Heart to Heart 2026

Our annual conference is an opportunity for families and professionals to learn and connect in support of children and youth who have various health and mental health needs and disabilities.  This conference is free thanks to the generosity of Heart to Heart sponsors.  Visit this site regularly for updates, to view the agenda and more! If you have questions or want to learn more about the event or ways to get involved, contact our team. ​ 

Registration is now OPEN!  Can't attend Heart to Heart live? Registering gets you access to session recordings for a limited time after the conference ends.  
Register Now
Exhibitor Registration
event
September 24, 2026

September 24, 2026

  • Presentations
  • Speakers
  • H2H Sponsors
  • Exhibitors
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9:00 am – 10:00 am EST
Keynote
Presenter
Amy Hewitt, PhD, ​(Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota)
​Description
Coming Soon!
10:15 am – 11:45 am EST
Are Behavioral Supports Really Needed? Proactive Strategies and Understanding Roles in Behavior Change
Presenter
Kelly Hartman (KQuad Consulting)
Description
Family members often wonder how to access behavioral support, what to expect from providers, and how to naturally provide positive change in the absence of a paid provider model to best support behavior change. This session will explore strategies and improve understanding across settings, services and supports.
Learning Objectives​
  1. Be able to identify the need for behavioral support services
  2. Understand their role in various settings as part of a behavioral support team
  3. ​Understand natural support strategies toward behavior change in the absence of paid providers
Sponsorship
​
​Indiana Family to Family would like to thank Anthem for their sponsorship of the Heart to Heart Conference Advocacy and Family Leadership learning track.
10:15 am – 11:45 am EST
Let's Talk Benefits: Maximizing Work Incentives Knowledge for Success in Transition
Presenter
Cecilia Buckley (Center on Community Living and Careers)
Description
Discover the truth about Social Security benefits and work incentives for students with disabilities. This engaging session busts common myths about working and benefits and introduces tools like the Student Earned Income Exclusion, 1619(b), ABLE accounts, Special Needs Trusts, and more. Learn how programs like Ticket to Work and Community Work Incentive Coordinators provide long-term support. Walk away with practical knowledge for helping students make informed decisions about work and benefits—and know exactly where to refer them for expert guidance.
Learning Objectives​​
  1. Dispel common myths about work and benefits.
  2. Understand Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Social Security work incentives.
  3. Realize importance of asset building programs such as ABLE accounts and Special Needs Trusts.
10:15 am – 11:45 am EST
Clarity Builds Confidence: Understanding Your Child's IEP Step by Step
Presenters
Angela Bear (IN*SOURCE)
Dalena Jimenez (IN*SOURCE)
Kelly Shepherd (IN*SOURCE)
Description
This presentation is designed to help families and professionals gain a clearer understanding of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process using IN*SOURCE’s Annotated IEP document. This presentation will discuss the important role parents play in the case conference committee meeting under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Together, we will break down the main components of the IEP, exploring each section step by step to build confidence and shared understanding.

