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Category: ARP

College Ready with Shelle Howard

Written by Gilda Evans on .

Shellee Howard is the Founder and CEO of College Ready and a Certified Independent College Strategist who helps families navigate the college admissions process with a proven, personalized approach. A best-selling author and global speaker, she specializes in helping students gain admission to top-tier schools and graduate debt free. With real-world experience as a mother of four college graduates, she empowers students to build standout strategies for academic, financial, and personal success.

Hang Ten Surf Therapy with Naomi Matanick

Written by Gilda Evans on .

Naomi Matanick is a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration therapy, surf therapy, and child development. She has served infants to early adolescents in a variety of areas including physical and emotional regulation, and acquisition of vital developmental milestones. Her mission is for each caregiver and child to feel understood and empowered as they are equipped with life-long tools.

Autism and Sensory Friendly Travel with Lynda Farrington Wilson

Written by Gilda Evans on .

Lynda has spent her life creating—art, pottery, and writing have always been at the heart of who she is, ultimately serving as a Vice President of Marketing in the skincare industry. When her youngest son was diagnosed with autism at age two, she shifted her focus to supporting him, and published her first book, Squirmy Wormy: How I Learned to Help Myself, igniting a new chapter of advocacy and creativity. Lynda has illustrated over 120 children’s books and authored three additional titles. Her most recent is titled Splish, Splash, Squawk! Finding Joy in a Sensory-Friendly Vacation, a children’s book designed to encourage families with children on the autism spectrum to embrace the joys of travel. 

Find Love Safely with Katherine Gyolai

Written by Gilda Evans on .


As a mom and stepmom to eight children—four of whom have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities —Katherine Gyolai founded Find Love Safely to provide a safe, supported way for her children to form relationships. In addition to running Find Love Safely, Katherine is a marketing consultant for a healthcare startup, and an International Coaching Federation-certified executive and team coach.

Caroline’s Cart with Drew Ann Long

Written by Gilda Evans on .

Drew is the inventor of Caroline’s Cart, a game-changing, patented, special-needs shopping cart designed to provide an inclusive and accessible shopping experience for individuals with special needs. Inspired by her daughter Caroline, who has special needs and could not use a traditional cart, Drew Ann took matters into her own hands—sketching her first idea on a napkin and eventually bringing the patented design to life. Today, Caroline’s Cart is in retailers across all 50 states and eight countries, used by families, caregivers, senior adults, and stores committed to inclusion, accessibility and dignity.

Behavrium – ABA and more with Kimberly Lavelanet

Written by Gilda Evans on .

Kimberly Lavelanet is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst with over 19 years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis. She served as a Clinical Behavior Consultant at Harbor Regional Center for 9 years, supporting individuals, families, and providers as part of the Psychological and Behavior Services Team. She became a certified UCLA PEERS Provider in 2016, specializing in evidence-based social skills training for adolescents and adults. In 2022, she became an AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator, expanding her experience into sexual health education. In an effort to meet gaps in services, Kimberly founded BEHAVRIUM Health Services in 2023 to promote behavioral and sexual health for every learner and their families.

Mission: Kid Success with Priscilla Leto

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Priscilla Leto is a dedicated advocate for children with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Her commitment to aiding children to reach their highest potential is rooted in personal experience, as the mother of a son on the autism spectrum. Priscilla’s work extends beyond administrative duties; she is a vocal proponent for addressing the underlying causes of neurodevelopmental conditions, advocating for comprehensive support that transcends surface-level therapies.

MapHabit Cognitive Support Platform with Matt Golden

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Matt co-founded MapHabit along with neuroscientist Dr. Stuart Zola to disrupt the standard of care for neurodivergent populations, including those with dementia, autism, intellectual & developmental disabilities and brain injuries. Those people who need cognitive support typically struggle with activities of daily living. By teaching caregivers to be thoughtful observers and critical thinkers, and empowering individuals with the ability to manage their daily routines with personalized step-by-step instructions, he is helping to transform independence across the lifespan.

Pathway to College with Jessica Broutt

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Jessica Broutt is the Program Director for Pathway at UCLA Extension, an inclusive college program for neurodivergent young adults at UCLA Extension. Over the past six years, Jessica has worked to increase student access to the Pathway program, and maintain a high level of inclusion. Prior to joining the Pathway team, Jessica was the Manager of Educational Programs at Outfest, supporting at-risk LGBTQ young adults in obtaining an education in film.

Special Needs Planning and more with Bill Walters

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Bill Walters is a compassionate financial advisor who helps families navigate complex challenges with empathy and strategy. Shaped by personal experiences—overcoming childhood illness, caring for his mother with dementia, and raising a daughter with special needs—he brings heart to every client relationship. He serves on nonprofit boards, church finance committees, and coaches Special Olympics. His planning philosophy blends numbers with purpose, legacy, and love. Bill’s mission is clear: to guide caregivers toward clarity and abundance with personalized, purpose-driven financial and estate planning rooted in lived experience.