Guam CEDDERS Newsletter

March 31, 2022

Volume 24, Issue 2 

1-3-6 & Beyond Conference Shares Resources

In this issue:

1-3-6 & Beyond EHDI Mini Conference.....1-2

Guam CEDDERS 29th Anniversary............3-5

Developmental Disabilities Month...........6-7

Virtual Village Play Time...............................8

SPP/APR Review..........................................9-11

Professional Learning..............................12-14

GDOE’s Project Hita Para Mo’na.............15-17

Agat Vaccine Outreach..................................18

Remembering Josie Cortez..........................19

New Staff.........................................................20


UNIVERSITY OF GUAM

 Center for Excellence in

Developmental Disabilities

Education, Research, and Service


On January 22, Renee LG Koffend, AuD CCC-A, provided an overview of the importance of hearing 
screening, the types of hearing loss, how to read a speech banana, and had the audience experience 
what it is like to have diminished hearing. 

Guam Early Hearing Detection and 
Intervention (Guam EHDI) held two 
Guam EHDI 1-3-6 & Beyond Mini-
Conferences on January 13 and 
January 22, 2022, at the Hotel Lotte 
Guam. Families, partner agencies, 
service providers, and daycare 
providers were among the attendees 
for the mini conferences. These mini 
conferences were the first face-to-face 
EHDI activities held in the community 
since February 2020. The mini-
conference held on January 13, 2022, 
included a presentation by the Guam 
Department of Education (GDOE), 
Early Childhood Special Education 
(ECSE) Program personnel who shared 
information about the ECSE program 
staff; program services for children 
ages three to five who have been 
identified with developmental delays 
in speech and language, cognition, 
fine motor, gross motor, self help skills, 
personal and social skills, and hearing 
and vision; the referral and eligibility 
process; where and when services 
are delivered; and the transitioning 
process from ECSE to Kindergarten. 
GDOE Special Education personnel, 
also provided information on 
“Understanding the Individualized 
Education Program (IEP)”. The last of the 1-3-6 & Beyond Mini-Conferences was held on January 22 at the Lotte Hotel Guam. The Guam EHDI audiologist consultant 
shared with the audience the importance of meeting the Joint 
Committee of Infant Hearing (JCIH) 1-3-6 goals: all infants are 
screened by one month of age; infants who refer at the initial 
hearing screening receive a diagnostic audiological evaluation 
(DAE) by three months of age; infants diagnosed with a hearing 
loss are enrolled in early intervention services by six months 
of age; described the two types of hearing loss: sensorineural 
hearing loss and conductive hearing loss; demonstrated how 
quick, easy, and painless it is to conduct a hearing screening; and 
provided conference attendees an opportunity to participate 
in a hearing loss simulation. The audiologist also provided 
free hearing screening to conference participants interested 
in receiving a hearing screen. The afternoon ended with the 
GDOE Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Coordinator providing 
an overview of all the special education services GDOE provides 
along with information on the eligibility criteria for special 
education services. A total of 50 parents, service providers, 
daycare staff, college students, DHH advocates and EHDI were 
present on both days. 

The mini conferences preceded the Guam EHDI 1-3-6 and 
Beyond Conference at the Hilton Resort and Spa on February 4, 
a one-day event with a total of 69 participants in attendance. 
Presenters included the EHDI staff, Guam EHDI partners from 
Guam Memorial Hospital Authority, Sagua Mañagu Birthing 
Center, Guam Hearing Doctors (GHD), Guam’s Positive Parents 
Together (GPPT), GDOE GEIS, GDOE Special Education, and the 
GDOE Deaf and Hard of Hearing Coordinator. The conference 
provided information about Guam EHDI’s history, the JCIH 1-3-6 
goals, the role each EHDI partner contributes to meet the JCIH 
1-3-6 goals (GMHA, SMBC, GHD, GEIS, GPPT). GDOE personnel 
provided attendees with additional information about the 
following topics: 

z GDOE – Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS): 
Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
z GDOE – ECSE: An Overview of ECSE
z GDOE Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
z GDOE Special Education – Introducing Secondary Transition 
in an IEP
z GHD – The audiologist’s role in the Guam EHDI Program, 
hearing screening, diagnostic evaluation, cochlear implants, 
and Cytomegalovirus (CMV).


