About Learn Play Thrive
Our mission is to provide resources and continuing education trainings that promote the use of strengths-based, ethical, neurodiversity-affirming practices for professionals (including OTs, SLPs, social workers, and psychologists) working with Autistic people.
Learn Play Thrive
Values
Listening to Autistic Voices
We listen to Autistic voices and recognize that Autistic adults are the real experts on autism. All courses are either developed by or reviewed by Autistic professionals.
Respect for Neurodiversity
We respect the differences of neurodivergent people, while acknowledging their barriers to thriving in our current world. We do not teach or condone practices that promote masking or violate the bodily autonomy of our clients.
Openness to Change
We are committed to continually updating our beliefs and content as we listen, learn, and grow.
Value for Our Community
We aim to provide the highest level of value and support for our customers and our guest instructors.
Meet your
Instructors
INSTRUCTOR
Meg Ferrell (Proctor)
M.S., OTR/L
Founder of Learn Play Thrive, Occupational Therapist
(she/her)
Meg Ferrell (Proctor)
M.S., OTR/L
Founder of Learn Play Thrive, Occupational Therapist
(she/her)
Meg (she/her) is an occupational therapist who cares deeply about person-affirming therapy. At Learn Play Thrive, she hopes to springboard as many professionals as humanly possible into offering neurodiversity-affirming therapy with ease. Meg has supported thousands of therapists to become confident, effective providers who use strengths-based strategies with their Autistic clients and support their clients’ sense of belonging and identity.
Meg has worked in early intervention, schools, and clinics. She is a former faculty member of the TEACCH® Autism program, and she is the host of the Two Sides of the Spectrum Podcast, where she interviews Autistic adults and other professionals striving to change therapy practice.
She is the primary instructor in The Learn Play Thrive Approach to Autism, where she fills up the toolboxes of OTs, SLPs, social workers, school psychologists, and other professionals with strengths-based strategies to use in their work. Meg also teaches Module 1 of the LPT Approach to Autism as a stand-alone live course, A Strengths-Based Approach to Supporting Autistic Kids
Meg has worked in early intervention, schools, and clinics. She is a former faculty member of the TEACCH® Autism program, and she is the host of the Two Sides of the Spectrum Podcast, where she interviews Autistic adults and other professionals striving to change therapy practice.
She is the primary instructor in The Learn Play Thrive Approach to Autism, where she fills up the toolboxes of OTs, SLPs, social workers, school psychologists, and other professionals with strengths-based strategies to use in their work. Meg also teaches Module 1 of the LPT Approach to Autism as a stand-alone live course, A Strengths-Based Approach to Supporting Autistic Kids
Disclosures for Meg Ferrell
FINANCIAL: Meg is the owner of Learn Play Thrive and receives a salary.
NON-FINANCIAL: Meg has friends and colleagues who are autistic.
FINANCIAL: Meg is the owner of Learn Play Thrive and receives a salary.
NON-FINANCIAL: Meg has friends and colleagues who are autistic.
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INSTRUCTOR
Rachel Dorsey
M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
(she/her)
Rachel Dorsey
M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
(she/her)
Rachel Dorsey (she/her) is an Autistic speech language pathologist who excels at teaching non-Autistic therapists to better understand and support our neurodivergent clients. Rachel is on a mission to illuminate the many ways that seemingly “effective” strategies can actually wreak havoc on the lives of our Autistic clients.
Rachel holds a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has worked in school, clinic, and community-based settings with children and adolescents of all ages.
Rachel holds a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has worked in school, clinic, and community-based settings with children and adolescents of all ages.
Disclosures for Rachel Dorsey
FINANCIAL: Rachel is the owner of Rachel Dorsey: Autistic SLP, LLC and receives a salary. She is paid a consulting fee by Learn Play Thrive as the SLP consultant. Rachel was paid a speaking fee for her contribution to The Learn Play Thrive Approach to Autism. Rachel receives commission from her course, Goal Writing for Autistic Students and Let’s UNMASC. Rachel is a paid consultant for Responsive Feeding Pro, LLC. Rachel receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: Rachel is Autistic and has friends and family members who are Autistic.
