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Thank you to everyone who attended our virtual 12th Annual Florida Down Syndrome Conference! While our sessions were not recorded, you can view copies of presentations and supplemental materials below.
Candace Whiting is a young woman with vision. “Great Life Unlimited” was broadened from “Candace Whiting Unlimited” which was solely a public speaking business. The change expands Candace’s ability to inspire and coach others with different-abilities. Born with Down syndrome, she has extensive experience in speaking throughout the United States and is a decorated Special Olympian. Her goals are to be the voice for those without a strong voice and to mentor them to healthy and happy lifestyles.
Lynn Cyr is a Parent Training Coordinator with the Parent Support Network, which is a program under Family Network on Disabilities. She has participated as a parent at the IEP table for over 30 years and enjoys educating parents how to navigate the special education process in the spirit of collaboration. When parents are empowered with the proper information, they are able to advocate for their children and obtain the services that their child requires in order “… to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment and independent living…” She has raised four children and is familiar with the confusing and uncertainty that parents experience.
Sabrah Willard was born in Trinidad, Caribbean and taught regular education and kids with special needs in the elementary setting for 14 years. She migrated to Chicago initially in 1995, where I worked with kids with special needs for a year. Sabrah then moved to Florida in 1998 where she went to Rollins College and earned a B.S. in Psychology. She worked in the corporate world for a few years while raising my two daughters as a single parent. Ms. Willard’s love for teaching drew me back into education in 2011 at Seminole High School to the present. She is certified in Biology, Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and Gifted endorsed.
Camille Gardiner is a proud homeschooling mother of three and an active community volunteer. In 2010, Camille co-founded the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida and continues to be very involved in the organization and serves on their Board. The FOUNDATION is a non-profit dedicated to providing individuals with DS and their families opportunities to be successful and live their best lives. Camille serves on several other boards in the community that support children and individuals with unique abilities including the Howard Phillips Center for Children and Families and Florida ABLE. In 2018 Camille received an honorary doctorate degree from Beacon College in recognition of her work to improve the lives of individuals with unique abilities. Camille received her Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Stetson University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Stacy Taylor, MA, B.C.B.A. received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rollins College and completed her Masters degree in Education at the University of Central Florida. For over 20 years, she has worked as an early interventionist, educator and behavior analyst providing services to people with developmental disabilities and learning/behavioral challenges. She has served as director for 3 clinical programs and currently owns and operates an Applied Behavior Analysis program, Advance Behavior & Learning, and a fully inclusive 21st century private school, Advance Learning Academy in Central Florida. Mrs. Taylor has worked in a variety of settings including clinics, schools, and homes. In addition to providing 1:1 treatment to children, she has also provided training and consultation to parents, teachers, therapists and agencies. She has spoken at numerous conferences across the country on early intervention, education and behavioral treatment and served on the board of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida. She also enjoys teaching college level courses that help students learn more about inclusion, learning and behavior and provides an internship and practicum site to give students a start in the field and gain real-world experience.
Dr. Kathy Becht has been in the field of Exceptional Education for over 25 years as an educator, advocate, sister, and parent of individuals with disabilities. Currently, the Director of Florida’s Consortium on Inclusive Higher Education (FCIHE), Kathy is immersed in supporting institutions of higher education to develop authentic inclusive postsecondary opportunities for students with intellectual disability. Additionally, Kathy works with community agencies, K-12 schools, and families to see the potential in and opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities as literate citizens; life-long learners, college students, consumers, employees, and neighbors.
