Our Limitless Conference is put together to encourage, empower, and resource you when caring for those with disabilities around us. This conference is meant for anyone who is caring for, working alongside, or serving those with disability, whether you are a caregiver, ministry leader, business owner, or community member. We are hoping you leave the conference with knowledge and resources to help navigate this road, as well as connections to other people who are in your shoes. This one-day conference includes a fabulous keynote speaker, nine breakout sessions, and forty resource vendors. Lunch and raffle prizes are also included in your cost of admission. Save the date for the 2026 conference which will be happening on October 24th!
Tickets on sale beginning June 15th and can be purchased here.
Conference Schedule
8am: Opening Session Begins
8:30am: Keynote Speaker
10am: Breakout Sessions #1
11:30: Breakout Sessions #2
12:30: Lunch Time/Vendors Open
1:00: Optional Lunchtime Breakouts
2:15: Breakout Sessions #3
3:30: Closing/Raffle Prizes
Meet Our 2026 Keynote
Rachael Vermeulen is a writer, speaker, ministry leader, and founder of A Little Extra Love, a ministry dedicated to encouraging families impacted by disability and equipping churches to create spaces of true belonging. She also serves as the Family Care and Disability Ministry Director at her local church, where she develops support systems, discipleship pathways, and inclusive ministry practices for families of all abilities. As a mother of three, including a son with Down syndrome, autism, and complex medical needs, Rachael brings both lived experience and theological conviction to her work. Her heart is to remind parents they are not alone, while equipping the Church to see, welcome, and disciple every family as an essential part of the body of Christ. Through Bible studies, speaking, community engagement, and Inclusive Pathways — A Little Extra Love’s church training and consulting program equipping churches to welcome, disciple, and support families impacted by disability — Rachael bridges the gap between disability, discipleship, and the local church. Her work offers practical tools, gospel-centered encouragement, and a vision for belonging that reflects the heart of Jesus.
Many churches, schools, businesses, and communities have already opened their doors to individuals and families affected by disability but true belonging invites us deeper. In this keynote, Rachael Vermeulen will encourage caregivers, churches, educators, and community leaders to move beyond access and accommodation into a culture where every person is seen as an image-bearer, every family is supported, and every gift has a place. Drawing from her own family’s story, her work with A Little Extra Love, and her experience helping churches strengthen disability ministry, Rachael will speak to the whole family: parents, caregivers, siblings, marriages, and the often-unseen people carrying the weight. With biblical encouragement, honest storytelling, and practical next steps, this message will help leaders and families imagine what becomes possible when inclusion grows into lasting, Christ-centered belonging.
Meet Our 2026 Breakout Presenters
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Mi nombre es Patricia Gutierrez. Soy una patóloga del habla y lenguaje bilingüe (español/inglés) con una maestría de California State University, Fresno y un certificado avanzado en Patología del Habla y Lenguaje Bilingüe de Columbia University. He trabajado tanto en escuelas como en entornos clínicos, ofreciendo evaluaciones y terapias culturalmente sensibles en las áreas de habla, lenguaje, comunicación social, tartamudeo, comunicación cognitiva y deglución.
Nicole was born in Fresno and graduated from Clovis High School. Her brother with spina bifida passed away when she was in second grade, which started her desire to advocate for the inclusion of individuals with Special Needs. She earned her Master's degree in Special Education from Fresno State University and taught Special Education for seven years. She now works at The Well Community Church as the Jr. High Special Needs Coordinator.
Brooke, a Clovis, California native, had her life direction shaped by a 2013 trip to an orphanage in Ukraine, which led her to change her studies from Physical Therapy to Liberal Studies and pursue Special Education. She taught Special Education for eight years and also spent two of those years mentoring new teachers in her district. In 2023, she transitioned into ministry and now serves as the Special Needs Associate Director at The Well Community Church.
Alexis is part of the Spot On Speech Therapy team. We offer customized Speech Therapy services in the convenience of your own home and via teletherapy (online). Speech and Language services are provided to individuals and groups with a wide variety of speech, language, and swallowing differences/disorders across the life span of an individual (Birth-Adult). Our therapy is specially designed for each client’s particular needs.
Danielle is part of the Spot On Speech Therapy team. We offer customized Speech Therapy services in the convenience of your own home and via teletherapy (online). Speech and Language services are provided to individuals and groups with a wide variety of speech, language, and swallowing differences/disorders across the life span of an individual (Birth-Adult). Our therapy is specially designed for each client’s particular needs.
