Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Conference 2026: Full Schedule

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

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7:30am CDT

Breakfast

Saturday July 18, 2026 7:30am - 8:45am CDT

Kalahari Ballroom @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA

Seasonal sliced fruit, field melons, fresh berries, wholebananas, individual plain, fruit, greek yogurt, breakfast cereals, home-style granola, fat free milk, 2% milk, almond milk, steel cut oats, chopped pecans, dried fruits, brown sugar, maple syrup, breakfast pastries, petite muffins, fruit preserves, honey.

Subject to change without notice.

Saturday July 18, 2026 7:30am - 8:45am CDT
Kalahari Ballroom 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA

Meal

8:00am CDT

Registration + Info Desk

Saturday July 18, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT

Registration F @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA

Welcome!

When you arrive at the designated location, please proceed to the check-in area where you will be able to collect your event materials, including your badge which serves as your official identification for the duration of the event. It is essential that you have your badge on your person at all times to ensure smooth access to all areas and activities.

Saturday July 18, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Registration F

Conference Logistics

8:30am CDT

Kid Camp

Saturday July 18, 2026 8:30am - 5:00pm CDT

Nile @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

Our kid camp includes a wide range of fun arts and crafts, games, and age-appropriate activities for all children at our conference.

Room choices include:

Quiet Room - best for babies, toddlers, and those with significant sensory challenges
Activity Room - Lots to do for our more active campers!

Please note:

All children attending the conference must be registered with their own ticket, whether or not they are participating in Kid Camp.
Kid camp requires a separate ticket - $25.00 per child.

Saturday July 18, 2026 8:30am - 5:00pm CDT
Nile 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

Child Care + Related Logistics

9:00am CDT

Ask Me Anything: A Parent Panel

Saturday July 18, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am CDT

Kalahari Ballroom @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA

This candid session gives families the chance to ask parents who have been through the epilepsy surgery journey the questions they may be afraid to ask anywhere else. Panelists will share honest perspectives on decision-making, fear, recovery, setbacks, school, family life, and what they wish they had known earlier. It is an open, practical conversation designed to help other caregivers feel less alone and more prepared for the road ahead.

Moderators

Monika Jones

Founder + Executive Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Saturday July 18, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am CDT
Kalahari Ballroom 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA

General Session

9:00am CDT

Participate in Research - Homonymous Hemianopia/Spot Driving Hazards

Saturday July 18, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT

Salon I @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA

See full description and how to sign up here.

Speakers

Alex Bowers, PhD

Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Bowers Lab, Harvard University

Dr. Bowers is a clinician scientist whose primary focus is vision rehabilitation research. She has made significant contributions to the field as an optometrist in the United Kingdom, as well as an educator and researcher. Dr. Bowers is a highly accomplished clinical scientist focused... Read More →

Jing Xu, PhD

Faculty Researcher, Bowers Lab, Harvard University

Dr. Jing Xu is a faculty researcher dedicated to enhancing the safety and independence of the visually impaired community. Her tenure in the lab has seen her grow from postdoctoral fellow to faculty, building from her experiences as a Bosma Research Associate at the Envision Research... Read More →

Saturday July 18, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Salon I

In-Person Research

9:00am CDT

Participate in Research - Understanding the Family Perspective on Epilepsy Surgery

Saturday July 18, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT

Expo Hall @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA

Researchers are conducting a first-of-its-kind study to understand the "real world" experience of families navigating the epilepsy surgery journey. While most research happens in doctors' offices, this study focuses on your voice within the patient advocacy community. Your insights will help us identify barriers to care and what matters most to families when making surgical decisions.

Speakers

Ruba Al-Ramadhani, MD

Associate Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

Dr. Al-Ramadhani is a board-certified Pediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist, currently serving as the Program Director of the Child Neurology Residency Program and Associate Medical Director of the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh... Read More →

Saturday July 18, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Expo Hall

In-Person Research

9:00am CDT

Participate in Research - Visual Processing

Saturday July 18, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT

Salon G @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA

A full description of this research is here.

