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2026 Neurodiversity Conference

Empowering Educators as Champions for Every Learner

Friday, January 30, 2026

McKimmon Conference Center and Training Center

1101 Gorman Street
Raleigh, NC 27606-2002
United States
51 Seats Remaining

Empowering Educators as Champions for Every Learner is a conference dedicated to inspiring and equipping teachers, school leaders, and educational professionals to reach and uplift every student. This event brings together thought leaders, innovative practitioners, and advocates for inclusion to explore the latest research, effective strategies, and real-world stories from diverse classrooms.

Attendees will discover practical tools for supporting all types of learners, especially those who are neurodivergent or have unique needs, by building on strengths, embracing differences, and fostering a truly inclusive classroom. 

Join us to celebrate the critical role educators play as champions for equity and opportunity, and to gain actionable insights for making a meaningful impact in your school and community.

Many Thanks to our event sponsors:




Registration Options

Credits Price
Member (by Jan 22)



Registration Ends 1/22/26 at 11:59 PM EST
6.00 (CEU) $195.00
Non-Member (by Jan 22)
Registration Ends 1/22/26 at 11:59 PM EST
6.00 (CEU) $245.00
Member (after Jan 22)



Registration Opens 1/23/26 at 12:00 AM EST
6.00 (CEU) $245.00
Non-Member (after Jan 22)
Registration Opens 1/23/26 at 12:00 AM EST
6.00 (CEU) $295.00
There are several affordable hotels near the McKimmon Conference and Training Center. You can view the full list of hotels on the McKimmon website (scroll to the bottom of the page). Many have promotional codes available. If the promotional code is not listed, please reference the McKimmon Center at NC State for a special rate. Rates are subject to availability. Please contact the hotel of your choice if you have any further questions.

Breakout Session Presenters
  • Adrienne Villagomez, Durham Academy
  • Aleea Davey-Price, Charlotte Country Day School
  • Alli King, Carolina Day School
  • Ashton Trawinski, Forsyth Country Day School
  • Beth Hawks, The Learning Hawk
  • Brigid Cameron, Mountain Sun Community School
  • Carey French, Forsyth Country Day School
  • Carolyn Ronco, Durham Academy
  • Danielle Wysenski, Durham Academy
  • Emily Hayes, The Lerner School
  • Ginna Clute, The Fletcher School
  • Jaime Hartley, GRACE Christian School
  • Janna Ethridge, Fletcher Academy
  • Jenna Skarda, Ravenscroft School
  • Jessica Brammer-Owens, Lionheart Academy of the Triad
  • Jessica Kennedy, Forsyth Country Day School
  • Julia Stivers, Carolina Friends School
  • Kalee Thompson, Rabun Gap Nacoochee School
  • Megan White, Forsyth Country Day School
  • MG Sheers, Summit School
  • Michelle Hernandez, Carolina Day School
  • Rachel High, Gaston Day School
  • Rachel Peet, The John Crosland School
  • Rachel Warner, Forsyth Country Day School
  • Sal Lettes, Mountain Sun Community School
  • Sandy Litzenberger, The Fletcher Academy
  • Stephen Stepp, The Fletcher School

For More Information:

Meghan Hilleboe
Meghan Hilleboe
North Carolina Association of Independent Schools (704)461-1812 x4

Keynote Speaker:

Peyten Williams, Bowbend Consulting

Peyten Williams is the founder of Bowbend Consulting, a company dedicated to inspiring and equipping parents and communities to raise thriving children of character. At Bowbend, Peyten offers parent coaching, workshops for parents and schools, consulting for schools, and professional development for teachers. With a commitment to education, child development, and researched best practices, Peyten brings a wealth of experience to her mission.

Peyten's career as an educator spans 16 years. Along with her role as middle and high school English teacher, she served until 2022 as the Director of Teaching and Learning at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, leading professional development and coaching teachers. An award-winning educator, Peyten has a passion for fostering character development and building community.

As a mother of three children, Peyten understands the challenges and joys of parenting firsthand. Her insights into the needs of both parents and children are deeply informed by her personal experiences.

Peyten resides with her husband and children in Atlanta, GA.