Speakers

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

Glenna Wright-Gallo is a leader in disability policy, inclusive education and employment, and systems improvement. She serves as Vice President of the Office of Strategic Research and Policy at Everway, where she focuses on aligning research, policy, and technology to improve outcomes for students with disabilities and students with diverse learner profiles.

Wright-Gallo brings over 25 years of experience of federal, state, and local education systems. She most recently served as Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) in the U.S. Department of Education, where she oversaw both the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), leading national efforts under the IDEA and the Rehabilitation Act to improve access to education and work, strengthen state implementation, expand the use of assistive technology and inclusive practices, including strengthening vocational rehabilitation and transition services to support post-school education and employment outcomes for tens of millions individuals with disabilities.

Her prior roles include State Director of Special Education in Utah and Assistant Superintendent of Special Education in Washington State. In these roles she led system-wide reforms focused on raising expectations, scaling universal design for learning, and embedding assistive technology into instruction, infrastructure, and professional learning. She also advanced transition planning and cross-system coordination between K to 12 education and vocational rehabilitation to improve postsecondary and employment outcomes.

Wright-Gallo’s work focuses on moving systems from compliance-driven models to proactive design. She has supported states and districts in aligning policy, funding, improvement planning, and data systems across education and workforce systems to reduce reliance on reactive accommodations and increase access for all learners and workers. As an individual with a disability, Wright-Gallo brings lived experience to her work, with a focus on access, independence, and student agency.

At Everway, she leads efforts to connect evidence-based practices, accessibility, and emerging technologies, including AI and assistive technology, to support implementation at scale in K-12, postsecondary education, and workforce systems. This includes advancing the use of assistive technology and AI to support access, persistence, and employment outcomes. Her work includes advising on system-level approaches that integrate inclusive design into curriculum, digital environments, and procurement.

She is a recognized voice on inclusive systems, with a focus on practical implementation across policy, funding, education, and workforce practice. Her work aligns with Everway’s ambitious mission to empower over 1 billion people with reading and writing skills by 2030, ensuring all individuals can access opportunities and reach their full potential

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

Alex brings years of experience working with students to his work at Cedar Law PLLC. Alex graduated from the University of Washington School of Law, where he worked in the Children and Youth Advocacy Clinic representing homeless and low-income children in the dependency system. During law school, Alex also interned with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Civil Rights Division, and with the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, enforcing civil rights laws that protect students from discrimination.

Prior to law school, Alex was a high school science teacher and soccer coach in Arizona, where he led the freshman science curriculum team at his school. He also co-taught junior-level special education classes, where he worked collaboratively with special education teachers, students, and their parents to help students succeed in the classroom.

Alex graduated from Gonzaga University with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History. He is licensed in both Washington and Oregon.

Kaitlin Leifur-Masterson, Associate | Cedar Law PLLC, Seattle, WA

Kaitlin Leifur-Masterson has been working in the legal field since she moved to Seattle in 2012, after graduating Cum Laude with a BA in English from Boston University. Kaitlin later earned an MFA in Creative Writing and Poetics from the University of Washington. In 2023, Kaitlin proudly completed Washington’s APR 6 program under the supervision of her mentor, Chris Williams, and became an attorney in 2024.

Having grown up in rural northern Nevada, Kaitlin has a strong interest in ensuring that students from all corners of Washington have access to educational justice. Kaitlin has been on trial teams litigating on behalf of students in both state and federal court on both sides of the Cascades, and she has a strong appreciation for the story-telling aspect of litigation.

Outside the office, Kaitlin can be found running on local trails, swimming laps at the gym, or walking her dog through Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood. She is an avid reader, writer, and Seattle sports fan.

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, Partner | Miller Nash LLP, Portland, OR

Erin Burris is an attorney on Miller Nash’s education team, representing higher education institutions, K-12 institutions, public school districts, and private schools. She defends education clients in litigation and advises on issues including student rights and discipline, Title IX of the Education Amendments, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and an array of statutes affecting faculty and students. Erin’s employment practice includes advice and litigation related to wage-and-hour, discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, and other tort claims.

Before joining Miller Nash, Erin worked as a staff attorney at the Learning Rights Law Center where she practiced education law, with a focus on special education matters and disability discrimination cases under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. She also served as a judicial clerk to Justice Susan Owens of the Washington State Supreme Court, where she gained broad knowledge of Washington law through her work on a variety of civil and criminal cases.

