Welcome to the
Luv Michael Conference

We will collaborate.

We are dedicated to fostering discussions on creating an autism-friendly model. Set to inspire and guide participants, the conference will provide a platform for sharing key components crucial in developing inclusive environments.

We will empower.

Attendees can expect insightful discussions, expert panels, and real-world case studies that will empower communities and organizations to replicate and adapt successful models, ultimately contributing to a more compassionate and understanding world for individuals with autism.

We will celebrate.

Join us as we come together to celebrate diversity and explore innovative approaches to building supportive, inclusive spaces for everyone. We aim to explore the transformative power of love in fostering personal growth, building resilient communities, and creating a more compassionate world.

Save the Date

September 9, 2024

Dormition of the Virgin Mary
Greek Orthodox Church

111 Saint Andrews Road
Southampton, New York

Whether you are a parent, caregiver, professional, or community member, the Luv Michael Conference provides a space for connection, education, and empowerment.

Join us in building a future where everyone can thrive and live independently in a supportive and understanding community.

Our Schedule

8:00 Breakfast 

8:45 Welcome (Mark Biondi) 

9:00 Father Constantine Lazarakis - The Role of the Faith Based Community Partner

9:15 Dr. Lisa Liberatore, Founder -  Friendships are Priceless

9:30 Mark Biondi - On the Way, the Way Appears

9:45 Heather Damon, Parent -  It’s a Great Fit!

10:00 Shaunice Faines, Operations Manager/DSP - Following Michael from Crisis to Joy

10:10 Break

10:30 Dr. Kimberly Reyes-Giordano, PhD, BCBA The Role of the BCBA in the Adult Autism World

10:45 Will Powers, Parent - What’s Next? 

11:00 Jenna Carballo, Autism Advocate and Joe Carballo, Parent - Living My Best Life 

11:15 Panel Discussion:  Hold Hands and Jump

Moderator: Dr. Lisa Liberatore and Mark Biondi

Panelists: Will Powers, Jenna Carballo, Dr. Kimberly Reyes-Giordano, Shaunice Faines, Father  Constantine 

12:00 Gratitudes and Blessings (Father Constantine and Father Alex Karloutsos)

12:15 Lunch 

1:15 Welcome Back and Afternoon Panel: Focus on Mental and Physical Wellness

Moderator: Dr. Lisa Liberatore

Panelists: Dr. Roslyn Haber, Scott Rodeo, Claude Saturnin, Isabelle Shoukas, Marie Galeazzi 

2:00  Closing - Follow Up Information and Next Steps + Group Photo!

Please tag us on social media using the hashtag #LuvMichaelConference2024

“We are extremely grateful to Dr. Lisa Libertore for creating USAH, a housing model that has been life changing for our family. Our son Eric has a loving, safe and supportive community that provides him with opportunities to learn, grow and succeed. We consider the staff, residents and parents as part of our family!”

Heather Damon, Parent

“They have helped members of this church family learn how to give spiritual gifts of love, acceptance, and forgiveness.”

Father Constantine Lazarakis, Clergy

“Our son, Jack, has experienced amazing progress since becoming a USAH resident. He is active, health, and happy. Jack has genuine interactions with his fellow residents, the direct support professionals, and community class teachers.”

William Powers III, Parent

Join the Luv Michael conference Facebook group!

FAQs

  • This conference is intended to provide an interactive platform for our team to share the pitfalls, the challenges and the successes we have witnessed in the four years piloting our model. Ideally, this will enable others to have a better head start to start a non certified home.

  • The goal is to help other families and to build a community of like-minded individuals who will continue to stay connected and help each other over the upcoming months and years. Additionally, we hope that other groups of parents feel more hopeful in replicating a similar model in their own community and that we can save them time and money through sharing our experiences and tools.

  • The model is a small group of private 4-5 bedroom homes within a small radius in the community which are anchored to a faith based supportive partner in an interdenominational way and which serves holistically as a champion of the autistic adult residents within the program. This is an alternative residential model for independent living specifically for autistic adults and incorporates autism specialists in all of the training and methodology.

  • Yes, the individual residents, their guardians and their circle of support are all self directing their choices within the boundaries of safety and feasibility.

  • The conference is primarily designed for parents and caregivers interested in the topics presented. While potential residents are welcome, we kindly suggest that if you anticipate it may be challenging for your child to engage with the presentations for extended periods, alternative arrangements might be beneficial, as we are unable to provide individual support during the event.

  • Lodging is not provided by the conference. However, attendees can find a variety of hotels in the surrounding areas of Southampton to accommodate their stay. We recommend booking accommodations early to ensure availability.

  • We suggest a donation of $150 per person to attend the conference. This contribution supports our mission and ensures we can offer meaningful experiences for all participants.

  • Attendees can look forward to connecting with other families, learning about our model, networking, and sharing experiences. It’s an excellent opportunity to build community and gain insights.

  • We kindly suggest that if you anticipate it may be challenging for your child to engage with the presentations for extended periods, alternative arrangements might be beneficial, as we are unable to provide individual support during the event.

  • Yes, we will follow up with attendees after the conference. You will also be invited to join our social groups, fostering a continued sense of community and support.

  • Absolutely. Your support is invaluable, and donations are welcomed with gratitude, whether or not you can attend the conference.

  • Currently, we do not have any open tenancies however, we encourage interested families to become a part of our friendship circle thereby getting to know us and us getting to know your family. This will lay the foundation for future collaborations.

Contact us.

If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Sponsor

Sponsor

As we prepare for our upcoming conference, we would like to connect with those who share our vision of creating a more inclusive and supportive world for individuals with autism. We invite you to become a sponsor of the Luv Michael Conference and be a part of this meaningful initiative.

Our Generous Sponsors

Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church

Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society Inc.

Luv Michael 

Indigo Life Classes

Libra Philanthropies

Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation

Mustang Foundation

Rockefeller Foundation

The Haber Family 

Jackie Ceonzo

Allison Kleinman

We can empower change together.