The conference closed with a panel of two parents and an adult 
DHH advocate sharing their journey in the system, goals for their 
children, and the reflections of a DHH adult growing up in the 
educational system in Guam and in the mainland.

The last hour of the conference was set aside for the Guam 
EHDI Advisory Committee Meeting. EHDI staff reported on the 
progress of the grant Aims and Sub-aims and received feedback 
and recommendations from stakeholders. EHDI staff also 
presented hearing screening data that will be used to identify 
the population to focus on in the development of the “Guam 
EHDI Diversity and Inclusion Plan”.

Guam EHDI 1-3-6 and Beyond Conferences

Pictured from L-R; Michelle Aguigui, Guam 
CEDDERS/EHDI; Ann Marie Cruz, parent; Trisha 
Suzuki, parent; & Myra Mendiola, DHH adult 
advocate. Ann Marie and Trisha shared about 
their experience when they found out their 
child had a hearing loss. They discussed about 
the process, support, and resources that were 
available while raising their child. Myra shared 
about the challenges she faced growing up. She 
relocated off-island due to the limited resources 
available on island. However, she made sure to 
return home to support those in the community. 
All three emphasized the importance of 
advocating for your child and yourself. 


Guam CEDDERS Celebrates 29th Anniversary


Joining in the 29th Guam CEDDERS Anniversary celebration are (L-R) Dr. Thomas Krise, UOG President; June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS Interim Director; David Okada, UOG 
Interim Chief of Staff; Jonas Macapinlac, UOG Chief Marketing and Communications Officer; and Norman Analista, UOG Director of Development, Alumni Affairs and 
Foundation Relations.

I scream! You scream! We all scream for Ice Cream! Once again, 
the “out of the box” idea of celebrating our 29th Guam CEDDERS 
Anniversary was a huge success in the “ice cream celebration” that 
was well attended on a warm and sunny afternoon on February 
14th, 2022 on the Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) 
grounds. Rain, shine, pandemic – there is no stopping Guam 
CEDDERS from celebrating the many meaningful activities that 
allow individuals with disabilities and their families to live better.

Can you believe that Guam CEDDERS has been in existence for 
29 years? Yes, 29 years! Wow! Remember when we worked on 
Project Alula? Project Fona? Remember when we did the Sina 
Ham Manmacho’cho: We Can Work video in 2003? These were 
the conversations amongst smiling, ice cream licking faces of 
Guam CEDDERS supporters comprised of partners, friends, UOG 
Administration, and most especially Guam CEDDERS staff, who 
celebrated our 29th Anniversary with us. It was a moment of 
reminiscing about the long-gone days of past projects that made 
an impact on the lives of many, as well as a day of discussion of 
future partnerships that give continued meaning to life as Guam 
CEDDERS and its partners continue to make a difference in the 
lives of those we serve – individuals with disabilities and their 
families.

 “An organization is only as strong as its people and partners. 
What makes Guam CEDDERS effective is the outstanding quality 
and commitment of our entire staff with the support of the 
community and partners.” – As shared in our 25th Anniversary 
Celebratory Booklet.

Many thanks to all for your friendship and partnership! Thank 
you for celebrating our 29th Guam CEDDERS Anniversary with 
us!

More Photos on Pages 4-5

BIBA UOG! BIBA GUAM CEDDERS!



On February 14, Guam CEDDERS’ friends 
and partners from the UOG President’s 
Office, UOG SVP Office, UOG MarComm 
Office, UOG Endowment Fund Office, 
UOG School of Education, Guam 
Department of Education Division of 
Special Education, Department of Public 
Health & Social Services – Division of 
Senior Citizens, Guam Positive Parents 
Together, Guam CEDDERS Consultants, 
Guam Developmental Disabilities 
Council, Career Tech High Academy 
Charter School were among the many 
who joined in celebrating the 29th Guam 
CEDDERS Anniversary.


