Picture Picture
  • Fact Sheets
    • English
    • Spanish (Español)
    • Hakha Chin (Lai Holh In)
    • Burmese (မြန်မာဘာသာဖြင့်)
  • How We Help
    • H2H Conference/ Conferencia
    • IN-FaCTS
    • Live training
  • Resources
    • Training videos
    • Tools for Coordinating Care
  • About Us
    • Our Vision
    • Our Team
  • Give
    • Donate
    • Sponsorship 2025
  • Connect

Heart to Heart 2025

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 open!
Register Now
Exhibitor Registration
event
September 25, 2025

September 25, 2025

  • Presentations
  • Speakers
  • H2H Sponsors
  • Exhibitors
<
>
9:00 am – 10:00 am
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.  

smart_display
Join Session

10:15 am – 11:15 am
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
​
  1. Learn Attachment Theory and how it influences our ability to form and maintain relationships.
  2. Become educated on how Attachment issues disproportionately effect individuals with disabilities and mental health issues.
  3. ​Learn strategies to promote healthy attachment and avoid or repair damage. Implications on community engagement, academic, and vocational opportunities will be reviewed.
smart_display
Join Session

10:15 am – 11:15 am
Higher Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilites
Presenters
John Andresen (Indiana Institute on Disability & Community)
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​
​
  1. Learn that higher education is an option for students with intellectual disabilities.
  2. Know the scope of higher education options for students with intellectual disabilities in the state of Indiana.
  3. Understand the variety of supports that are available to students with intellectual disabilities to ensure that they are successful in their college career.
smart_display
Join Session

10:15 am – 11:15 am
Supporting Early Childhood Mental Health
Presenters
Dr. Katie Herron (Early Childhood Center)
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

  1. Understand how mental health is defined in early childhood
  2. Be able to explain to someone else why mental health of children in early childhood is important.
  3. ​Walk away with specific practices to support early childhood mental health.
smart_display
Join Session

11:30 am-12:30 pm
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
​
  1. Understand the baseline of the adolescent brain.
  2. Understand what Anxiety, ADHD, Trauma and Anger are.
  3. ​Understand trauma informed strategies.
smart_display
Join Session

11:30 am-12:30 pm
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
​
  1. Guardianship and alternatives
  2. Maintaining SSI, Medicaid and Waivers while employed
  3. ​ABLE accounts and Qualified Income Trusts - Tools for Transition to Adulthood
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.
Picture
smart_display
Join Session

11:30 am-12:30 pm
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
​
  1. Identify conventional car seat options that may benefit children with complex needs.
  2. Identify adaptive car seat options that may benefit children with complex needs.
  3. ​Identify helpful local and national resources available.
smart_display
Join Session

12:30 pm-1:15 pm
Break

1:15 pm-2:45 pm
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
​
  1. Understand the terms used and the current scope of the issue.
  2. View the issue through a family lens and explore interview data that exposes the impact on children and families.
  3. Learn more about resources for families experiencing preschool suspension/expulsion and resources for program experiencing challenging situations.
smart_display
Join Session

1:15 pm-2:45 pm
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
​
  1. Families will understand the rights of youth in treatment programs.
  2. Families will understand the grievance processes beyond the internal process.
  3. Families will be able to better advocate for their children regarding violations of rights in treatment settings.
smart_display
Join Session

1:15 pm-2:45 pm
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
​
  1. Understand how the history of disability services impacts the current behavioral approaches used.
  2. Define what behaviors should be targeted with strategies to support change.
  3. Explore personal biases and perception and better understand their impact on how we empower others toward life change.
smart_display
Join Session

3:00 pm-4:00 pm
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:
  • Specific resources available that will lead to better employment, education, and independent living outcomes for individuals with disabilities
  • Information about professional development, networking, and direct support that is available
  • Ways the center can help support families with information about the transition to adulthood, disability benefits, and how to maintain them while working, and high expectations for employment
  • LifeCourse and Person-Centered Planning support and training offered
  • Training opportunities available
  • Partnerships CCLC has with schools, state agencies, and community organizations
  • Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT)
Join us to explore how CCLC can assist in supporting students and families to achieve their goals and thrive in their communities.
Learning Objectives
​
  1. Know 3 resources offered by the Center on Community Living and Careers.
  2. Understand the purpose and benefits of Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT).
  3. Know how to contact CCLC staff and attend office hours for support and resources.
smart_display
Join Session

3:00 pm-4:00 pm
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
​
  1. Understand the definition, vision, mission and legal recommendation in Article 7 for parent advisory councils in Indiana school districts.
  2. Explore the benefits and hurdles of launching and maintaining a SEPAC .
  3. Gain empowerment to connect with parents and school administration about SEPAC for their school systems.
smart_display
Join Session

3:00 pm-4:00 pm
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​
  1. You will be able to share why Medicaid matters.
  2. You will be familiar with new Medicaid policies.
  3. You will develop at least one strategy for connecting families with coverage.
smart_display
Join Session

Picture
John
​Andresen
Research Scientist, Indiana Institute on Disability & Community
Picture
Diana
​Autin
Executive Director, SPAN Parent Advocacy Network 
Picture
Mendi
​Cooli
Founder and
CEO,
​Coolabilities LLC
Picture
Tina
​Frayer
Investigations Coordinator,
Indiana Disability ​​Rights
Picture
Gordon ​Homes
Financial Advisor,
Special Care
​Planner
​WestPoint Financial
Picture
Doris ​Higgins
Director of Agency Support & Community Strategies,
Covering Kids & Families of Indiana
Picture
Mike
​Nevins

Research Associate,
Center on
Community Living
​and Careers
Picture
Dr. Cathlene Hardy-Hansen
Project Director, Indiana Secondary Transition Resource Center
Picture
Lindsay ​Kusy
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LJK Counseling & Cummins Behavioral Health Services
Picture
Mary
​Pearson

Assistant Research Scientist, Center on Community Living and Careers
Picture
Kelly
​Hartman
President & CEO,
KQuad
​Consulting
Picture
Sarah
​Lamb
Research Associate, Center on
Community Living
​and Careers 
Picture
Ross
​Robertson
Licensed Therapist/Owner, Behavior Performance Group
Picture
Dr. Katie
​Herron
Director,
​Early Childhood Center,
​IIDC
Picture
Anthony McGovern
OT, National Center for the Safe Transportation of Children with Special Health Care Needs

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. 
Sponsor Packet >

Picture

MDWise

Heart 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
Picture

Westpoint Financial, a Mass Mutual firm

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
Picture

IPMG

Indiana 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
Picture
smart_display
Watch video

The Arc of Indiana Master Trust

The 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

Picture

HANDS in Autism

The 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
Picture
Info
About us
Fact Sheets
​Resources
​
Connect With Us

​Español
Give

Contact
14074 Trade Center Drive
Ste 251
Fishers, IN 46038

P: 844-F2F-INFO (844-323-4636)
English
Español
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use

Copyright 2025 Indiana Family to Family. All rights reserved.
Designed by IndyiTech
  • Fact Sheets
    • English
    • Spanish (Español)
    • Hakha Chin (Lai Holh In)
    • Burmese (မြန်မာဘာသာဖြင့်)
  • How We Help
    • H2H Conference/ Conferencia
    • IN-FaCTS
    • Live training
  • Resources
    • Training videos
    • Tools for Coordinating Care
  • About Us
    • Our Vision
    • Our Team
  • Give
    • Donate
    • Sponsorship 2025
  • Connect