Rohini Shrestha, CEO, Success on the Spectrum — Session Title: Fundamentals of Autism (June 6, 2026)

Rohini Shrestha is a passionate advocate and entrepreneur driven by a personal mission to create a better world for children with autism and their families. As the founder and CEO of Success on the Spectrum Langhorne, she brings her family’s journey into building a nurturing ABA therapy center rooted in empathy, inclusion, and trust. Her session focused on basic aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and practical strategies used in the field.

David Eggert, Director, Mercer County Special Education, New Jersey — Session Title: Teaching Beyond Words: Practical Pathways for Supporting Students with Autism (June 7, 2026)

David Eggert led an engaging, hands‑on professional learning experience centered on practical strategies for supporting students with autism in diverse classroom settings. His interactive presentation provided teachers with real‑world tools, multisensory techniques, communication supports, and classroom practices that can be implemented immediately to create inclusive and meaningful learning environments. Through collaboration, demonstrations, and culturally responsive approaches, participants gained strategies that build connection, independence, and student success.

Menuka Chimariya Dulal — Session Title: Autism in Canada: Lessons and Possibilities for Nepal (June 14, 2026)

Menuka Chimariya Dulal, a Registered Early Childhood Educator with the City of Ottawa, Canada, shared insights from her six years of experience supporting children, including those with special needs. Her session focused on practical tips and strategies that can be adapted to the Nepalese context.

Dr. Lauren Delisio, Associate Professor of Special Education, Rider University — Session Title: Understanding and Supporting Your Students with Autism (June 19, 2026)

Dr. Lauren Delisio is an educator, scholar, and advocate with over 20 years of experience supporting students with diverse learning, behavioral, and communication needs. Her expertise includes autism, learning disabilities, ADHD, speech and language needs, assistive technology, AAC, Universal Design for Learning, transition planning, trauma‑informed instruction, and social‑emotional learning. Her session highlighted important theoretical and practical aspects of ASD that are applicable in Nepal.

Amanda Zbacnik, Professor of Special Education, University of Wisconsin–Superior — Session Title: Puzzle Pieces to Pathways: Supporting Students with Autism (June 20, 2026)

Dr. Amanda Zbacnik is an expert in special education with experience in K–12 schools and higher education. She volunteers in equine‑assisted therapeutic activities, has served as president of Wisconsin’s Council for Exceptional Children, presents at conferences nationally and internationally, and co‑published Educators for Diverse Classrooms: A Case Study Approach to Equity and Inclusion in Education. Her session focused on key theoretical and practical aspects of ASD.

Sashidhar Belbase, Associate Professor, Troy University, Alabama — Session Title: Introduction to Research in Education (June 21, 2026)

Dr. Sashidhar Belbase serves as an Associate Professor of Mathematics Education and has extensive international teaching and research experience in Nepal, the UAE, and the United States. He has published widely in reputable journals and contributed significantly to mathematics education through research, presentations, and professional development programs. His session focused on fundamental aspects of social science research and included discussion of autism‑related research conducted by his team.