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Date: July 28, 2026
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
THIRD of a Four Part Series
Time: 6:00PM EST
Purpose: Equip families to navigate the school system confidently and advocate effectively.
What You Will Learn
Understanding the IEP Process
Preparing for IEP Meetings
Working with the school team
Transition Planning ( 14-21 )
Connecting school decisions to long term Planning
Panelist
Jacqueline Scali
Jacqueline has her Master of Science in Education and is certified through the New York State Department of Education to teach Students with Disabilities Birth-grade 2 and grades 1- 6. In her current position, Jacqueline provides technical assistance to professionals and families with children with disabilities. She works directly with these families to connect them to the resources that are available in Long Island and provides regional trainings to all stakeholders that focus on the special education process and educating students with disabilities..
Jacqueline is the New York State Chapter Leader of the National Changing Spaces Campaign. In this role, she brings awareness to the need for height-adjustable adult size changing tables in public facilities. As a parent of a child with multiple disabilities, her passion for the inclusion of students with disabilities extends beyond the school system and into the community to provide all community members with the same opportunities.
Panelist
Jillian Kashuba
Managing Associate and Financial Advisor with Forest Hills Financial Group (FHFG), is an experienced financial services leader specializing in advising women, families, and individuals with special needs. With over a decade of expertise in planning, team development, and client education, she is recognized for her strategic approach and her ability to communicate complex concepts with warmth and clarity.
Balancing the demands of parenthood with a drive for professional excellence has strengthened Jillian’s resilience, adaptability, and purpose-driven approach. As a parent to a child on the autism spectrum, Jillian brings a deeply personal perspective to her work - championing inclusive planning and empowering families to navigate both immediate needs and long-term possibilities. Jillian is actively involved in the special needs community, lending her voice, experience, and advocacy to organizations that support families and neurodiverse children. She is currently pursuing her Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC) designation to further deepen her expertise and expand the impact of her work.
Jillian is equally committed to advancing women in the financial services profession. She actively participates in and collaborates with women-focused professional organizations, using her platform to mentor, recruit, and develop women seeking meaningful, purpose-driven careers. She believes representation matters and she is dedicated to creating pathways for women to lead, thrive, and redefine what success looks like in this industry.
Her practice continues to grow as a values-driven space centered on empowerment, education, and long-term financial well-being for the communities she serves.
Panelist
Leticia Blanco
is a Financial Representative with Forest Hills Financial Group (FHFG), bringing over twelve years of experience in sales and client service. As a Latina professional and working mother, she understands the challenges of balancing family, career, and financial resilience, allowing her to connect with clients while helping them work toward long-term financial security.
She is deeply committed to the autism community, a cause close to her heart, as her family is directly impacted. Her advocacy has led to collaborations with Autism Speaks and the Nassau/Suffolk Autism Awareness Society to promote awareness, inclusion, and meaningful support.
In 2024, Lety launched Empower HER, a monthly event series where women come together to reconnect, realign, and support one another. In 2025, she was honored by the North Shore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as an Outstanding Community Supporter for her advocacy and community work.
Don’t put it off any longer. Take this important first step now. Special and supplemental needs planning is a powerful way to protect your loved one’s future, preserve their access to essential benefits, and ensure they are cared for according to your wishes both during your lifetime and beyond. With the right plan in place, you can provide long-term financial support without jeopardising eligibility for programmes like Medicaid or SSI. It is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give, offering stability, protection, and peace of mind for your entire family.
Forest Hills Financial Group is an independent financial services firm and is not affiliated with Sammartino and Sultan Law Group. Information shared during this event is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Participation in this event does not create an attorney-client or advisory relationship with either party. Each party is solely responsible for the services they provide.