Students with Disabilities Symposium Speakers

Patricia Cadigan

VP Learning Environments, Artcobell

Patricia is a seasoned education professional with 28-year journey dedicated to shaping the landscape of public education. With over 17 years in school administration and a rich background as a teacher, Patricia brings a unique blend of instructional expertise and leadership acumen to her diverse roles within the educational realm. Throughout her dynamic career, she ascended through various leadership roles at elementary, middle, and high school levels, accumulating a wealth of experience and insights that have shaped her holistic understanding of the educational landscape. Her dedication to creating optimal spaces for learning is further underscored by her achievement of ALEP certification, a testament to her commitment to excellence in educational facility planning. Joining forces with the Artcobell team, Patricia now brings her extensive user experience to the forefront, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the intersection of learning spaces and best practices in teaching. Her multifaceted role encompasses professional development, training, programming, planning, and research, as she collaborates with educators to ensure that educational spaces are not just physical environments but dynamic hubs of inspiration and innovation.

Laura Karle

Occupational Therapist

Laura is a seasoned professional in the field of physical therapy, whose career spans over two decades, marked by a continuous pursuit of excellence and a heartfelt dedication to her patients. A graduate of Fresno State University, Laura earned her Master's in Physical Therapy in 2001 and in 2014, she furthered her education by obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) through Evidence in Motion, and shortly thereafter, in 2015, she achieved the prestigious title of Orthopedic Certified Specialist. Driven by a personal and profound experience from her childhood, she made a significant transition from outpatient physical therapy to school-based physical therapy. This move was inspired by a deeply moving memory of her sister's first words, spoken during a physical therapy session at school, a moment that Laura witnessed at the tender age of eight or nine. This memory not only shaped her decision to become a physical therapist but also guided her career path towards helping children in educational settings. In her current role, Laura is dedicated to igniting the same spark in her students that she saw ignited in her sister all those years ago. She believes in the transformative power of physical therapy and the crucial role of specialized equipment in helping students achieve new milestones. Laura's approach is characterized by a blend of compassion, innovation, and expertise, making her a beloved and respected figure in the field of school-based physical therapy.

Philip Riedel

Principal, NAC Architecture

Throughout his 25-year career, Philip has focused on aligning developments in education with facility design. Passionate about accommodating the entire range of students’ needs, he’s particularly interested in evidence-based design, designing for unique populations, and creating teachable sustainable environments. Philip Riedel is the PK-12 Practice Leader for NAC Architecture, the Pacific Northwest Director on the International Board of the Association for Learning Environments, and a member of A4LE’s international Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee.

Ann Vacek

Senior Associate, NAC Architecture

A lifelong learner herself, Ann joined NAC with a passion for educational facility design and planning. She is an extremely organized and responsive architect who is always thinking of the user’s and client’s needs. Ann’s experience ranges from large district and campus master plans to small renovations and additions—a versatility that allows her to see a plan through at various scales and solve a multitude of design and technical challenges with attention to detail.

Athi Toufexis, ALEP, AIA

Principal, Studio GC

As an Accredited Learning Environment Planner (ALEP) and Principal at Studio GC, Athi recognizes and celebrates the individualism of each project and strives to design educational environments for learners of all abilities. With over 15 years of experience in educational design, Athi supports school districts and communities in transforming their visions into inspiring built realities through collaborative planning, design, and implementation. Athi earned her Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science at the University of Illinois.

Cory Boaz, ALEP

Principal, Studio GC

Cory is a Principal at Studio GC and a leader in our education market bringing over 20 years of architectural experience. As an Accredited Learning Environment Planner (ALEP), he focuses on establishing strong relationships with his clients by actively listening and comprehending their needs. He proposes solutions that effectively address any problem while updating clients on the status, expectations, needed decisions, or market conditions. Cory earned his Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science at the University of Illinois.

Bryan Wimmer

Learning Experience Coordinator, Meteor Education

Throughout Bryan's educational journey, he has co-taught in the preschool setting, worked as an intervention specialist supporting 3rd – 5th grade students diagnosed with behavioral/emotional disabilities, and currently collaborated with school districts to build student-centered learning environments. He believes that a strong education is the foundation all students deserve and that educators must create safe spaces and caring relationships with students.

Emily Wright

Associate, Grimm + Parker Architects

Emily is a registered architect with over 19 years of experience, an undergraduate degree in biochemistry, a background in clinical psychology, and experience teaching English abroad. Although neurotypical herself, her father, brother, husband and two of their three children are neurodivergent. She believes the ease with which we all learn can be profoundly impacted by the built environment.

Mayva Donnon

Partner, KSS Architects

Mayva is an expert in the design of engaging learning environments for early childhood, K-12, behavioral health, and higher education. Through her ability to balance the technical aspects of architectural practice with the human side of design, Mayva has led several of KSS’ most noted projects and built many of the firm’s lasting client relationships. She is dedicated to fostering collaborations among staff, consultants, clients, and other collaborators to create innovative and inclusive design solutions.