Topics include special education laws and medical and educational definitions and terms. Presenters walk you through the disputes these students face at school, including identification, evaluation, placement, discipline, bullying and harassment, remediation protocols and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. The legal framework in this area is particularly complex, and we aim to help you to navigate it.

Our Panelists

Chelsea Bonini was elected to the San Mateo County, Calif., Board of Education (2020) and is currently president of the Board. Previously, Chelsea served on the San Mateo-Foster City School District’s Board of Trustees (2013-2017). Chelsea served on the San Mateo County Commission on Disabilities and Behavioral Health Commission through 2023. Chelsea graduated from U.C. Hastings College of Law and became a member of the California State Bar in 2001 and founded Kiski Law, P.C. in 2010 where she supports governance and transactions for private companies, nonprofits, and public entities. Chelsea serves as the CLO for Conscious Inclusion Company, where she also leads workshops on understanding systemic ableism, becoming anti-ableist, and embracing inclusive and equitable practices in education. Chelsea’s experience as a lawyer, as a mom of a child with a disability, and a former elementary school teacher give her a unique perspective in her advocacy for change in systems that are meant to serve and support our communities. Chelsea is a fierce advocate for equity, inclusion and civil rights to ensure that all students have access to an excellent education in our public schools, and she is currently a candidate for her M.A. in Educational Administration & Leadership at San Francisco State University, expected December 2024.

Carly M. Christopher, Esq. has worked in more than 100 school districts, successfully resolving cases for students with a variety of disabilities, including but not limited to autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, rare genetic disorders and severe depression. In 2016, Carly successfully argued before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, creating case law that would improve the lives of children with disabilities across the country. She is dedicated to working towards inclusive societies for people living with disabilities. She has guest lectured at Touro University, San Francisco State University and for agencies supporting people with disabilities such as Support for Families of Children with Disabilities in San Francisco. In addition, she has presented at the California Association of Behavior Analyst Conference with a team of psychologists and educators. Prior to law school, Carly worked as a behavioral consultant and behavioral therapist for various non-public agencies in California serving students with autism and emotional disturbance both in the home and school settings. In addition, she developed behavior plans with educators and parents with a focus on positive reinforcement systems. Carly is a member of the Council of Parents Advocates and Attorneys and the California Association of Parent and Child Advocacy. She believes that each and every person deserves dignity and respect and the opportunity to be a contributing member of society.