FINANCIAL: Rachel is the owner of Rachel Dorsey: Autistic SLP, LLC and receives a salary. She is paid a consulting fee by Learn Play Thrive as the SLP consultant. Rachel was paid a speaking fee for her contribution to The Learn Play Thrive Approach to Autism. Rachel receives commission from her course, Goal Writing for Autistic Students and Let’s UNMASC. Rachel is a paid consultant for Responsive Feeding Pro, LLC. Rachel receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: Rachel is Autistic and has friends and family members who are Autistic.
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INSTRUCTOR
Sarah Selvaggi-Hernandez
MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
(she/her)
Sarah Selvaggi-Hernandez
MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
(she/her)
Sarah Selvaggi-Hernandez brought the language of “positive Autistic self-identity” to Learn Play Thrive. We latched on and never looked back. Sarah is an Autistic occupational therapist who studies, practices, and teaches person-affirming approaches to sensory-processing differences. Sarah is the creator of Ethics & Neurodiversity: Let’s Talk Sex and a guest instructor in The Learn Play Thrive Approach to Autism.
Sarah’s previous professional experience includes: assistant professor of Pediatrics and Mental Health at Bay Path University, early intervention therapist in Springfield, MA, and occupational therapist at a psychiatric residential treatment facility in East Windsor, CT. She now works as a full-time Autistic advocate and sensory consultant. Sarah and her husband Jeremy also served as a therapeutic foster family for the State of Connecticut for nearly twenty years, and continue to provide therapeutic respite care for Autistic children. Sarah can be found happy-flapping with her family in Enfield, CT.
Sarah’s previous professional experience includes: assistant professor of Pediatrics and Mental Health at Bay Path University, early intervention therapist in Springfield, MA, and occupational therapist at a psychiatric residential treatment facility in East Windsor, CT. She now works as a full-time Autistic advocate and sensory consultant. Sarah and her husband Jeremy also served as a therapeutic foster family for the State of Connecticut for nearly twenty years, and continue to provide therapeutic respite care for Autistic children. Sarah can be found happy-flapping with her family in Enfield, CT.
Disclosures for Sarah Selvaggi-Hernandez
FINANCIAL: Sarah was paid a speaking fee for her contribution to the LPT Approach to Autism. She receives commission for the sales of Ethics & Neurodiversity: Let’s Talk Sex. Sarah is the author of a book, Melt Like Ice Cream, for which she receives royalties. She is also owner of Living Sensory Wellness, Inc. and receives compensation for consultation services.
NON-FINANCIAL: Sarah is autistic and has friends and family members who are autistic. Sarah is an unpaid advisory board member for NeuroClastic, Inc. and Disability Rights Connecticut.
FINANCIAL: Sarah was paid a speaking fee for her contribution to the LPT Approach to Autism. She receives commission for the sales of Ethics & Neurodiversity: Let’s Talk Sex. Sarah is the author of a book, Melt Like Ice Cream, for which she receives royalties. She is also owner of Living Sensory Wellness, Inc. and receives compensation for consultation services.
NON-FINANCIAL: Sarah is autistic and has friends and family members who are autistic. Sarah is an unpaid advisory board member for NeuroClastic, Inc. and Disability Rights Connecticut.
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INSTRUCTOR
Kate McLaughlin
M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
(she/her)
Kate McLaughlin
M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
(she/her)
Kate McLaughlin (she/her) is a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for individuals with complex communication needs. She believes that autonomous communication, inclusion, and self-determination are fundamental human rights. Kate teaches OTs and SLPs the practical strategies they need to support their clients’ autonomous and authentic connection using strengths-based strategies.
Disclosures for Kate Mclaughlin
FINANCIAL: Kate is the owner of AAC Services of CT, LLC and receives a salary. She is also owner of The AAC Coach, LLC and receives compensation for speaking and coaching services. Kate is an adjunct lecturer at the University of New Haven and receives a salary. She receives commission from Learn Play Thrive, LLC for the sale of this course, Authentic AAC, and for the sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: Kate has friends and colleagues who are Autistic.
