Illinois Developmental Therapy Association - "Fan" Page

08/15/2026

Jessica Kazaniwskiyj is a trauma informed leadership expert, speaker, trainer and founder of Rise Beyond Your Roots Inc., where she supports educators, helping professionals, nonprofit teams and leaders in building emotionally intelligent, trauma-informed and human-centered practices.

Her work bridges personal growth, professional identity, emotional intelligence and leadership development. Jessica helps professionals understand how their lived experiences shape the way they communicate, advocate, collaborate and lead. Through her trainings and keynotes, she supports individuals in strengthening their voice, expanding their capacity and showing up with greater clarity, confidence and purpose.

Known for her direct, compassionate and deeply grounded style, Jessica brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. She believes that the people doing the most meaningful work deserve support, language and tools that help them continue making an impact without losing themselves in the process.
This presentation is designed to help Developmental Therapists expand their impact within interdisciplinary teams. Attendees will walk away inspired and with a deeper sense of empowerment for a future focused therapy approach.

Jessica will be the afternoon speaker at the 11th Annual IDTA Conference on October 2, 2026!! Don't wait and register today!

Registration link: https://illinoisdta.org/event-6520791/Registration

08/11/2026

Meet Daniel Stidham at the 11th Annual IDTA Conference on October 2, 2026!! He will be there for one of our morning breakout sessions!!

Daniel Stidham is the husband of Megan, father of Nora and Micah, and a follower of Jesus. He serves as the Lead Pastor of Calvary Church of Oak Lawn, Owner and President of Grove Coffee, and Founder and Executive Director of Forward Mentoring, NFP. He is passionate about interrupting cycles of relational and financial poverty and longs for everyone to find and be a mentor.

A presentation designed to define emotional intelligence, why it is necessary in day to day routines. Scenarios will be presented to encourage attendee participation in regulating emotions, navigating primary and secondary ways of functioning and developing character.

Register TODAY: https://illinoisdta.org/event-6520791/Registration

08/03/2026

Register for the 11th Annual IDTA Conference happening on October 2, 2026 and learn about restoring our purpose, passion and joy as we continue to work as developmental therapists! Sabrina Robertson, Ed.S has a wonderful session prepared for us all!

Sabrina Robertson, Ed.S is an Early Childhood Education Strategist, Developmental Therapist & Evaluator, and Founder/CEO of SDC Consulting LLC. With over 35 years of experience in early childhood education and 15+ years in special education, she specializes in brain-based teaching, trauma-informed care, inclusion, behavior support, and educator wellness. Sabrina is passionate about empowering helping professionals through engaging training that restore confidence, purpose, and joy in the work they do.

Reigniting Purpose, Restoring Confidence

Building Confidence and Renewing Purpose in the Work You Do

This empowering professional development experience is designed to help professionals reconnect with their purpose, rebuild confidence, and restore joy in the work they do. Participants will explore practical strategies for burnout prevention, emotional wellness, stress management, and self-care while reflecting on the meaningful impact they make every day. Through reflection and discussion, attendees will leave feeling reenergized, encouraged, and empowered to continue their work with confidence and purpose.

Registration Link: https://illinoisdta.org/event-6520791/Registration

07/30/2026

Register now for the IDTA 11th annual conference and get up to 5.75 EI continuing credits done all at once! We have many great speakers coming to our conference! You aren't going to want to miss this! Register now for the conference happening Oct 2, 2026!
https://illinoisdta.org/event-6520791

07/30/2026

We are thrilled to have Dr. Benton K. Johnson as this year's Keynote Speaker at the 11th annual IDTA Conference on October 2, 2026! Register today using the link below!!

Dr. Benton K. Johnson II, PhD, LCPC, LMHC, NCC, CCMHC, BC-TMH, is an Associate Professor at Walden University, licensed clinical counselor, international presenter, and early childhood mental health professional with more than 20 years of experience serving children, families, and professionals within early intervention and relationship-based systems of care. Since 2003, he has provided developmental therapy, counseling, social-emotional consultation, violence prevention programming, and psychotherapy services for infants, toddlers, young children, and families throughout Illinois and Iowa.

