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Executive functioning skills play a critical role in how students plan, organize, manage time, regulate emotions, and follow through on learning tasks. When these skills are underdeveloped, students may struggle academically and behaviorally, even when high-quality instruction and interventions are in place.

This in person conference brings together educators, families, and specialists to explore executive functioning from multiple perspectives, including the classroom, the home, and the learner’s lived experience. Through a combination of keynote learning and breakout sessions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of executive functions and practical strategies to support skill development in real-world settings.

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Keynote Information
Schedule
Speakers
CEU & Certificate Information
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Location

Keynote Address:

Executive Functions: What They Are, Why They Matter, and How to Help

Presented by Cheryl Chase, Ph.D.

Executive functions are a set of cognitive skills that allow individuals to plan, organize, initiate tasks, sustain attention, regulate emotions, and act intentionally. Delays or weaknesses in these skills can significantly impact academic performance and daily functioning, particularly for students with learning differences and other special educational needs.

In this updated keynote presentation, Dr. Cheryl Chase will define executive functions, explain their role in learning and behavior, and share evidence-based strategies to support development across age levels. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to better identify executive functioning challenges and implement meaningful supports that promote independence and success.

Purpose and Rationale:

Delays in executive function development are associated with a wide range of conditions, including medical, cognitive, and psychiatric disorders such as dyslexia (Reiter, Tucha, & Lange, 2005). Despite this, executive functioning challenges are often overlooked or misunderstood, even when students are receiving appropriate academic interventions.

For example, a student with dyslexia may receive effective reading instruction yet continue to struggle academically due to difficulties with organization, time management, or task completion. Without targeted executive function support, overall success may remain out of reach.

This conference emphasizes the importance of evaluating and supporting executive skills as part of a comprehensive approach to student success. Sessions will highlight research-based strategies that help students manage daily responsibilities, build independence, and thrive both in and out of school. When executive functioning challenges are recognized and addressed, they do not need to limit a student’s academic progress, emotional well-being, or long-term outcomes.

Schedule:

Speakers:

Cheryl Chase, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Independence, Ohio (near Cleveland), specializing in diagnostic and neuropsychological assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. Her expertise includes ADHD, learning disorders, and emotional concerns. Dr. Chase also enjoys a robust career as an international speaker, leading workshops on topics such as ADHD, executive functioning, dyslexia, anxiety, and innovative support strategies for students. Known for her engaging and often humorous style, she resonates well with educators, adult clients, parents, and children. Dr. Chase is an active member of the American Psychological Association, the International Dyslexia Association, and the Learning Disabilities Association, and is dedicated to helping individuals with learning and attention challenges achieve their full potential.

Mrs. Amelia Abd has a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Grove City College and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Reading from University of Virginia. She has taught in Virginia and Brazil before coming to back to Pennsylvania. She has numerous years of experience as a Reading Specialist and she is CERI certified Orton Gillingham Instructor.

Linda Delvaux, M.Ed. earned her B.S. in Elementary Education and her Master’s in Reading from Clarion University, and a Master’s in Special Education from Slippery Rock University. She began her career as an elementary classroom teacher and then guided students K-12 as a reading and math specialist. She now works as an educational consultant with the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV, helping teachers bring out the best in every student. She supports schools with MTSS and inclusive practices, particularly in reading and math, and also serves on the BrainSTEPS team and as a STEM point of contact. She lives in Grove City with her family and her work is driven by the belief that when teachers are equipped with effective strategies, every student can gain confidence and succeed as a learner.

Candace Hall brings over 25 years of experience in education, specializing in literacy across K–12. She currently works with Cambium Learning, supporting programs affiliated with Lexia and LETRS, and serves on the International Dyslexia Association Board in Pennsylvania. Candace is also an active member of The Reading League PA.

Dr. Rick Sabousky is a Professor of Education at Grove City College. Rick is past President of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children, past Vice-president of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the   International Dyslexia Association and serves on the Board of Directors for the Venango Training and Development Center. Dr. Sabousky has also been involved at the state level with multiple work groups developing the most recent Special Education Guidelines as well as the new Literacy Guidelines.

More speakers announced soon!

CEU’s and Certificates

Participants may earn ACT 48, ALTA, CERI, IMSLEC, and Wilson CEUs, as well as Ohio educator credits. ACT 48 credits are sponsored by IDA-PA.

All required forms must be completed by April 3, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Certificates of completion will be emailed between April 13–17, 2026.

Registration Information

• Advance Registration:
  • Before March 18, 2026 at 12:00 PM
  • $30 per person
  • Includes optional boxed lunch
  • Eligible for CEUs and educator credits

• On-Site Registration:
  
  • March 21, 2026 from 8:00–8:40 AM
  • $30 per person, PayPal only
  • Lunch not included
  • Eligible for CEUs and educator credits

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Registration Terms:

Registrations cannot be transferred.
Registrant understands their purchase is for an in-person conference with no virtual or recorded component.
Cancellations prior to March 6 will result in a $15 processing fee.
Cancellations after March 16 will forfeit any reimbursement.

Location

The Staley Hall of Arts and Letters at Grove City College – building 10 on this map and parking lot 4 will be the closest to the event.