FINANCIAL: Kate is the owner of AAC Services of CT, LLC and receives a salary. She is also owner of The AAC Coach, LLC and receives compensation for speaking and coaching services. Kate is an adjunct lecturer at the University of New Haven and receives a salary. She receives commission from Learn Play Thrive, LLC for the sale of this course, Authentic AAC, and for the sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: Kate has friends and colleagues who are Autistic.
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GUEST INSTRUCTOR
V Tisi
M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
(/vi tisɨ/, they/she)
V Tisi
M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
(/vi tisɨ/, they/she)
V. Tisi, M.A., CCC-SLP (/vi tisɨ/, they/she) is an Autistic, Disabled, and Queer Taiwanese-Chinese-Venezuelan American clinician- and educator-activist. They founded The Speechologist, a small private practice that provides education and consultation in 2015 to provide services. While the bulk of their practice has been in the public K-12 sector, they also have taught graduate courses in the areas of Culturally Responsive Practices, Speech Sound Production, and School Communities at San Francisco State University and has been a topic area expert for anti-bias at The Informed SLP. Their area of specialty is intersectional justice for multiply marginalized neurodivergent people and their social-emotional development and wellness pertaining to alexithymic experiences. Their work can be viewed on speechologist.com and on Instagram, Facebook, and Medium under the name Speechologist.
Disclosures for V. Tisi
FINANCIAL: V owns The Speechologist and receives compensation for their work. V is contracted with The Informed SLP and receives a fee for their work. V receives a commission from Learn Play Thrive, LLC for sales of Let’s UNMASC. V also receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: V runs Speechologist accounts on various social media outlets, is a co-founder and volunteer for SLPs of Color 501(c)(3), and identifies as an Asian-Latiné Autistic person. V is Autistic and has friends and colleagues who are Autistic.
FINANCIAL: V owns The Speechologist and receives compensation for their work. V is contracted with The Informed SLP and receives a fee for their work. V receives a commission from Learn Play Thrive, LLC for sales of Let’s UNMASC. V also receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: V runs Speechologist accounts on various social media outlets, is a co-founder and volunteer for SLPs of Color 501(c)(3), and identifies as an Asian-Latiné Autistic person. V is Autistic and has friends and colleagues who are Autistic.
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GUEST INSTRUCTOR
Lydia X. Z. Brown
J.D., Esq.
Abolitionist Advocate, Organizer, Attorney, Strategist, and Writer
(they/them)
Lydia X. Z. Brown
J.D., Esq.
Abolitionist Advocate, Organizer, Attorney, Strategist, and Writer
(they/them)
Lydia X. Z. Brown (they/them) is the Director of Public Policy at the National Disability Institute, Executive Director of the Autistic People of Color Fund, and a professor at Georgetown University and American University. Lydia serves as Co-President of the Disability Rights Bar Association, member of the National Executive Committee of the National Lawyers Guild, and founding board member of the Alliance for Self-Direction and Disability Rights. They are a Senior Advisor to the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network and Disability Rights Special Advisor for the American Bar Association’s Section on Civil Rights & Social Justice. Lydia also serves as an advisor for the Transgender Law Center’s Disability Project, the Nonbinary & Intersex Recognition Project, and Disability Rights Maryland’s PAIMI (Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness) Program. Lydia brings nearly 15 years of experience as a committed advocate, community organizer, and policy expert at the nexus of disability rights and disability justice. They have spoken, facilitated, and consulted internationally and throughout the U.S. on a range of topics related to disability rights and disability justice, especially at the intersections of race, class, gender, and sexuality, and has published in numerous scholarly and community publications. Lydia’s work addresses the deep interconnections between ableism and other forms of systemic discrimination, marginalization, and oppression, and has often focused on interpersonal, state, and corporate violence, deprivation, and exploitation targeting disabled people at the margins of the margins.