Participants will learn what meaningful conversation might look like when discussing present levels, goals, services, and placement, and will gain clarity around common special education terminology. By strengthening understanding and communication, this session aims to support collaborative, informed decision-making that keeps the child at the center of the process.
​Learning Objectives
  1. Understand why parents’ voices matter in the IEP process and how being involved in the Case Conference Committee (CCC) meeting can make a difference for their child’s education.
  2. Recognize the main parts of an IEP, including the areas of eligibility, current levels of performance, goals, services, Least Restrictive Environment discussion points by using IN*SOURCE’s Annotated IEP guide as a guide.
  3. ​Be able to take away practical questions to explore key parts of the IEP, helping parents and guardians feel more confident to understand their child’s plan and participate in decisions that keep their child’s needs at the center.
Sponsorship
​
​Indiana Family to Family would like to thank IPMG for their sponsorship of the Heart to Heart Conference Education learning track.
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
Building Better Supports for Siblings: From Glass Children to Beach Glass Children
Presenter
Jori Zollman (Mooresville Schools)
Description
During this presentation, parents and family members will learn about why the siblings of children and adults with disabilities have been nicknamed "glass siblings". She will also share why she believes "beach glass" is a much better descriptor if siblings are given the proper supports. Jori will share her experiences of over 47 years of being a sibling and strategies that her parents used while parenting that she believes helped her to feel that the "glass children' description does not describe her or her family experiences. It is her goal to share with parents, families, and other siblings that it is a beautiful journey but it is not without challenges and struggles along the way. With some intentional strategies and the perspective of an "old" sibling, Jori believes all siblings can be "beach glass" children instead of "glass" children.
​Learning Objectives
  1. ​Have a better understanding of why siblings of individuals with disabilities have been nicknamed "glass children".
  2. Gain strategies to implement at home to better support their children who are the siblings of an individual with a disability.
  3. Gain a better understanding of the challenges and emotions that siblings encounter over their lifetime.
Sponsorship
​
​Indiana Family to Family would like to thank Anthem for their sponsorship of the Heart to Heart Conference Advocacy and Family Leadership learning track and MHS for their sponsorship of the Heart to Heart Conference Life and Leisure learning track.
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
Practical Suggestions for Parents to Improve the Brain and Language Development of Their Young Children
Presenter
Dr. Suzanne Foley (Early Hearing Detection and Intervention for the Indiana Department of Health)
Description
The family is the most important place for children to grow and learn. Parents have the primary responsibility and opportunity to improve their young child's brain and language development and the earlier the better! A child's brain grows the most from birth to 4 years of age! Language skills are necessary for children to learn and communicate. When children learn words and how to communicate, they can develop social skills, manage their emotions, and improve learning. Parents will learn practical ways during daily activities to improve their young child's brain, language and listening skills. Participants will be provided resources to monitor their child's development and connect with necessary supports for their family. ​
​Learning Objectives
  1. Understand the importance of their role in their young child's development ​
  2. Learn practical daily activities necessary improve brain and language development in young children
  3. Identify numerous resources to help monitor their child's development and access supports
Sponsorship
​
​Indiana Family to Family would like to thank Anthem for their sponsorship of the Heart to Heart Conference Advocacy and Family Leadership learning track and IPMG for their sponsorship of the Heart to Heart Conference Education learning track.
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
Beyond Early Interventions: High Expectations, Clear Pathways, and Confident Advocacy
Presenters
Dr. Katie Herron (Early Childhood Center)
Marcie Beers (Early Childhood Center)
Description
Family expectations powerfully influence child outcomes, regardless of disability. Research consistently shows that when influential adults believe a child can achieve meaningful goals, the child is more likely to achieve them. Yet during key transition points, especially from Early Intervention to preschool, expectations can unintentionally narrow.

This session explores the HOPE framework, which focuses on: Goals, Pathways, and Agency. Dr. Herron and Ms. Beers will discuss how this framework can support new ways of thinking about transitions. Families will leave with tools to clarify their long-term vision, make informed decisions, and feel confident advocating for what their child needs. Professionals will gain strategies for facilitating conversations that elevate expectations while supporting informed decision-making.

Participants will walk away with renewed clarity and specific strategies related to their role in building a future defined by possibility rather than limitation.​
​Learning Objectives
  1. Understand the importance of high family expectations and how to keep long-term goals front and center within systems that may not ask for them​
  2. Identify practical pathway questions to ask early childhood professionals
  3. Recognize the importance of building family confidence through meeting engagement
Sponsorship
​
​Indiana Family to Family would like to thank Anthem for their sponsorship of the Heart to Heart Conference Advocacy and Family Leadership learning track and IPMG for their sponsorship of the Heart to Heart Conference Education learning track.
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm EST
Break
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm EST
Student Discipline: Using Resources to Navigate the Discipline Process
Presenters
Margaret Jones, Esq. (Ability Allies)
Mimi Huybers, Esq. (Ability Allies)
Description
Students with disabilities are disciplined at school more often than their nondisabled peers. Sometimes the discipline requires a case conference to determine if the behavior is related to the student’s disabilities. To meaningfully participate in the conference parents need to understand the purpose of a manifestation determination case conference, how to prepare for that conference, what resources are available to assist them, and what to do if they disagree with the manifestation determination decision.
​Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
​
  1. Have an understanding of the federal and state laws protecting the education of students with disabilities.
  2. Learn how to prepare for a manifestation determination case conference, including what resources are available to assist them.
  3. Understand what actions to take if they disagree with the manifestation determination case conference decision.
Sponsorship
​
​Indiana Family to Family would like to thank IPMG for their sponsorship of the Heart to Heart Conference Education learning track.
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm EST
Increasing Access Through Assistive Technology in Education, Transition and Beyond!
Presenter
Josh Anderson (Easterseals Crossroads)
Description
Description

