MTSA 2026 Spotlight: In the world of transition services, data is everything—but collecting it shouldn't take all day. At the MTSA Conference, LESA Job Coaches Amanda Hammond and Sarah Harvey shared their expertise on leveraging Google Forms to revolutionize efficiency.

Their session provided attendees with a "starter kit" of ready-to-implement strategies for:

IEP Goal Documentation: Streamlining progress monitoring.

Work-Based Learning (WBL) Data: Capturing real-time insights from the field.

Behavioral Data Collection: Making tracking simple and consistent.

Personal Accountability: Using digital tools to stay organized and effective.

Amanda and Sarah didn’t just talk about the "why"—they gave fellow educators the "how" by providing tools they can use on Monday morning. Way to lead the way in digital innovation, team!

1 day ago, Pleasanna Carter
lady with glasses smiling looking at the camera
Two ladies standing new a screen that says the paperless path
Shannon Shy, Marisa Tew and Beth Tosto - Behavior Consultants for LESA facilitate a meeting focused on Positive Behavior Support Plans to help staff with challenging behaviors and teaching of new skills.
2 days ago, Merribeth Tognetti
Three ladies pose for a photo
Check out this video of preschool kiddos learning to say "GO" using their AAC (communication) devices!
https://tinyurl.com/557rnpkk
2 days ago, Megan Makowski
Peer to peer connections shine in the TIES program at Northwest Elementary! Students learn, communicate, and grow together through teamwork, friendship, and meaningful support. 💙
2 days ago, Meghan Clements
students and staff sitting at table
students at table
student doing art project
students playing

"Shooting hoops at 2/42 Church is fun!" -Weston

2 days ago, STEP Student Spotlight
A person in mid-air shoots a basketball toward a hoop in an indoor gymnasium. The court floor in the foreground features a large black and tan logo for the "242 Community Center

Livingston CTE firefighter and EMS students were among many career professionals who presented at Parker MS's career fair. It was a great event for 7th and 8th graders to get some career exposure!

3 days ago, Laura Saline
Student
Student wearing firefighter gear
Student putting on firefighter gear

MTSA 2026 Spotlight: At the MTSA Conference, LESA Job Coaches Rebecca Smith and Kim Kwiatkowski led an insightful session titled "Let Them: A Job Coach’s Guide to Job Development & the Fading Process."

Their presentation addressed the vital transition from the classroom to the community, focusing on:

The Fading Process: Knowing exactly when and how a coach should step back to let the learner lead.

Practical Action Plans: Turning goals into real-world employment.

Securing Lasting Success: Moving beyond just "finding a job" to fostering true, long-term independence.

Congratulations, Rebecca and Kim, on sharing these essential strategies for helping our learners thrive on their own terms!

3 days ago, Pleasanna Carter
Two ladies standing near a screen that says "Let Them: A Job Coach's Guide to Job Development and the Fading Process
LESA is honored to be hosting MACAE-
Michigan Adult, Community & Alternative Education Association today for their Adult Literacy Summit. 📚
3 days ago, Merribeth Tognetti
Woman sitting at a welcome desk
Computer screen showing a meeting agenda
Brighton paraeducators engage in interactive discussion about student independence during professional development.
3 days ago, Leslie Leemgraven
Paraeducators engaged in training
Our Teacher Consultant, Tonya Hutchens and Behavior Consultant, Marisa Tew, led a powerful Behavior Support training for Livingston County staff-building skills, confidence, and stronger supports for students across our programs!
3 days ago, Amy Buchler
two staff standing in front of room
two presenters
a group of people

AAC on the move!
https://tinyurl.com/mwe88d3h

4 days ago, Megan Makowski
Student sitting on a bike and looking at an AAC device.
A special visit from Kensington Metropark brought winter animal learning to life through furs, songs, and puppets!
4 days ago, Kelsey Mickus
Preschool children participating in a classroom presentation from Kensington Metropark, exploring animal furs.
Preschool children participating in a classroom presentation from Kensington Metropark, learning about various colored rabbit furs.
Preschool children participating in a classroom presentation from Kensington Metropark, exploring animal furs.
Preschool children participating in a classroom presentation from Kensington Metropark, exploring animal furs.
Working at A& F, I have learned how to put together bumper and bracket kits. I am good at paying attention to tasks.
4 days ago, PREP Perspectives
A young man sitting at a desk.
Smiles upside down and laughter all around! Building balance, coordination, and confidence through play.
4 days ago, Erin Niehaus
Preschool child smiling upside down while lying on a blue wobble seat in a classroom, with a green floor marker nearby.
Behavior Initiatives Team provides training to local district staff on "coaching" versus "doing " to promote student and staff independence and capacity.
5 days ago, Leslie Leemgraven
Practicing coaching to facilitate task completion
Practicing real-world job skills while giving back! Our learners volunteered at the Fowlerville Senior Center, building teamwork and responsibility through hands-on work.
5 days ago, Dennette Kreutzkamp
A young adult male vacuuming the floor.
A young adult female mopping the floor.

MTSA 2026 Spotlight: We are thrilled to highlight another fantastic presentation from the MTSA Conference! LESA Job Coaches Sarah Harvey and Amanda Hammond took a deep dive into the power of Video Modeling—an evidence-based practice proven to help learners master new skills.

Specifically, they showcased how to use Google VIDS, a powerful (and free!) resource, to create meaningful, customized videos that support our students in the workplace. By visualizing tasks before they do them, our learners gain the confidence they need to succeed.

Special thanks to Sarah and Amanda for showing us how to turn digital tools into real-world results!

5 days ago, Pleasanna Carter
Two ladies standing near a screen that reads video modeling made easy

Meet The Mental Heath Specialists of LESA -
Our school-based mental health services use a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework to meet students’ varying needs. All students benefit from school-wide wellness supports, while those needing additional help receive targeted groups or individualized services, including counseling and crisis support. We work closely with school staff and families to provide consistent care within the school environment.

6 days ago, Nicolette Cheff
Group of 11 women pose for a group photo.
We believe in learning through play 🎉 These young adults love playing BINGO while working on partner-assisted scanning, turn-taking, and communication — building skills while having fun!
6 days ago, Jaime Oppenlander
Young adult in a wheelchair working with an assistant who's holding up a bingo card.
We teach AAC by using AAC ourselves! Fowlerville staff playing games during an AAC Social Hour to practice using and modeling communication devices.
6 days ago, Megan Makowski
4 adult women around a table playing a game and using AAC devices.
4 adults around a table playing Hedbanz game and using AAC devices.