Bridging the Gap: Design Pathways to Success

Empowering Students with Special Needs for a Fulfilling Future 

A Transitional Workshop for Students with Disabilities

Presented by New Direction Educational Services, LLC

Upcoming Event Overview

Join us for a transformative day focused on the successful transition of students with disabilities from K-12 to post-secondary success. This workshop brings together educators, advocates, and community agencies to design inclusive pathways for student growth.

  • Date: March 26, 2026

  • Location: Virginia Peninsula Community College (Workforce Development Center) 

  • Time: 9:00am–1:00pm

Registration Fee: FREE

[ REGISTER NOW BUTTON (Link to Form) ] or copy and paster in the URL https://newdirectionedu.wufoo.com/forms/qlmr33t0ermnvf/

Bridging the Gap: Design Pathways to Success

Speaker Spotlight: Selected Research

To prepare for the session, attendees are encouraged to explore Dr. Parker’s work on student empowerment:

  • It Takes a Village: Self-determination skill use and development among African American high school students.

  • Culturally responsive consultation among practicing school psychologists.

Opening Guest Speaker

Dr. Janise Parker

Associate Professor of School Psychology, William & Mary

We are honored to welcome Dr. Janise Parker as our opening keynote speaker. Dr. Parker is a licensed psychologist and award-winning researcher whose work focuses on a healing-centered approach to mental health and sociocultural factors in education. Dr. Parker has been recognized nationally for her service to children and school psychology, receiving the NASP Presidential Award for Excellence in 2023. Her research into self-determination skills among high school students directly informs our mission of "Bridging the Gap" for students transitioning into adulthood.

Expertise & Focus:

  • Culturally Responsive Services: Designing behavioral and mental health support that meets the needs of diverse student populations.

  • Positive Youth Development: Empowering Black students and minoritized youth through holistic care.

  • Community Partnerships: Building collaborative bridges between school stakeholders, religious organizations, and families to support the "whole child."

Workshop Schedule


Time Activity Location

8:30 AM Registration & Networking Main Lobby

9:00 AM Opening Keynote: Dr. Janise Parker 

9:45 AM  Session I: Agency Collaboration 

10:45 AM Session II: The Power Community 

11:45 PM Lunch & Resource Fair Commons Area

12:15 to 1:00PM Closing Keynote: Transition: Pathways for Success

Registration & Contact

Registration Fee: Free

Registration includes access to all sessions, workshop materials, and a certificate of completion.

[ REGISTER NOW BUTTON (Link to Form) ] or copy and paster in the URL Bridging the Gap: Design Pathways to Success 

https://newdirectionedu.wufoo.com/forms/qlmr33t0ermnvf/

Questions?

Contact Lisa Holloway or Shanita Glaspie, Ed.D., 

Email: myndesllc@gmail.com or shanita.glaspie@gmail.com

New Direction Educational Services, LLC