Technical Training Series (TTS)

2025-2026

October 22, 2025 TTS: Hosted by Region 1

Time: 3:30-5:00pm

Topic: Gap Analysis

Speaker: Kelly Rogers

About the Speaker: Kelly is a school psychologist and BCBA currently working for c as a special education coordinator.  This role includes transition coordination.  She spent a good portion of her career as an Autism Education and Intervention Specialist for MDE at Grand Valley State University’s START (Statewide Autism Resources and Training) project.

Description of session: Transition planning is critical in preparing students with disabilities for life after high school, yet programs often struggle to align with both national best practices and state requirements. This session will introduce participants to the Transition Gap Analysis process—a structured method for evaluating current practices against established standards. Using a gap analysis tool, participants will learn how to identify strengths, pinpoint areas of need, and prioritize actions that strengthen transition services. The session emphasizes practical application, collaborative reflection, and data-driven decision-making to improve outcomes for students.

Registration link to session:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WcVl8dFbS9eJDDbrZc4_DQ

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November 19, 2025 TTS: Hosted by Region 5

Time: 3:30-5:00pm

Topic: Interagency Agreement

Speaker: Eric Roberts-MSU/MITT, Rebecca Flatt-BSBP, TBD-MRS,TBD-MDE

About the Speaker: Eric Roberts has been involved in transition since 2006, working as a special education teacher, a transition and instructional coordinator in a school district, and as a director at two university centers. In his director roles, he developed and managed statewide transition programs. He earned his PhD in Special Education, focusing on transition, in 2013.

Description of session: In this session, leaders from the Michigan Interagency Transition Team (MITT) will guide you through the Interagency Agreement (IA). This document outlines the collaborative roles and responsibilities of the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies and the Michigan Department of Education – Office of Special Education (MDE-OSE) to support a successful transition from school to post-school activities. This includes postsecondary education, employment-related activities, and Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE). During the session, you can expect to explore the key commitments of the IA, receive step-by-step guidance on Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), learn how MDE-OSE fosters collaboration between schools and VR, and find out how to document specific processes.

Registration link to session:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_f3ulFCPHQ_edOVTGDw8OuA

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January 28, 2026 TTS: Hosted by Region 3

Time: 3:30-5:00

Topic: Building Strong Community Partnerships

Speaker: Jennifer Hirst and John Fiore

About the Speakers: 

Jennifer Hirst brings more than 17 years of dedicated leadership to Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), with a strong record of advancing statewide transition initiatives and strengthening outcomes for youth with disabilities. As a Transition Rehabilitation Consultant in the Strategic Initiatives Division, Ms. Hirst leads several of MRS’s signature statewide efforts, including DNR Summer Youth Works, Project SEARCH, the Michigan Interagency Team (MITT), and incentive strategies that expand and elevate Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and all Transition Services. In this role, she drives alignment across state agencies, school districts, vendors, and community partners to ensure coherent, policy-aligned service delivery under WIOA, IDEA, and Michigan’s administrative rules. Her leadership emphasizes data-informed decision-making, operational consistency, and collaborative problem-solving to scale high-quality transition practices across Michigan.

John Fiore is the District Manager for Michigan Rehabilitation Services’ Southwest District, building his career on a deep commitment to expanding opportunities for people with disabilities to achieve meaningful and successful employment. John has worked in the field of Vocational Rehabilitation for 29 years, including 12 years as a Rehabilitation Counselor in both the private and public sectors, 11 years as a Site Manager for Michigan Rehabilitation Services in Battle Creek, and the past 6 years as a District Manager. As a counselor, John supported a diverse caseload, including Transition-age youth and individuals with mental health conditions, traumatic brain injuries, substance use disorders, histories of incarceration, and those experiencing homelessness. Throughout his career, John has found his greatest successes through strong collaborations with community partners. He firmly believes that “more and better is always possible” when organizations work together to support individuals in achieving their goals.

Description of session:the session will focus on the school and MRS relationship to improve outcomes for students as well as explain further the difference between a Prior-to-Application (Pre-ETS) case and a Vocational Rehabilitation case and what services can look like in the schools. This session will review what is important for successfully working with community partners (including Michigan Rehabilitation Services MRS). Provide a clear understanding of MRS and the two types of MRS cases (Vocational Rehabilitation and Prior-to-Application (Pre-ETS). How a Prior-to-Application (Pre-ETS) case can be transitioned to a Vocational Rehabilitation case.

Registration link to session:

Updated Link (1.18.26): https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vFtfUYtVTIW7Qts6_iQhhg

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March 18, 2026 TTS: Hosted by Region 4

Time: 3:30-5:00

Topic: Diploma/Certificate Exit Strategies

Speaker: LeKeisha Franklin-Shorter

About the Speaker: Lekeisha is a Transition Coordinator, currently working at Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD). She is an experienced presenter, who has also worked with PROJECT SEARCH.

Description of session: Coming soon

Registration link to session: Coming soon

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April 22, 2026 TTS: Hosted by Region 2

Time: 3:30-5:00

Topic: Supporting Worksite Independence

Speaker: Cass Paeth

About the Speaker: Cass Paeth has been working in the field of Autism since 2016 after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Ball State University. Cass has experience providing ABA therapy for children and teens and currently works as a paraprofessional and job coach with the S.A.I.L. transition program at Ingham ISD. Cass is pursuing a Master’s in Special Education with the goal of becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Their work with young adults has deepened their passion for supporting individuals as they transition into adulthood.

Description of session: This session will share practical strategies to support young adults with disabilities in work-based learning. Participants will explore ways to structure the first days on the job, use praise and visual supports, promote peer teamwork, and collaborate with job coaches and families. Student reflections will also highlight the positive impact of meaningful work experiences.

Registration link to session: Coming soon