Michelle is a physical therapist, but currently working as an independent facilitator in the self-determiantion program (SDP). She has endeavored to listen to her children and to assist them in their journey to a full life, especially since three of her children receive services from CVRC. She believes in higher education for all, work for those who desire, and a plentiful journey of hope and faith. No is not a barrier to her, but rather a chance to problem solve and pivot.
Owner of Divinely Balanced, Kelly is a personal trainer who is able to assist her clients one on one to suit their needs individually. As a parent to a special needs daughter, it delights me & gives me great gratitude to work with individuals with special needs or handicaps of all ages.
Dr. Victoria “Dr. Vicki” Sanders is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, speaker, and trauma specialist with more than 15 years of experience supporting children, adults, and families impacted by complex trauma, foster care, adoption, and behavioral health challenges. She is the founder of VMS Family Counseling Services and is known for her compassionate, practical, and engaging approach to helping professionals and caregivers better understand behavior.
Licensed Educational Psychologist, school psychologist, and former Director of Special Education with over 20 years of experience supporting students, families, and schools
Dana and Sarah are the occupational therapist duo behind Playwell Collective, a community-based, neurodiversity-affirming OT practice rooted in Fresno, California. Sarah and Dana specialize in mental-health focused occupational therapy , where regulation and relationship come first in helping neurodivergent kids, teens and young adults fulfill their potential.
Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Fresno Pacific University. I was born in Wyoming, but consider Phoenix, Arizona, home. I made my faith commitment to Jesus at Twin Lakes Baptist Church in Las Vegas, Nevada, as a child and was baptized at First Southern Baptist Church in Glendale, Arizona. My wife, Cindy, and I met in college and married shortly after. She has her B.S. in sociology, an MSW, and a DMin with emphasis in church social work. We had the joy of being on staff together at Firs
Dayna is part of the Spot On Speech Therapy team. We offer customized Speech Therapy services in the convenience of your own home and via teletherapy (online). Speech and Language services are provided to individuals and groups with a wide variety of speech, language, and swallowing differences/disorders across the life span of an individual (Birth-Adult). Our therapy is specially designed for each client’s particular needs.
I support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages and from diverse cultural backgrounds. Through California’s Self-Determination Program, I have partnered with individuals and families to help develop services, create employment opportunities, support staffing and strengthen self-advocacy. My work is grounded in collaboration, respect, and a commitment to person-centered support.
Yenifer Gallegos-Mejia es una orgullosa graduada de primera generación de la universidad, Fresno State, una apasionada trabajadora social, promotora comunitaria, nativa del Valle Central y Directora de Programas de YAI-CA START en el Valle Central. En 2017, Yenifer obtuvo su licenciatura en Sociología y, posteriormente, continuó su formación académica en 2019 al obtener una Maestría en Trabajo Social con énfasis en el bienestar infantil.
I personally know the inherent feelings of uncertainty due to the lack of special needs financial planning. This discomfort led me to learn more about this specialized financial need, and later, to pursue a career guiding families like mine to enhanced family relationships, mitigated emotional stress, and assistance in developing a clearer, more confident, picture of your family’s future. Jordan has been my career inspiration.
Come hear from families who have a child who is considered medically fragile as they discuss the day to day life, offer encouragement, and provide support to other caregivers and the community.
I am married to my wonderful wife of 26 years, Launa. We have 4 kids (Levi-21, Mila-20, Autumn-16, Asher-15). Levi and Mila are adults with special needs, while Autumn and Asher are typical. My role at Central Valley Charter Schools (YVC and MRA) is an SST Coordinator. I discuss with families options to meet students' needs, including curriculum changes, academic and behavior interventions, and recommendations for a SPED assessment or a 504 plan.
Check Out the Breakouts
The Tracks are just a suggestion, attend any of the sessions you'd like
10am Parent/Caregiver Track: Mental Health for Caregivers with Dr. Vicki Sanders
Caregivers play a vital role in the lives of children and adults with disabilities, but the ongoing demands of caregiving can take a significant toll on emotional, physical, and mental well-being. This training highlights the importance of caregiver mental health and offers practical strategies for managing stress, preventing burnout, strengthening resilience, and creating sustainable patters of care that support both the caregiver and the individuals they serve. This session is designed for family caregivers, foster and adoptive parents, direct support professionals, mental health providers, educators, case managers, healthcare staff, and others who provide ongoing care and support to children and adults with disabilities.
