A Tribute to

Geraldine Moore-Neill

A Fierce Advocate, A Gentle Heart

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Gerri, a woman who transformed her pain into purpose, her challenges into courage, and her voice into a beacon of hope for countless families.

Gerri was not just a mother—she was a fighter, an inspiration, a teacher, and a friend. She walked through what felt like a dark tunnel, often as the only light for her child and for others, navigating hundreds of IEP meetings in her more than 20 years here at SPAN, mountains of medical treatments, and endless moments of uncertainty with unwavering strength.

Despite enduring immense physical and emotional pain, Gerri remained present, grounded, and full of compassion. She was the embodiment of what it means to be a "Mama Bear"—fierce in protection, fierce in love, and fierce in advocacy, yet always with a sweet heart and open arms.

Gerri stood firm at the front lines of family advocacy—not for recognition, but because she believed every child deserved a voice, every parent deserved respect, and every family deserved to be seen and heard on their own terms.

She taught us that advocacy is not just about systems or policies—it's about people. It's about showing up, again and again, even when your body is tired and your heart is breaking. And she showed up. Every time.

Now, as she flies with the angels, her spirit remains a guiding force for all of us. We will remember her laugh, her courage, her passion—and most of all, her unshakable belief that love and advocacy go hand in hand.

Rest in power, Gerri. Your legacy lives on in every family you touched and every advocate you inspired.

A service for Gerri will take place on Saturday, June 7 at Evan's-Gordon Funeral Home in Newark. A viewing is scheduled for 10:00AM, with the service to follow at 11:00AM.

Dare to Dream Student Leadership Conferences

The New Jersey Department of Education’s Office of Special Education is hosting nine regional Dare to Dream Student Leadership conferences, focusing on strategies that promote self-advocacy skills for middle and high school students with disabilities. 

Each conference features keynote speakers with disabilities who have demonstrated excellent self-advocacy and leadership skills. The conference program will also include a variety of student-led workshop sessions on topics such as self-discovery, student self-advocacy, effective communication, student-led individualized education program (IEP) meetings, and understanding your rights and responsibilities as a high school student in college and the workplace.

On May 21, 2025, the conference at Mercer County Community College, the youngest featured speaker was 8th grader Sophia Szymanek, who spoke about areas she struggles with and the supports and accommodations she uses to be successful in school. Sophia stated that, “I have had a hard time asking for help and saying how I feel. I have learned, in school, that I can tell people how I feel by using the Zones of Regulation. I can also use activities to help me when I am in a zone that is challenging for me.”

The Zones of Regulation is a social-emotional learning program that categorizes feelings and alertness into four color-coded zones: Blue (low alertness), Green (calm, ready to learn), Yellow (heightened alertness), and Red (extremely high alertness). Sophia has participated in this program and learned effective ways to communicate her wants, needs, and feelings. This has empowered her self-advocacy. 

Upcoming dates for the Dare to Dream Conferences are Ramapo College of New Jersey in Mahwah – June 5, 2025, and William Paterson University in Wayne – June 10, 2025. For more information, view the details by clicking here.

June Is LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Here Are Ways to Celebrate in NJ

June is a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ history, honor the progress made, and continue pushing for visibility, inclusion, and equality for all.

NJ has numerous events around the state during Pride season where you can celebrate, learn and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

For a look at the many events taking place this month in the state, click here.