Author: Gilda Evans

James is Founder/CEO of James Emmett & Company also known as JEC. It is one of the most recognizable brands in the field of disability inclusion and is a global leader in the implementation of disability inclusion initiatives with essential businesses. James has worked with companies like Advance Auto Parts, Walgreens, Lowe’s, Best Buy, and Office Depot to help plan & execute initiatives that have resulted in over 100,000 jobs for people with disabilities and has received numerous awards for innovation related to company-owned disability inclusion. 

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Kelley Coleman is a feature film development executive turned author and advocate for parent caregivers and individuals with disabilities. Her book Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports draws upon over a decade of experience as a parent caregiver, and gives parents the tools to spend less time with paperwork and more time loving their kids exactly as they are. 

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Dr. Emily Levy is the founder and director of EBL Coaching, a specialized tutoring program that offers individualized one-on-one home, virtual, and on-site instruction using research-based, multi-sensory techniques. She is the co-creator of the Writing Mastery software program that helps students develop stronger writing skills using a systematic approach to instruction and direct feedback.
Sophie Gutter is a ninth-grade student who is incredibly passionate about helping neurodivergent students thrive. She is the co-creator of the Writing Mastery software program and is excited to help students improve their writing skills.

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Cian is an award-winning director, showrunner and executive producer. He is the co-creator, showrunner and director of the Emmy-winning Love on the Spectrum series, and has just finished filming a 3rd US season. In addition to creating and directing other series and documentaries, Cian was the series director of the critically acclaimed and award-winning Employable Me, a series featuring people with disabilities looking for employment, and Changing Minds: The Inside Story, an observational documentary filmed inside a mental health unit. He is attracted to projects that have something to say, while not forgetting it is the audience they are made for.

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Diane Strand is an author, an award-winning Executive Producer, an owner at JDS Video & Media Productions and Actors Studio, and the founder of the nonprofit JDS Creative Academy. Her programs provide Hands-On training and paid supported internship opportunities, and are designed to break down barriers to gainful employment in video production, post production and acting for neurodivergent and disabled individuals.

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Alex Astrella is a visual artist based out of Orange County, California. Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of 2, Alex was told that he’d never be able to hold a job as an adult. 25 years later, Alex has won numerous awards and has garnered nationwide praise for his documentary films and screenplays.

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Steve McConnell has a background in biology and is a practicing lipidimiologist. His research and advice are sought out by physicians in many areas including cardiology, kidney disease and, most recently, various neurodiverse conditions. He joins us today to discuss managing challenges often presented for those navigating the autism spectrum and more.

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On her journey of navigating through the worry and heartbreak of raising a special needs child Susanna Peace Lovell found her true life calling: to help other parents find and realize joy and passion in their own lives. She provides one-on-one coaching, workshops, and support groups for special needs families. Her book Your True Self Is Enough: Lessons Learned on My Journey Parenting a Child with Autism was released in January 2024.

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Celia Landman is a mindfulness educator offering support to teens and adults. She draws from experiences working with those impacted by trauma, addiction, and anxiety, and creates customized meditation, visualizations, and trainings to reconnect them to what she refers to as their wholeness and show parents how to find balance while navigating seemingly impossible parenting situations.

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