Dr. Johnson currently serves as a Professional Development Specialist with the Early Intervention Training Program (EITP) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, facilitating trainings focused on social-emotional development, trauma, inclusion, relationships, reflective care, and family-centered practice. Through Ephphatha Consulting Services, Inc., he also provides counseling, consultation, and training services supporting children, families, helping professionals, and integrated healthcare initiatives addressing trauma, chronic illness, and the wellness needs of medical providers.

He served as President of the European Branch of the American Counseling Association from July 2024 through December 2025 and currently serves on the Board as Past President. Dr. Johnson has presented workshops, trainings, and keynote presentations throughout the United States and internationally in Romania, Hungary, Switzerland, Greece, and Germany.

His work integrates neuroscience, polyvagal-informed care, cultural humility, joyful engagement, and relationship-based practice to strengthen connection and co-regulation within the lives of children, families, and professionals. He is also trained in Theraplay and traditional play therapy approaches that support attachment, engagement, co-regulation, and relationship-based intervention.

In addition to English, his agency provides services in sign language, Spanish, Romanian, and Macedonian to support the diverse needs of children and families. A native of the Quad Cities, Dr. Johnson currently resides in Chicago, Illinois.

“Jazzing Joy in the Journey: Connection, Co-Regulation, and Care from the DT in Me”

This presentation will explore how joy, rhythm, connection, and co-regulation influence engagement, relationships, and therapeutic presence within developmental therapy practice. Infused with relationship-based principles, neuroscience, and polyvagal-informed concepts, the session will also include interactive and reflective elements designed to uplift, energize, and inspire attendees in their work with children and families.

Registration Link: https://illinoisdta.org/event-6520791/Registration

07/28/2026

Reservations are open for hotel rooms!

Book your hotel room at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Alsip now so you will be well rested and ready to go for our 11th Annual IDTA Conference on October 2nd! It is just 7 miles from Moraine Valley Community College!
Mention IDTA and get your room for $175 per night

07/25/2026

Don't forget to register for our August Webinar: Hard Talks, Soft Landings With Tracy Patton on August 21, 2026 from 12:30-2 pm

Conversations about developmental concerns and referrals can feel like walking a tightrope—balancing honesty with empathy and expertise with family voice. In early intervention, these moments are shaped by culture, multigenerational beliefs, and lived experiences, including past trauma and systems mistrust.
This interactive webinar gives developmental therapists a clear, relationship-based roadmap for talking with families about possible delays and next steps. Participants will practice sharing observations without judgment, responding to emotional reactions, and introducing referrals in a way that builds trust and supports family choice. Through real-life scenarios and practical language tools, therapists will leave more confident and prepared to navigate these important conversations with clarity and care.

EI Credits have been applied for.
IDTA members are free and everyone else is $35. EVERYONE is welcome!
There will be an optional reflective practice for IDTA members immediately following.
Register at this link https://illinoisdta.org/event-6699564

07/23/2026

The 11th Annual IDTA Conference is only TEN weeks away! Are you registered?? We have an amazing line up of speakers, vendors, raffle prizes, and, as always, delicious lunch options! Best of all, you will receive 5.75 EI Continuing Education Credits!! Register TODAY!

Registration Link: https://illinoisdta.org/event-6520791

07/21/2026

We've started gathering raffle baskets for our 11th annual IDTA conference coming up on October 2! This one was generously donated by The Children's Museum Oak Lawn
If you have a business, agency, or service you would like to advertise, or know someone who does, consider being a sponsor or vendor! If you are unable to be a sponsor or vendor, consider donating to a raffle basket for the day of our conference on October 2 at Moraine Valley Community College! We can't wait to see everyone there!
Register to be a sponsor/vendor: https://illinoisdta.org/IDTA-Store

07/21/2026

Join IL EI Grassroots Alliance Provider Page and many other advocates tomorrow 7/22 at 5 pm to continue advocating for Early Intervention providers

Register here:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/-UFC3j-wT0-uwIXnkAEYgw?_x_zm_rtaid=e8CbbHx9Qsa4JVa2We8QNA.1784656180532.1f00322b13bef92920d0b5a06679c446&_x_zm_rhtaid=285 #/registration

Join us 7/22 at 5 pm. The time is now.

Speak up. Speak out. Let’s organize.

Register here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__3RWXR_mRfW80wZFA1x6Tw