Waynesburg U. Faculty and Student to Present at National Rural Special Education Conference

Dr. Lauren Werner, assistant professor of Education at Waynesburg University, and Waynesburg University Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision student Tyler Breninghouse are scheduled to present a workshop at the annual American Council on Rural Special Education (ACRES) Conference. The event will take place this April in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Their session, titled "Implementing Mentoring, Service-Learning Projects, and Pathways to Stronger Peer Relationships for Neurodiverse Students," will highlight the successes of Waynesburg University's Neurodiverse Student Skills Camp, which provides high school students hands-on experience with skills such as time management, meal planning, self-advocacy and more. The camp also offers students a glimpse of life on a college campus, where they are given the chance to connect with peers, current college students and faculty.

Through their presentation, Dr. Werner and Breninghouse will share their insights with leaders in rural special education, fostering discussions on best practices for supporting neurodiverse students in rural settings.

This opportunity underscores the valuable collaboration between Waynesburg University’s Counseling and Education programs and offers Breninghouse a unique professional experience as a student presenter. In addition to presenting, Dr. Werner and Breninghouse will engage in networking opportunities and explore innovative approaches to rural special education. They plan to bring their newfound knowledge back to Waynesburg University to enrich the learning experiences of students and faculty within both departments.

The Neurodiverse Student Skills Camp is offered in collaboration with the Washington County Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). Meals, lodging, instruction and activities are included. The 2025 camp will be held Friday, May 16, through Sunday, May 18.

This year will be the third year the camp has been offered at the University. Since it’s launch, it has served over 30 high school students in Greene, Fayette and Washington counties.