Schedule
*Schedule is subject to change.
Monday 4/13
8am - 9:30am / SPADD Board of Directors Meeting
Boardroom
SPADD Board convenes.
8:30am
Check-in Desk Opens
Grand Ballroom Foyer
Guests check-in and receive bags and name badges.
Exhibitors open in Grand Ballroom Foyer & Veranda Ballroom. Continental breakfast items available 9am to 10:30am.
10am - 10:15am
General Membership Meeting
Grand Ballroom
Conference welcome by SPADD President DeAnna Julian. Overview of SPADD’s event and general SPADD membership business.
10:15am - 11:30am / Opening Plenary
Three Right Turns Make A Left: Turning Trials To Triumph!
Grand Ballroom
In this energizing keynote, internationally recognized executive coach, strategist, and leadership expert Dr. Alonzo Kelly invites us to reexamine how adversity can become a powerful catalyst for transformation. Drawing on his experience guiding leaders across Fortune 500 companies, universities, nonprofit organizations, and global audiences, Dr. Kelly offers a compelling perspective on what it truly means to move from surviving to thriving.
With practical leadership frameworks, Dr. Kelly shares how intentional mindset shifts and strategic action can change challenges into meaningful progress. His message provides a foundation for leaders seeking to create impact even in the face of complexity and change.
11:45am - 12:45pm
Lunch Break
Grand Ballroom Foyer (Boxed Lunches will be served.)
Lunch & Learn A in Blue Ridge Ballroom A
Lunch & Learn B in Grand Ballroom
1pm - 2:30pm / Breakout Session 1A
Understanding the Neurodiverse Workplace
Blue Ridge Ballroom A
Join neuroscience‑based coach and founder of Wired for Success: The Joy of Neuro, Joy Winchester, as she guides us through the essentials of creating workplaces that recognize and support neurodiversity. Joy brings expertise in educational neuroscience, grounded in advanced coursework from Johns Hopkins University and Butler University.
Drawing from real‑world experience supporting neurodivergent individuals and underserved communities, Joy explores how brain‑based understanding can improve communication, reduce misinterpretation of behavior, enhance executive functioning supports, and strengthen organizational culture. Her approach is science‑backed, and accessible, which helps leaders navigate differences in cognition and motivation in today’s evolving workplace.
1pm - 2:30pm / Breakout Session 1B
Business Intelligence Session
Blue Ridge Ballroom C
Details TBA
2:30pm - 2:45pm / Afternoon Break
Snacks & Beverages
Veranda Exhibitor Hall
2:45pm - 5pm / Team Forum
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) Leadership
Grand Ballroom
State of the State updates from DBHDD Commissioner Kevin Tanner, Director of Division of Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities Ron Wakefield, and Division staff. An Interactive Q&A session with Director Wakefield and the Division team follows.
5:30pm - 7:30pm / Reception
Networking Over Cocktails & Appetizers
Game Changer Arcade + Bar of Lanier Islands
This is your chance to unwind, mingle, and make meaningful connections with fellow attendees and sponsors in a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere. Enjoy a delightful selection of cocktails and appetizers while taking on exciting activities like Axe Throwing, an Escape Room, Virtual Sports and Duckpin Bowling! Shuttle service is available or you can make the short drive to Game Changer on your own.
7:30pm Day 1 Concludes / Dinner On Your Own
Tuesday 4/14
7:30am - 8:30am
Breakfast Buffet
Grand Ballroom Foyer
8:30am - 9:45am / Breakout Session 1A
Employment Law Updates
Blue Ridge Ballroom A
Employment law expert Jonathan Martin returns with his popular annual update on legal trends impacting the I/DD workforce.
8:30am - 9:45am / Breakout Session 1B
The Evolution Of Leadership From Theory to Practical Application
Blue Ridge Ballroom C
Dr. Alonzo Kelly returns to lead participants through the modern evolution of leadership and how to move beyond theory into intentional, results‑driven practice. With extensive experience coaching and advising organizations nationwide, Dr. Kelly shares how leadership models must now adapt to changing environments, diverse teams, and new expectations for accountability and performance. Participants will learn about practical frameworks for decision‑making and organizational alignment with Dr. Kelly’s approach to evolving strategic concepts into actionable outcomes.
10am - 11:15am / Breakout Session 2A
Joy Winchester Session II
Blue Ridge Ballroom A
Joy Winchester returns with further exploration of neuroscience in IDD. Details TBA.
10am - 11:15am / Breakout Session 2B
IDD Legislative Advocacy in Georgia
Blue Ridge Ballroom C
This session provides an inside look at the legislative landscape shaping services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Georgia. Led by SPADD’s government relations liaisons, Julianna McConnell and Cindy Shepherd, this session explores how policy decisions are made, what issues are currently at the forefront, and how providers and advocates can effectively influence outcomes.
11:20am - 12:30pm / Breakout Session 3A
Leadership Strategy and Design
Blue Ridge Ballroom A
Join retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, leadership coach, design‑thinking expert, and award‑winning educator Jason “TOGA” Trew as he introduces new and unconventional approaches to leading teams in rapidly changing environments. A signature part of this workshop is an engaging LEGO® activity designed to surface new insights on innovation within team dynamics. Leaders will look at how playful, hands‑on methods can reveal deeper reflection and more effective collaboration.
11:20am - 12:30pm / Breakout Session 3B
Direct Support Professional Advocacy Council Forum
Blue Ridge Ballroom C
Members of the Georgia DSP Advocacy Council present during this informative session. The mission of the Council is to collaborate with supporters and allies to influence social and policy change that enhances the DSP profession across Georgia. This session will provide an overview of the work of the DSP Advocacy Council. The DSP Advocacy Council will share about their work, advocacy, new learning and experiences.
12:30pm / Luncheon
Conference Conclusion
Grand Ballroom
Please plan to be seated for plated lunch service by 12:35pm.
12:40pm - 1:40pm / Presentation
Annual Awards Ceremony + Prize Drawing
Grand Ballroom
We close our time together by celebrating SPADD Members and association partners who have done pivotal, influential work over the past year. We will also draw for this year’s prize winners!
2:40pm - 2:00pm / Keynote
Jason “TOGA” Trew’s Conference Closing
Grand Ballroom
As we conclude this year's conference, join us once again for an inspiring closing presentation by Jason “TOGA” Trew.