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Register Now for the November 12 SoCal Canvas Summit

Posted on 10/22/2026

Build Your Canvas Skills, Connect with Colleagues, and Inspire Student Success

Join OTAN this November for the SoCal Canvas Summit, a one-day professional development event designed specifically for California adult education practitioners. Whether you are new to Canvas or looking to expand your expertise, the summit offers hands-on learning, practical strategies, and opportunities to network with fellow educators using Canvas to support adult learners.

Participants will explore effective course design, student engagement strategies, accessibility practices, Canvas management tools, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning in adult education. Sessions are designed to support instructors, administrators, counselors, and support staff at all levels of Canvas experience.

Summit Highlights

• Learn from experienced Canvas practitioners and OTAN Subject Matter Experts
• Gain practical tools and resources you can implement immediately
• Discover accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) best practices
• Connect with adult education professionals from across the region
• Participate in sessions designed for beginner through advanced Canvas users

Featured Presenters

Christina Hyatt | Canvas Administrator, Corona-Norco Adult School | OTAN Subject Matter Expert

Christina serves as the Canvas Administrator for Corona-Norco Adult School and holds both the Canvas Certified Educator and Canvas Certified Administrator credentials. She is passionate about its potential to support both students and teachers. Christina enjoys finding ways to use technology to meet students where they are, and Canvas allows her to create flexible, accessible, and engaging learning experiences while also supporting effective course design and management. As a Subject Matter Expert with OTAN, she loves working with others to build confidence.

Dana Thompson | Instructional Design Specialist | OTAN Subject Matter Expert

Dana brings over a decade of edtech leadership as an instructional design subject matter expert specializing in accessibility, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, and student engagement. An expert Canvas LMS administrator, instructional designer, and instructor, Dana leverages Canvas to build accessible, custom coursework, design robust assessments, and drive learner success. She stays at the forefront of the platform's latest features to empower educators with high-impact, inclusive online learning strategies.

Yecsenia Castro | Adult Education Counselor, Hacienda La Puente Adult Education | OTAN Subject Matter Expert

Yecsenia “Yessie” Castro is an Adult Education Counselor with Hacienda La Puente Adult Education and an OTAN Subject Matter Expert. She is passionate about using technology to support adult learners and educators. As a Canvas trainer, Yessie enjoys sharing practical, user-friendly strategies that help educators feel confident using Canvas to organize instruction, engage students, and create meaningful learning experiences.

Audrey Dierdorff | Resource Teacher, Sweetwater Adult Education | OTAN Subject Matter Expert

Audrey Dierdorff is a technology integrator with more than 30 years of experience in educational technology. She serves as a Subject Matter Expert and Trainer with OTAN and a Resource Teacher with Sweetwater Union High School District’s Division of Adult Education. She is also a Certified Canvas Educator. For OTAN, she helped design the "How to HyFlex" Canvas course which will be available in Spring of 2027.