The Early Intervention Training Program at the University of Illinois (EITP) and IDHS Bureau of Early Intervention invite Child and Family Connections (CFCs) to join us for the 2025 CFC Conference, Recognizing & Building Our Expertise to Support Families in EI, on March 7, 2025. Connect with your colleagues in our interactive Zoom environments; listen and engage with expert presenters; and learn from our collective challenges and successes.
The keynote presentation by Dr. Dana Childress, a professor, early interventionist, author, consultant, and service coordination expert. Dr. Childress wrote "Pause and Reflect: Your Guide to a Deeper Understanding of Early Intervention Practice" (2021), and co-authored "Family-Centered Early Intervention: Supporting Infants and Toddlers in Natural Environments" (2015). In addition to her keynote session "Service Coordination and Leadership: There is No EI Team Without You!", Dr. Childress will also present a breakout session "Service Coordination at the National Level: Resources & Research".
Additional conference sessions include advocacy, navigating family conflict, relational health and mapping, teaming, anti-bias/cultural humility, ethical practices, and coaching. The conference also will recognize award recipients for their exceptional work and contributions to the field!
Materials and Resources
This section contains handouts and resources from the 2025 CFC Conference and will be updated with new items as they are shared by presenters, so please check in after the conference to see what is new!
Creating Circles of Support - How Relational Mapping Can Support Families by Amy King, Ph.D
Effective Teaming and Collaborative Practices - The Art of Being a Service Coordinator by Laura Fish, M.S., LMFT
Ethical Practices in Relationships - The Art of Being a Service Coordinator by Laura Fish, M.S., LMFT
EI Clearinghouse Showcase
IDEA and Advocacy: Protecting the Parent-School Relationship by Andrea Marwah
Keynote: Service Coordination & Leadership: There is No EI Team without YOU! by Dana Childress, Ph.D
Navigating Family Conflict in Early Intervention by Mark Harris, M.S.W., LCSW
Paving the Way Forward: Service Coordinators' Role in Providing Neurodiversity-Affirming Care by Hillary Crow, M.A., CCC-SLP
Relational Health and How Your Role Can Heal by Amy King, Ph.D
Service Coordination at the National Level: Resources & Research by Dana Childress, Ph.D.
Toward An Anti-Biased Stance: Using Cultural Humility and Ethnic Racial Socialization to Build Strong Relationships and Address Biases by Jasmine Crane, M.S., M.A., NCC, CFI, LPC
Unpacking Caregiver Coaching for Service Coordinators by Sarah Sexton, Ed. D., and Andrea Matias-Lemoine
Conference Award Winners
Excellence in Service Coordination
This person excels in the characteristics of the Knowledge and Skills for Service Coordinators (KSSC) and artfully blends their knowledge, skills, time, and talents. See our CFC Awards announcement for details about the traits reflected in this award. This award goes to the service coordinator who is flexible, resilient, and able to lead with the confidence to utilize their blend of knowledge, skills, time, and talents to meet the demands of the role while supporting positive outcomes for families!
| Anna Kusper | CFC #8 |
| Christine Stangarone | CFC #7 |
Family Advocate
This person is always working toward one common goal: supporting families as they navigate the maze of EI. This person honors all families and ensures that their voice is at the forefront of all team discussions and decisions, helping them to feel seen, valued, and included. This person's advocacy efforts may improve families’ well-being, promote their understanding of relevant services, programs, or resources, and may connect them to other families who share similarities. Any family participating in EI would be lucky to have this person in their corner.
| Jacee Anderson | CFC #22 |
| Kelli Coleman | CFC #15 |
Operations Specialist
This person understands the daily operations of the CFC office. Their organization, time management, and initiative help the CFC run efficiently and smoothly. Their keen intuition and experience help them anticipate and prevent operational glitches in the office. To boot, their friendly personality makes the office vibe more delightful! They know exactly what needs to be done and make it happen with a smile! Without this person and their efforts, things would turn into chaos.
| Roberta Hanson | CFC #11 |
| Affton Walden | CFC #20 |
Resource Guru
This person is a walking “Central Directory” of resources. Whether it be connecting a family to child care or helping a service coordinator navigate a referral to an outside agency, this person knows all the resources available in their area and how to connect others to them. They generously offer their assistance by writing an introductory email, making a phone call, simply “name dropping” a resource and/or following up. They go above and beyond to ensure appropriate connections are made, supporting their co-workers, as well as families, and children participating in EI.
| Angela Krambeer | CFC #25 |
| Karen Withgott | CFC #12 |
Rising Star
This award recognizes an individual who has worked within the CFC office for less than 1 year. Although new in their position, this person truly understands the spirit of EI and embodies the principles that uphold it. This person’s passion shines through in everyday interactions with teams. Their stellar organizational and leadership skills promote timely and collaborative interactions and services. Their thoughtful approach with families in person, via phone, email, or LVV meetings, exemplifies sensitivity, empathy, and compassion. This person’s future in EI is bright!
| Brittany Lee | CFC #5 |
| Audrey Ramirez Moreno | CFC #6 |
Technologist
This person understands all things tech related! They are there to lend a helping hand troubleshooting Cornerstone issues, setting up a live video visit (LVV) for a family, or connecting that printer/scanner to the internet/network. This person goes above and beyond the “have you tried turning it off and on again?” This tech guru always knows exactly how to fix the problem and does so kindly and patiently.
| Kristen Fancher | CFC #20 |
| Tracy Mega | CFC #25 |
Zenist
This person’s Zen-like demeanor helps ease others’ worries and tension and promotes a sense of calm overall. They are exceptionally skilled at listening to others, offering validating or encouraging words, and supportive coaching and guidance. Their careful listening and inquiry help others feel a sense of lightness or relief. They are keenly attuned to knowing when someone needs a little pick-me-up, a funny text, or a simple check-in.
| Monica Patrick | CFC #9 |
| Michele Rogers | CFC #25 |
