Western Spring 2026 Event
March 20, 2026
“Transition Services that Support Students with Disabilities in High School and Beyond”
by Melisse Machnica, LMSW & Kristi Moscato
What: Western Region Spring Luncheon and Presentation
Where: The Columns Restaurant, 2221 Seneca Street, Elma, NY 14059
When: March 20, 2026
Times:
Registration: 11:30 am
Meal: 12:00 pm
Presentation: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Closing: 3:00 pm – 3:15 pm
Join NYSSSWA’s Western Region at the The Columns Restaurant for its Spring Luncheon which will feature a presentation on “Transition Services that Support Students with Disabilities in High School and Beyond” by Melisse Machnica, LMSW & Kristi Moscato. Earn up to 2 Continuing Education hours.
This presentation will provide information on the variety of transition services provided in high school for students in the whole spectrum of programs, from working toward a Skills Credentials to graduating with an Advanced Regents diploma. Presenter Kristi Moscato will share from the perspective of a parent the supports that were given to her daughter to assist with her transition to adulthood. This will include the process of eligibility to OPWDD, mental health services, and ACCES-VR. Finally, Health Homes, Care Coordination and OPWDD eligibility, supports and services will be explained.
Photo Credit: Madartists- dreamstimefree
Registration Fees:
Earn up to 2.0 CEs & Luncheon
Luncheon includes choice of:
1. Vegetarian wraps, pasta salad, apple crisp
2. Turkey club wrap, pasta salad, apple crisp
3. Ham and swiss cheese wrap, pasta salad,apple crisp
Members: $50
Non-Members: $60
Students: $30
Deadline to Register: March 13, 2026
Late Fee: Add $5.00 after March 13, 2026
Register Here
Cancellation Policy: There will be a $10 cancellation fee to cover the administrative costs associated with refunding your conference/registration fee for any cancellations prior to March 13, 2026. This must be in the form of an email sent to Member.services@nyssswa.org. After March 13, 2026 there will be no refunds.
Submitting a Purchase Order?
(Be sure to send your Business Office a copy of your invoice after you register –available in left hand upper corner at “Checkout”.)
NEW PAYMENT ADDRESS: Send checks to: NYSSSWA, 149 Center Street, East Aurora, NY 14052
Approved Continuing Education Provider: New York State School Social Workers’ Association is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board of Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0057
Many thanks to Wendy Castiglia & Peg Barrett,
Kristina LaMendola, Western’s Regional Representatives.
Continuing Education Certificate:
In order for you to receive your certificate, you need to:
- Register & Pay
- Sign in and Sign out at the event
- Complete the evaluation. See March 20, 2026 Evaluation Link Below
https://members.nyssswa.org/surveys/?id=WSpring2026Transition
Certificates are released individually so will not be available prior to verification of all components is complete. Since this is a multi-step manual procedure, please allow time for processing.
How to Access:
Please note that CE Certificates are not “sent” to you. Once all required components are confirmed, they will be released and posted to your NYSSSWA account where they are also kept for your records and future reference.
Sign in to your account which will then take you to your profile page. Click on the “Professional Development” tab on the left to access your certificate(s).
Need Help? See Tutorial Below.
How to Print Your Continuing Education Certificates
For more details:
CE Process
Purchase Orders:
If you submit a purchase order, be sure to provide a copy of your invoice to your district’s accounts payable department for payment. Please instruct your district to include your invoice on any communications as well as the check for payment. Approved P.O.s should be emailed to wendy.castiglia@nyssswa.org
See Tutorials below:
Members: How to Print Your Invoice/Receipt or Pay for Event/Membership
Non-Members: How to Print Your Invoice/Receipt or Pay for Event/Membership
Questions or Need Help?
Need help with event registration, payments, accessing invoices, CE Certificates, etc.? Click below for step by step:
Other questions, contact member.services@nyssswa.org
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January 23, 2026 “Exploring the Impact of Medications on Students in the Academic Environment” by Dr. Dori Marshall, MDs
In order to receive CEs after the event, you must register and pay, sign in and sign out as well as complete the Workshop Evaluation which can be accessed at:
https://members.nyssswa.org/surveys/?id=WesternWinter2026
October 17, 2025 “Addressing Chronic Absenteeism” by Jaqueta Abraham, LMSW — Supervisor Student Support Services with Buffalo Public Schools
In order to receive CEs after the event, you must register and pay, sign in and sign out as well as complete the Workshop Evaluation which can be accessed at: https://members.nyssswa.org/surveys/?id=WFall2025Absenteeism
May 30, 2025 “Collaborating and Communicating in our School Community” by Bethany Vivian, M.S. Ed. & Denise Roty, LMSW.
In order to receive CEs after the event, you must register and pay, sign in and sign out as well as complete the Workshop Evaluation at: https://members.nyssswa.org/surveys/?id=WesternMay2025
March 28, 2025 “Ways to Protect and Support Immigrant Students and Their Families” by Journey’s End Refugee Services
In order to receive CEs after the event, you must register and pay, sign in and sign out as well as complete the Workshop Evaluation at:
https://members.nyssswa.org/surveys/?id=WSpring2025Immigration
January 24, 2025 “Systematic and Programmatic Changes in Child Protective Services Regulations.” by Catherine Gavin, MSW and Associate Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Child Protective Services & Maria Rodriguez. *Note: This session did NOT fulfill the new Child Abuse refresher training requirement from NYSED.
In order to receive CEs after the event, you must register and pay, sign in and sign out as well as complete the Workshop Evaluation at: https://members.nyssswa.org/surveys/?id=2025WesternWEval
May 31, 2024 “Adding to Our SEL Toolbox of Interventions: Utilizing Mindfulness, Meditation & Self Defense Practices in the Classroom.” by Tom McDonnell & Peg Barrett, LCSW
In order to receive CEs after the event, you must register and pay, sign in and sign out as well as complete the Workshop Evaluation at: https://members.nyssswa.org/surveys/?id=SEL-Toolbox