Developmental Disabilities Month Highlights


The Tri-agency partnerships and Guam Developmental 
Disabilities Council members show commitment in 
planning for many of the Developmental Disabilities 
month activities via weekly Zoom meetings. One of 
the planned activities was the GDDC Awareness wave 
along Marine Drive in Hagatna on March 4, 2022.

Once again through the collaborative efforts of the Tri-agencies, 
which is comprised of Guam Developmental Disabilities Council 
(GDDC), Guam Legal Services – Disability Law Center (GLS-
DLC), and Guam CEDDERS, and the GDDC members planned 
many advocacy and awareness activities in celebration of 
Developmental Disabilities Month in March. With Mrs. Monica 
Limtiaco, GDDC Council Chairperson, taking the lead, the 
national theme, “World’s Imagine” was utilized and localized to 
“World’s Imagine – I Can.” The idea behind the localized theme 
was to showcase the individual abilities of individuals with 
disabilities in performing different activities and tasks.

Some of the activities included the advocacy posters that 
highlighted the successes of individuals with disabilities. The 
production of videos that showed the “I Can” skills of various 
individuals, such as cooking, playing, bowling, and using the 
computer. Many thanks to the participants of the videos and 
the service providers who ensured that the skills of individuals 
with disabilities were highlighted. Thank you to the poets 
who submitted poems on topics of their fancy. Thank you to 
Guam CEDDERS Media Staff for the creation of the products – 
customized design of the “World’s Imagine” theme, posters, 
and videos. Thank you to the Department of Public Health & 
Social Services and GLS-DLC for the procurement of the T-shirts 
that depicted the Latte Stone design, which signified our 
strength and resilience not only as CHamoru, but individuals 
with disabilities who continue to be resilient despite the many 
challenges to accessibility and services. Last but not the least, 
as a culminating activity, the GDDC Advocacy wave, in front of 
the GDDC office was well supported by the Tri-Agency, GDDC 
Council members, and Marine Drive “honkers.” 

The GDDC Awareness Celebration is a prime example that with 
imagination and teamwork, the resilient and persistent drive 
of GDDC Council members to show the island community 
that individuals with disabilities can do many things was not 
detoured by the pandemic. It even motivated and inspired the 
council members to plan for a more extensive and meaningful 
celebration for next year’s GDDC Celebration!

Developmental Disabilities Month Highlights


Volunteers showcase posters 
while taking a group 
photo after GDDC Awareness 
wave along Marine 
Drive.


The Tri-agency partners 
and Guam Developmental 
Disabilities Council members 
held weekly weekly 
Zoom meetings to plan for 
Developmental Disabilities 
activities. 

Project Minetgot and The Guam PDG B-5  Collaborate on Virtual Village Play Time


“Carton Full of Colors” Featuring: Rowan & Colin Leon Guerrero

“Seashore Treasures” Featuring: Elise Mesa and Vera Blaz

The COVID-19 global pandemic has affected many aspects of life 
which has restricted large gatherings for the last two years. The 
Guam Preschool Development Grant Birth to Five (Guam PDG 
B-5) under the Department of Public Health & Social Services 
had planned to conduct Village Play Time events in 6 villages 
on island. Village Play Time is a collaboration across various 
early childhood programs which promotes the overall positive 
development of children by encouraging developmentally 
appropriate play activities between parents/caregivers and 
their children. In addition, one of the outcomes of the Project 
Minetgot Year 2 workplan is to produce informational videos on 
developmentally appropriate practices for young children. The 
main purpose of the videos is to promote positive interactions 
between parents/caregivers and their children through play. 

In December 2021, Project Minetgot, Guam PDG B-5, and other 
early childhood programs came together to discuss fulfilling 
the outcomes for both Village Play Time and the informational 
videos. Thus, the Virtual Village Play Time video series was 
created. 