Speakers

Maria Z. Chroneos

Graduate Student, Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh

Maria Chroneos is interested in how brain networks organize across development to support cognitive and functional behavior. She is particularly interested in reorganization and plasticity in individuals with neurological disorders, injuries, and other disruptions to these processes... Read More →

Marlene Behrmann, PhD

Professor, Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Behrmann is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Psychology/Neuroscience Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. Widely considered to be a worldwide leader in the field of visual cognition, she was inducted into the National Academy of Sciences in 2015 and into the Ame... Read More →

Saturday July 18, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Salon G

In-Person Research

9:00am CDT

Participate in Research - Visual Processing

Saturday July 18, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT

Salon F @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA

A full description of this research is here.

Speakers

Maria Z. Chroneos

Graduate Student, Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh

Marlene Behrmann, PhD

Professor, Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh

Saturday July 18, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Salon F

In-Person Research

10:00am CDT

Medical Trauma in Families Affected By Brain Injury and Neurosurgery

Saturday July 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT

Salon C @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

Brain injury, and in some cases epilepsy surgery, can affect far more than a child’s physical recovery. These experiences can leave lasting emotional effects on the entire family. This session will explore how medical trauma can show up in parents, caregivers, siblings, and children after hospitalizations, surgeries, emergencies, and ongoing care. Attendees will learn to recognize common signs of trauma, understand how trauma can affect coping, relationships, and decision-making, and hear practical ideas for supporting healing, resilience, and family well-being over time.

Session times are placeholders for now. Final times will be set once we confirm clinician schedules.

Moderators

Audrey Vernick

Director of Patient and Family Advocacy, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Audrey Vernick is the Director of Patient and Family Advocacy for the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance. Her journey into advocacy began with her son, Bennett, who suffered an in utero stroke leading to unrelenting infantile spasms. After failing multiple anti-seizure medications... Read More →

Speakers

Jennifer Bommer, M.A., LPC

Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Texas Neurotrauma Counseling

Jennifer is a licensed professional counselor and brain injury specialist (CBIS) based in Austin, Texas. She is the founder of Texas Neurotrauma Counseling and a dedicated advocate for advancements in the brain injury system of care. Jennifer also holds a certification in concussions... Read More →

Understanding Medical Trauma.key zip

Medical Trauma in Families Affected By Brain Injury and Neurosurgery (Bommer) pdf

Saturday July 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Salon C 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

Behavior & Trama

10:00am CDT

From Family Questions to Research: Hemispherectomy Skills | Vision After Resections

Saturday July 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT

Salon A @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

This panel will highlight studies inspired, funded, or recruited by the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance focused on two issues that matter deeply to families: skill development after hemispherectomy and vision outcomes after resections. Speakers will discuss how these research questions grew out of real family concerns, what the studies aimed to better understand, and what has been learned so far. Attendees will gain insight into how family-driven research can help answer practical questions about recovery, long-term function, and life after epilepsy surgery.

Moderators

Courtney Stone

Fundraising and Grants Manager, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Speakers

Maria Z. Chroneos

Graduate Student, Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh

Marlene Behrmann, PhD

Professor, Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh

Lynn Paul, PhD

Senior Research Scientist, California Institute of Technology

Lynn Paul's research is broadly focused on understanding the role that cortical connectivity plays in development of higher-order social cognition and the brain's capacity for reorganization during development. Utilizing eye-tracking, standardized neuropsychological instruments, and... Read More →

From Family questions to Research (Paul) pdf

Chroneos PESA Talk FINAL PDF pdf

Saturday July 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Salon A 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

Research

10:00am CDT

Laser Ablation in Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery: Current Uses, Recent Advances, and an Emerging Role After Failed Disconnections

Saturday July 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT

Salon B @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

This session will provide a practical overview of laser ablation in pediatric epilepsy surgery, including how it works, when it may be considered, and what recent research is showing about outcomes, safety, and evolving techniques. It will also include discussion of a more specialized topic: the use of laser ablation to address missed connections after functional hemispherectomy in selected cases. Because many families in attendance have experience with hemispheric procedures, this session is designed to offer both a solid foundation and a thoughtful look at how laser ablation may fit into the broader surgical landscape.

