2022 Secretaries’ Conference – Virtual

About the Presenters . . . .

Kathleen Wade focuses her practice across a broad range of employment issues, advising primarily municipalities, schools, and private employers. Skilled at handling complex employment matters, Kathleen regularly appears before a variety of administrative agencies on behalf of clients.  Kathleen was recognized as part of Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” Labor and Employment Law – Management – for her notable work. She’s also a regular contributor to the School Law Advisory and a frequent presenter at seminars and trainings.

Penelope Wheeler-Abbott, works with schools and municipalities as a non-lawyer consultant and advocate providing guidance on wide-ranging education and human resources matters including special education, school administration, investigation, personnel evaluation, supervision, and policy development.  As a former school administrator, Penelope has extensive experience in dealing with employee, student, and education issues of all kinds. She maintains her certifications as a teacher, building administrator, and assistant superintendent.  Penelope skillfully helps clients navigate the challenges inherent in managing the needs and requests of school and local government’s diverse stakeholders. She provides consultation on challenging special education issues, attends IEP team meetings as an advocate for schools, helps schools respond to special education complaints and prepare for due process hearings. Penelope also conducts a wide variety of investigations for public sector entities including investigations of harassment, discrimination, Title IX complaints, and employee and student misconduct – including student bullying allegations.