The activities shown in the videos feature local families engaging 
in activities that stimulate all areas of a child’s development. 
Most importantly, the videos show parents/caregivers building 
positive social and emotional interactions, which is vital to a 
child’s healthy growth and development. These videos remind 
parents that play is how children learn and encourages parents/
caregivers to go out and play with their children in their natural 
settings.

The videos are available for viewing on the Guam Early Learning 
Council’s social media pages @guamelc on Facebook and 
Instagram and the Guam CEDDERS website. 

Entities Engage Stakeholders in SPP/APR Review

February 1st was the deadline for each entity to submit its 
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Annual 
Performance Report (APR) to the USDOE Office of Special 
Education Programs (OSEP). This year’s submission also 
included the new cycle of the State Performance Plan (SPP) 
which required setting new targets for reporting periods Federal 
Fiscal Year (FFY) 2020 – FFY 2025, where required. Through 
entity-specific contracts, Guam CEDDERS supported the 
development of the SIP/APR for Guam, Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Federated States of Micronesia 
(FSM), and Republic of Palau (ROP). This year’s SPP/APR 
submission deadline also included each entity’s State Systemic 
Improvement Plan (SSIP). A key development requirement is to 
ensure stakeholder engagement in the development of the SPP/
APR, including each entity’s advisory panel for special education 
and the interagency coordinated council for early intervention, 
comprised of representatives from various agencies, parents 
of children with disabilities, and individuals with disabilities, as 
required. Congratulations to ALL entities for submitting timely 
their SPP/APR by February 1st!


On December 28 and January 6, 
Guam CEDDERS supported the 
virtual sessions held with the CNMI 
Special Education State Advisory 
Panel (SESAP) to gather input on 
target settings for CNMI’s IDEA 
Part B SPP/APR. The SESAP was 
comprised of parents of children 
with disabilities, individuals 
with disabilities, and agency/
organization representatives. 

On January 4 and 18, Guam CEDDERS supported the virtual sessions held with the CNMI SSIP Core Team, which included key Public School System Administrators 
and school principals.
On January 20 and 21, Guam CEDDERS supported the virtual sessions held with the Palau SSIP Core Team and the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC). The Palau SSIP 
Core Team reviewed the SSIP data and information to present to the SEAC for input on target setting.

Professional Learning Continues Virtually

It is the new normal. Virtual technical assistance and training 
activities continue to support the entity special education 
programs increase their personnel capacity to provide special 
education and related services. Through entity-specific contracts, 
Guam CEDDERS continues to support the development and 
implementation of virtual technical assistance and training 
activities prioritized by each entity.

On December 2, the Guam CEDDERS Assessment Training Team met with Miyai Keller, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Special Education Assessment/Data Coordinator, 
to review the progress of the virtual training series and to discuss next steps for each FSM state. Pictured top row (L-R): June Quitugua, consultant, Guam CEDDERS; June De 
Leon, interim director, Guam CEDDERS; Nieves Flores, Ed.D., consultant, Guam CEDDERS. Bottom row (L-R): Pia Watson, consultant, Guam CEDDERS; Miyai Keller.

On December 14, Guam CEDDERS consultant Irina Quebles, Psy.D. facilitated a virtual session on identifying and supporting children with autism 
spectrum disorder (ASD) with the FSM Kosrae State special education teachers and related service assistants. The virtual sessions will continue in 2022 to 
support the ongoing technical assistance needs related to the service provisions for children with ASD. Pictured top row (L-R): Dr. Quebles; June De Leon, 
interim director, Guam CEDDERS. Bottom row: Kosrae team.

On February 5, Guam CEDDERS June De Leon met with the American Samoa program director, specialists, and special education teachers to review the 
requirements for administering the Spring 2022 Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA), which included identifying training needs of the MSAA test 
administrators in preparation for the opening of the administration window on March 14, 2022.