2:15pm
Ministry Leaders/Pastors Track: Playful De-Escalation: How to Not Flip Your Volunteer Lid! with Playwell Collective
In this practical, parent and staff-friendly session, occupational therapists Dana and Sarah break down what's actually happening in a child's nervous system when they walk into a busy, unpredictable new church room — and what you can do about it. Drawing on years of experience supporting neurodivergent kids in community settings, they'll share real, actionable strategies you can start using right away. You'll walk away with: Simple tips to prepare a family before Sunday morning even begins, easy environment modifications to reduce overwhelm and increase inclusion, routine-building strategies that create felt safety and predictability, sensory quick wins — low-cost, low-effort tools and techniques that make a big difference, playful pivots that can help staff build relationship and co-regulation with kids/teens who have higher support needs.
2:15pm
Adult with IDD/ Autism Track: Accessing Overlooked Resources with Various Organizations
This workshop explores how goals shape the services a person receives and how they can be used to request supports from different agencies. Participants will learn how to translate meaningful goals into service requests, support self-advocacy, and identify the activities and tasks that build independence. Various organizations will be sharing what is available to individuals and how to access those resources.
2:15pm
Spanish Only Sessions: Mantenga La Calma: La Desescalada En Acción (Keep the Calm: De-Escalation in Action)
Mantenga La Calma: La Desescalada En Acción es un entrenamiento centrado en las crisis de salud mental, diseñada para equipar a los participantes con habilidades prácticas que les permiten administrar herramientas de manera segura con situaciones de alto estrés. Este entrenamiento se enfoca en reconocer las señales tempranas de un crisis, mantener la seguridad personal y ambiental, y utilizando un enfoque informado en la trauma con técnicas de desescalada verbales y no verbales para reducir la intensidad en el momento. Los participantes aprenderán a regular sus propias respuestas, a comunicarse eficazmente bajo presión y a aplicar estrategias estructuradas a de desescalada que preserven la dignidad, prevengan la escalada y favorezcan resultados positivos durante las intervenciones en crisis en diferente ambientes.
1:00pm en español
Extra/Optional: (Lunchtime Breakout)
El Habla en Niños Bilingües: Lo Esencial para Padres (Speech in Bilingual Children: The Essentials for Parents) with Spot On Speech Therapy
Los hogares bilingües pueden añadir una dimensión adicional a los desafíos del habla. Acompáñenos durante el almuerzo para conocer estos retos particulares y descubrir cómo apoyar a su hijo con herramientas prácticas que pueden utilizarse en casa.
11:30am Parent/Caregiver Track: De-Escalating the Situation: Practical Strategies for Preventing and Reducing Behavioral Escalation with
Dr. Vicki Sanders
This training explores practical, trauma-informed strategies for recognizing early signs of escalation and responding in ways that promote safety, regulation, and connection. Participants will learn how to reduce power struggles, respond effectively in high-stress moments, and support children and adults with disabilities using approaches that are respectful, relational, and effective across a variety of settings. This session is designed for professionals and caregivers who support children and adults with disabilities, including mental health providers, educators, school staff, behavior support staff, direct support professionals, foster and adoptive parents, caregivers, and agency leaders.
10am
Adult with IDD/ Autism Track: Self Advocating and One Page Profiles with Pathway to Change
This workshop focuses on keeping the voice of the person supported central in all planning and decisions by anchoring everything in their perspective, even when that voice is subtle or indirect. Participants will use the “Important To” and “Important For” framework to balance personal preferences with health and safety needs and learn how to ask meaningful questions of both the person and the support team to develop person-centered goals. The session also introduces the one-page profile as a simple tool to capture what matters most and turn it into clear, practical support.
11:30am
Educator/ Community Track: How You Can Actually Help with Panel of Parents
Sometimes the community lovingly think they know what parents or caregivers need, or what is best for their child, but in reality some of those things can unfortunately actually hurt. Join us for a conversation by parents for educators and the community on what they need from you to help them on the journey they're on. Get some suggestions straight from parents who are living it so that we can all be on the same team with the same goals in mind that way everyone wins!
1:00pm
Extra/Optional: (Lunchtime Breakout) Support for Medically Fragile Families with Parent Panel
Join us for this insightful breakout session with a panel of parents who have a medically fragile child they are caring for. During this breakout they'll share what the day to day is like, the joys and challenges they face, and some things to consider as your child gets older (and so do you).