Assistive and Inclusive Technology can break down barriers and open doors for individuals with disabilities and complex medical and mental health needs. This presentation will highlight different assistive and inclusive technologies that assist individuals with learning, transitioning from school and living full and inclusive lives. Technology will also be demonstrated that can assist family, educators and caregivers with better assisting individuals to overcome barriers and gain more independence. Resources to accessing assistive technology will be shared with participants as well. ​
​Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
​
  1. Name 5 assistive technologies that can assist students with disabilities in education.
  2. Name 5 assistive technologies that can assist students with disabilities in transitioning from high school.
  3. Have the information necessary to access resources to learn more and trial assistive technology devices to assist their family members. ​
Sponsorship
​
​Indiana Family to Family would like to thank IPMG for their sponsorship of the Heart to Heart Conference Education learning track and MHS for their sponsorship of the Heart to Heart Conference Life and Leisure learning track.
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm EST
Before Self-Care: How Recognizing Neurodivergence Rewrites Family Expectations
Presenter
Jennifer David (Outward Bound Community Services, LLC)
Description
Description

Many families experience chronic exhaustion and burnout despite actively trying to practice self-care. This session explores how burnout often persists because families are operating within neurotypical expectations while navigating shared, hereditary neurodivergence.

Neurodivergence is frequently hereditary, meaning parents and caregivers may share the same neurotypes as their children without recognizing it. When families interpret stress, capacity, and boundaries through neurotypical assumptions, self-care strategies often fail—not due to lack of effort, but due to framework mismatch.

Drawing from lived experience and professional insight, this session reframes self-recognition as the foundation for sustainable family wellbeing. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how recognizing shared neurodivergence changes expectations, boundaries, and resilience.​
​Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
​
  1. Recognize how unacknowledged hereditary neurodivergence contributes to family stress and burnout.
  2. Reflect on how neurotypical expectations may create mismatched boundaries and unsustainable demands.
  3. Identify ways to align family expectations and daily practices with neurodivergent capacity.
Sponsorship
​
​Indiana Family to Family would like to thank MHS for their sponsorship of the Heart to Heart Conference Life and Leisure learning track.
3:15 pm - 4:15 pm EST
Saying "YES" in a World of "NO": Breathing Space for Caregivers; Friendship Place for Children
Presenters
Ronda Spaulding (A Rosie Place for Children)
Mark Waltz (A Rosie Place for Children)
Description
How do we help children who feel invisible to feel seen? How do we help families who feel isolated experience support? How do we help caregivers who are exhausted find rest? These are the daily challenges of families of medically complex children. Perhaps this is you...or someone you know.

How do families find the reprieve, the rest, the respite they so desperately need?

In this session we'll explore:
  • What respite is and what it can be
  • Why respite is important for everyone in the family
  • What it means to see the child first, rather than their complexity (person-centered care)
  • The future of respite in our communities

In a world of the disparaging "NO," discover the hope of "YES.
​Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
​
  1. Understand what respite is and what it can be
  2. Discover why respite is important for everyone in the family
  3. Be invited to imagine the future of respite in our communities
Sponsorship
​
​Indiana Family to Family would like to thank MHS for their sponsorship of the Heart to Heart Conference Life and Leisure learning track.
3:15 pm - 4:15 pm EST
Stronger Together: Aligning Care Support for Families
Presenter
Natasha McClanahan (IU School of Medicine)
Description
Fragmented, siloed systems of care often leave families navigating services alone. This session contrasts siloed care models with integrated, collectively accountable approaches that improve outcomes for families.
​Learning Objectives
Coming soon!
Sponsorship
​
​Indiana Family to Family would like to thank Anthem for their sponsorship of the Heart to Heart Conference Advocacy and Family Leadership learning track.
3:15 pm - 4:15 pm EST
What's Happening with Medicaid
Presenters
Casie Baumann (Covering Kids & Families of Indiana)
Amy Chandler (Covering Kids & Families of Indiana)
Description
Medicaid policies and programs continue to evolve, leaving many families wondering how changes may impact coverage, services, and supports.  ​This session will provide an overview of current legislation and policy changes affecting Medicaid, along with practical guidance from an insurance navigator perspective.  ​This presentation is designed to help families better understand the changing Medicaid landscape and feel more confident advocating for their needs.
​Learning Objectives
  1. Identify key Medicaid changes and understand what families should be paying attention to regarding coverage, services, and supports.
  2. Recognize and clarify common areas of confusion related to Medicaid policies, eligibility, and insurance navigation.
  3. Describe practical steps families can take to stay informed, prepared, and confident when navigating Medicaid and healthcare coverage changes.
Josh ​Anderson
Director of Assistive Technology,
Easterseals
Crossroads
​
Cecilia Buckley
Research Associate,
Center on
​Community Living and Careers
Kelly ​Hartman
President &
​CEO,
KQuad ​Consulting
​
Dalena
​Jiminez
Special Education
Liaison,
IN*SOURCE
Ronda ​Spaulding
Program
​Coordinator,
A Rosie ​Place
​
Casie Baumann
Training Lead & Healthcare Coverage Specialist,
Covering Kids & Families of Indiana
Amy Chandler
Director of ​Public Policy & Communications,
Covering Kids & Families of Indiana
Dr. Katie ​Herron
Director,
​Early Childhood
​​Center,
​IIDC
Margaret A. ​Jones, Esq.
Executive
​Director,
​Ability ​Allies
Mark ​Waltz
Director of
Strategic Initiatives,
A Rosie Place
​
Angela
​Bear
Special Education
Liaison,
IN*SOURCE
​
Jennifer ​David
Owner ​and
BCBA, Outward Bound Community Services, LLC
​
Amy Hewitt
Executive Director, Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota
Natasha McClanahan
Program Director,
IU School of
Medicine
Jori Zollman
Assistant
​Special Education Director, Mooresville Schools
Marcie ​Beers
Project
​Manager,
​Early Childhood Center,
​IIDC
​
Dr. Suzanne​ ​Foley
Director,
Early Hearing
​Detection and Intervention, IDOH
Mimi ​Huybers, ​Esq.
Attorney, 
Ability Allies
​
Kelly
​Shepherd
Special Education
Liaison,
IN*SOURCE