On January 28, Guam CEDDERS June De Leon supported the Palau Ministry of Education Training Team facilitate the first of a series of virtual sessions with 
Palau’s State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) target school, Koror Elementary, and scale-up school, Harris Elementary. The focus of the virtual series offered 
support for the implementation of the multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS), in particular the tiered 3 supports of intensive intervention. Primary resources for 
the virtual series were from the National Center on Intensive Intervention (NCII) and the Center on MTSS.

GDOE’s Project Hita Para Mo’na Conducts Work Team Sessions with NASDSE


Pictured are L-R: Robyn Hansen, 
Consultant, NASDSE; Natasha Dela Cruz, 
Principal, MU Lujan Elementary School, 
GDOE; Elias Taisipic, Assistant Principal, 
MU Lujan Elementary School, GDOE

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) in partnership with 
Autism Community Together (ACT), the University of Guam 
School of Education (SOE), the National Association of State 
Directors of Special Education (NASDSE), and Guam CEDDERS, 
held a week long series of work team sessions facilitated by 
consultants from NASDSE. The work teams focused on GDOE’s 
State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG), Project Hita Para 
Mo’na. The project is funded by a grant from the Office of 
Special Education Programs (OSEP) that aims to assist GDOE in 
improving professional and family learning of all stakeholders in 
order to increase outcomes for all students. 

The on-site sessions for Project Hita Para Mo’na facilitated by 
NASDSE consultants ran through February 19 – February 25. The 
visiting consultants comprised of the following professionals: 
John Eisenberg – NASDSE Executive Director, Joanne Cashman – 
former Director of the IDEA Partnership at NASDSE, Luann Purcell 
- former Executive Director of the Council of Administrators 
of Special Education (CASE), Patti Solomon – Parent Mentor 
Program Creator in Georgia schools, Robyn Hansen – Educational 
Consultant and Assistant Professor of Practice (Northern Arizona 
University) , and Arlene Russell – SIGMA Associates Incorporated. 
During the sessions, partners and stakeholders participated in 
learning more about how Leading by Convening can support 
the engagement and partnerships between home (families), 
community, and early childhood and school programs. Leading 
by Convening is a framework that emphasizes that everybody is 
a leader, and everybody is a learner. The framework is centered 
on the “Blueprint for Engagement,” in which stakeholders come 
together around shared concerns, ensure relevant participation, 
and do the work together with the goal of supporting children in 
reaching their full potential in literacy as they develop through 
early intervention, preschool, elementary school, middle school, 
and then completing their high school education with a diploma 
in the hopes of pursuing post-secondary goals such as college, 
vocational training, or other life opportunities. The Leading by 
Convening framework embodies the tenets of Project Hita Para 
Mo’na which in CHamoru means “moving forward together.” The 
goals of the project center on making certain that a process is 
created that is informed by all stakeholders thus ensuring that 
all voices are heard.

The visit kicked off with a parent session hosted by ACT and 
facilitated by the NASDSE consultants. The session titled 
“Engaging Families: Leading by Convening!” was held at the 
Hilton Guam Resort & Spa. Patti Solomon, NASDSE partner and 
parent of an adult child with autism, shared how professional 
and family learning can lead to successful outcomes. Parents 
and other participants learned about the Leading by Convening 
framework as a way to engage families in becoming collaborative 
partners with a shared mission of supporting children in 
reaching their full potential in literacy.



GDOE’s Project Hita Para Mo’na (Cont.)


The following photos depict the week-long February 
activities from GDOE’s Project Hita Para Mo’na. These 
sessions included opportunities for early childhood 
providers, educators, parents, and community leaders 
to share insights on how to improve literacy rates for 
students on our island. 

Project Hita Para Mo’na has five Work Teams, committed 
to building a responsive system of professional and 
family learning. The project Work Teams are as 
follows: Work Team I: Leading by Convening, engaging 
participants (or partners) in the work; Work Team II: 
Mapping and aligning the process of professional and 
family learning; Work Team III: Messaging & infographics 
on the content; Work Team IV: Implementation Support 
Partner role & plan for stakeholder engagement; Work 
Team V: Development of participatory evaluation plan & 
evaluation to support and sustain the project.



