Kathleen Whelan Gioia is a diagnostic educational specialist serving on the transdisciplinary assessment team at the Diagnostic Center, Southern California. She holds an M.S. in Elementary Education and an M.Ed. in Special Education. Previously, Kathy was a Special Day Class teacher, Resource Specialist, Special Education Mentor, and a Support Provider for Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment program (BTSA). At the graduate level, she has taught classes in the field of Teacher Education. Ms. Whelan Gioia has extensive experience developing successful educational programs for students with a variety of disabilities from preschool age to young adulthood. Kathy is especially proud of her work in documentation approaches and techniques, IEP best practices and evidenced based strategies to support ADHD. Kathy specializes in the area of Transition Planning, and creating positive secondary outcomes for all students. Ardent about post school success, she has developed a Transition Project offered through the Diagnostic Center, Southern California that provides supports to several school districts by aligning mandated Level of assessments to compliment Indicator 13 requirements via person‐centered–planning activities. Kathy has presented at numerous conferences and conventions throughout the state on the topics of Documentation, ADHD and Transition.
Kathleen Whelan Gioia, M.S.M.Ed.
Presentation: An Introduction to the What’s & Not’s of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Implications for Behavior and Instruction
This training is an introduction to understanding the complexity and multifaceted aspects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Cognitive, behavioral, social, and academic issues associated with the condition will be discussed. Focus is placed on the critical role of executive functioning (cognitive processes responsible for many of our problem-solving skills) and how this functioning explains many of the challenges faced by students with ADHD. Professionals require the understanding of the disorder as it is necessary for effective development and implementation of strategies and supports. Classroom and behavioral techniques and strategies will be shared that can support students who face challenges associated with ADHD.
