with many employees and consultant with the single belief that all students can and have the right to learn.

Mark has worked with the Bureau of Indian Education; the governments of Tobago and Jamaica; agencies in Kuwait and universities in South Africa, the United States and Ireland. He has been a Key Note or Featured Speaker in countries such as Poland, Jamaica and South Africa. Plus he has presented in Portugal, Bulgaria and across the United States. Mark developed the first English speaking conference for Children with Disabilities in Havana Cuba in 2016.

Besides his work with FYI-CSI, Mark served as the Executive Director of the Midwest Region for Futures Education of Springfield and Senior Consultant for Winsor Learning. Winsor Learning works with districts in a systematic approach to adding Para-professionals and than a step down plan when a student has achieved their goals.

When in the country, Mark consults with districts across the country in analyzing the effectiveness and efficiencies of their special education programs. He also works with districts in assessing the current use and needs of paraprofessionals. He had a two year contract with Ferris State University to provide Special Education Analysis for all 20 of their current Charter Schools.

When in the country, Mark consults with districts across the country in analyzing the effectiveness and efficiencies of their special education programs. He also works with districts in assessing the current use and needs of para-professionals. He is has a two year contract with Ferris State University to provide Special Education Analysis for all 20 of their current Charter Schools.

Mark has testified before Congress in the State of Michigan's Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR). He is also active with local, state and national politics as it impacts education.

Mark has testified before Congress in the State of Michigan's Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR). He is also active with local, state and national politics as it impacts education.

Mark is an active member of National CEC and the current Past-President of the Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES) and believes that all students can learn. Systems need to be established that are "Student-Centered" and not "Adult-Centered". He also supports the United Nations treaty (CRPD) that supports inclusive education for all students around the world.

"We are excited to travel the world to share with others and at the same time learn. We have so much to share in helping kids learn everywhere."

Marcia Young is a consultant, educator, and trainer. She holds an Administrative certificate from Loyola University, Chicago as well as a master’s degree in special education from Northeastern Illinois University.

Marcia has served as a Director of Special Education/Student Services for Clawson School District in Michigan. She oversaw all activities for students with special education learning needs. At the time she worked with Clawson, she supervised a county-wide program for students with severe autism. She secured a grant from the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education, a multi-university program. As a result, the district served as a model site to assist children with ASD by promoting evidence-based practices for early identification, intervention, and education that produce optimal child and family outcomes. Prior to Clawson, she worked as a Special Education Supervisor for Waterford School District in Michigan. Here, she designed and implemented their district programs for students with autism as well as supervising low incidence programs in inclusive settings all secondary special education programs.

Marcia has been the recipient of several awards for her work in Special Education which include the following: Greg Gwisdalla Award – issued by Special Education Administrators of Oakland County presented to an individual who has made signific contributions on behalf of special education with commitment to quality service, integrity, diverse involvement in the County and in the State of Michigan.

Excellence in Education Nominee – issued by the Oakland Press and Oakland Schools for excellence in education for the PEER LINK Program, a program that links students in ASD Programs with their peers. SESOM Beacon Award – issued by Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education Supervisors for work done in the field of Special Education to support students.

Dr. Alice Farling is an international consultant, educator, and trainer. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Vanderbilt University as well as a master's degree in special education from Northern Illinois University and a MBA from the University of Chicago. She has also completed coursework at Northwestern University and the University of Florida and Harvard.

Dr. Farling served as the Assistant Superintendent of Special Education for Fairfax County, Virginia. She oversaw all activities for students with special education learning needs. At the time she worked with Fairfax County, there were 62,000 students with special learning needs, making it the 12th largest school district in the United States. Dr. Farling consults and leads workshops locally and internationally related to inclusive education and school system leadership and systems change.

Dr. Farling is the current Executive Director of the Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES) which is a division of the Council for Exceptional Children.

Internationally, Alice has presented around the globe including Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, England, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

Dr. Farling has led workshops for the Office of Overseas Schools (Romania) and has consulted with ministries of Education in Kuwait, Thailand, Bosnia, Israel, Palestine, and Tobago. Most recent projects were in Tobago, West Indies, Johannesburg, South Africa and Bulgaria.

Ongoing projects include:
1. For the past 12 years, Dr. Farling has led workshops for promising special education administrators in Virginia as faculty for the “Aspiring Special Education Leadership Academy” (ASELA) sponsored by George Mason University and the Virginia State Board of Education.

2. Leadership and support for the Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES) virtual events series that focuses on special needs children and youth via dynamic and interactive discussions with special education teacher trainers and leaders around the world. Most recent discussion centered around the UNESCO 20222 report.

3. Showcase sessions and participation in the Inter-Divisional Collaborative (IDC) for the Council of Exceptional Children at their annual convention.

