2019 Conference Keynote and Plenary Speakers Announced!

With the publication of Learning Outside The Lines (now in its 18th printing) when he was 23, Jonathan has established himself as one of the foremost leaders in the neurodiversity and learning revolution. His second book, The Short Bus: A Journey Beyond Normal was published in the spring of 2007 to outstanding reviews in The New York Times Book Review, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, and many other national publications. Both books are considered foundational texts in the disability rights movement, the inclusive education movement, and the learning revolution and are used in undergraduate and graduate program at universities and colleges across the country including Harvard’s Graduate School of Education and Teachers College, Columbia University.

Jonathan’s work has been widely recognized for its innovation and social impact. In 1999, Jonathan was selected as a Harry S. Truman Scholar for Public Service. In 2000, Jonathan was selected as a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship. In 2002, the LD Access Foundation recognized his work for students with disabilities with the Golden Advocacy award. Previous honorees include David Boies, Judith Rodin, former President of The University of Pennsylvania, and former New Jersey Governor Thomas H. Kean; and in 2008, Jonathan’s social impact work was recognized by the Lab School of Washington where he shared the stage with Vice President Joe Biden.

Jonathan is a highly sought after speaker on neurodiversity, education reform, the learning revolution, and creating college and career pathways for at risk youth. He has lectured in 43 states and three countries. He has been featured and quoted in/on The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, USA Today, HBO, NPR, ABC News, New York Magazine, The Washington Post, and The Boston Globe.

Mary is the President & CEO of MPG Consulting, a New York City-based consultant group with significant experience in providing capacity building services for organizations of various types and sizes. MPGC is committed to ensuring that organizations serving populations of color are prepared to provide transformative culturally and racially attuned clinical, programmatic, and administrative services. The racially and culturally diverse team brings to organizations a wide range of experience as coaches, clinicians, trainers, managers, and organizational consultants in mental health, education, child welfare, and social service settings. Typical clients are undergoing transformations precipitated by a change in market conditions, funding, leadership, and/or community need.

Mary has also been instrumental in coaching and supervising countless individuals in creating and maintaining their own "virtual personal board of directors." She has given many inspiring keynotes and has been honored numerous times for her professional contributions. She is frequently quoted on a variety of mental health and business topics. Mary received her Master of Science in Social Work and Bachelor of Science in Pre-Social Work degrees from New York University.

Dr. Rizzo has published 39 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. She is currently co-editing a textbook, entitled Gerontological social work and the grand challenges: Focusing on policy and practice. This textbook examines the 12 Grand Challenges for Social Work using an aging lens. Dr. Rizzo is a distinguished scholar and fellow of the National Academies of Practice (Social Work Academy), a Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine, and a John A. Hartford Geriatric Social Work Faculty Scholar. Previously, she held faculty appointments at the Columbia School of Social Work and the Department of Social Work, College of Community and Public Affairs, Binghamton University.