NJASEPS’ Commitment to Parents

NJASEPS believes parents are the best advocates for children with disabilities. Since its inception in 1974, we’ve worked to provide accurate information and meaningful support to help parents do what is best for their children.

2026 – 2027 Parent Webinar Series
co-sponsored by The Alliance

These free Zoom webinars are created specifically for parents of children with disabilities.  Please check this page regularly for updates and future workshops!

Presenter Bio: Laura A. Siclari, Esq. – serves as Of Counsel to Parles Rekem, bringing over 20 years of experience in education law at both the K–12 and higher education levels. Her practice centers on representing students and families in special education and general education matters, guardianship matters, as well as in disciplinary and higher education proceedings across the country. In the K–12 arena, Laura has represented countless students in special education due process hearings, IEP eligibility and placement disputes, Section 504 accommodation matters, and disciplinary matters. She also has extensive experience handling issues of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), as well as high school sports issues involving the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA). Laura’s practice also includes higher education advocacy, where she represents students in Code of Conduct proceedings, Title IX investigations, and disciplinary hearings at colleges and universities nationwide. She has become a trusted resource for families navigating the increasingly complex landscape of student rights in higher education. Laura also has deep experience and understanding of mental health and addictions law issues, particularly as they relate to minors and students, having served on various boards for over a decade in these spaces, and has translated that experience into her student advocacy work. A frequent writer and lecturer on education law topics, Laura has published extensively in the New Jersey Lawyer Magazine and has presented to parent and professional groups on special education and student rights. She is known for her practical, compassionate, and solutions-oriented approach, helping families achieve results that preserve both educational access and student well-being.

Presentation Title: From Testing to Services: How Evaluations Shape the IEP Basics

Presenter Bio: Laura A. Siclari, Esq. – serves as Of Counsel to Parles Rekem, bringing over 20 years of experience in education law at both the K–12 and higher education levels. Her practice centers on representing students and families in special education and general education matters, guardianship matters, as well as in disciplinary and higher education proceedings across the country. In the K–12 arena, Laura has represented countless students in special education due process hearings, IEP eligibility and placement disputes, Section 504 accommodation matters, and disciplinary matters. She also has extensive experience handling issues of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), as well as high school sports issues involving the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA). Laura’s practice also includes higher education advocacy, where she represents students in Code of Conduct proceedings, Title IX investigations, and disciplinary hearings at colleges and universities nationwide. She has become a trusted resource for families navigating the increasingly complex landscape of student rights in higher education. Laura also has deep experience and understanding of mental health and addictions law issues, particularly as they relate to minors and students, having served on various boards for over a decade in these spaces, and has translated that experience into her student advocacy work. A frequent writer and lecturer on education law topics, Laura has published extensively in the New Jersey Lawyer Magazine and has presented to parent and professional groups on special education and student rights. She is known for her practical, compassionate, and solutions-oriented approach, helping families achieve results that preserve both educational access and student well-being.

Presentation Title: When School Becomes a Struggle: Understanding and Helping Children with School Refusal/Avoidance

Presenter Bio: Michael C. Selbst, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA-NJ – is the Executive Director of Behavior Therapy Associates in Somerset, New Jersey. He is a Licensed Psychologist in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Certified School Psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the Doctoral level, and Licensed Behavior Analyst in New Jersey. Dr. Selbst earned his undergraduate degree with honors in Psychology at the University of Delaware, and he was awarded a University Fellowship to Temple University, where he attained his Master’s in Education and Ph.D. in School Psychology.

He has expertise in the evaluation and treatment of clients who present with symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, mood disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, social skills deficits, learning disabilities, as well as family and relationship issues, parent training, and co-parenting. Dr. Selbst has extensive experience working with pre-school-aged children through adults, including expertise in helping individuals work through significant life changes and transitions. He has led numerous workshops, including at local, statewide, national, and international conferences. Dr. Selbst is co-author of the Behavior Problems Resource Kit: Forms and Procedures for Identification, Measurement and Intervention and the social skills curriculum, POWER-Solving®: Stepping Stones to Solving Life’s Everyday Social Problems, and the book chapter “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” in A. G. Dempsey’s (Ed.) book, Pediatric health conditions in schools: a clinician’s guide for working with children, families, and educators.