Disclosures for Lydia X. Z. Brown, Esq.
FINANCIAL: Lydia receives a salary from the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, Georgetown University (including the federally-funded University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities), and American University. Lydia is also the owner/principal of an independent consulting firm, Mycelia Groundwork LLC and receives compensation for their work.
NON-FINANCIAL: Lydia is an unpaid executive director of the Autistic People of Color Fund. They are also currently a candidate in a partisan election for the Maryland House of Delegates, running as a Democrat. Lydia is autistic and has friends and colleagues who are autistic, as well as being a caregiver/support person to other autistic people.
FINANCIAL: Lydia receives a salary from the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, Georgetown University (including the federally-funded University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities), and American University. Lydia is also the owner/principal of an independent consulting firm, Mycelia Groundwork LLC and receives compensation for their work.
NON-FINANCIAL: Lydia is an unpaid executive director of the Autistic People of Color Fund. They are also currently a candidate in a partisan election for the Maryland House of Delegates, running as a Democrat. Lydia is autistic and has friends and colleagues who are autistic, as well as being a caregiver/support person to other autistic people.
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GUEST INSTRUCTOR
Caroline Musselwhite
Ed.D., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Caroline Musselwhite
Ed.D., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Caroline Musslewhite (she/her) is a Speech-Language Pathologist with more than 45 years of experience ‘in the trenches.’ She specializes in providing AAC and literacy consulting in schools, homes, and communities. She believes passionately that everyone – YES EVERYONE, including individuals who use AAC – can make progress in their own literacy journey. She believes that literacy and AAC learning can (and should) be effective, efficient, and engaging! Caroline has presented thousands of workshops throughout the world and is on a mission to change how SLPs approach literacy, illuminating the needs of emergent readers.
Caroline is a founding member of the Board of Directors for the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC).
Disclosures for Caroline Musselwhite
FINANCIAL: Caroline receives royalty for the sale of products from Building Wings and the Attainment Company. She is the author of numerous books on Teachers Pay Teachers and receives royalty for their sale.
NON-FINANCIAL: No disclosures.
FINANCIAL: Caroline receives royalty for the sale of products from Building Wings and the Attainment Company. She is the author of numerous books on Teachers Pay Teachers and receives royalty for their sale.
NON-FINANCIAL: No disclosures.
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GUEST INSTRUCTOR
Kelly Mahler
OTD, OTR/L
Registered Occupational Therapist
(she/her)
Kelly Mahler
OTD, OTR/L
Registered Occupational Therapist
(she/her)
Kelly Mahler (she/her) OTD, OTR/L, earned a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Misericordia University, Dallas, PA. She has been an occupational therapist for 20 years, serving school-aged children and adults. Kelly is winner of multiple awards, including the 2020 American Occupational Therapy Association Emerging and Innovative Practice Award & a Mom’s Choice Gold Medal. She is an adjunct faculty member at Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA as well as at Misericordia University, Dallas, PA. Kelly is a co-principal investigator in several research projects pertaining to topics such as interoception, self-regulation, trauma & autism.
Disclosures for Kelly Mahler
FINANCIAL: Kelly is owner of Mahler OT services and receives compensation for speaking services and for the sales of her self-published resources. She receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: Kelly has friends, family members, and colleagues who are Autistic.
FINANCIAL: Kelly is owner of Mahler OT services and receives compensation for speaking services and for the sales of her self-published resources. She receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: Kelly has friends, family members, and colleagues who are Autistic.
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GUEST INSTRUCTOR
Kim Clairy
MSOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
(she/her)
Kim Clairy
MSOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
(she/her)
Kim Clairy (she/her) OTR/L, is an autistic occupational therapist, international speaker, consultant, author, and self-advocate. Kim broke through many barriers as she defied a healthcare system that said, “your autism is severe; you need to live in a nursing home.” Her difficult healthcare experiences forged a passion for educating others on autism. Using personal experiences and professional expertise Kim educates on many facets of autism across the lifespan including eating disorders, trauma, mental health, relationships, self-awareness, sensory processing, classroom inclusion, community integration, problem-solving through challenging behaviors, and much more! When not speaking about autism, Kim can be found doing her other special interests-creating visual and aural rock art in the creek, searching for artifacts in the woods, and climbing trees!