Dr. Vicky G. Spencer
holds a Ph.D. in Special Education with a minor in Literacy from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, a M.S. in Special Education from Texas A&M Commerce in Commerce, Texas, and a B.S. in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the University of Texas at Dallas.

In 2019, Dr. Spencer accepted the position of Professor and the Director of the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Graduate Program at Shenandoah University in the Department of Psychology. In addition, she has numerous publications in refereed journals, six books, and presented her research at over 50 international and national conferences in the field of education.

Dr. Mary Kealy is an experienced educator with a career spanning over several decades in leading special education programs in public schools in NJ and VA and working as an adjunct professor preparing teachers and leaders for advanced degrees in special education and educational leadership. Her key areas of expertise are in leadership, administration of special education programs, inclusive education, professional learning, and school-university partnerships.

Mary served in 2 of the largest school districts in VA as assistant superintendent of student services, Loudoun County Public Schools, and Director of Special Education, Fairfax County Public Schools, and is currently Director, VA Department of Education Training and Technical Assistance Center, George Mason University, VA.

Mary holds a BS in Elementary and Special Education, an MA in Learning Disabilities and an EdD in Instructional Leadership, in addition to advanced graduate study and certification in early childhood, administration and supervision and as a principal and superintendent.

Dr. Nicole M. DeClouette serves as Interim Associate Dean and Professor of Special Education at Georgia College & State University. She has developed and taught a range of undergraduate and graduate courses including Inclusive & Collaborative Teaching for the Special Educator and Culture, Identity, and Diversity in Teaching.

Her research interests include cross-cultural constructions of disability, international inclusive education, and whole-school inclusive reform.

Dr. DeClouette serves as Vice President for the Council for Exceptional Children’s (CEC) Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES). She has presented at DISES conferences in Portugal, Nicaragua, Bulgaria, South Africa, and Jamaica. Her international work is further informed by the two study abroad programs that she leads, one to Tanzania and another to London.

While stateside, Dr. DeClouette works closely with Baldwin County’s Life Enrichment Center (LEC), a creative-arts day program that serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This community-based partnership spans more than 10 years and includes collaboration with Dr. DeClouette’s Georgia College students, the delivery of national conference presentations with adults with disabilities, and the implementation of multiple co-written grants that provide person-centered, community-based programs and services. Dr. DeClouette also serves on the LEC Board of Directors.

Dr. DeClouette received her Ph.D. in Special Education from Syracuse University after completing her dissertation on whole-school inclusive reform.

Her additional degrees include a Certificate of Advanced Study in Disability Studies from Syracuse University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley.

Dr. Jugnu Agrawal has worked as an international advocate, consultant, and educator for over 30 years. She holds a Doctoral and Master’s degree in special education and educational leadership from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia and a M.Sc. in Child Development from Lady Irwin College, India. With a passion for fostering inclusive learning environments and supporting the diverse needs of learners, Dr. Agrawal has made significant contributions to the field of education. She has extensive experience in instructional design, coaching, and program management.

Throughout her career, Dr. Agrawal has held various roles nationally and internationally in various school systems and universities. She has demonstrated her ability to develop, implement and train on evidence-based educational strategies for literacy and math. Her expertise in instructional design, designing professional development, coupled with her proficiency in data analysis and project management, has led to tangible improvements in student outcomes and educator effectiveness.

Dr. Agrawal is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and has actively contributed to initiatives aimed at creating more inclusive educational environments. She has served in leadership positions within professional organizations such as the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)-Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES) and Council for Learning Disabilities (CLD) where she has advocated for the rights and needs of students with disabilities.

In addition to her professional roles, Dr. Agrawal has published a book and several articles in peer-reviewed journals. She has presented over100 papers in national and international conferences. Her research focuses on topics related to neurodiversity and neuro-inclusion, instructional best-practices especially hands-on learning, inclusive education, and technology.

Dr. Agrawal’s dedication to advancing education and empowering learners of all backgrounds underscores her commitment to ensuring that every individual can reach their full potential.

Jan Weckstein is currently the Special Education Consultant for Grand Valley State University’s Charter Schools Office. She was formerly the Deputy Director of the Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Special Education. Prior to that Jan served in numerous roles in public education including ISD Assistant Superintendent for Special Education, Compliance Director, Local District Director, Supervisor, and Principal. Before going into administration Jan taught both general education and special education classes over her 30+ year career in public education. Jan holds an M. ED from Grand Valley State University in Special Education Administration, an M.A. from Michigan State University in Curriculum and an undergraduate from Eastern Michigan University in both English and Special Education.

Jan is a Past-President of the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) and the Michigan Council for Exceptional Children (MCEC). In 2011 she was awarded the Murray O. Batten Humanitarian Award, a MAASE award presented annually each December to a peer exemplifying the characteristics of Leadership, Honesty, Integrity, and Dedication.