Moderators

Monika Jones

Founder + Executive Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Speakers

Daniel Curry, MD

Director, Functional Neurosurgery and Epilepsy Surgery The John S. Dunn Foundation Endowed Chair for Minimally Invasive Epilepsy Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital

Dr. Daniel Curry is a Professor of Neurological Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine and the Director of Functional Neurosurgery and Epilepsy Surgery at Texas Children’s Hospital. He has extensive experience in stereotactic surgery in infants and children and has development programs... Read More →

Saturday July 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Salon B 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

Surgery & Treatments

10:00am CDT

The Parent Experience: Safety, Self-Determination, and the Dignity of Risk

Saturday July 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT

Salon D @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

Aimee Day and her son Ty share an honest look at the tension between keeping a child safe and preparing them for adulthood. Aimee will reflect on her instinct to protect, while Ty will share what it felt like to want more independence. Together, they explore dignity of risk, trauma-informed support, and person-centered planning. Parents will learn how to gradually shift from protector to partner, helping their child build confidence, self-advocacy skills, and a fulfilling adult life without losing sight of health and safety.

Session times are placeholders for now. Final times will be set once we confirm clinician schedules.

Moderators

Nicole Murray

Director of Development, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Nicole Murray serves as the Director of Development for the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance (formerly The Brain Recovery Project), returning to the organization where she previously served as Development Director. In her current role, she leads strategic fundraising initiatives... Read More →

Speakers

Ty Day

Advocate

Ty Day is a young man with a passion for helping others. He frequently presents at conferences, sharing his journey of becoming a strong self-advocate. Through his experiences, Ty has learned the importance of informed choice and positive control, which have been crucial in planning... Read More →

Aimee Day

Director of Person-Centered Planning and Family Outreach, Texas A & M University, Center on Disability and Development

Aimee Day is the Director of Person-Centered Planning and Family Outreach at the Center on Disability and Development and a Person-Centered Thinking Mentor Trainer. She strives to incorporate Person-Centered Practices in all aspects of her professional and personal life. She has spoken... Read More →

Dignity of Risk PES conference pdf

Saturday July 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Salon D 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

Transition to Adulthood

11:00am CDT

Seeing Success After Epilepsy Surgery: Practical Vision Tools for Everyday Life

Saturday July 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT

Salon C @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

After epilepsy surgery, many children have vision changes like hemianopia, CVI-related characteristics, eye movement problems, or visual fatigue that can make school and daily life harder. This session will explain these issues in plain language and focus on practical tools and strategies.

We’ll look at common situations (reading, copying from the board, moving around safely, using screens) and explore environmental changes, low- to high-tech tools and questions you can bring to your child’s IEP or school team You’ll leave with concrete ideas and language to help you advocate for the vision supports and assistive tools that fit your child and your family.

Moderators

Lisa Guthrie

Parent Support Navigator, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Speakers

Carrie Gillespie

Outreach Assistive Technology Consultant, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Carrie Gillespie currently works as an Outreach Assistive Technology Consultant at Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. With over twenty-eight years in education, she has experience as a teacher, an Instructional Technologist, an Assistive Technology Specialist, and a... Read More →

Lynne McAlister, M.Ed.

VI Educational Consultant- Outreach, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Lynne McAlister is a Visual Impairment (VI) Educational Consultant with the Outreach department at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI). With extensive expertise in educational strategies and behavior guidance, she serves as a key contributor to the Texas Deafblind... Read More →

HandoutCVIOverview pdf

CVI Flowchart for Families (1) pdf

CVI Resources (1) pdf

Saturday July 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Salon C 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

Recovery

11:00am CDT

The Power of Play: Motivation, Participation and Adaptive Play for the Child with Complex Needs

Saturday July 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT

Salon D @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

For families navigating a complex medical journey, life can often feel like a never-ending cycle of clinical appointments. Many parents carry "therapy guilt," the heavy feeling that if their child isn’t in a formal therapy session, they aren't making progress. This session is an invitation to reclaim childhood and shift the perspective from the clinic to the community.

Join us for a dynamic discussion on how "functional gains" often occur most naturally outside the hospital walls. Learn how accessible play, communication, and adaptive recreation provide the ultimate stage for social-emotional well-being. We will dive into how to ensure our children have a true voice in social settings and how the right tools and environments unlock a world of participation and belonging. Whether it’s a Saturday at an adaptive sports event or a community social club, we want to show you that these moments aren't just "breaks" from therapy; they are where skills come to life.