Disclosures for Kim Clairy
FINANCIAL: Kim is a part of Autism Out of the Box, LLC which receives compensation for speaking services. Autism Out of the Box LLC receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: Kim is Autistic and has friends and colleagues who are Autistic.
FINANCIAL: Kim is a part of Autism Out of the Box, LLC which receives compensation for speaking services. Autism Out of the Box LLC receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: Kim is Autistic and has friends and colleagues who are Autistic.
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INSTRUCTOR
Karina Saechao
M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist, (she/her)
Karina Saechao
M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist, (she/her)
Karina Saechao, M.A., CCC-SLP (she/her) is an SLP, researcher, scholar, and activist who strives to increase equity, access, and outcomes as related to research, clinical practice, and course curriculum. Karina holds a certificate as an assistive technology specialist from CSU, Northridge, and is a Ph.D. student. Karina’s research interests are in the areas of African American English, child language acquisition, language impairments, and augmentative alternative communication. Karina is the Founder & CEO of Golden Oak Speech Therapy. Karina frequently presents on topics in the areas of African American English; AAC; AT; creating inclusive environments; power, privilege, and race; and cultural humility.
Disclosures for Karina Saechao
FINANCIAL: Karina is the founder and CEO of Golden Oak Speech Therapy, a professional Speech Pathology corporation, and receives compensation for her work. She receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: Karina is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the National Black Association of Speech Language Hearing (NBASLH), and ASHA Special Interest Groups 01, 12, and 14.
FINANCIAL: Karina is the founder and CEO of Golden Oak Speech Therapy, a professional Speech Pathology corporation, and receives compensation for her work. She receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: Karina is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the National Black Association of Speech Language Hearing (NBASLH), and ASHA Special Interest Groups 01, 12, and 14.
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GUEST INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Gillian Boudreau
PhD.,
Dr. Gillian Boudreau
PhD.,
Gillian Boudreau (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist and a licensed school psychologist. Dr. Boudreau has worked with children and families across the country starting in 2008, with the mission of understanding and addressing our human need for attachment, connection, and effective communication in such a way that can help individuals, family systems, school systems, and larger organizations reach their full potential. Dr. Boudreau aligns with the social model of disability and is always seeking to interrogate the system and context in which human challenges emerge with the understanding that humans are inherently whole, and will do well when given the freedom to thrive. Early in her career, Dr. Boudreau developed and directed a comprehensive behavioral program housed within Vermont public schools addressing intensive emotional and behavioral needs. She currently runs a private practice based Portland, Oregon for children families and adults with expertise in autism, anxiety and trauma. She is a national speaker on topics including psychological safety and emotional intelligence, teaches graduate courses on trauma, resiliency and mindfulness, and provides ongoing training and consultation for multiple school districts.
Disclosures for Gillian Boudreau
FINANCIAL: Gillian is owner of Gillian Boudreau Therapy and Consulting and receives a salary for her services. She is a lecturer for Vermont High Education Collaborative and is compensated for her work. Gillian also works as a paid consultant for the ASD Nest Support Project and Chittenden Central Supervisory Union/ Essex Westford School District. She receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: Gillian has friends and colleagues who are Autistic.
FINANCIAL: Gillian is owner of Gillian Boudreau Therapy and Consulting and receives a salary for her services. She is a lecturer for Vermont High Education Collaborative and is compensated for her work. Gillian also works as a paid consultant for the ASD Nest Support Project and Chittenden Central Supervisory Union/ Essex Westford School District. She receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: Gillian has friends and colleagues who are Autistic.