Dr. Selbst’s professional interests and approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Training (ACT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and applying Behavior Analysis in his work with individuals, families, and organizations. He assists clients in increasing their psychological flexibility, making meaningful steps toward who and what is important to them. Dr. Selbst is a member of the following professional organizations: American Psychological Association; National Association of School Psychologists; Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies; Association for Behavior Analysis International; Association for Contextual Behavioral Science; New Jersey Psychological Association; and New Jersey Association of School Psychologists. He has previously served as a member of a Human Rights Committee for adults with developmental delays. Dr. Selbst also serves as a Volunteer Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Presentation Title: Barred From the Classroom: Navigating School Clearance Requirements

Presenter Bio: Laura A. Siclari, Esq. – serves as Of Counsel to Parles Rekem, bringing over 20 years of experience in education law at both the K–12 and higher education levels. Her practice centers on representing students and families in special education and general education matters, guardianship matters, as well as in disciplinary and higher education proceedings across the country. In the K–12 arena, Laura has represented countless students in special education due process hearings, IEP eligibility and placement disputes, Section 504 accommodation matters, and disciplinary matters. She also has extensive experience handling issues of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), as well as high school sports issues involving the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA). Laura’s practice also includes higher education advocacy, where she represents students in Code of Conduct proceedings, Title IX investigations, and disciplinary hearings at colleges and universities nationwide. She has become a trusted resource for families navigating the increasingly complex landscape of student rights in higher education. Laura also has deep experience and understanding of mental health and addictions law issues, particularly as they relate to minors and students, having served on various boards for over a decade in these spaces, and has translated that experience into her student advocacy work. A frequent writer and lecturer on education law topics, Laura has published extensively in the New Jersey Lawyer Magazine and has presented to parent and professional groups on special education and student rights. She is known for her practical, compassionate, and solutions-oriented approach, helping families achieve results that preserve both educational access and student well-being.

 Association; National Association of School Psychologists; Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies; Association for Behavior Analysis International; Association for Contextual Behavioral Science; New Jersey Psychological Association; and New Jersey Association of School Psychologists. He has previously served as a member of a Human Rights Committee for adults with developmental delays. Dr. Selbst also serves as a Volunteer Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Presentation Title: Effective Planning: Wills, Trusts, and Guardianship

Presenter Bio: Jared B. Oberweis concentrates his practice in estate and trust matters, guardianships, special education and adult services. Jared enjoys representing clients with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to ensure their rights are protected. He was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey and is a graduate of West Windsor Plainsboro High School North. Jared was admitted to the New Jersey Bar and Pennsylvania Bar in 2014 after receiving a Juris Doctorate from Duquesne University School of Law. At Duquense University School of Law, Jared served on Duquense Law Review as a Senior Staff Editor. Prior to law school, he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Pittsburgh, graduating Cum Laude. Jared is the past President and current Vice President of the Board of Directors of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mercer County (NAMI Mercer).  He also serves on the Board of Directors of The Arc Gloucester and Disability Rights New Jersey.  He is a member of the Mercer County Bar Association. Outside of work, Jared enjoys golfing, cooking and traveling. He currently lives in Yardville, New Jersey with his wife, Lyssa, and their daughter and dog, Jax.

 Association; National Association of School Psychologists; Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies; Association for Behavior Analysis International; Association for Contextual Behavioral Science; New Jersey Psychological Association; and New Jersey Association of School Psychologists. He has previously served as a member of a Human Rights Committee for adults with developmental delays. Dr. Selbst also serves as a Volunteer Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Presentation Title: Tech as Tool, Not Crutch: Building Independence in Special Needs Kids Through Sensory-Based Learning

Presenter Bio: Aubrey is the owner of Sensational Achievements and has specialized in the evaluation and treatment of sensory processing disorders since 2005. She holds certification in sensory integration theory and practice, with advanced clinical expertise in functional visual skill development and sensory-based learning disabilities including dysgraphia, dyspraxia, and executive functioning deficits. She conducts Independent Educational Evaluations in Occupational Therapy across 27 Connecticut school districts.

Aubrey presents four professional continuing education courses through Theramoves covering sensory supports, handwriting, intervention roadmaps, and praxis from a neurosensory perspective. She also offers an online course through PESI — Distracted and Disorganized Kids in a Digital Generation. In collaboration with Dr. Anthony Kardaris, PESI offers a Certification in Tech Addiction that includes Aubrey’s course materials.

