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NEW FOR 2026: Workshops labeled with an (X) = ODE Classroom Credit Approved!

OPTA Leadership Summit, sponsored by OPTA Northwest Chapter. The Leadership Summit, scheduled for Monday, June 22nd and Tuesday, June 23rd is for decision makers (Directors, Managers, Supervisors) and their direct influencers (Lead Mechanics, Driver Trainers, Assistant Supervisors). You will have time with various vendors in small groups, while receiving leadership training. This event requires a paid conference registration.

Leadership Summit Speakers/Topics:

• Monday, June 22nd:

  • “Refresh the BTW Trainer” (X) - Chris Carley and Chris Ellison

    • Reference Points and the New Testing/Training Model

  • “Tyler Technologies User Group” - Liz Waldron/Tyler Technologies

  • “Social Emotional Learning (SEL) on the School Bus” (X) - Kaya Emrick

  • “Waves of Safety: Wheelchair Securement 101” (X)- Justin Kohler and Kim Crabtree

  • “Hands-On Mechanic/Technician Workshop” - TBA

• Tuesday, June 23rd:

  • “Beating Chronic Burnout” and “Leading with Emotional Intelligence” - George Carroll

OPTA Conference Schedule:

• Monday, June 22nd - Leadership Summit, Golf Tournament, and Vendor Welcome Reception

• Tuesday, June 23rd - Leadership Summit, OPTA Conference Starts, Keynote Speaker, Roundtable Forum Sessions, and OPTA Fun Night (sponsored by Model1, Peterson Trucks, Schetky NW, and Western Bus Sales) - Theme: The Goonies!

• Wednesday, June 24th - Keynote Speaker, General Sessions, Breakouts (X), Trade Show, and the Annual OPTA Awards Banquet (semi-formal attire requested)

• Thursday, June 25th - Keynote Speaker and Breakouts (X)

Keynote Speakers:

• Jake French: “Roll With It” and “Attitude, Not Answers”

• Betsey Helfrich: “Avoiding Bumps and Legal Hazards in SPED Transportation” and “Legal Parameters of Using and Accessing Video Footage”

General Session & Breakout Speakers (subject to change):

• Tanya Adams, David Douglas SD

• Christina Amparan, Bus Patrol

• Shonna Bumgarner, ODE

• Chris Carley, First Student/Lincoln Co. SD

• Kim Crabtree, Bend-LaPine SD

• Koren Davis, ODE

• Brock Dittus, ODE

• Chris Ellison, Reynolds SD

• Kaya Emerick, First Student/Gresham-Barlow SD

• Niki Fisher, PACE

• Sam Freshner, North Clackamas SD

• Bethiah Gunderson, North Clackamas SD

• Lesley Hageman, ODE

• Cliff Harrell, Beaverton SD

• Tim Iba, Oregon Child Development Coalition

• David Jorgenson, Salem-Keizer SD

• Justin Kohler, Bend-LaPine SD

• Paul LaMontagne, Trim-Flex Vinyl

• Chris Mather, Bend-LaPine SD

• Debbie Meves, Oregon Child Development Coalition

• Yarelli Miranda, ODE

• Jeff Morgan, Horace Mann Education

• Meghan Morgan, North Clackamas SD

• Amber Nash, South Lane SD

• Cory Samuelson, ODE

• Liz Waldron, Tyler Technologies

THE OPTA ROOM BLOCK AT THE SALISHAN COASTAL LODGE IS NOW OPEN!

The Salishan Coastal Lodge Information: $206/night single/double occupancy. Deluxe rooms are also available for an additional cost. Call 866.258.6127, option 1 then 2, and mention “OPTA 2026 Conference” to receive your special OPTA discounted rate, or visit 2026 OPTA Room Reservations. These rates are guaranteed until 5/21/2026!