1:00pm
Extra/Optional: (Lunchtime Breakout) Homeschooling Your Child with
Jeff Grunau
Jeff is a Central Valley Charter Schools (YVC and MRA) SST Coordinator. He will discuss with families the options available to meet students' needs, including curriculum changes, academic and behavior interventions, and recommendations for a SPED assessment or a 504 plan, showing them that homeschooling is an option that is doable and could work well.
2:15pm Parent/Caregiver Track: Helping Your Child Thrive Educationally with
James Brannon
This breakout session is designed to help families better understand the educational journey for children with learning, developmental, behavioral, and social-emotional needs from early childhood through adulthood. The session will provide families with a practical and encouraging overview of Early Start services, special education supports, the IEP process, parent rights, healthy advocacy, and transition planning. Families will leave with a stronger understanding of how to partner with schools, support their child emotionally and academically, and navigate the educational system with greater confidence, hope, and clarity. This breakout is great for parents, caregivers, or anyone caring for a child with a special need.
11:30 am
Ministry Leaders/Pastors Track: Sunday Stories with Panel of Sunday Ministry Volunteers and Coordinators
Come hear from some experienced volunteers and ministry coordinators on what it is like on a typical Sunday morning. They'll share about how and why they started, what they've learned in the process, and some practical tips on what a typical Sunday in special needs ministry can look like.
10am
Educator/ Community Track: Communication Supports with Spot On Speech Therapy
Communication is more than just the words we speak; it is an interactive process that involves comprehension, expression, and listening. Effective communication requires both understanding what others are conveying and being able to share our own thoughts clearly. It is a dynamic exchange, where active listening and thoughtful responses help build meaningful connections. Strategies, functional communication, how to implement strategies into natural environment etc. Interactive session with SLP's with question and answer portion of presentation. This breakout is great for educators, caregivers, or anyone in the community.
2:15pm
Educator/ Community Track: Real Strategies to Manage Behaviors
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10am
Ministry Leaders/Pastors Track: Disability Theology with Quentin Kinnison
How should we think about disability and suffering theologically? As a person personally affected by disability or as someone who is caring for others, consider that who God is has meaning for how we care for others and how we can find a deeper and richer meaning in relationships as persons who experience disability, ours and others. Join us to learn more!
11:30am
Adult with IDD/ Autism Track: The Importance of Physical Activity in IDD and Autism
Kelly, owner of Divinely Balanced, has been a group exercise leader for more than 30 years & has attained many certifications & continued her education in fitness & nutrition. She expanded her business to personal training where she found she is able to assist clients one on one to suit their needs individually. As a parent of a special needs daughter, it gives her great gratitude to work with individuals with special needs or disabilities of all ages. In this breakout Kelly will discuss with adults the importance of fitness and they'll even have some time to try out a few exercises.
10am
Spanish Only Sessions: Funcionamiento Ejecutivo En El Autismo: Estrategias Que Hacen Una Diferencia (Executive Functioning in Autism- Strategies That Make a Difference)
: Funcionamiento Ejecutivo En El Autismo: Estrategias Que Hacen Una Diferencia es una práctica, basada en las fortalezas, diseñada para profundizar la comprensión de cómo los desafíos en el funcionamiento ejecutivo afectan a las personas con autismo en sus actividades diarias, su aprendizaje y su estado de ánimo. Los participantes explorarán habilidades del funcionamiento ejecutivo —tales como la planificación, la organización, la regulación emocional, la flexibilidad y la memoria de trabajo—, así como la manera en que las diferencias en estas áreas pueden manifestarse en el hogar, la escuela o la comunidad. Este curso de formación enfatiza el enfoque basado en la evidencia, Estrategias fáciles de aplicar que apoyan la independencia, reducan los desafíos, y promocionan el éxito, con ejemplos del mundo real y herramientas que pueden utilizarse de inmediato.
11:30am
Extra/Optional: Financial Planning with Rhett Beal
Join Rhett Beal's Charting your Financial Road Map seminar, where you will learn to map out a financial future for your loved one with developmental disabilities. In this seminar, we will be discussing ABLE accounts, Special Needs Trusts, and navigating Social Security with real-world examples. This will be a highly interactive seminar allowing for plenty of Q&A time throughout to ensure applicability to all.
Meet Our 2026 Vendors
vendors still being added
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