In 2015, Sensational Achievements launched Body Activated Learning™, a framework helping parents, teachers, and professionals support neurologically diverse children by applying sensory principles to optimize the brain and body for learning. In November 2025, Aubrey published Uniquely Human: Raising Leaders and Creators in a Digital World — a guide for parents navigating the unique challenges facing today’s generation and sharing the five pillars children need to thrive in an AI world.  When she isn’t educating or working with children, she spends her time with her Poochon Cooper and gardening.

2025 – 2026 Parent Webinar Series
Presented by NJASEPS and The Alliance

These free Zoom webinars are created specifically for parents of children with disabilities.  Please check this page regularly for updates and future workshops!

Presenter Bio: Jennifer Boyle – Mom, Advocate, and founder of Good Life Consulting. Jennifer advocates for person-centered supports and legislative advances, helping people with disabilities live fulfilling lives of their own choosing.   She is the proud mom of Sean, a joyful 22-year-old with complex medical issues and high support needs. And of Sam, a delightful 18-year-old college freshman who is on the autism spectrum.  Jennifer has completed more than 750 training hours related to advocacy and transition to adult life, including the Boggs Center’s Partners in Policymaking, NJ LEND, Partners in Policymaking Advanced Training, and Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador Training. She has consulted to the CTC Academy’s Beyond Graduation Project since 2023, assisting families in learning about and preparing for the world of adult services.  She served as SEPAG co-president for the West Essex Regional School District from 2021 – 2025, supporting the families of students with IEPs and 504 plans. She currently serves on the Governmental Affairs Committee for the ARC of New Jersey, the Advocacy Committee for the Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey, and the Community of Practice State Action Team for Charting the LifeCourse.

Presenter Bio: Bianca Coleman, Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA-D, LBA – is a licensed psychologist in the state of New Jersey, Nationally Certified School Psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the Doctoral level, and licensed behavior analyst in New Jersey. Dr. Coleman completed her bachelor’s degree from Rowan University in Psychology with a specialization in Child Behavior. Then, she received her master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis at Penn State University. Dr. Coleman earned her Ph.D. in School Psychology from Temple University. Dr. Coleman has extensive experience working with individuals presenting with developmental disabilities, disruptive behaviors, feeding, toileting and sleep problems, social skills deficits, as well as attention and executive functioning concerns. She has expertise in using evidence-based treatments to work collaboratively with parents to teach them behavior management strategies and improve functional and adaptive skills, and with schools to address classroom management and challenging behaviors. Dr. Coleman is skilled in conducting diagnostic evaluations, specifically of autism spectrum disorder, psychological, psychoeducational, and functional behavior assessments. She also provides assessment and consultation services to public and private schools regarding their programs for learners with autism spectrum disorders and behavior challenges. Dr. Coleman’s professional interests include applying Behavior Analytic strategies to functional based skills and behavioral concerns with individuals, families, schools, and organizations.

Presenter Bio: Lena Suarez-Angelino, MSW, LCSW, is an international speaker, licensed clinical social worker, professor, author and burnout consultant for nonprofits, schools, and companies. Lena can provide services in both English and Spanish, both in-person or online. Lena is the founder of LIGHT Collective and Co., a place where you can holistically and effectively heal from burnout and begin your journey to let it go, here, today (LIGHT). Lena has been featured in over 40 publications and interviews. Additionally, Lena is a disability advocate for her son and founder of Central Jersey Special Needs Community, a place for caregivers and providers to connect and support one another.

Presenter Bio: Laura A. Siclari, Esq. – serves as Of Counsel to Parles Rekem, bringing over 20 years of experience in education law at both the K–12 and higher education levels. Her practice centers on representing students and families in special education and general education matters, guardianship matters, as well as in disciplinary and higher education proceedings across the country. In the K–12 arena, Laura has represented countless students in special education due process hearings, IEP eligibility and placement disputes, Section 504 accommodation matters, and disciplinary matters. She also has extensive experience handling issues of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), as well as high school sports issues involving the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA). Laura’s practice also includes higher education advocacy, where she represents students in Code of Conduct proceedings, Title IX investigations, and disciplinary hearings at colleges and universities nationwide. She has become a trusted resource for families navigating the increasingly complex landscape of student rights in higher education. Laura also has deep experience and understanding of mental health and addictions law issues, particularly as they relate to minors and students, having served on various boards for over a decade in these spaces, and has translated that experience into her student advocacy work. A frequent writer and lecturer on education law topics, Laura has published extensively in the New Jersey Lawyer Magazine and has presented to parent and professional groups on special education and student rights. She is known for her practical, compassionate, and solutions-oriented approach, helping families achieve results that preserve both educational access and student well-being.