Webcast Details

This webcast features a panel including a division-level school counselor, a division coordinator, a high school counselor, and a transition specialist in a guided conversation focused on connecting Academic and Career Planning (ACP) with the IEP process for students with disabilities. Through multiple perspectives, participants will explore how collaboration across division and school-based roles supports student-centered planning, strengthens family engagement, and promotes meaningful academic, career, and postsecondary outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

After participating in this training, viewers will be able to:

• Differentiate the roles of division-level counselors, high school counselors, and transition specialists in aligning ACP with IEP transition planning.
   
• Explain how ACP data (e.g., student interests, strengths, and course plans) can be intentionally used to inform IEP transition goals and services.
   
• Identify collaborative practices that elevate student voice, support family understanding, and improve postsecondary planning for students with disabilities.

Presenters:

Tonya Gokita, M.A.Ed. 
Secondary Transition Associate, VCU-RRTC Center on Transition Innovations
Tonya Gokita is a Secondary Transition Associate at VCU’s Center on Transition Innovations and is passionate about career development and school-to-work transition.

Jennifer Johnston, M.Ed.
Coordinator, Secondary Schools, Richmond Public Schools
Ms. Johnston has been an exceptional educator for almost 30 years. She has taught for 18 years and also served RPS for ten years as an Instruction and Compliance Coordinator (ICC) at Boushall Middle School. Prior to becoming a Coordinator, she served as an Instructional Specialist for Secondary Schools.

Dr. Olaniyi Lucas, Ed.D.
Instructional Specialist - Secondary School Counseling, Richmond Public Schools
Dr. Olaniyi Lucas is a native of Richmond, Virginia.  For over 20 years, Dr. Lucas has worked with youth in a variety of settings and has always promoted student success.  Dr. Lucas has served as a School Counselor, College and Career Coach, Scholarship Advisor, and is currently the Instructional Specialist for Secondary School Counseling in Richmond Public Schools.  Dr. Lucas has also served students as a College Advisor and Adjunct Professor.

Dr. Darlene H. Slade, Ed.D.
Lead Transition Mentor Teacher, Richmond Public Schools
Dr. Slade transitioned from a career as a governmental accountant and business adjunct professor to the field of special education in 2012. Since then, she has served as a special education teacher and department chair, and is now a Lead Transition Mentor Teacher, supporting students in preparing for meaningful postsecondary success. A lifelong learner, she holds a BS in Business Management, an MBA with a concentration in Accounting, master’s degrees in Special Education and Adult Education, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Lisa Harrison, M.A.
Lead School Counselor and Department Chair, Richmond Public Schools
Ms. Harrison is a Licensed School Counselor and the Lead School Counselor at Huguenot High School in Richmond, Virginia.  As an experienced School Counselor and former teacher, she brings a comprehensive understanding of academic, social, and personal growth to my role.  She believes in fostering student resilience and collaborating with students, families, and staff to create a supportive community for all learners and a productive pathway for postsecondary success.