Conference: Building Connections, Shifting Perspectives and Embracing Families.

Jeffrey Guenzel

EdD, LPC, DIR-Expert

IDCL

Bio: Dr. Jeffrey Guenzel has been leading ICDL since 2013, bringing over 30 years of expertise in child development, behavioral health, and autism. A professional counselor and psychotherapist, he has worked extensively with children and families, specializing in developmental and mental health challenges. Before joining ICDL, Dr. Guenzel served as Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and Director of the Division of Child Behavioral Health, where he spearheaded innovative service delivery reforms. He was also the inaugural Executive Director of the Partnership for Children of Essex, transforming it into one of the largest Wraparound agencies in the U.S.An internationally recognized speaker and consultant, Dr. Guenzel has lectured across the globe on mental health, autism, and systemic change. He holds a Doctorate in Education from Spalding University and degrees in Psychology and Counseling from Montclair State University.

Jackie Bartell

MS, SPED. DIR-Expert

ICDL

Jackie Bartell, M.Ed., is a seasoned special education professional with over 30 years of experience. She has worked in various settings, including private and public schools, and has consulted with families in their homes. As an expert training leader for the Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning (ICDL), she provides online and in-person instruction in the Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based (DIR) model to parents and professionals worldwide. Jackie holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Developmental Disabilities with certification in Special Education from the University of Rochester: Jackie Bartell, M.Ed., is a seasoned special education professional with over 30 years of experience. She has worked in various settings, including private and public schools, and has consulted with families in their homes. As an expert training leader for the Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning (ICDL), she provides online and in-person instruction in the Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based (DIR) model to parents and professionals worldwide. Jackie holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Developmental Disabilities with certification in Special Education from the University of Rochester.

Nagwa Khedr

MA, DIR-Expert

Etwasel

Nagwa Khedr is a specialist in child and family mental health with nearly 15 years of experience. She holds an M.A. in Infant, Child, and Family Mental Health and Development from Fielding Graduate University, a postgraduate certification in Sensory Integration from Sheffield Hallam University, and a B.A. from the American University in Cairo (2009). A Certified DIRFloortime® Expert Training Leader and Provider (since 2017), she is committed to professional education, advocacy, and supporting families through relationship-based interventions. In 2023, she co-founded Etwasel Center for Child Development Services in Cairo, providing specialized support for children with developmental needs.

Mustafa Al Qaisi

MSc., OTR, DIR-Expert

The Hashemite University

Mustafa Ahmad Alqaisi is an occupational therapist from Jordan with expertise in sensory integration, vision rehabilitation, and developmental interventions. He holds a B.Sc. in Occupational Therapy from The Hashemite University (2003) and a Master's in Vision Rehabilitation from the German Jordanian University. A Certified Sensory Integration Therapist (2008) and DIRFloortime® Expert Training Leader (2025), he serves as an academic faculty member at The Hashemite University while also maintaining an independent practice, supporting individuals and families through relationship-based approaches.