ESU to Host The 27th Annual Through Their Eyes Conference, April 10

ESU main entrance

Posted by: Elizabeth Richardson on April 2, 2026, No Comments

East Stroudsburg University will welcome Slade Heller, Kristal Nemeroff and Kaela Winn as speakers at the 27th Annual Through Their Eyes conference on Friday, April 10. The conference speakers will share rich experiences in overcoming attitudinal, physical, and cultural barriers.

“This year’s speakers will carry on the tradition of delivering messages of hope and inspiration about life and the path to success and achievement in society,” said Domenico Cavaiuolo, Ph.D., professor of special education and rehabilitation.

The conference, which will be held at ESU’s Rosenkrans Learning Center from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., aims to give those in attendance a personal perspective from people with disabilities that is unique, according to Dr. Cavaiuolo.

Slade Heller, from Central Pennsylvania, is an acclaimed multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter whose career defines resilience. Born without a left hand, Heller developed personalized techniques to learn the drums, guitar, piano, and more. With over a decade of national touring and performances reaching millions globally, he maintains a rigorous schedule of 3 to 7 shows weekly. Beyond his live shows, studio consulting, and educating, Heller is a compelling public speaker. He leverages his unique journey to challenge self-imposed limitations, inspiring audiences to embrace empowered creativity and turn necessity into a powerful, musical advantage.

Kristal Nemeroff is a Registered Nurse and Certified School Nurse whose career is rooted in resilience and advocacy. Born in 1988 with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, she spent her childhood undergoing frequent fractures, surgeries, and medical research participation; experiences that inspired her commitment to compassionate care. Nemeroff became an RN in 2011 and earned her CSN certification in 2015. She now serves at a private school for students with disabilities, where she supports children facing adversity and challenges. A patient who has turned professional, Nemeroff is known for her empathy, leadership, and dedication to inclusive care. She is also an advocate, educator, musician, and proud mother.

Kaela Winn is a proud member of the disability community. She currently works as an administrator at Leahy Life Plan and volunteers with the non-profit Disability Equality in Education. Winn graduated with a bachelor’s in communications from Southern New Hampshire University. Her passion is combining digital media with her advocacy efforts.

“The Through Their Eyes conference is intended to provide the audience with an understanding that people with disabilities are contributing members of society capable of accomplishing great things, despite their challenges,” Cavaiuolo said.

The conference is open to the public and it is free of charge. For more information contact Dr. Cavaiuolo at (570) 422-3893, or dcavaiuolo@esu.edu.