Heart to Heart 2025Our 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 open! |
event
September 25, 2025
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September 25, 2025
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9:00 am – 10:00 am
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Keynote
Presenter
Diana Autin (SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, Executive Director) Description
Learn how Family to Family Health Information Centers and Parent to Parent Organizations build bridges with families and between families and professionals, encouraging collaboration, understanding and empathy to create a nurturing environment where families can thrive.
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10:15 am – 11:15 am
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Attachment Theory and Disability
Presenter
Ross Robertson (Licensed Therapist/Owner of Behavior Performance Group) Description
This presentation explores the intersection of Attachment Theory and individuals with disabilities and mental health issues. Learning Objectives
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10:15 am – 11:15 am
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Higher Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilites
Description
The transition to adulthood presents unique challenges for students with intellectual disabilities (ID), particularly in accessing postsecondary education and employment opportunities. While inclusive higher education programs offer a promising pathway to economic and social independence, many families remain unaware of these options or how they intersect with vocational rehabilitation (VR) services. This presentation will explore the landscape of Indiana’s inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs and highlight strategies for integrating VR supports to enhance student success. Participants will gain insights into existing IPSE programs in the state of Indiana, funding opportunities, and the role of VR in facilitating competitive integrated employment. By addressing common barriers—such as lack of awareness, policy limitations, and funding complexities—this session aims to empower parents with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for their child’s future. Attendees will also learn about collaborative models that connect institutions of higher education, VR agencies, and families to create seamless transitions from school to career. Learning Objectives
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10:15 am – 11:15 am
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Supporting Early Childhood Mental Health
Description
This session will introduce the concept of early childhood mental health and share related Indiana data. Dr. Herron will share how families and early childhood professionals can support strong mental health in young children and will encourage discussion related to practical strategies and resources. Learning Objectives
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11:30 am-12:30 pm
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Anxiety, ADHD, Trauma and Anger in Youth
Presenters
Lindsay Kusy (LJK Counseling and Cummins Behavioral Health Services) Description
Post-pandemic research is showing that our youth are showing an increase in internalized mental health concerns. Since March of 2020, it has been nearly impossible for most to avoid experiencing at least one traumatic event. It was also nearly impossible to not experience increased stress due to being home, limited socialization, and moving to e-learning. This has resulted in exacerbated symptoms of Anxiety and ADHD and the expression of anger. In this training, the learner will review the adolescent brain while learning ways to define Anxiety, ADHD, trauma and anger. The learner will also engage in techniques to respond to students in a trauma informed way. Learning Objectives
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11:30 am-12:30 pm
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MEDWorks, Medicaid Waivers, QITs, and ABLE Accounts
Presenters
Gordon Homes (Mass Mutual SpecialCare, a Westpoint Financial Firm) Description
Learn about legal, financial & government benefit issues that accompany transition to adulthood & potential employment Learning Objectives
Sponsorship
Indiana Family to Family would like to thank MassMutual SpecialCare, a Westpoint Financial Group Firm, for their sponsorship of the Heart to Heart Conference.
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11:30 am-12:30 pm
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Adaptive Transportation Options
Presenters
Anthony McGovern (National Center for the Safe Transportation of Children with Special Health Care Needs) Description
Parents, caregivers, and medical professionals are challenged each day to assist passengers with complex transportation needs. Many can safely use conventional car seats. However, those with more complex needs may not be able to safely use the car seat they currently have. Information presented will provide potential options to those passengers with more complex needs (infants to adults) the best and safest way to travel. Learning Objectives
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12:30 pm-1:15 pm
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Break
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1:15 pm-2:45 pm
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Preschool Suspension and Expulsion
Presenters
Dr. Katie Herron (Early Childhood Center) Description
Research has demonstrated that preschool removals are ineffective and inequitable. This session will support participants to 1) Understand the terms used and the current scope of the preschool removal issue, 2) View the issue through a family lens and explore interview data that exposes the impact on children and families, 3) Consider existing resources to help families experiencing this issue and resources to support programs to handle challenging situations more effectively. Learning Objectives
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1:15 pm-2:45 pm
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Know Your Rights: Helping Youth Understand Their Rights in Mental Health Treatment Facilities
Presenters
Tina Frayer (Indiana Disability Rights) Description