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GUEST INSTRUCTOR
AC Goldberg
PhD, CCC-SLP,
AC Goldberg
PhD, CCC-SLP,
AC Goldberg, (he/him) is a physically disabled intersex/transgender DEI consultant and SLP whose mission is to cultivate affirming spaces for ALL people. AC’s work centers around empathy, humanity and intersectional cultural responsiveness. He delivers high impact keynote speeches, facilitates transformative workshops, and provides consulting around strategic initiatives and policy. Known for his thoughtful and relatable presentations emphasizing humanity, learning with AC allows everyone to develop a common understanding of crucial topics related to DEI. (Potentially cut off here if too long)
His continuing education nonprofit, The CREDIT Institute, is dedicated to advancing equity in educational and healthcare settings. AC is the 2022 recipient of the American Speech Language Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Outstanding Service Award. If you’d like to get to know him, he’s @transplaining and @CREDITsInstitute on Instagram.
Disclosures for AC Goldberg
FINANCIAL: AC is the founder of Transplaining LLC and The CREDIT Institute Inc and receives compensation for his work. He is a paid community partner with CHAT Life Changing Speech Therapy. He is a contractor with Prismatic Speech Services and receives compensation for his work. He is a part time faculty at Northeastern University and receives a salary. He receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: AC is a founding member of the Trans Voice Initiative. He is a 2023 ASHA Convention Planning Committee Diversity Co-Chair. AC serves on the community advisory board overseeing research out of Boston University about the effects of exogenous testosterone therapy on communication in AFAB speakers. He’s also on the editorial board of the Journal of Communication Disorders.
FINANCIAL: AC is the founder of Transplaining LLC and The CREDIT Institute Inc and receives compensation for his work. He is a paid community partner with CHAT Life Changing Speech Therapy. He is a contractor with Prismatic Speech Services and receives compensation for his work. He is a part time faculty at Northeastern University and receives a salary. He receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: AC is a founding member of the Trans Voice Initiative. He is a 2023 ASHA Convention Planning Committee Diversity Co-Chair. AC serves on the community advisory board overseeing research out of Boston University about the effects of exogenous testosterone therapy on communication in AFAB speakers. He’s also on the editorial board of the Journal of Communication Disorders.
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GUEST INSTRUCTOR
Joshuaa D. Allison-Burbank
PhD, CCC-SLP,
Joshuaa D. Allison-Burbank
PhD, CCC-SLP,
Joshuaa D. Allison-Burbank, is Diné and Acoma Pueblo (he/him). His clans are T’ógi, Parrot Clan (Acoma), Tó’áhani, and Yellow Corn (Acoma). Joshuaa is a licensed speech-language pathologist and assistant scientist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He teaches therapists and community members how to incorporate anti-racist and decolonization practices into their work.
He previously worked at Northern Navajo Medical Center in Tsé Bitaí, Navajo Nation. He continues to provide developmental services to Diné families enrolled in the Navajo Nation Early Intervention Program. His research interests include community assessment, parent coaching, assessing the effects of stress on neurodevelopment, and the prevention of developmental delay in American Indian children.
Disclosures for Joshuaa D. Allison-Burbank
FINANCIAL: Joshuaa is a full-time paid faculty member at Johns Hopkins University and receives a salary. He receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: Joshuaa is Diné and Acoma Pueblo.
FINANCIAL: Joshuaa is a full-time paid faculty member at Johns Hopkins University and receives a salary. He receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: Joshuaa is Diné and Acoma Pueblo.
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GUEST INSTRUCTOR
Ruchi Kapila
M.S., CCC-SLP,
Ruchi Kapila
M.S., CCC-SLP,
Ruchi Kapila, (they/them; she/her) is passionate about working at the intersection of trauma-informed care and gender-affirming voice care, centering the client’s needs and perspectives in the therapeutic relationship. They own Kapila Voice and Speech Services in Hayward, CA, where they practice as a speech-language pathologist and singing voice specialist focusing on holistic, gender-affirming speech and voice services across the lifespan.
