Liz DeChellis and Jennifer Doughty Present at the 2026 AASPA Annual Conference
Title: In Case It Goes to Court: Conducting Legally Sound and Defensible Investigations in K–12 Schools
Presenters: Liz DeChellis and Jennifer Doughty
Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Program: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation is pleased to announce that Partner Liz DeChellis and Jennifer Doughty will present at the American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA) 88th Annual Conference in Austin, Texas.
Their session, “In Case It Goes to Court: Conducting Legally Sound and Defensible Investigations in K–12 Schools,” will provide K–12 district administrators with practical tools and an investigative framework for conducting thorough, fair, and defensible workplace investigations.
AASPA’s 88th Annual Conference will take place October 12–15, 2026, in Austin, Texas, bringing together school personnel administrators for professional learning, networking, and development.
About the Session:
Most district investigations fall short not because anyone acted in bad faith, but because of procedural gaps that are entirely preventable.
During their session, Liz and Jennifer will examine common investigation pitfalls, including:
Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
Interviewing errors
Reaching premature conclusions before all parties have been heard
Poor communication with impacted parties
The session will equip K–12 district administrators with practical strategies for conducting investigations that can withstand scrutiny in due process hearings, administrative appeals, and court proceedings.
Liz and Jennifer will focus on the skills and investigative practices needed when conducting investigations involving students, staff, and administrators, helping attendees build a process that is thorough, fair, and legally sound from the outset.
The session is part of AASPA’s professional learning program for school personnel administrators.
Liz DeChellis, AWI-CH, is a Partner with Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation. Her practice focuses on conducting workplace investigations as well as Title IX investigations and hearings. She is available as an expert in evaluating Title IX and sexual harassment matters. Liz serves as Van Dermyden Makus’ Director of Title IX Services, overseeing all Title IX investigations and hearings.
Jennifer is a Partner with Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation. As Director of Client Services, Jen oversees the intake and contracting process for our firm. Jen has worked with Van Dermyden Makus since January 2012. Jennifer’s practice focuses on investigations involving the workplace, athletic teams, and Title IX complaints. Jennifer conducts investigations relating to harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and misconduct. She also conducts trainings for staff and management on how to conduct effective workplace investigations. Jennifer also has experience in employment litigation and client counseling.
