RUTHERFORD, NJ – As Felician University prepares for its third Felician Autism Collaboration in Teaching (FACT) Conference in March 2023, School of Education Dean, Dr. Stephanie McGowan looks forward to a successful conference. 

Chaired since its inception by Dr. John Burke, Executive Director of I-CAdRE, Felician University’s International Center for Autism and disabilities Research in Education, this year two new co-chairs have joined the team to promote event programming and attendance. Dr. Katharine Croce and Dr. Theoni Mantzoros, School of Education faculty members, will work in tandem with three keynote speakers and multiple conference presenters, each an expert in the field of autism education.

As Dean of the School of Education, Dr. McGowan’s vision for the conference began as a vehicle to disseminate information about autism education and technology to the professional education community. This year, in its third iteration, the conference has evolved to a fully in-person event with a virtual opportunity, from the all virtual and hybrid-formats demanded by the pandemic. The purposes of the conference have also shifted to engage a broader audience, with the new event mission seeking to engage parents and family members, behaviorists, and special educators alike.

“My mission for the FACT conference is to highlight the great work that is being done in the field of autism education, a mission that reflects our Felician Franciscan values and prepares excellent specialists and educators, provides service to marginalized communities, and strengthens the voices for the voiceless,” said Dr. McGowan. “All of our speakers share our mission and come together for these individuals. It’s very exciting.”

Dr. McGowan has been committed to creating opportunities for the greater Felician community that align with the university’s mission of advocacy both on and off campus. Felician’s Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Education program distinguishes itself by emphasizing the importance of individual care and continues its proud commitment to creating School of Education graduates who are equipped to change lives. 

Felician’s Autism Collaboration in Teaching (FACT) Conference will be held on March 24, 2023, on the Rutherford campus. Headlined by three keynote speakers and leaders in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) research, the conference will educate attendees on interpersonal and cutting-edge support for ASD individuals. FACT will offer both virtual and in-person components. 

Go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/felician-university-fact-conference-registration-449490035797 to register or for more information.

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About Felician University

Felician University inspires and engages more than 2,100 undergraduate, graduate, and adult education students through programs in the Schools of Arts & Sciences, Business & Information Sciences, Nursing, and Education. Over the past five years, Felician University has ranked 3rd among private institutions in New Jersey for best value according to payscale.com and #1 Safest College Campus in New Jersey according to niche.com. The Master of Science in Nursing program is ranked one of the best online graduate nursing programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Felician University was designated as a Military Friendly School (Gold Status) for the ninth year recognizing its strong support for Veteran students.  The university is recognized for its diversity as an HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) and MSI (Minority Serving Institution), having underrepresented students comprise more than half of the student population. With campuses in Rutherford and Lodi, New Jersey, the Franciscan values of social justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity serve as an inclusive foundation for transforming the lives of tomorrow’s leaders. For more information, please visit https://felician.edu.