Become a sponsor

Join us in educating families and professionals at the 2026 Heart to Heart Conference-Indiana Family to Family's premier statewide training event.  As a sponsor, you'll gain valuable visibility among caregivers, self-advocates, and service providers dedicated to supporting children and youth with various health and mental health care needs and disabilities.  Your partnership helps us provide meaningful education and resources while demonstrating your commitment to family-centered care.  Explore our sponsorship levels and be a part of a growing movement that puts families first. Special thank you to the below sponsors for supporting this year's conference!

CareSource

Heart to Heart Premiere Sponsor
CareSource is a nonprofit, nationally recognized managed care entity with over 2 million members. CareSource administers one of the largest Medicaid managed care plans in the U.S. The organization offers health insurance, including Medicaid, Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicare products. As a mission-driven organization, CareSource is transforming health care with innovative programs that address the social drivers of health, prevention and access to care. For more information, visit us at www.caresource.com.

​​https://www.caresource.com/
844-607-2829

Anthem

Heart to Heart Session Sponsor
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield works to ensure our members get and stay healthy. We are committed to accessible care and building healthy communities.
​
https://www.anthem.com/in/medicaid
​317-670-1757

Humana

Heart to Heart Supporter Sponsor
Humana Healthy Horizons is more than a health plan. We’re human care. With over 1.4 million members across 11 states, we focus on helping people achieve their best health. Together with state governments, providers, and community-based organizations, we address social determinants, drive better outcomes and advance public health.
​
https://www.humana.com/medicaid/indiana​

IPMG

Heart to Heart Session Sponsor
IPMG is proud to be a recognized leader in delivering high quality, person-centered case management and wraparound facilitation services throughout Indiana. IPMG offers case management to Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, health and medical needs, and wraparound facilitation to children with emotional and/or behavioral challenges. Serving all 92 counties, we have a team of expert professionals who are committed to supporting Hoosiers in achieving their goals and living their best lives.

https://gotoipmg.com/
​866-672-4764

MHS

Heart to Heart Session and Supporter Sponsor
Managed Health Services (MHS), a Centene company, is a managed care entity that has been proudly serving the state of Indiana for 30 years through the Hoosier Healthwise and Hoosier Care Connect Medicaid programs; and the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) Medicaid alternative program. MHS also offers Ambetter Health in the Indiana health insurance marketplace, and Wellcare By Allwell, a Medicare Advantage plan. MHS plans provide quality, comprehensive coverage through a trusted provider network.
​ 
https://www.mhsindiana.com/
877-647-4848

United Healthcare

Heart to Heart Supporter Sponsor
UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people live healthier lives.  We want the health system to work better for everyone.  We help to do this by:

  • Making health care simple
  • Meeting people’s health and wellness needs
  • Trusted relationships with healthcare providers