Disclosures for Ruchi Kapila
FINANCIAL: Ruchi is the owner and sole proprietor of Kapila Voice and Speech Services in Hayward, CA and a paid content contributor for CREDIT Institute. Ruchi receives commission for the sale of the Learn Play Thrive Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: They are a founding member and organizer of Trans Voice Initiative and a member who serves in a research role in the multicultural constituency group, The Disability Caucus. Ruchi is also a recent officer/member for L’GASP (LGBTQ caucus of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association). They are also a non-binary, neurodivergent individual.
FINANCIAL: Ruchi is the owner and sole proprietor of Kapila Voice and Speech Services in Hayward, CA and a paid content contributor for CREDIT Institute. Ruchi receives commission for the sale of the Learn Play Thrive Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: They are a founding member and organizer of Trans Voice Initiative and a member who serves in a research role in the multicultural constituency group, The Disability Caucus. Ruchi is also a recent officer/member for L’GASP (LGBTQ caucus of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association). They are also a non-binary, neurodivergent individual.
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GUEST INSTRUCTOR
Casey Ehrlich
Ph.D.
Ph.D. (she/her)
Casey Ehrlich
Ph.D.
Ph.D. (she/her)
Casey Ehrlich, Ph.D. (she/her) is a social scientist, parent coach and educator, and the CEO and founder of At Peace Parents, LLC. Casey brings 15 years of work experience and expertise in social science methodology to help parents and therapists understand how to connect with and accommodate PDA Autistic children. She specializes in teaching parents and therapists practical skills in the home or clinical setting to accommodate neuroception-driven demand avoidance and nervous system differences through creative techniques. Her original research as a social scientist was conducted on post-conflict reconciliation, social capital, trust, and trauma in Colombia, South America – themes she brings to her work with parents, therapists, and teachers. She has served more than 1,000 families raising Autistic, PDA Autistic, ADHD and traumatized children since 2020 and is also raising a PDA autistic son.
Disclosures for Casey Ehrlich
FINANCIAL: Casey is the founder of At Peace Parents, LLC and receives compensation for her work. She receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: Casey’s son is Pathologically Demand Avoidant. She has friends, family, and colleagues who are Autistic.
FINANCIAL: Casey is the founder of At Peace Parents, LLC and receives compensation for her work. She receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: Casey’s son is Pathologically Demand Avoidant. She has friends, family, and colleagues who are Autistic.
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GUEST INSTRUCTOR
Matt Lowry
LPP
LPP (he/him)
Matt Lowry
LPP
LPP (he/him)
Matt Lowry, (he/him) LPP is a licensed psychological practitioner who provides diagnostics and therapy to Autistic people using an Autistic-affirming framework. Matt has studied autism and Autistic people for over two decades, and is himself an Autistic person. Matt works to educate people about Autistic traits and Autistic Culture though professional trainings, professional consultations, and his podcast, The Autistic Culture Podcast. From this strengths-based perspective, Matt helps Autistic people create a life that is compatible with their Autistic neurology, and helps Autistic people find pride in their Autistic culture. Matt has previously worked in a school-based setting, in inpatient settings, and in community mental health.
Disclosures for Matt Lowry
FINANCIAL: Matt is the owner of Child & Adolescent Psychological Evaluations, LLC and receives compensation for his work. He does trainings and consultations with Maisie Soetantyo and school districts and receives compensation for his work. He receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: Matt is Autistic and has friends, family members, and colleges who are Autistic. Matt runs the Autistic Culture Podcast and the Autistic Connection Facebook group. Matt serves as a council member for the Kentucky Advisory Council on Autism.
FINANCIAL: Matt is the owner of Child & Adolescent Psychological Evaluations, LLC and receives compensation for his work. He does trainings and consultations with Maisie Soetantyo and school districts and receives compensation for his work. He receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: Matt is Autistic and has friends, family members, and colleges who are Autistic. Matt runs the Autistic Culture Podcast and the Autistic Connection Facebook group. Matt serves as a council member for the Kentucky Advisory Council on Autism.
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GUEST INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Mel Houser
M.D.
