Great online learning isn’t just about delivering content. It’s about creating environments where every learner can thrive. In this session, we’ll explore practical ways to support student wellness while designing more accessible and inclusive online experiences. Learn strategies for meeting the needs of neurodiverse learners and other special populations, reducing barriers to participation, and fostering belonging through thoughtful course design. Whether you’re new to inclusive practices or looking to strengthen your approach, you’ll walk away with ideas you can put into practice right away.
Cassie Brusch
Lead Project Consultant - Montgomery County Intermediate Unit
Cassie Brusch
Cassie Brusch serves as a Project Consultant in the Office of Organizational and Professional Learning at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit and as Special Education Coordinator for the Montgomery Virtual Program. With a background in general and special education teaching and instructional coaching, she specializes in autism and complex learners, digital accessibility, virtual learning, DEIB, SEL, and school improvement. Cassie is passionate about creating inclusive, innovative learning environments where all students can succeed.
Laura Garmire
Instructional Design & Curriculum Manager - Indiana Online
Laura Garmire
With 36 years of experience in education, Laura has spent the past 12 years at Indiana Online, the state's largest nonprofit supplemental online education provider for grades 6-12. As the leader of course development, she oversees the design and quality of online curriculum. She is a Quality Matters Master Reviewer and an AccredVEd reviewer, bringing extensive expertise in online course quality, instructional design, and continuous improvement.
Heather Gowton
Online Learning Design Specialist -
Chester County Intermediate Unit
Heather Gowton
As an experienced instructional designer and educator, Heather Gowton specializes in developing digital curricula that prioritize equity and inclusion across learning environments. She leverages her background in instructional technology, coding, and LMS administration to build digital spaces that meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility guidelines. Currently serving as an Online Learning Design Specialist, Heather actively advocates for Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to support and empower diverse learners online.