Upon graduating from law school, Erin became a member of the Order of the Coif, an honor society that recognizes the top ten percent of graduating law students from their class. During law school, Erin practiced as a limited license attorney, representing the State of Oregon at the Oregon Department of Justice in its Trial Division and worked on a variety of matters at a general civil litigation law firm. She also gained valuable experience as an extern to the Honorable Judge Ann Aiken of the U.S. District Court of Oregon.

Cristela Delgado Daniel, Associate | Miller Nash LLP, Portland, OR

Cristela Delgado-Daniel is an attorney on Miller Nash’s education team, representing public and private higher education and K-12 institutions. She defends education clients in student, employment, and labor disputes. She also represents school districts in special education matters under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition to active litigation, she advises employers on matters related to wage and hour, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Cristela regularly defends employers in connection with charges filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI), and the Employment Relations Board (ERB).

Cristela is also an independent investigator and conducts investigations related to harassment; race and gender discrimination; and Title IX. She holds a certificate from the Association of Workplace Investigators, an organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing the quality of impartial workplace investigations.

Prior to private practice, Cristela clerked for the Honorable Steven R. Powers with the Oregon Court of Appeals where she assisted in drafting judicial opinions that resolved legal questions spanning both state and federal law.

Melissa Rawlinson, Special Counsel | Miller Nash LLP, Portland, OR

Melissa Lehane Rawlinson is an attorney on Miller Nash’s education and employment team, focusing primarily on litigation and representing higher education institutions, including universities, colleges, and community colleges, as well as K-12 religious and private schools and public school districts. She advises the firm’s education clients on a range of matters that affect their students, administrators, educators, and employees. Melissa also counsels public school districts on matters from infancy through post high school eligibility involving special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. She represents education clients in state and federal court as well as in front of administrative bodies in disputes involving race, gender, and age discrimination, disability discrimination and accommodation issues, wage and hour claims, wrongful discharge, retaliation, as well as general tort and contract claims. Her strong litigation background and employment experience position her well to assist in complex and representative wage and hour matters, including class and collective actions involving compensation, misclassification, and overtime claims.

Melissa joined Miller Nash first as a summer clerk, then as a litigation associate where she participated in trials, arbitrations, and mediations related to complex business and employment matters. She took an extended leave of absence from the firm to focus on raising her three daughters. During her leave, she volunteered and served in multiple leadership roles with educational institutions and youth and student activity groups, gaining valuable experience that now guides and informs her practice serving educational clients.

Dr. Andrew Johnson, Ed. D., NCSP | NEW ESD 101, Spokane, WA

Andrew Johnson, Ed.D., NCSP brings a systems-level and practitioner perspective to special education law, grounded in extensive experience with both legal compliance and implementation. He earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Seattle University and is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist with 12 years of experience serving rural and urban school districts.

Dr. Johnson has held leadership and specialized roles as a Special Services Director, School Psychologist, and Section 504 Coordinator, providing oversight of special education while supporting schools in translating legal requirements into effective practice. In addition to his district leadership experience, he has taught graduate-level assessment coursework at Seattle University, preparing future school professionals.

Drawing on experience as both a school psychologist and educational leader, Dr. Johnson is committed to helping school teams develop legally sound, equitable, and sustainable systems that improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

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

Lesley Rytel is a speech-language pathologist with more than 15 years of experience helping individuals access communication through assistive technology (AT) and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). She currently leads the AT team for a large, diverse school district in Washington state. Her work centers on addressing systemic barriers to communication access by strengthening district processes and implementation supports that help IEP teams deliver assistive technology services effectively. Lesley’s current research examines how AT Specialist roles shape AAC access and implementation across school districts. She is passionate about building practical, sustainable systems that expand access to instruction, support meaningful participation, and honor every student’s right to communicate.

Dr. Grace Clark, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Assistant Professor | Montclair State University, Bloomfield, NJ

Grace Clark is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Montclair State University and director of the AAC Bridge to Language & Literacy (ABLL) Lab. A former public school speech-language pathologist, her work focuses on communication access, assistive technology implementation, and literacy development for nonspeaking and minimally speaking autistic students. Her current research examines how district infrastructure, including dedicated assistive technology staffing, influences communication supports, service delivery, and equitable access in schools.