Moderators

Courtney Stone

Fundraising and Grants Manager, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Speakers

Kelli Croll

Community Director, CPATH Texas

Kelli brings over 24 years of experience in pediatric physical therapy, specializing in neurological conditions. Her passion for helping children and families drives her collaborative approach with medical teams to achieve the best outcomes. Kelli has been involved with CPATH Texas... Read More →

Patsy Tate, MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT

Speech Language Pathologist, Neuro-Development Treatment Association

Patsy Tate is a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in assessing and treating children with neuro-muscular impairments. She is certified in neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) for pediatrics and infants and serves as an NDT instructor for speech-language pathologists... Read More →

The Power of Play pdf

Saturday July 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Salon D 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

Recovery

11:00am CDT

The Young Adult Experience: Stop Talking About Me and Listen to Me

Saturday July 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT

Salon A @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

Since 2017, Ty and Aimee Day have used person-centered planning and trauma-informed support to help him become a young adult who is not afraid to speak up for himself. Ty will share his story of feeling powerless and misunderstood, even by his own mother! Mom learned how to truly listen and discover what he was trying to tell her. Together, they taught others the importance of having the POWER to make informed choices and have positive control to help him reach his goals.

Her son, Ty, is 20 years old and "has spoken at many state and national conferences with me." He has autism.

Session times are placeholders for now. Final times will be set once we confirm clinician schedules.

Moderators

Nicole Murray

Director of Development, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Speakers

Aimee Day

Director of Person-Centered Planning and Family Outreach, Texas A & M University, Center on Disability and Development

Ty Day

Advocate

Stop Talking About Me and Listen to Me PES conference pdf

Saturday July 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Salon A 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

Self-Advocate Track

11:00am CDT

The Next Step: Transitioning to Adult Neurology and Neurosurgery Care

Saturday July 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT

Salon B @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

The move from pediatric to adult care can be challenging for young people with epilepsy and complex neurological needs. This session will help families understand what to expect during the transition to adult neurology and neurosurgical care, including differences in care models, medical records, decision-making, insurance, and patient independence. Attendees will learn practical steps to prepare early, avoid gaps in care, and help young adults build the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate the adult medical system.

Session times are placeholders for now. Final times will be set once we confirm clinician schedules.

Moderators

Monika Jones

Founder + Executive Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Speakers

Audrey Vernick

Director of Patient and Family Advocacy, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Dave Clarke, MD

Chief, Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Program, Dell Children's Medical Center

Dave Clarke, M.D., a board-certified pediatric epileptologist and chief of the Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Program within UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children’s.

Clarke received his medical degree at the University of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica. He completed his first two years of pediatric training at Overlook Hospital, then an affiliate of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Summit, New Jersey. He completed pediatric... Read More →

Medical Summary & Transition Plan Epilepsy Surgery & Devices (PESA 2026) pdf

Preparing for Health Independence An Action Workbook for Transitioning Young Adults and Families (PESA 2026) pdf

The Next Step Transitioning to Adult Neurology and Neurosurgery Care pdf

Saturday July 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Salon B 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

Surgery & Treatments

12:00pm CDT

Lunch

Saturday July 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

Kalahari Ballroom @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA

Seasonally inspired daily kettle creation soup: chef’s choice

Salad: chopped romaine hearts, feta cheese, with roasted sweet peppers, marinated tomatoes, shaved red onions, English cucumber, & chickpeas.Served with green goddess dressing.

Homestyle potato salad: stone mustard, parmesan, green onion

Chicken salad wrap: pulled chicken salad, butter lettuce, and sliced tomatoes

Smoked Turkey & Swiss Wrap: thinly sliced applewood smoked turkey, baby Swiss, butter lettuce, marinated tomatoes, garlic mayonnaise

Beef & Cheddar Wrap: shaved roast beef, aged white cheddar, arugula, horseradish mayonnaise

Housemade crisp potato chips, freshly baked assorted cookies, seasonal shortcake

Subject to change without notice.

Saturday July 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Kalahari Ballroom 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA

Meal

1:00pm CDT

Ask Me Anything: A Young Adult Panel

Saturday July 18, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Kalahari Ballroom @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA

This open Q&A session gives attendees the chance to hear directly from young adults living with epilepsy or life after epilepsy surgery. Panelists will share honest perspectives on independence, school, work, friendships, mental health, medical care, and growing up with a complex neurological history. It is a chance to ask real questions, hear lived experience, and better understand the challenges and strengths of young adults navigating this stage of life.

