Sponsored by Abilis Therapeutic Services
Abilis speaker series are available for parents, caregivers, grandparents, and educators who are caring for or working with children.
These series are open to the public and offered at no cost.
Seats are limited and registration is required. Please see information below about the speaker events and registration information.
Any questions please reach out to Karen Feder at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
The Visual Learner: Using Visuals to Help Children with Autism Cope with Changes
Presented by Jillian Aili, M.Ed,BCBA and Meaghan Nagurney, M.Ed,BCBA
Time: 9 AM to 10:00 AM
Location: Abilis 1150 Summer Street, Stamford, CT
There are many good reasons to use visuals with children with autism who struggle with changes and communication. These include helping to cope with tantrums to increasing communication skills with peers and family. Come learn about how to use these visuals to help cope with the upcoming changes in routines that may occur with the spring holidays. You will learn how to individualize these strategies after this speaker event. Refreshments will be provided.
To register please click here
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Understanding Special Education 101
Presented by Maria Engborg and Ida Lupinacci, Early Intervention Services
Time: 9 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Abilis 1150 Summer Street, Stamford, CT
This workshop is designed to teach parents how to best advocate for their child as they enter or transition through the Special Education system. This overview will give a basic understanding of the process, rights, laws and terminology in special education to help guide them through this journey. A continental breakfast will be served.
To register please click here
Speaker Series Bios
Meaghan Nagurney is a board certified behavior analyst, and a Special Education teacher certified in Connecticut. She graduated from Providence College with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary and special education and holds a Master’s degree in education from Manhattanville College.
Meaghan worked in the Stamford public schools in many capacities, including special education teacher, general classroom teacher, and math and reading interventionist. She is trained in several multi-sensory instructional approaches, including the Orton-Gillingham and Touch Math methodologies. Meaghan is also knowledgeable and experienced in how to navigate the special education system and the IEP process to guarantee that families receive the most effective school programs possible for their children.
During her time in the public school system, Meaghan found her true passion – helping children through the field of applied behavior analysis. She became an enthusiastic member of the Abilis family in 2016. As a behavior analyst and academic support tutor. Meaghan uses her vast knowledge and expertise to design and implement highly individualized behavior programs and educational plans to help the people we serve.
Jillian Alli is a board certified behavior analyst who has worked at Abilis since 2015. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Ohio Wesleyan University and a Masters in early childhood special education from Fordham University. She also has a Post-Master's certification in applied behavior analysis (ABA) from Manhattanville College.
Jillian has worked in the public schools for the past three years, serving students with a wide variety of special needs, and she has experience creating, implementing, and modifying Individualized Education Plans. Previously, Jillian worked for Westchester ARC in their preschool ABA program under the guidance of the Carbone Clinic. She has also developed functional behavior assessments and behavior intervention plans as well as developed appropriate programming based on student needs. She is skilled in utilizing a variety of research-based, multisensory programs to best meet the needs of her students’ unique and diverse learning styles.
Jillian is an adjunct professor at Manhattanville College in the applied behavior analysis program, where she supervises many candidates who are completing their board certification. Jillian is committed to making a positive impact on every child and family she works with.
Maria Engborg and Ida Lupinacci are both parents of young adults with special needs. Maria’s son is 24 years old and lives independently in an apartment in Wilton, and Ida’s son is 20 years old and is attending college away from home. After their children went through the early intervention program, and as a result, both moms felt that they wanted to give back to Abilis, where they now work to help support other families. Maria and Ida have been members on statewide and local boards promoting and training families on education and advocacy for children with special needs. Having navigated the system both as parents and professionals, they have a unique perspective. At Abilis, they have coordinated services for families and supported them through the transition process as their children leave the Birth to Three system and enter the local school district in their community for more than 20 years. Maria and Ida are passionate about connecting families with available resources and informative tools that will teach and give them the confidence to support and identify the needs of their child.
