Thank you to everyone who attended this year's sold-out conference, both in-person and our 3,421 international livestream attendees!
You made this year’s event unforgettable!
Tell Us About Your Experience
Use the QR code to submit your feedback for the 7th Annual Health & Wellness Day
Presented by: Special Needs In My City
A HUGE THANK YOU to our Headline Sponsor:
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Headline Sponsor, Family Resource Network (FRN), for their generous support. Their partnership helps us bring hope, knowledge, and community to families at this year’s conference.
Family Resource Network
Welcome Speakers
Meena Tadimeti: Executive Director, Special Needs In My City
Meena is the Founder and Executive Director of Special Needs In My City, a nonprofit empowering families of children and adults with developmental disabilities. A Loyola University Chicago MBA graduate, CFRE credentialed, and parent of a child with special needs, she brings professional expertise in building stronger, collaborative special needs communities. Over the past twelve years, she has partnered with schools, hospitals, and agencies to create an ecosystem that strengthens support networks and connects families to vital resources in Stanislaus County and beyond.
Brandon Gillespie: Chief of Police-Modesto, CA
Chief Brandon Gillespie is a graduate of the 289th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia , a distinction achieved by only two current members of the Modesto Police Department. Chief Gillespie began his career with the Modesto Police Department in July 2001 and has since worked his way through the ranks to his current leadership role. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration with a minor in Sociology from San Diego State University and a Master’s degree in Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Guided by his commitment to service and collaboration, Chief Gillespie continues to lead the Modesto Police Department in partnership with the community to ensure that Modesto remains a safe, thriving place to live, visit, and do business.
Scott Kuykendall: Superintendent, Stanislaus County of Education
As Superintendent, he oversees SCOE with a staff of 1,200 and a budget of over $370 million. SCOE provides direct instructional programs and support services to the 25 school districts in Stanislaus County. This includes over 200 public schools and 107,000 students. The office also provides regional programs and services in a seven-county area. Superintendent Kuykendall's leadership is defined by a deep commitment to the success of all students, recognizing that different students require different experiences. His current focus is on the growing mental health crisis among adolescents.
Lisa Culley- Executive Director, Family Resource Network-Stockton
As an Executive Director of Family Resource Center-Stockton, Lisa works with families with special needs by providing latest information and support. FRN serves families raising children, ages birth to 22 years, with special needs. She leads special needs services in Calaveras, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne Counties of California. FRN serves families whose children have any type of special need, medical diagnosis, or learning difference.
Special Guest Speakers
Aisha Chaudhry, MD
Dr. Chaudhry is a licensed occupational medicine & certified lifestyle medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente. She has extensive training in clinical medicine and public health and manages work-related injuries and illnesses, with a strong emphasis on prevention. She believes in a holistic approach to patient care, which involves comprehensive education and instilling a sense of optimism and positive energy that can inspire hope and resilience. She collaborates with businesses, employees, regulators, insurers, public health officials, and other health professionals to promote workplace safety at Kaiser Permanente Modesto.
Dr. Matthew Blakeley
Dr. Blakeley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with Kaiser Permanente Modesto and is deeply committed to lifelong learning. His areas of focus include depression, anxiety, grief, relapse prevention, relationship skill-building, and supporting transitional-age youth. Dr. Blakeley has extensive experience working with parents and children to manage ADHD and has collaborated with school systems to help students of all ages adjust emotionally. His professional background also includes expertise in both adult and child psychiatry.
Dr. Tod Zwahlen
Dr. Tod Zwahlen is with McCray Psychological Services and has experience across a wide range of psychological fields, including developmental therapy, child custody evaluations, individual and family reunification therapy, and compensation and pension evaluations for veterans. He has also spent several years working with children with autism as a Floortime Specialist, gaining valuable insight into how autism impacts family dynamics. Dr. Zwahlen currently specializes in conducting autism evaluations for children and adolescents.
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Special Needs In My City
2300 Sylvan Avenue #578275
Modesto, CA 95355
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