GDOE’s Project Hita Para Mo’na (Cont.)



Hågat Hosts Vaccine Outreach


On Saturday, February 26, Guam CEDDERS 
Research Associate, Reuel Drilon, takes a selfie 
with partners from the Guam Department of 
Public Health & Social Services team, along 
with traveling nurses supporting the COVID-19 
community vaccination outreach clinic held 
at the Hågat gymnasium. The village clinic was 
established to provide better access to the 
vaccines for persons with disabilities and older 
adults in the community. Guam CEDDERS, 
along with our Tri-agency partners, Guam Legal 
Services Corporation – Disability Law Center and 
the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council, 
also supported similar vaccination outreach 
efforts in the villages of Barrigada and Dededo.



Remembering Josie Cortez

Josie, as her friends call her, is remembered for 
her participation in many Guam System for 
Assistive Technology (GSAT) events. Having 
been a member for more than 10 years, Josie 
held various positions in the GSAT Advisory 
Council. From member at large to vice 
chairperson, and secretary. The staff 
at Guam CEDDERS are grateful for 
her commitment to the council 
and her desire to be a part of an 
organization where she felt like 
home. Josie spoke highly of the 
organization she was involved 
in, as this was her way to 
advocate for individuals with 
disabilities. 

Ms. Cortez was born on May 30, 
1952, in the village of Barrigada, 
she has one daughter, and four sons. 
At 11 years old she was diagnosed 
with Epilepsy and Diabetes. Despite the 
complications in the late stages of her life, 
she continued to attend meetings held by the 
Council. 

Beyond her role in community organizations, 
Ms. Cortez was fond of her grandchildren. 
She also loved playing Chamorro music and 
watching Martial arts. Before the start of Council 
meetings, Josie would play a game of Sudoko 
and online bingo. Josie will surely be missed by 
her friends and Council members.

GUAM CEDDERS WELCOMES NEW TRAINING ASSOCIATE !


Mrs. Rachel Duenas graduated from the 
University of Guam with a Bachelor’s 
degree in Elementary Education and 
Master’s degrees in Special Education 
and Reading. Before joining Guam 
CEDDERS, she worked as a Guam 
Department of Education elementary 
and secondary teacher for eight years.


University of Guam
Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

Education, Research, & Service (Guam CEDDERS) Newsletter

Guam CEDDERS

Office of Graduate Studies,
Sponsored Programs, & Research

University of Guam
303 University Drive

Mangilao, Guam 96913

Phone: (671) 735‐2480/1

Fax: (671) 734‐5709

TTY: (671) 734‐6531

Email: june.deleon@guamcedders.org

I Tellai is a quarterly publication of Guam CEDDERS.

Interim Director: June De Leon

Editors: Michelle Aguigui,Vera Blaz, & Josephine Cruz

Layout & Design: Zachary Hecita

This issue of I Tellai was made possible by contributions from the 
following Guam CEDDERS staff members/consultant: Leah Abelon, 
Michelle Aguigui, Jenika Ballesta, Josephine Cruz, June De Leon, Keith 
Villaluna, and Debra Whitt.

Alternative formats (e.g. Braille or large print) of I Tellai will be made 
available upon request.

Please contact Zachary Hecita at (671) 735‐2455 (v), (671) 735‐6531 
(TTY), or (671) 734‐5709 (fax) for more information.

The University of Guam is an equal opportunity provider and employer.


For more information on any of these events, 

please call 735-2479 or visit www.guamcedders.org

This newsletter was produced with 100% funding support from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental 
Disabilities, Grant No. 90DDUC0064-02-01 and facilitated by the University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and 
Service (Guam CEDDERS). This report is also available online and in alternate formats at www.guamcedders.org.

The University of Guam is an equal opportunity provider and employer.