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5th Annual IL Statewide Transition Conference Registration Information:
Keynote Speakers: Jonathan Edison and Janice Fialka

Monday, November 9th and Tuesday, November 10th will feature nationally renowned motivational speakers to enlighten, excite and encourage conference participants to laugh a little bit and learn alot about overcoming obstacles and succeeding in transitioning to adulthood. Come join us to hear what these phenomenal presenters have to share!

Jonathan Edison, M.Ed.

Jonathan Edison is the quintessential example, teacher and motivator of success-centered technologies. Jonathan provides individuals with strategies that empower them to overcome obstacles and achieve UNSTOPPABLE success. Jonathan was born into poverty in Detroit, Michigan, fraught with urban-societal issues.

He graduated from high school with a GPA of 1.63 and completed his first year of college with a GPA of only 0.86 before dropping out. Many individuals with Jonathan's poor past academic record who grew up in similar environments, find themselves permanently relegated to states of disenfranchisement, poverty and failure, but not Jonathan Edison. After years of failure, Jonathan connected with his inner greatness and began to focus on creating success in his life. He went on to complete 4 college degrees in Education and Leadership Supervision. At age 27, Jonathan distinguished himself as the youngest Assistant Principal in the history of Detroit Public Schools. In 2002 Jonathan was recognized as Wayne County Spokesman for Success.

Motivated by the shock of a sudden lay-off of hundreds of dedicated educators, which was tantamount to corporate down sizing, Jonathan decided to take his future into his own hands. Today Jonathan is the CEO and President of Edison Speaks International, a motivational and training Development Company dedicated to empowering others. Edison Speaks International specializes in Customer Service, Leadership Training, Change Management, Team Building, and Performance Management.

Jonathan is recognized throughout Corporate America and the Educational Community for his charismatic, dynamic and uniquely engaging presentations. Jonathan's genius lies in his ability to reveal and teach the secrets of becoming the "CEO" of you.

Jonathan has presented on the same platform with world renowned speakers such as Les Brown, Tavis Smiley, Iyana Vanzant, Dr. Cornell West and Dr. Bill Cosby. Jonathan was awarded the 2004 Outstanding Communicators Award and The 35 Under 35 Award by Power Brokers International for creating paths of excellence through leadership and empowerment. Jonathan is also an adjunct professor for Wayne County Community College in the Education Department and a columnist for the Michigan Chronicle and Michigan FrontPage newspapers.

Jonathan will be the featured luncheon presenter on Monday, November 9th to deliver his keynote speech titled "The 5 A's of Success: Academics, Attitude, Attendance, Achievement and Asking for Help ". Jonathan will capture the audiences heart and mind as he unlocks the keys to overcoming obstacles that students and parents face in the 21st century. More importantly, the presentation will enlighten, inspire and motivate the attendees to reach for the impossible.

Janice Fialka, LMSW, ACSW

Ms. Fialka is a nationally recognized speaker, author, and social worker with an expertise in adolescent health, parent-professional partnerships, inclusion, and disability. She has directed several teen health centers in Michigan, including the Taylor Teen Health Center, which she co-founded. Currently she is the Special Projects Trainer for Michigan Early On - Part C of IDEA Training and Technical Assistance.

Janice speaks and writes from her dual perspectives as a seasoned social worker and as a mother of two adult children, Micah and Emma. Micah is a strong advocate and has been fully included in general education and in his community. Janice and her husband, Rich Feldman co-produced the award winning DVD, Through the Same Door: Inclusion Includes College which documents Micah’s experiences as a college student. He is part of the new wave of young adults with cognitive disabilities who are continuing their learning on a university campus.

Janice has authored three books, articles, a CD, and several poems, including her often-published poems, Advice to Professionals Who Must Conference Cases and From Puddles to PRIDE. Her website www.danceofpartnership.com is a highly regarded comprehensive resource for parents and professionals. Janice was selected 'Social Worker of 2007' by the Michigan chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. In 2009, Janice and her family received the Family Voices Lifetime Achievement Award in Washington D.C.

Janice will be the featured luncheon presenter on Tuesday, November 10th to deliver her keynote speech titled "The Dance of Partnership: Why do my feet hurt? Strengthening the Parent-Professional Partnership". Using humor and stories, Ms. Fialka explores the unique dimensions that complicate this working relationship from both perspectives: parent and professional. She addresses such questions as: Can there truly be a partnership? What does each partner bring to this alliance: similarities and differences? How can partners be more effective in their work together?

For more information
contact Debbie Einhorn
at 866-436-7842 ext.116,
or via email at: deinhorn@fmptic.org

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