Invited speakers
Dr Brandi Simonsen
University of Connecticut
Dr Brandi Simonsen is a professor of Special Education at the University of Connecticut. She Co-Directs the U.S. National Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS; www.pbis.org) and the U.S. National Multi-Tiered System of Supports Research Network (MTSS-RN; www.mtss.org). She has published well over 100 articles, chapters, and other publications; and she has written two books on PBIS in the classroom with colleagues. Brandi's scholarship focuses on supporting educators' implementation of PBIS practices. Before joining the faculty at UConn, Brandi directed an alternative school for students with disabilities who had intensive educational and behavioural needs.
Dr Lisa McKay-Brown
University of Melbourne
Associate Professor Lisa McKay-Brown is a recognised inclusive education expert committed to improving outcomes for disengaged students. With over 20 years' experience across education, health, and community sectors, she specialises in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), school attendance, and cross-sector collaboration. Her research translates evidence into practice, informing policy nationwide. Lisa has led numerous school-based initiatives and system-level projects that empower educators to create inclusive, responsive learning environments. Known for her collaborative approach and practical insights, Lisa's work enables all students to thrive by fostering equitable, supportive school cultures focused on wellbeing and engagement.
Dr Hank Bohanon
Loyola University Chicago
Dr Hank Bohanon is a professor in the School of Education at Loyola University Chicago. Previously, he worked as a special education teacher in Dallas Public Schools. He also served as a project coordinator at the University of Kansas, partnering with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs to research positive behaviour supports in secondary schools. Hank is a former board member of the Association of Positive Behavior Support. His current research examines integrating academic and behavioural supports within a multi-tiered system and aligning these supports with school improvement strategies. Hank also studies professional learning for in-service educators.
Dr Russell Fox
Monash University
Dr Russell Fox is a Lecturer in behaviour science in the Faculty of Education at Monash University. He is a trained primary school teacher with experience teaching and working in mainstream and alternative education settings. He has worked extensively with students of all ages at risk of school disengagement and or exhibiting contextually inappropriate behaviour. Russell has provided in-school behaviour support coaching, consultation, and PBIS implementation support to teachers and leaders across multiple Australian systems and states. His research interests include multi-tiered systems of support, responsive teacher training, implementation science, evidence-based instructional practices, and sustainability of evidence-based practices in education.
Dr Steve Goodman
I.MTSS Research Network
Dr Steve Goodman, PhD, is a research specialist at the University of Connecticut. He is a partner with the Center on PBIS and a co-investigator with the Integrated MTSS Research Network. Steve was the previous director of Michigan’s MTSS Technical Assistance Center. Steve serves on state, national, and international advisory boards for the implementation of MTSS. He has contributed to over 65 publications. Steve has presented and worked with educators across the nation and in ten other countries on topics of PBIS and MTSS.
Dr Lorna Hepburn
Educational Consultant
Dr Lorna Hepburn is an educational consultant who supports educators with PBL implementation and professional development. She spent over a decade leading PBL in Queensland government schools and has also worked as a teacher, head of department, behaviour consultant and regional PBL coach. Lorna has authored several academic works and serves on the steering committee for the Association for Positive Behaviour Support Australia.
Dr Ruthie Payno-Simmons
Educational Consultant
Dr Ruthie Payno-Simmons (formerly Riddle) is the Founder and Executive Consultant of RPS Educational Impact and an internationally recognised leader in educational equity. She currently serves as Project Director for Region Three for the Center for Educational Equity through the Mid Atlantic Equity Consortium (MAEC). Previously, she was Associate Director of the Midwest and Plains Equity Assistance Center (MAP Center), where she led equity-focused professional development and technical assistance across thirteen states. With over 25 years of experience in PreK–12 education, leadership, and systems-level support, Dr. Payno-Simmons has advanced efforts to eliminate academic and discipline disparities affecting minoritized students. She played a pivotal role in the Michigan PBIS Equity Pilot, significantly reducing racial disparities in discipline and improving school climate.
Dr Payno-Simmons collaborates nationally with technical assistance centres and education agencies to develop equity-focused practices and build sustainable educational systems through Multi-tiered Systems of Support and continuous improvement. She also contributes to national workgroups, including the PBIS Equity and Belonging Workgroup and the PBIS Classroom and Disability Workgroup, where she helps create evidence-based tools to support educators in implementing culturally sustaining practices.
Dr Kent McIntosh
University of Oregon
Dr Kent McIntosh, PhD, is the Philip H. Knight Chair of Special Education at the University of Oregon and Director of Educational and Community Supports, a research unit in the College of Education. His research focuses on implementation and sustainability of school interventions, increasing racial equity in school discipline, and integrated academic and behaviour support. He is an author of over 100 scholarly journal articles and presenter of over 50 keynote addresses. He is Co-Director of the Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and co-facilitator of the Center’s Equitable Supports Workgroup, as well as a founding member of the PBIS-SCP Canada Network.