JOIN US FOR THE 6TH ANNUAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Saturday, November 2, 2024
Live Streaming Available.
We have reached maximum capacity for our in-person attendance to the Conference; therefore, we are no longer accepting in-person registrations online or at the Conference.
However, you can still join us through our live stream and enjoy hearing all the distinguished guest speakers from the comfort of your home!
To view the Conference virtually, the cost will be $20.
Live Stream registration is now open!
Reserve your spot for the live stream today to get your live stream link and be a part of this incredible educational conference online!
What is a Livestream?
A livestream is a live video broadcast that allows you to watch the 6th Annual Health and Wellness Conference and participate in real-time.
You can watch it from any internet-connected device like a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Unlike pre-recorded videos, the content is happening live. Keep in mind, you will have access to the livestream link ONLY on the day of the Conference. You can hear guest speakers as they are presenting live at the convenience of your home. You can stream all of the sessions from the Conference.
Please test your paid livestream link 48hrs before the event to ensure the link from your side is working. Don’t wait to test your paid link on the day of the event and troubleshoot from your end. You might miss out on hearing our guest speakers. If you are having trouble accessing the Conference with your live stream link, please contact support@dacast.com. Again, please test your livestream link 48 hours prior to the Conference. Also, on the day of the Conference, if you have any questions, use the chat feature on the livestream session. Chat session will be open to answer your questions.
If you still have questions prior to the event about livestream, send us an email to: snimc@specialneedsinmycity.org and we’ll get back to you as quickly as we can.
Enjoy the Conference!
ENJOY SOME MUCH-NEEDED RESPITE AND LEARN HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD MAKE PROGRESS.
SPECIAL NEEDS IN MY CITY’s 6th Annual Health and Wellness Conference offers parents and caregivers a much-needed break from the daily demands of caring for children and adults with special needs.
SNIMC understands the immense challenges faced by special needs families, from advocating for quality education and healthcare to ensuring meaningful employment opportunities. That’s why, on Saturday, November 2, 2024, we’re hosting the 6th Annual Health and Wellness Conference.
This Conference provides parents with the chance to relax, learn from leading experts, and connect with other families—all while enjoying a delicious, catered breakfast and lunch.
Venue Details (In-person attendees):
*In-person tickets sold out. Virtual tickets available.
Location:
Double Tree Hotel (Downtown Modesto)
1150 9th Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Hotel Telephone: (209) 526-6000
Parking:
Public garage parking lot on 9th street Opposite the Hotel is FREE.
Any other parking garage in the vicinity will charge.
Valet option in front of hotel entrance is available for a fee.
Date:
Saturday, November 2, 2024
Time:
9am-3:15 PM (Pacific Time)
Gourmet Meals:
Continental Breakfast (8:45 am-9:45 am)
Lunch Buffet Served (12-1pm)
Click here for Breakfast and Lunch Menu
Childcare
Childcare is not available (Adults Only)
Cancellation
Please note that completing registration is a formal commitment to attend. Registrations are non-refundable after 48 hours, as your gourmet meals will be ordered upon registration.
Strictly, No Solicitations at the Conference.
Who is the Conference for?
- Parents and Caregivers to children and adults with special needs.
- Educators and Paraprofessionals.
- Professionals (in legal and healthcare) working directly with people with special needs.
- Special needs companies and organizations.
- Service providers with self-determination clients.
- Direct family members caring for their loved ones with special needs.
- Adults with special needs.
Why attend the Conference on Special Needs?
- Take time for self-care.
- Network with other special needs families.
- Learn about conservatorships, pooled trusts, and special needs planning.
- Listen to SNIMC’s exclusive interview with Dr. Temple Grandin on the importance of listening to children with special needs, particularly those with Autism, and how different ways of thinking for individuals on the Autism spectrum can lead to extraordinary achievements.
- Hear from our top educator and SELPA Director, Matt Devins, Ph.D.
Strictly, No Solicitations at the Conference.
