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DR. HOWARD W. ATLAS, Ed.D., NCSP has had extensive experience in public education working as a school psychologist and administrator of school psychological services. From 1997, until his retirement from the Waukegan Public Schools in June 2006, he was the director of Pupil Personnel Services. Dr. Atlas has been an adjunct faculty member of National-Louis University since 1979 and is currently on the advisory board for the Educational/School Psychology Department at National-Louis. He has presented at local, state, national, and international conferences on such topics as the assessment and intervention of students with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, specific learning disabilities, functional behavior assessment, classroom management, and positive behavior intervention and supports. He has been in private practice with Lake-Cook Behavioral Health Resources since 1988 and is a technical assistance coordinator with the Illinois PBIS Network. Dr. Atlas is a member of the American Psychological Association, Illinois School Psychologists Association, International School Psychologists Association, and National Association of School Psychologists. KEVIN B. GORDON is a partner with the Chicago law firm of Scariano, Himes and Petrarca, Chartered, where his practice includes work in the areas of student rights, special education, school finance, construction, real estate, litigation and general school law. Mr. Gordon is a frequent speaker on student discipline, residency, privacy and business issues. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1996, where he practiced school law before joining the firm. Mr. Gordon was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1999. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Illinois Association of School Attorneys. He earned his B.A. degree from Vanderbilt University and his J.D. degree from Southern Methodist University. KATHRYN S. VANDER BROEK is a partner with the Chicago law firm of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, where her areas of practice include school law, and labor and employment law. She assists schools in all general matters, with an emphasis in the area of special education and discrimination law. In the area of special education, Ms. Vander Broek regularly consults with clients regarding the eligibility of students for special education services; placement in the least restrictive environment (inclusion); the provision of related services; compensatory education; discipline; §504; residential placements; and due process and attorney's fees petitions. In general education matters, she addresses schools on student and staff discipline; allegations of discrimination; comprehensive policy reviews; confidentiality of public records; negotiation of intergovernmental agreements; preparation of bargaining positions; and other school operations. Ms. Vander Broek is a licensed clinical social worker. She also has co-written self-evaluation instruments that school districts can use to determine if they meet non-discrimination mandates under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American's with Disabilities Act. She has numerous publications and presentations in her areas of practice. Ms. Vander Broek is a member of the Illinois Council for School Attorneys, the Chicago Bar Association and The National Association of Social Workers. She earned her B.A. degree, with honors, from Michigan State University; her J.D. degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law; and her M.A. degree from the University of Chicago, School of Social Services Administration. BROOKE R. WHITTED is a partner in the Northbrook law firm of Whitted, Cleary & Takiff, LLC, and has been in private law practice since 1978. He concentrates his practice in the areas of mental health (confidentiality, procedures, and representation of mental health providers and institutions); education (representing fine private schools; parents of specials education students; and select public school districts in the area of special education, child welfare and school discipline); and also criminal law, especially when a disability is involved. He assists out-of-state schools and other institutions in dealing with Illinois State code and executive departments. He has served as a probation officer for the Cook County Juvenile Court (1969 - 1980). Mr. Whitted was appointed by the state superintendent of education to serve on the Anti-Bullying/Harassment Task Force, which presented its comprehensive report to the Illinois Legislature on March 1, 2011 and was a gubernatorial appointee to the Illinois Community and Residential Services Authority (CRSA). He is a board chair for Shankman School Corporation, operating two well known private schools for disabled students. He also is a member of the University of Chicago Foundation for Emotionally Disturbed Children, an over 60 year charitable foundation (secretary, board member); and the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (board member). He earned his B.S. degree from Oklahoma State University and his J.D. degree from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago.
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