M.D. (she/they
Dr. Mel Houser
M.D.
M.D. (she/they
Dr. Mel Houser (she/they) is a PDA autistic ADHDer who is a Board-certified family physician with a clinical focus on providing primary care for neurodivergent patients across the lifespan. She is the Founder and Executive Director of All Brains Belong VT, a nonprofit organization in Montpelier, Vermont providing neurodiversity-affirming healthcare, education, and social connection opportunities for kids and adults. At age 37, Dr. Houser was diagnosed as Autistic, ADHD, dyspraxic, dyslexic, and dyscalculic in the context of Autistic burnout. This was the impetus for her to shift her career to reimagining healthcare and other systems that aren’t working for the autistic community. She is also the parent of a 6 year old PDAer, whom she considers her greatest teacher.
Disclosures for Mel Houser
FINANCIAL: Mel is the owner of All Brains Belong VT and receives a salary for her work. She receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: Mel is Autistic and Pathologically Demand Avoidant. She has friends, family, and colleagues who are Autistic. Mel also provides professional consultation and educational training regarding neuroinclusive healthcare, neuroinclusive employment and related topics.
FINANCIAL: Mel is the owner of All Brains Belong VT and receives a salary for her work. She receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NON-FINANCIAL: Mel is Autistic and Pathologically Demand Avoidant. She has friends, family, and colleagues who are Autistic. Mel also provides professional consultation and educational training regarding neuroinclusive healthcare, neuroinclusive employment and related topics.
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GUEST INSTRUCTOR
Sharon Hammer
LPC
LPC (she/her)
Sharon Hammer
LPC
LPC (she/her)
Sharon Hammer, (she/her) LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and an Educational Consultant. Within the lens of being neuro-affirming, trauma-informed, and client-directed, Sharon provides psychotherapy and psychoeducation to neurodiverse clients. Sharon takes this experience into her trainings, where she focuses on teaching others effective ways to support neurodivergent people in ways that are positive, life-affirming, and based in an understanding of the nervous system.
Disclosu Sharon Hammer
FINANCIAL: Sharon receives commission from Learn Play Thrive, LLC for the sale of this course. Sharon is a co-owner of Imagine Your Capacity, LLC in Wisconsin and receives a salary.
NON-FINANCIAL: Sharon serves unpaid as a member of the Conference Committee for the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin. Sharon has friends, colleagues, and family members who are neurodivergent.
FINANCIAL: Sharon receives commission from Learn Play Thrive, LLC for the sale of this course. Sharon is a co-owner of Imagine Your Capacity, LLC in Wisconsin and receives a salary.
NON-FINANCIAL: Sharon serves unpaid as a member of the Conference Committee for the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin. Sharon has friends, colleagues, and family members who are neurodivergent.
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GUEST INSTRUCTOR
Lisa Hoeme
LPC
LPC (she/her)
Lisa Hoeme
LPC
LPC (she/her)
Lisa Hoeme, (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Consultant. Lisa is committed to using a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed and person-centered approach to help support personal growth and overall well-being for clients. She has a passion for using expressive modalities such as art making, poetry, yoga and creative mindfulness and uses these approaches as catalysts to support clients as they work through difficult life experiences, to develop effective coping strategies and to express themselves authentically. As a presenter, Lisa brings this experience into her trainings with a focus on helping others build understanding of neurodiversity and the capacity to support neurodivergent people in affirming client centered ways.
Disclosures Lisa Hoeme
FINANCIAL: Lisa receives commission from Learn Play Thrive, LLC for the sale of this course. Lisa is a co-owner of Imagine Your Capacity, LLC and receives compensation for her services.
NON-FINANCIAL: Lisa has friends, colleagues and family members who are neurodivergent.
FINANCIAL: Lisa receives commission from Learn Play Thrive, LLC for the sale of this course. Lisa is a co-owner of Imagine Your Capacity, LLC and receives compensation for her services.
NON-FINANCIAL: Lisa has friends, colleagues and family members who are neurodivergent.
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