Indiana Disability Rights (IDR) recently completed a six-year project to monitor all of Indiana’s Private Secure Facilities, or secure residential treatment facilities for young people. These facilities are designated as mental health treatment facilities for youth with challenging behaviors. Throughout this project IDR found that while youth were often informed of their rights, they really didn’t understand those rights. Parents reported much the of the same. The information provided to young people was the same for the entire age range. Often the rights information provided to parents and young people at the time of admission was written in legal language and is difficult to understand, and it was not reviewed with them at the time of admission. IDR created a plain language coloring book to assist youth with understanding their rights. We will review the rights of young people during this workshop and provide a link to the coloring book for your use in helping young people understand their rights. Learning Objectives
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1:15 pm-2:45 pm
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Positive Behavioral Supports
Presenters
Kelly Hartman (KQuad Consulting) Description
Traditional behavior modification approaches, often still used in our home, community and schools are actually outdated and restrict individuals inherent rights. This session will explore the paradigm shift toward positive, strengths based approaches. By exploring the history of disability services and the role our own perception plays in supporting others, attendees will walk away with new ideas and approaches!, Learning Objectives
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3:00 pm-4:00 pm
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Resources to Support Educators and Families from Center on Community Living and Careers (CCLC)
Presenters
Dr. Cathlene Hardy-Hansen (Indiana Secondary Transition Resource Center) Sarah Lamb (Center on Community Living and Careers) Mike Nevins (Center on Community Living and Careers) Mary Pearson (Center on Community Living and Careers) Description
This session will provide an overview of the resources and supports offered by the Center on Community Living and Careers (CCLC) at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community. Participants will learn about:
Learning Objectives
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3:00 pm-4:00 pm
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Creating Meaningful Family Engagement with Special Education Parent Advisory Councils (SEPAC)
Presenters
Mendi Cooli (Coolabilities, LLC) Description
In this session, attendees will learn how a Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) can make a positive impact in school districts. When parents are encouraged to engage and lead in an advisory council, they grow to understand best practices in special education and gain skills for effective advocacy and partnership. This type of council improves outcomes for students with disabilities, helps districts address system level challenges and encourages early dispute resolution of parent concerns through proactive positive engagement. Learning Objectives
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3:00 pm-4:00 pm
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Medicaid in 2025
Presenters
Doris Higgins (Covering Kids & Families of Indiana) Description
Medicaid is a lifeline for many families raising children with special health care needs, but understanding how to navigate it—especially as policies evolve—can be challenging. In this engaging and practical session, Doris Higgins will break down why Medicaid matters more than ever in 2025, share important updates to Indiana’s Medicaid policies, and offer clear, actionable strategies for helping families connect to and maintain vital coverage. Whether you're a family member, support professional, or advocate, you’ll leave with tools to better support others in accessing the care they need. Learning Objectives
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Doris Higgins Director of Agency Support & Community Strategies, Covering Kids & Families of Indiana |
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Become a sponsor
Join us in educating families and professionals at the 2025 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.
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MDWiseHeart to Heart Language Equity & Access Program (LEAP) Sponsor
MDwise is your local, Indiana-based nonprofit health care company. MDwise has a large network of doctors, specialists and hospitals throughout the State of Indiana. We can help you make wise choices about your health, the health of your family and choosing a medical home. MDwise takes pride in providing Indiana families with quality and affordable health coverage for the whole family.
MDwise.org 800-356-1204 |
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Westpoint Financial, a Mass Mutual firmSpecialCare 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 |
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IPMGIndiana Professional Management Group (IPMG) provides person-centered case management services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and wraparound facilitation services to children with emotional and/or behavioral challenges. We are a certified provider for the Indiana Medicaid Waiver Program, and serve individuals who receive the Family Supports Waiver, Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver, Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver, Aged and Disabled Waiver, and Indiana's Wraparound Program.
https://gotoipmg.com/ 866-672-4764 |
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The Arc of Indiana Master TrustThe Arc Master Trust offers families, people of all disabilities, people with mental illness, and people 65+ an experienced professional option for special needs trust administration at an affordable price, allowing resources to easily be used for expenses. Whether you are seeking a trust for your loved one or yourself, we can help determine if The Arc Master Trust is right for you.
Sarah Geis [email protected] thearctrust.org 317-977-2375 |
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HANDS in AutismThe HANDS in Autism® Interdisciplinary Training and Resource Center is an integrated program focused on comprehensive and individualized interventions for individuals with ASD and related disorders. Our behavioral assessment and intervention strategies are all derived from an applied behavior analysis (ABA) model with use of data-driven practices that are evidence-based, individualized, and culturally responsive.
Akhil Bhimineni [email protected] https://handsinautism.iu.edu/index.html 317-274-2675 |
