AFCC-MN Annual Conference 2026 - Back to School: Education Related Issues for Court Involved Families

Please join us for our annual conference as we take a deeper look into the diverse and at times mystifying gamut of education related issues facing many of the families that we serve.

Tonia Teasley, former Executive Director of PACER Center will be joining as our Keynote Speaker to give an in-depth look at all things education. Her vast experience in this field will allow her to bring a unique and highly informed perspective to help orient us as we dive deeper into the area of education. For more info on PACER center, please visit: https://www.pacer.org/ 

Topics that will be covered include:

• Best Practices for Mental Health Professionals, Lawyers, Judicial Officers, and ADR Providers;

• Individualized Education Plans (IEPs);

• 504 Plans; and

• School Choice.

We will be joined by many other exceptional individuals in there respective fields including:

• Sonia Smith, the Director of the Special Education Division of the Minnesota Department of Education;

• The Honorable Douglas Meslow, Judge of Washington County District Court;

• Courtney Latcham, Partner at Heimerl & Lammers;

• Dr. Julie McKay, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and ADR provider with Moxie Inc and Lakeside Psychology;

• John R. “Rob” Hill, Shareholder at Larkin Hoffman;

• Diane Reller, LMFT and LADC at Reller Family Consulting; and

• Amber Serwat, ADR provider at Amber M. Serwat Mediation.

This year’s slate includes a robust balance of engaging presentations, panel discussion, and addresses. This is a topic that has been changing quite dramatically over the last few years, especially in the wake of COVID-19 and the evolution of remote technologies.

CLE and CEU credits are being applied for, with more information to follow. We look forward to seeing you either via remote technology or in person at the Wilder Foundation 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104. Please note there is ample on site free garaged parking.