​https://www.uhc.com/communityplan/indiana
​800-832-4643 TTY 711

Westpoint Financial, a Mass Mutual firm

Heart to Heart Supporter Sponsor
SpecialCare is a MassMutual program that provides access to information and resources to families with dependents of any age who have special needs. MassMutual Special Care Planners can help create a holistic plan that goes beyond typical financial matters.  Our Special Care Planners have received advanced training and information in estate and tax planning concepts, special needs trusts, government programs, and the emotional dynamics of working with people with disabilities and other special needs.
​
https://www.massmutual.com/specialcare
​317-469-9999

A Rosie Place for Children

We provide respite for medically complex children and their families. There is no out-of-pocket expense - ever. We invite medically complex children to overnight stays at our "home" (a small, licensed, specialty hospital) where they are pampered in a world of "firsts," allowing their caregivers to rest, spend time with other family members, get away...to breathe.
​​
Ronda Spaulding
[email protected]
https://arosieplace.org/​
574-235-8899

Ausome Indy

Public Nonprofit providing social support networks for caregivers and sensory friendly community events.
​​
Kate Miller
[email protected]
Ausomeindy.org
317-331-2434

Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS)​

Indiana Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) provides supplemental medical coverage to help families of children ages birth to 21 years who have serious, chronic medical conditions. The program can help pay for treatment related to the child’s condition for those who meet the program's financial and medical criteria.
​​
[email protected]​
https://www.in.gov/health/cshcs/
800-475-1355

Cochlear Americas

Global leader in implantable hearing solutions such as cochlear implants and bone conduction devices for people with moderate to profound hearing loss
​​
Katya Musleh
[email protected]
https://www.cochlear.com/us/en/home
800-523-5798

Counseling at The Green House

Counseling at the Green House is a group of professional therapists with a diverse set of skills and expertise who are committed to practicing excellence and ongoing growth personally, professionally, and spiritually, so we can provide the best possible services to help you find more whole-hearted living and conscious relationships.
​​
Brooke Randolph
[email protected]
greenhouseindy.com
317-455-5642

Covering Kids & Families of Indiana

CKF-IN is a statewide resource for Hoosiers who are uninsured, underinsured or have questions about their healthcare coverage. While we focus on the Medicaid population, we have staff available to assist with Marketplace enrollment and questions.
​​​
​[email protected]
https://www.ckfindiana.org/​
317-222-1850​

Health Ed Pros/Breathe

Health Ed Pros provides customizable health education programming for students, teachers, staff, parents and youth-serving professionals. We operate the "Breathe: Healthy Steps to Living Tobacco Free" program with grant funding from the Indiana Dept of Health. Breathe trains staff in organizations that serve families with low incomes across Indiana so they feel equipped and empowered to educate families about the harms of tobacco and share helpful resources.

​Tanya Shelburne​​​
​[email protected]
https://healthedpros.org/​
317-902-4505

Indiana Hands & Voices

Indiana Hands & Voices is a parent-driven organization that supports families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing, without a bias around communication modes or methodology.
​​
Mariana Barquet
[email protected]
www.inhv.org
317-431-3991

Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council (INSILC)

INSILC is a statewide nonprofit that works on behalf of people with disabilities.
​​
Katy Myers
[email protected]
https://insilc.org/
844-446-7452

IN*SOURCE

IN*SOURCE exists to help parents of children with disabilities navigate the special education process in the state of Indiana. We help bridge the gap between schools and parents and we strive to connect the dots that become the individual path to success for children with disabilities.
​​
Elaine Carpenter-Erickson
[email protected]
https://insource.org/​
574-234-7101

Safe in Home

SafeinHome provides remote supports and assistive technology to those with I/DD to ensure that they can pursue independence and autonomy.
​​
Suzanne Raymond
[email protected]
https://www.safeinhome.com/
855-476-6665

Tangram Inc

Tangram is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a proud accredited partner of the United Way of Central Indiana. Tangram supports people with disabilities by designing services to meet their specific needs and desires. We assist them to live full, meaningful, and happy lives, at home and as members of their community. Tangram joins with community partners to create welcoming environments and sustainable solutions to challenges faced by those impacted by disabilities. Tangram was established in 1985 in Hancock County, Indiana by families of individuals with disabilities who wanted better options for independent living for their loved ones. Since that time, Tangram has grown to serve individuals with disabilities and their families throughout Central Indiana, and offers a wide range of individualized services to meet the unique needs of the people we serve.
​​
Kari Sheward
[email protected]
thetangramway.org
317-571-1042

The Arc Master Trust

The Arc Master Trust is a non-profit program that administers special needs trusts for individuals and their families to save money and protect eligibility for government benefits like SSI, Medicaid, and others.
​​
Sarah Geis
[email protected]
thearctrust.org
317-977-2375
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