Conference Materials:
Event Flyer
Conference Agenda
Vendor Flyer
2024 SPONSORS
WITH SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS:
Dr. Temple Grandin

SNIMC will broadcast its recent one-on-one virtual interview with Dr. Temple Grandin at the Conference. Dr. Grandin is an autism icon, animal scientist, and innovator. Diagnosed with autism as a child, she overcame significant challenges to become a world-renowned autism advocate and animal science pioneer. Her groundbreaking work in livestock handling and her powerful insights into the autistic mind have revolutionized our understanding of neurodiversity. A best-selling author and TED Talk sensation, Dr. Grandin continues to champion the unique strengths of individuals on the spectrum, proving that different ways of thinking can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Stephen W. Dale
Stephen W. Dale received his J.D. from Armstrong Law School and his LL.M. in Taxation from Golden Gate University in 2001. The Dale Law Firm was established in 1992 to provide quality estate planning by working collaboratively with clients’ tax, financial, and insurance professionals.
Dr. Matthew Devins
Dr. Matthew Devins serves as the Executive Director of the Stanislaus County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA). In this role, he oversees special education services and resources for students, parents, and school staff across the region. His responsibilities include managing special education programs, coordinating services, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
Dr. Matthew Blakeley
Dr. Blakeley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist committed to lifelong learning. His areas of focus include depression, anxiety, grief, relapse prevention, relationship skill-building, and working with transitional-age youth.
When asked why he chose this profession, Dr. Blakeley states that it allows him to support individuals, families, and children in making positive changes in their lives. His career has given him the opportunity to work with children, adults, and families in various settings. At Sierra Vista Child and Family Services, he worked with parents and children to help manage ADHD. While employed with Stanislaus County, he worked within the school system to assist students of all ages in adjusting emotionally. Before transitioning to child psychiatry with Kaiser Permanente, he was part of the adult psychiatry team, empowering adults in both group and individual settings.
Dr. Jaspreet Rai, PsyD
When asked why she chose to become a mental health therapist, Dr. Rai explains that she believes it is important for everyone to have a positive support system—one that allows individuals to express their thoughts and emotions while also providing skills and techniques to cope with daily life stressors and triggers. Dr. Rai earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of California, Davis, in 2008. She then completed her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at Fresno State in 2010.
She has been licensed as a Mental Health Therapist through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences since 2014. Her professional experience includes working as a clinician serving youth, adults, and families in both outpatient and inpatient therapy settings. She has worked at Juvenile Hall, with the Community Emergency Response Team, and on the Integrated Forensics Team for Stanislaus County. She is also a designated 5150 Evaluator for Stanislaus County and has had the opportunity to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, spiritual philosophies, and cultures.
Thank you to our 6th Annual Health and Wellness Sponsors!
With your generous gift, we can continue building stronger special needs communities for families, children, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across Northern California.
Platinum Sponsors:
Valley Mountain Regional Center
Gold Sponsors:
Mistlin Honda
Narayan and Meena Tadimeti
Silver Sponsors:
Family Resource Network (Stockton)
Ram and Amy Jandhyala
Bronze Sponsors:
Modesto Irrigation District
United Cerebral Palsy-Stanislaus
Wellness Sponsors:
West Orthodontics
Loves Air
Thomas Hogan, Esq.
Linda West
June and Russ Newman
Vendors:
Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority
Valley Mountain Regional Center
United Cerebral Palsy-Stanislaus
VIPS (Visually Impaired Persons Support)
In-Kind Donations:
Glow Skin and Beauty
Texas Roadhouse
O’Briens Supermarket
Cornucopia Health Food Store
6th Annual Health and Wellness Team
Jenna S., Jordan L., Raquel M., Divya T., Zeke D.,
Erica L., Claudia V., Susan T., Brenda B., Kathleen D., Rhiannon N., Victoria V.,
Lani G., Irma B., Barbara N., Jay F., George G., Lori A., Renee L., Andrea C., & Meena T.
If you’d like to support our mission at Special Needs In My City with a gift, your contribution will directly help improve the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
You may give by using the DONATE button or
Mail a check payable to:
Special Needs In My City
2300 Sylvan Avenue
#578275
Modesto, CA 95355
Thank you!