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BLaST Intermediate Unit 17, in partnership with Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12 and Capital Area Intermediate Unit 15, is excited to hold the annual Statewide Paraeducator Conference on August 18, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Through this virtual conference, attendees have the opportunity to participate in a dynamic keynote session and targeted breakout sessions focused on paraeducator competencies as a framework for success in the classroom. Participants must attend the full day of the conference to receive 5 paraeducator professional development hours.

Speakers

Allison Mertes

Teacher of deaf/hard of hearing

Amy Clark

TaC Staff Developer

Ashley Muchler

Curriculum Specialist

Becca Baier

Educational Consultant

Billiejo Monday

Staff Developer

Brandy Kanode

CAIU Educational Consultant - English Language Development

Bridget Spackman

Lincoln IU 12

Casey Cappello

Ed Consultant

Dana Vermilya

Educational Consultant

Dr. Carla Sauer

Assistant Executive Director @ BLaST IU 17

Dr. Christina Steinbacher-Reed

Executive Director @ BLaST IU 17

Ed Ploy

Erin Minick

educational consultant @ Capital Area Intermediate Unit

Jennifer Oswald

Staff Developer

Jill Flook

Educational Consultant

Jim Rinehimer

Educational Consultant

Karen Ditzler

Educational Consultant

Katie Conway

Educational Consultant

Kim Shank

CAIU Educational Consultant

Kim is an Educational Consultant at the Capital Area Intermediate Unit where she supports districts with implementing evidence-based literacy practices and Multi-tiered Systems of Support. She is a certified LETRS K-6 and LETRS for Early Childhood Trainer where she delivers professional development on literacy best practices. Prior to working at CAIU, she worked in public education for thirteen years teaching in grades 1-8. After becoming a mom to her two boys (5) and (3), she became even more passionate about supporting young children, teachers, and parents at the preschool level to set students up for literacy success!

Lauren DeLellis

Educational Consultant- TaC