Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine asks all individuals involved in the development and presentation of Accredited Continuing Education activities to disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies. This information is disclosed to all activity participants prior to the start of the educational activity. Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine has procedures to mitigate all relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies. In addition, faculty members are asked to disclose when any unapproved use of pharmaceuticals and devices is being discussed. 

In accordance with the Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, all relevant financial relationships that faculty, planners, authors, and anyone who may be in control of content have with ineligible companies have been mitigated.

Faculty

Elizabeth Bostic, MBA

Elizabeth (Beth) Bostic is the proud parent and humble servant of King James, a medically complex young man.  As a parent of children with special needs, she understands the often daunting task of securing and coordinating appropriate academic, medical, functional, social, and recreational supports and services in the home and community.

Beth was a Project Manager for a training and consulting organization before starting her own Special Education Advocacy practice more than 15 years ago. She is a trusted and frequently requested facilitator of workshops and stakeholder meetings across the Commonwealth, known for her ability to facilitate candid conversations about special education, caregiver needs, disability rights, and healthcare disparities among underrepresented and disenfranchised populations.

Beth received her MBA at Suffolk University. She is the Assistant Director for the Division for Children and Youth with Special Health Needs at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and a LEND Faculty Instructor and Fellow at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center at UMASSC Chan Medical School. She is on the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Committee of the MA AAP, the recipient of the first Family Caregiver Award from the Massachusetts Lifespan Respite Coalition, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, and the Department of Developmental Services, and a certified John C. Maxwell Coach, Teacher, Trainer, and Speaker.

Donna H. Lehr, PhD

Donna H. Lehr, Ph.D., retired from Boston University in 2022 after 34 years as a faculty member in the Special Education Program at Wheelock College at Boston University. She was a long-time Special Education Program Director and, for 10 years, just before her retirement, served as the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for the College. Dr. Lehr was instrumental in planning academic programs for students entering BU from the former Wheelock College, which merged with BU’s then School of Education. Dr. Lehr is currently the Chair of the Department of Education Studies at Stonehill College and continues to teach courses focused on the education of students with severe disabilities for Boston University

Her scholarship has been focused on the design, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs for students with disabilities who have extensive support needs and their inclusion in general education schools and classes Dr. Lehr has worked with numerous educational teams, schools, and school districts throughout the country in supporting their goal of providing inclusive education for their students with disabilities. Her scholarship has focused on instructional systems, practices, and policies that facilitate the learning and acceptance of this population of students who often challenge educators.

Sophie Korpics, BA, MPP

Sophie Korpics is thrilled to be lending her unique voice and perspective as a disability advocate! Originally From Newburyport Massachusetts, Sophie holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Master's degree in Public Policy from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst,  and is very passionate about disability advocacy. Previously,  she interned at the Arc of Greater-Haverhill Newburyport,  as well as the Massachusetts State House for  Representative James Kelcourse.  Most recently, she interned with the Disability Program Manager at Massachusetts General Hospital.  She currently serves on The Newburyport Commission on Disability, in addition to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Alliance in Newburyport.  In addition to advocacy around improving the public school experience for students with special health needs, Sophie is also passionate about ensuring transportation accessibility, and authentic disability representation in the arts.  

Tina Rusak, MS, MSN, RN 

Tina has been a School Nurse for Gardner Public Schools since 2012. In that time, she has filled the positions of Middle School Nurse, Float Nurse, Resource Nurse, and for the past four years as Nurse Care Coordinator. She is on the District Wellness Committee and has played a key role in updating the District Emergency Operations Plan. In 2021, Tina received a Master of Science in Public Health/Community Nursing from Worcester State University. She is an Adjunct Nursing Instructor at Fitchburg State University, and recently completed a Certification Program in RN Case Management. Tina enjoys working with students with complex health conditions and their caregivers in her care coordinator role and collaborating with school nurses to identify ways to improve nursing care in the school setting.

Judith Styer, BSN, BA, RN, NCSN

Judith Styer, BSN, BA, RN, NCSN is an accomplished school health administrator with a deep commitment to nurturing the health and overall well-being of students. Throughout her career, she has leveraged her expertise to shape comprehensive school health and wellness programs that promote students’ academic achievement.

From 2013 to 2022, Judith held the position of Director of Health and Wellness at Framingham Public Schools (FPS). In this capacity, she oversaw department programming and supervised a strong team of school-based student support services personnel, including nurses, social workers, psychologists, school counselors, and behavioral health providers. Judith was FPS’s Director of School Health Services from 2007 to 2013 when she supervised the district’s school nurses and provided oversight to its comprehensive school health services program. Prior to becoming an administrator, Judith worked for nine years as a public school nurse in Weston and Framingham, MA.

During her tenure at FPS, Judith spearheaded the development and implementation of FPS's social-emotional learning program and the Code of Character, Conduct, and Support initiative. These efforts led to a transformative shift in the district's disciplinary approach, transitioning from punitive measures to a more equitable, supportive, accountable and restorative model. She was the district's Section 504 Coordinator (2007-2022) ensuring compliance and equitable access to FPS programming for students with disabilities.

Judith's professional associations include serving as President of the Massachusetts School Nurse Organization (2013-2015), membership on the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics School Health Committee (2014-2020), participation on the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Safe and Supportive Schools Commission (2014-2019) and membership on the Board of Trustees of the MetroWest Medical Center (2014-2018).

Judith holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Simmons University and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art from Goshen College. She is certified by the National Board for Certification of School Nurses.

Since her retirement from FPS in 2022, Judith has served as a coach for new school nurse leaders in Marlborough and Medford Public Schools. Currently, she is a subject matter expert consultant with JJR Consulting, actively contributing to the revision of the MA Department of Public Health's Comprehensive School Health Manual. She is a trained mediator with Metrowest Mediation Services and volunteers as a Special Education Surrogate Parent.