Telling Our Way: A Day of Film & Neurodivergent Celebration

Saturday, October 4th, 2025

1:00-5:00 p.m.

Forman School Campus

Join us for Telling Our Way: A Day of Film & Neurodivergent Celebration at Forman School, an afternoon of inspiring stories, important conversations, empowering connections, and insights that drive change.

When we understand how neurodiverse students learn best, we uncover strategies, like structured literacy, that make instruction more effective for everyone. On October 4th, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Forman School will host Telling Our Way: A Day of Film & Neurodivergent Celebration, inviting families, educators, and community partners to engage in this important dialogue.

Come immerse yourself in an afternoon of inspiring stories, meaningful conversations, and powerful connections. Event highlights include a special screening of Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars, a panel discussion, a resource fair, and campus tours. This event is free and open to the public–please register below!

Following the screening, Harvey Hubbell V will moderate a panel discussion with Forman colleagues, Drexel University, UConn Waterbury, Woodlynde School, and Forman alumnus and founder of Superpower Mentors, Jake Sussman ’14. A resource fair will showcase the schools and organizations represented on the panel, offering valuable information.

By attending, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Engage with thought leaders in the field of neurodiversity as they share their stories, work, and visions for the future. 

  • Discover how schools can put reading research into practice.

  • Build community connections by meeting others with similar interests and exploring further opportunities with schools and organizations.

Guests will also have the opportunity to tour Forman’s Cognition and Learning Building and Quinn Assessment Center and learn about Forman’s signature programs.

Harvey Hubbell's film centers on a public school in Waterbury, CT, focusing on dyslexia and the need for structured literacy for every student. Forman is highlighted at the very beginning of the documentary as a model for educating students who learn differently. This is Harvey’s second film on the subject.
Play Video
Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars Trailer

Meet Our Panelists 

The panel discussion will be moderated by Emmy Award-winning director Harvey Hubbell V.

Kristin Simmers, Director of Cognition and Learning at Forman School 

Kristin Simmers is an experienced educator and PhD Candidate in Learning Sciences at the University of Connecticut, with research interests that include teachers’ understanding of the brain and learning and teacher-researcher partnerships.

Dr. Mary Jean Tecce DeCarlo, Clinical Professor of Literacy Studies at Drexel University

During her nearly 30 years in education, Dr. Mary Jean Tecce DeCarlo has been a classroom teacher, a curriculum leader, and a college professor. 

Jenai Fitzpatrick, Chief Cognition and Learning Officer at Forman School

With over 15 years of experience in educational and clinical settings, certified school psychologist and executive function coach Jenai Fitzpatrick champions the voices of neurodiverse learners, helping them grow in confidence, self-advocacy, and identity.

Dr. Fumiko Hoeft, Campus Dean and Chief Administrative Officer at University of Connecticut Waterbury

A physician and neuroscientist by training, Dr. Fumiko Hoeft has dedicated over two decades to research in learning, dyslexia, resilience, and neurodiversity. 

MB Spencer, Assistant Head of School for Academic Programs at Woodlynde School

MB Spencer has worked in schools for 20 years as a teacher, reading interventionist, special educator, and administrator. 

Jake Sussman ’14, Founder of Superpower Mentors

Jake Sussman ’14 is a Forman alumnus and founded Superpower Mentors, one of the world’s most innovative online mentorship programs dedicated to empowering youth and young adults with learning differences. 

Registration is required for this event. Kindly complete your registration using the form below.
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Mission Statement

Forman School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory school for boarding and day students with identified learning differences. Forman develops the whole student, based on each individual’s learning profile, so that all graduates become educated, confident self-advocates throughout life.


Non-Discriminatory Policy

Forman School admits students of any race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, religious affiliation, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities made available to accepted students. The school does not discriminate in the administration of any institutional programs.

Forman School
12 Norfolk Road, P.O. Box 80
Litchfield, CT 06759
860.567.8712