Moderators

Roxanne Cogil, BS, CBIS

Executive Director of Regional Teams, Central Region, Epilepsy Foundation

Roxanne Cogil is the Epilepsy Foundation’s Executive Director of Regional Teams in the Central Region based out of Iowa. She has worked with the Epilepsy Foundation for over 14 years, has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Iowa State University and is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist... Read More →

Saturday July 18, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Kalahari Ballroom 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA

General Session

2:00pm CDT

Managing Behavior and Sleep: A Medication and Transition Roadmap for Epilepsy Families

Saturday July 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Salon B @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

Behavior challenges, poor sleep, ADHD symptoms, and mental health concerns are some of the most exhausting parts of caring for a child with epilepsy, and these hurdles don't automatically disappear after surgery. This practical, family-centered session pulls back the curtain on how epilepsy neurologists use medications to support your child’s brain, mental health, and behavior as they grow, change, and eventually transition to a new adult care team.

Our speakers will discuss:

How neurologists purposefully choose anti-seizure medications (ASMs) that can pull double-duty by also improving sleep or behavior, and how they avoid medications that make irritability or night-waking worse. For children who are not on ASMs, our speakers will explain how they safely introduce medications for sleep or behavior without lowering the seizure threshold or triggering new seizures.
How to safely choose and combine medications to manage anxiety, depression, attention issues, and executive functioning deficits without disrupting seizure control.
Common challenges that arise during the transition from pediatric to adult neurology, including what happens when adult providers are more hesitant to prescribe or manage ADHD and other psychiatric medications that were started in childhood.

You will leave with practical tips on how to track symptoms, what information to bring to appointments, how to know when to bring up your concerns, and what questions to ask so you can confidently partner with your neurology team to help your child thrive.

Moderators

Monika Jones

Founder + Executive Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Speakers

Daniel Freedman, DO

Assistant Professor of Neurology, Dell Children's Hospital

Daniel Freedman is a board-certified pediatric epileptologist in UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children’s with an interest in the behavioral and psychological effects of epilepsy. He is also director of the Dell Children’s Psychogenic Nonepileptic Events Clinic... Read More →

Saturday July 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Salon B 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

Recovery

2:00pm CDT

Managing Movement, Seating, and Growth After Epilepsy Surgery

Saturday July 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Salon D @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

The main goal of epilepsy surgery is to stop or reduce seizures. However, keeping your child comfortable and able to move well is just as important to their independence. Large resective surgeries (such as frontal lobectomy, hemispherectomy, or TPO resection) can affect how a child walks, sits, and balances. Often, these physical changes don't appear until years later, when a child hits a growth spurt or starts puberty.
In this session, we will discuss:

What to watch for: How to spot tight muscles (spasticity), stiff joints (contractures), or changes in how your child sits and walks.
Managing growth: Why growth spurts and puberty can make movement harder and how to plan for "big" transitions, like moving across a large school campus.
Building your care team: When to see a physiatrist, orthopedist, orthotist, or seating specialist.
Practical tools: How bracing, Botox, and assistive devices can help home, school, and the community.
Transitioning to Adulthood: Preparing teenagers to manage their own physical health.

You’ll leave with a clear plan to help your child stay active, comfortable, and independent as they grow into adulthood.

Moderators

Nicole Murray

Director of Development, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Speakers

Catherine Harrison, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist, Therapy Program Manager, Dell Children's Pediatric Rehabilitation Center, UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children’s

Cat Harrison, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist in the Dell Children's Comprehensive Cerebral Palsy Clinic and other surgical specialty clinics within UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children's, a clinical partnership between Dell Children's Medical Center and UT... Read More →

Saturday July 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Salon D 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

Recovery

2:00pm CDT

How to Advocate For Your Child In School

Saturday July 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Salon C @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

This session will give parents and caregivers practical tools to advocate for their child at school with more confidence and clarity. It will cover how to prepare for IEP and 504 meetings, ask for appropriate supports and accommodations, communicate effectively with school staff, and address concerns related to seizures, learning, behavior, attendance, and safety. Families will leave with a better understanding of their role, their child’s needs, and how to speak up in a way that is informed, organized, and effective.

