Revisit key takeaways, tools, and materials from the 2025 DDS Statewide Training. Below you’ll find downloadable presentations, handouts, and other session resources—organized so you can easily find what you need and put ideas into action.
Need a refresher? View the full event agenda
BREAKOUT
9:45 – 11 AM (Required for Case Management Staff—Closed to Other Attendees)
Room 208AB & 209AB
Rachael Knight, Lisa Brunson-Smith
Focused on performance excellence in person-centered planning, this session helped case managers strengthen their understanding of the IP Risk Section, documentation expectations, and practical ways to elevate plan quality. Interactive activities supported skill building and a renewed commitment to high-quality service.
BREAKOUT
9:45 – 11 AM
Room 301AB
Armon Perry, PhD
This session explored how to strengthen communication, respond with empathy, and stay grounded in tough interactions. Participants sharpened key skills that build trust and improve outcomes across every visit.
BREAKOUT
9:45 – 11 AM
Room 301CD
Jessica Rimmer, PhD; Sophie Preston
Designed for leaders shifting from execution to development, this session focused on how to mentor, coach, and delegate with purpose. Attendees learned strategies to grow thriving teams by developing the people who get the work done.
BREAKOUT
9:45 – 11 AM
Room 302A
Julie Lackey, Hope Hansen, Christian Roe, Gretchen Garrett, Brook Varner, Matt Barger
This session featured students and graduates from Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) programs in Oklahoma. With firsthand stories and an employer perspective, it offered insight into how education, employment, and support systems come together to expand independence and opportunity.
BREAKOUT
9:45 – 11 AM
Room 302B
Radhika Cruz, MA
Participants learned how to reframe resistance as readiness cues and build trust through empathetic conversations. The session provided simple strategies to maintain momentum, even when things feel stuck.
SKILL-BUILDING SESSIONS
Session 1: 1:15 – 2:15 PM I Session 2: 2:45 – 3:45 PM
Various Rooms
Public Strategies Trainers
These fast-paced, hands-on sessions focused on managing overwhelm, boosting productivity, and improving communication. Attendees practiced expert-backed tools for taming to-do lists, mastering meetings, and reducing interpersonal stress.
BREAKOUT
Session 1: 9:45 – 11 AM (Required for Case Management Staff—Closed to Other Attendees)
Session 2: 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM (Open to all attendees)
Room 302A
Carrie Jankowski, MSSW, LCSW; Christina Miller, PhD
This session explored how mentorship could elevate teams, build confidence, and create lasting cultures of learning. Participants learned to set expectations, build trust, and support others through challenges. Mentorship was framed as growth for both people involved.
BREAKOUT
Session 1: 9:45 – 11 AM I Session 2: 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
Room 205AB
Abbey Lou Childress
Abbey shared her personal experience of living with autism, challenging misconceptions, and offering insight into how to support individuals on the spectrum with empathy, understanding, and authenticity.
BREAKOUT
Session 1: 9:45 – 11 AM I Session 2: 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
Room 206AB
Charlotte Kendrick, LCSW
This session helped participants recognize and maintain professional boundaries. Attendees learned to spot red flags, avoid role confusion, and protect both themselves and the people they serve.
BREAKOUT
Session 1: 9:45 – 11 AM I Session 2: 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
Room 207AB
Jennifer Seay, MA, TxC
This session explored the importance of allowing individuals to take healthy risks in the name of growth and independence. Attendees learned practical strategies to support decision-making and autonomy while balancing safety.
BREAKOUT
Session 1: 9:45 – 11 AM I Session 2: 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
Room 208AB
Lauren Garder, LPC
This session went beyond surface-level self-care and introduced evidence-based strategies for recognizing and managing secondary traumatic stress. Participants learned about the CECERT model and how to respond to STS with intention and skill.
BREAKOUT
Session 1: 9:45 – 11 AM I Session 2: 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
Room 209AB
Lauree Dash, E-RYT, MMTCP, MSC, MMT; Joe Holcomb, MBA
This session offered research-backed, practical ways to integrate self-care into daily life—even in high-stress moments. Attendees left with accessible tools to stay grounded, balanced, and well.
BREAKOUT
Session 1: 9:45 – 11 AM I Session 2: 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
Room 301AB
Natalie Gallo, MEd, LPC
This session helped attendees better understand how trauma impacts individuals with disabilities and how to provide safe, empathetic, and supportive care. Participants gained tools to build trust and minimize re-traumatization.
BREAKOUT
Session 1: 9:45 – 11 AM I Session 2: 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
Room 301C
Annie Baghdayan, PhD
This session tackled employment barriers for people with disabilities through evidence-based strategies and local programs. Participants explored how to shift from “job ready” to achieving long-term, meaningful employment success.
BREAKOUT
Session 1: 9:45 – 11 AM I Session 2: 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
Room 301D
Laura Buckner, MEd, LPC
This session focused on helping individuals lead their own lives through daily choices, meaningful roles, and genuine connections. Participants learned practical strategies for embedding voice and belonging into support services.
BREAKOUT
Session 1: 9:45 – 11 AM I Session 2: 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
Room 302B
Cutter Elliott
Oklahoma singer-songwriter Cutter Elliott shared his journey of navigating multiple disabilities while pursuing his dream of a music career. His inspiring story emphasized the power of passion and perseverance for both individuals and those who support them.