Dr. Harriett Walker-Dumas is the founder and executive director of Discovery Therapy Network, a non-profit organization.  Our mission is to provide education and services on therapeutic advancements to empower students, educators, administrators, parents, and professionals.  Our focus is helping children diagnosed with Autism and other special needs to learn new skills. We provide professional training, workshops, webinars, summer camps, educational opportunities, therapeutic activities, and social skill training.  

As a pediatric occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience, her passion is promoting therapeutic gains with patients and students.  She has directed and co-coordinated camps for children with special needs for seven years.  Previously, Dr. Walker-Dumas has owned and operated three pediatric therapy facilities, provided school based contracting services, Authored The Wonder Paper –Handwriting Development System, and patented The Upper Extremity Stroke Apparatus.  Dr. Walker-Dumas recognizes the potential in children’s abilities and strives for optimal achievement of their highest functional skill levels. 

Ms. Rachel Davis, MA, SLP-CCC

Ms. Rachel Davis enjoys working with children and helping them to discover new possibilities as a speech language pathologist.  Her focus is on maximum engagement during therapy sessions to advance speech, functional communications, and language skills.  Ms. Davis obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education – Communication Disorders, and a Master of Education – Communication Disorders, from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia.  Her professional speech therapy experience includes working with school districts as a special education team leader and providing services to students. In the education setting she has collaborated with special education teams, parents, general educators, and special educators to promote students’ academic achievement.  Previously, she worked in acute care and inpatient services with adolescents and adults.  Her current and past professional involvement includes memberships with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Arizona Speech-Language Hearing Association (mentorship program), and Georgia Speech-Language Hearing Association.

Mrs. TaKisha Walls, MA, BCBA

Mrs. Walls, MA, BCBA is an Atlanta Native and passionate about helping others overcome obstacles one goal at a time. She became certified as a Behavior Analyst in August 2021, and specializes in working with the early intervention population of children diagnosed with Autism (ages 2 – 7).   

Mrs. Walls started her career after transitioning from the mental health field of marriage and family therapy, providing counseling and case management to families across Georgia. Given her foundation in trauma informed practice, she furthered her ability to make a difference with children by pursuing a degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She currently works with clients in home and school settings using naturalistic teaching, visual supports, and behavior-reduction strategies to guide her work to assist parents, teachers, and students in achieving the most positive outcomes.

Mrs. Misty Thompson

Mrs. Thompson is a dedicated special education teacher committed to her students.  She currently attends Georgia Southern University and is pursuing a Masters in Educational Leadership.  She has worked in school districts in Georgia with elementary aged children.  As a professional committed to her students’ learning, she has worked to assist students diagnosed with Autism, Aspergers, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Emotional Behavior Disorder, and several other diagnoses.

Mrs. Thompson utilizes a variety of executive functioning techniques to increase focus and attention in the classroom.  This includes classroom management strategies and Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) strategies.  Her focus is to engage the student using visual behavior communication techniques, cognitive behavior visual tools for students to initiate work, sensory processing activities and PBIS strategies to reward completion of assignments.  Mrs. Thompson is married and enjoys spending time with her family.

Autism Symposium Focus Points includes Therapeutic Interventions & Management Strategies for the following diagnoses:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Asperger’s
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder
• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Learning Disabilities
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• Emotional Behavior Disorders

Insights:

• Obtain current information, strategies, interventions, and insight
• Learn new ways to stimulate learning in functional daily situations
• Receive relevant information
• Engaging conversations with professionals
• Share insights with other parents
• Expand applicable home & classroom strategies
• Gain actionable interventions

Recommended Audience:

• Parents
• Caregivers
• Teachers
• Speech Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst
• Registered Behavior Technicians
• Counselors
• Psychologist
• Social Workers

Areas of Concentration – Daily Progression & Management for:

• Autism Functional Strategies
• Functional Communications
• Calming Strategies
• Improving Focus & Attention
• Daily Activities
• Community Integration
• Fine Motor
• Behavior Improvement Strategies
• Sensory Processing Skills
• Executive Functioning
• Classroom Teaching & PBIS Strategies

Continuing Education Units – 4.5 Hours

Professionals attending the Autism Symposium will receive a certificate of attendance for 4.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Participants will need to check with their state’s requirements for continuing education hours to ensure credit for completion. The course will be recoded and a link to view will be posted next month.

Please log on to our website at www.discoverytherapy.org for more information or email info@discoverytherapy.org.  You can also text 800-292-4120.  We look forward to your participation.