Speakers

Audrey Vernick

Director of Patient and Family Advocacy, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

How to Advocate for Your Child In School (PESA 2026) pdf

Key Educational Resources for School Teams PESA (2026) pdf

Key Transition Resources (PESA 2025) pdf

Comprehensive Evaluation After Hemispherectomy (PESA 2025) pdf

Saturday July 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Salon C 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

School & Learning

2:00pm CDT

Level Up Your Circle: Creating Social and Rec Opportunities Your Way!

Saturday July 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Salon A @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

Ready to expand your social circle and find new ways to jump into fun recreational activities? Led by a Certified Recreational Therapist, this interactive workshop is all about you taking the driver's seat in your social life. Dive into hands-on group activities and creative brainstorming games to discover new hobbies, accessible local events, and online communities. Along the way, we’ll practice self-advocacy tips to help you confidently voice your needs and choices to friends, family, and program leaders.

This is a highly supportive, collaborative space. Volunteers will be available in the room to partner up and assist with communication or any individual support needed!

NOTE: This is a special session for self-advocates (teens and adults who had surgery in childhood).

Moderators

Courtney Stone

Fundraising and Grants Manager, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Speakers

Katie Mikulcik, CTRS

Recreation Program Specialist, Austin Parks & Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation

Katie Mikulcik is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist who has been with Austin Parks and Recreation for 7 years. From volunteering and running programs as a Girl Scout to facilitating campus-wide events as a college student, she has experience creating recreation opportunities... Read More →

Level Up Your Circle Creating Social and Rec Opportunities Your Way! pdf

Level Up Handouts pdf

Saturday July 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Salon A 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA

Self-Advocate Track

3:00pm CDT

Enjoy the resort!

Saturday July 18, 2026 3:00pm - 5:30pm CDT

Enjoy some fun at the resort - but don't forget to get ready for our banquet and dance party - it starts at 5:30 pm!

🏝️ Outdoor Water Park (open until 7 pm)
💦 Indoor Water Park (open until 9 pm)
🍔 Restaurants
🛍️ Shopping
👾 Tom Foolery Arcade and Adventure Park 🎢
📋 Full list of things to do at the Kalahari Resort

Please note: Indoor and outdoor water park access is included only with a Kalahari room reservation, not with conference tickets. Arcade games and rides are an additional cost and are also not included with conference tickets.

Saturday July 18, 2026 3:00pm - 5:30pm CDT

On Your Own

5:30pm CDT

Dinner and Dance Party - Texas Style!

Saturday July 18, 2026 5:30pm - 8:30pm CDT

Kalahari Ballroom @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA

Great food, country music, and plenty of time on the dance floor! Country Western encouraged - boots, hats, denim, fringe, plaid, and your best Texas flair welcome.

Menu:

Cinco niños tortilla soup: crisp tortilla strips, pickled jalapeño, scallions
Marinated grilled skirt steak with salsa verde, spanish rice, roasted squash
Simply grilled chicken breast with thyme pan jus, bacon & shallot green bean, potato
Romaine & creamy garlic parmesan dressing, house croutons, lemon, shaved parmesan cheese
Mixed seasonal greens, vegetable ribbons, apple-dijon vinaigrette
Executive pastry chef's selection of five pastries

Subject to change without notice

Saturday July 18, 2026 5:30pm - 8:30pm CDT
Kalahari Ballroom 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA

Banquet + Party

8:30pm CDT

Enjoy the resort!

Saturday July 18, 2026 8:30pm - 11:30pm CDT

Enjoy the many things to do at the resort!
💦 Indoor Water Park (open until 9 pm)
🍔 Restaurants
🛍️ Shopping
👾 Tom Foolery Arcade and Adventure Park 🎢 (closes at midnight)
📋 Full list of things to do at the Kalahari Resort

Please note: Indoor and outdoor water park access is included only with a Kalahari room reservation, not with conference tickets. Arcade games and rides are an additional cost and are also not included with conference tickets.

Saturday July 18, 2026 8:30pm - 11:30pm CDT

On Your Own

7:30am CDT

8:00am CDT

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9:00am CDT

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11:00am CDT

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12:00pm CDT

1:00pm CDT

2:00pm CDT

2:00pm CDT

2:00pm CDT

2:00pm CDT

3:00pm CDT

5:30pm CDT

8:30pm CDT

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