Nancy Michael, PhD
is the Director of Education for the Neuroscience and Behavior major at the University of Notre Dame. She earned her PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Minnesota, with training in behavioral neuroendocrinology and experience-dependent brain plasticity. Dr. Michael is widely recognized for her work translating neuroscience into practical, community-centered strategies through NEAR science: Neuroscience, Epigenetics, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Resilience. Partnering with community organizations and professionals across the helping fields, she develops trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches that promote healing and resilience in individuals and communities. Known for making complex science accessible and actionable, Dr. Michael brings a hopeful, relationship-centered perspective to supporting children, families, and the systems that serve them.
Maureen Greer
Maureen Greer is the Executive Director of the IDEA Infant and Toddler Coordinators Association (ITCA) as well as the owner and principal of Emerald Consulting, founded in 2001, specializing in perinatal and early childhood finance, policy, and integrated systems. Prior to establishing Emerald Consulting, Maureen spent eight years as the Part C Coordinator in Indiana. In that position, she was responsible for a major redesign of the early intervention system including the establishment of central financing, development of a universal application process and the establishment of independent service coordination. Prior to this position, Maureen spent five years at Indiana University directing the training and technical assistance project for early intervention serving families, providers and the health care/medical community. Maureen provides consulting services to the Early Childhood Personnel Center (ECPC), the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA), the Center for Early Childhood Data Systems (DaSy), the Center for IDEA Fiscal Reporting (CIFR) and the newly established LEAD IDEA center.
Maureen has received numerous awards and commendations for her contributions and accomplishments at the state and national level to improve the lives of families and their very young children and the communities in which they live.
Darla Gundler
Darla Gundler is Associate Director of the Early Childhood Intervention Personnel Center (ECIPC) at the Federation for Children with Special Needs, through the Connecticut UCEDD. With over 30 years of experience in family partnerships, leadership development, and inclusion, she leads initiatives to strengthen the early childhood intervention workforce so family voices shape policies and practices that promote accessibility and lasting impact. Previously, she served as Staff to the Massachusetts Interagency Coordinating Council and the Part C Lead Agency team, advancing statewide systems and policy implementation. As a parent of an adult with a disability, Darla is deeply committed to amplifying diverse family perspectives and driving state and national policies that improve outcomes for all families.
Jennifer Kaufman, M.Ed.
Jennifer Kaufman, M.Ed., is the Part C Coordinator for Rhode Island at the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services and is a member of Rhode Island College’s Early Childhood Special Education adjunct faculty. Jennifer’s 30-year career in Early Childhood Education, with 25 of those years in the Early Intervention field, has given her the experience and knowledge to support ECSE professionals within their roles within the Early Intervention field. Jennifer is dedicated to supporting the ECSE workforce through the development and delivery of high-quality professional development and coaching for students seeking to work in the field, the talented professionals currently working directly with children and families, and the state leadership teams responsible for the implementation of IDEA programs. As a past-President and 4-year board member of the IDEA Infant and Toddler Coordinators Association, Jennifer also has prioritized state and national policy efforts that support the funding of IDEA programs as well as initiatives that ensure positive outcomes for all young children with disabilities and their families.