We are pleased to announce our speaker lineup for 2026!
Jan Tomsky, Partner | F3 Law, Oakland, CA
Jan E. Tomsky is a partner in the firm, serving clients from the Oakland office. A nationally recognized leader in special education law, Jan has represented school district clients in mediations and due process hearings, as well as in special education-related litigation in both state and federal courts and in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Her expertise in special education matters has helped scores of districts to address issues and resolve disputes in this specialized field. Additionally, Jan has assisted districts in countless student expulsion hearings, particularly those that involve complex or sensitive issues, and has successfully defended districts’ decisions on appeal to county boards and in court.
In addition to student-related advice, Jan regularly assists clients on issues related to cyber misconduct, social media and technology matters. Moreover, Jan is certified as a trainer of trainers in Interest-Based Bargaining, and she advises clients on contract and general labor and employment matters.
Jonathan Read, Attorney at Law | F3 Law, San Diego, CA
Jonathan Read is a partner at F3 Law and a seasoned Special Education attorney with over 25 years of experience advocating for school districts and educational institutions. A sought-after speaker in his field, he co-hosts F3 Law’s widely attended Special Education Symposium and frequently presents at major conferences including the Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law and the LRP National Institute. Jonathan’s deep expertise and engaging style make him a trusted voice and thought leader in special education law.
Glenna Wright-Gallo, Vice President, Office of Strategic Research and Policy | Everway, Huron, OH
Bio coming soon
Lara Hruska, JD, MSW/MSEd, Managing Partner | Cedar Law PLLC, Seattle, WA
Lara founded Cedar Law based on a holistic approach to school law informed by her unique background in education, social work, and the law. She is licensed to practice law in Washington, Oregon and California. Lara received her JD from the University of Washington School of Law and also holds an MSW in Child and Family Welfare Policy from Columbia University, an MSEd in Special and General Childhood Education from Bank Street College of Education, and a BA in Peace and Conflict Studies from U.C. Berkeley. She has experience teaching children from pre-kindergarten through middle school in California, New York, and Louisiana, where she served as the founding special education director for two post-Katrina charter schools in New Orleans.
Prior to forming Cedar Law in 2015, Lara represented traditional school districts around the State of Washington with day-to-day general counsel advice and provided representation in state and federal litigation and administrative proceedings. She served on the board of the Washington Council of School Attorneys from 2013-2014 and the board of the Washington Women Lawyers from 2014-2016, and Chartwell School in Monterey, CA from 2017-2022. She has consistently been recognized as a Rising Star from 2017-2023, and as a Super Lawyer in 2024-2025 by Washington Super Lawyers. Lara currently serves on the board of the Mother Attorneys Mentoring Association (MAMAs) of Seattle.
Alex Hagel, Partner | Cedar Law PLLC, Seattle, WA
Bio coming soon
Kaitlin Leifur-Masterson, Associate | Cedar Law PLLC, Seattle, WA
Bio coming soon
Jose L. Martín, J.D., Attorney at Law | Richards Lindsay & Martín, LLP, Austin, TX
Jose Martín is a partner with the school law firm of Richards Lindsay & Martín in Austin, Texas. For over 30 years, his law practice has focused exclusively on matters involving the education of students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504. He is a graduate of the University of Texas and the University of Texas School of Law. A background in journalism has led Jose to frequent publication in the area of disabilities laws and their impact on public schools and their students. As a litigant, he has tried cases at the due process, district court, and court of appeals levels. He currently serves as contributor to the national LRP web-based publication Special Ed Connection. As a speaker, Mr. Martín presents numerous sessions on disabilities laws to audiences at local, regional, state, online, and national conferences.
David Richards, J.D., Attorney at Law | Richards Lindsay & Martín, LLP, Austin, TX
David Richards is a partner in the Austin, Texas school law firm Richards Lindsay & Martín, LLP. The firm’s practice is limited to the defense of school districts and special education cooperatives in matters arising under Section 504 and the IDEA. Mr. Richards is a frequent speaker on disability law issues at school districts and conferences throughout the country.
Betsey A. Helfrich, Attorney at Law | The Law Office of Betsey Helfrich, LLC, St. Louis, MO
Betsey has dedicated her professional career to education law. Betsey has successfully represented school district clients against a variety of claims in state and federal courts, as well as special education due process hearings and appeals, including the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Betsey is a recognized leader in special education law, providing general counsel, litigation defense, and consulting for schools in all areas of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Betsey also serves as an independent hearing officer under Section 504, assists schools with the drafting and implementation of Section 504 policies and procedures, and hosts numerous workshops regarding Section 504 for school personnel.
Elizabeth Polay, Attorney at Law | Garrett Hemann Robertson P.C., Salem, OR
Elizabeth Polay represents school districts, ESDs, community colleges, and private schools throughout Oregon. Prior to joining the Salem-based firm, Garrett Hemann Robertson P.C., Elizabeth practiced with a Portland school law firm and has substantial experience representing parents and students in special education matters. She also has extensive experience in assisting clients with navigating state and federal investigation processes with the Oregon Department of Education, the Office for Civil Rights, the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industry (BOLI), and the federal Department of Justice. Before becoming an attorney, Elizabeth was a high school math teacher and taught in high-needs districts and alternative settings. Elizabeth has experience in providing school districts advice and representation related to both student and employee issues, including grievances, employee discipline and dismissals, special education disputes, due process hearing requests, and civil litigation.
Erin Burris, Attorney at Law | Miller Nash LLP, Portland, OR
Bio coming soon
Dr. Andrew Johnson, Ed. D., School Psychologist | NEW ESD 101, Spokane, WA
Bio coming soon
Patrick Mulick, Director of Student Engagement | Auburn School District, Auburn, WA
Patrick is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and certified speaker, trainer, and coach with the John Maxwell Team. He holds degrees in special education and behavior analysis from Gonzaga University. After years of teaching students with disabilities, he found a passion for supporting those with autism and complex behaviors. Now serving as Director of Student Engagement in the Auburn School District in Washington state, Patrick is a nationally recognized speaker who combines inspiration with practical strategies and effective leadership moves. His work empowers all educators with the passion and tools to reach all students.
Bryce Johnson, Co-founder of the Microsoft Inclusive Tech Lab | Microsoft, Redmond, WA
Bryce Johnson is a technologist and inclusive designer who has spent more than a decade designing human-computer interaction for disabled people. He is a co-founder of the Microsoft Inclusive Tech Lab and has worked across adaptive hardware, accessible software, inclusive design, and emerging AI experiences. His work focuses on how technology can support disabled agency, participation, and autonomy across school, work, and life.
Lesley Rytel, MS, CCC-SLP, Lead Assistive Technology Specialist | Kent School District, Kent, WA
Bio coming soon
Dr. Grace Clark, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Assistant Professor | Montclair State University, Bloomfield, NJ
Bio coming soon