Professional development workshops that give music, art, and other teachers practical strategies to support neurodivergent learners — so every student can thrive, not just survive.
BOOK A WORKSHOP NOW
Engaging, practical professional development that teachers actually use
Whether you're planning a 45-minute conference session or a full-day workshop, these presentations give teachers immediately actionable strategies — not just theory, but practical tools they can use Monday morning.
Your teachers are working hard, but some students just aren't responding. Behavioral issues escalate. Students shut down or melt down. Teachers feel like they're failing — and they're burning out trying strategies that weren't designed for neurodivergent brains.
Your teachers sit through PD sessions on "learning styles" and vague accommodations that don't actually work in real classrooms — especially in music and arts settings where traditional modifications don't translate. They need specific, practical strategies for the actual students in front of them.
Private music teachers are especially stuck — traditional teaching methods assume neurotypical processing, and when students don't respond, teachers don't know how to adapt. Lessons become frustrating for everyone, and talented students quit.
Conference planners know the reality: most PD sessions are forgotten by lunch. You need presenters who can hold attention, deliver real value, and give teachers tools they'll actually remember and use. You need sessions that get high evaluations and make your conference stand out.
No vague theory. Teachers leave with specific strategies they can implement immediately in their classrooms and studios.
25+ years working with neurodivergent learners, Master's in Education, and I'm neurodivergent myself — I understand both sides of the teaching relationship.
Strategies designed for music and arts classrooms where traditional accommodations don't work. Plus adaptable for any teaching context.
Distinguished Toastmaster communication skills mean workshops are interactive, memorable, and highly rated by attendees.
Understanding how neurodivergent nervous systems work changes everything about how we teach. This isn't just about behavior management.
Strategies that work in group settings, private lessons, and everything in between.
All workshops can be customized to your conference's needs and time constraints. Here are the core offerings:
Format: 45-90 minutes | Ideal for: Conference breakout session
Format: 60-90 minutes | Ideal for: Private music teachers, studio educators
Format: 90 minutes - full day | Ideal for: Conference keynote, district PD day
Fully customizable: These workshops adapt to your conference theme, time constraints, and audience needs. Whether you need a 45-minute session or a full-day intensive, the content scales while maintaining practical value.
These workshops draw from my book Leadership With Love: How to Empower Your Children and Yourself with Compassion
Conference attendees gain access to frameworks, strategies, and insights refined through years of real classroom application and thousands of students.
Professional development that transforms how your teachers work with neurodivergent learners.
Starting at $500
Single session for conference or convention. Pricing varies based on travel requirements and conference size.
Starting at $1,000
Opening or closing keynote for your conference or event. Inspiring, practical, and memorable — setting the tone for transformative learning.
Starting at $1,500
In-depth professional development for private schools, churches, tutoring organizations, or intensive conference training. Includes customized content, handouts, and follow-up resources.
Multi-session packages and ongoing consultation available. Virtual and in-person options. Ask about book bundles for attendees.
I'm Melanie Stark — a music educator, author, and neurodivergent advocate with 25+ years of experience working with neurodivergent learners across teaching, performing, and therapeutic settings.
My Master's in Education focused on creating inclusive learning environments, but my real expertise comes from being neurodivergent myself and working with hundreds of neurodivergent students throughout my career. I understand what it's like to be the student who doesn't fit the mold — and the teacher trying to reach them.
As author of Leadership With Love and a Distinguished Toastmaster, I bring both deep knowledge and engaging presentation skills to every workshop. Teachers leave not just informed, but inspired and equipped with tools they'll actually use.
I've presented at music education conferences, arts integration events, and professional development sessions across the country. My workshops consistently receive high ratings because they deliver what teachers desperately need: practical strategies that work in real classrooms with real students.
Stop offering generic PD that doesn't translate to real classrooms. Book a workshop that gives teachers practical strategies to reach every student — especially the ones who've been falling through the cracks.
BOOK A WORKSHOP NOWQuestions? Email me at Melanie@MelanieStark.com
I'd be happy to discuss your conference needs and create a workshop that serves your teachers and their students.