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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.
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Dr. Tracy Burton is a board-certified pediatrician, and has over 10 years of experience providing care to children. As the Chief Medical Officer for As You Are, she is dedicated to ensuring both families and colleagues receive the highest level of care and support. She is licensed to see families for autism evaluations in 15 states as well as Washington D.C.
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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.
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Chris Biscoe is the Founder of ChrisBOnTheWeb Media which has been operating for over 10 years. Now 39, he was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 8. For the past 19 years he has been creating online and streaming content with his team. With a recent additional diagnosis of anxiety, he is a big advocate for mental health and for all those with autism.
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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.
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Whitney Fallon is a holistic wellness expert, neurodivergent advocate, and self-proclaimed wellness detective who helps individuals uncover the missing pieces to their energy, focus, and emotional well-being. With a background in sleep medicine, psychology, and functional wellness, she specializes in supporting neurodivergent minds and bodies through a blend of science, soul, and strategy. As the founder of Wooded Lake Wellness and creator of the Neuro Blueprint™, Whitney is on a mission to help people embrace their unique neurostyles and optimize their health, habits, and happiness—without burnout or overwhelm.
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Drew Deraney is a coach, author, and advocate dedicated to empowering caregivers and families of individuals with autism. As The Caregiver & Family Health Coach, he helps parents and caregivers find balance, build resilience, and care for themselves as compassionately as they care for their loved ones. Drew is the proud father of three children, including a son with autism, which inspires his mission to provide guidance, education, and community support. Through coaching, speaking, and his podcast From Caving In To Crushing It, Drew encourages others to live authentically, rise with strength, and lead with purpose.
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Laura Mitchell is a co-founder and CEO of GrandCare Systems, a touchscreen and sensor-based technology platform designed to improve independence and enhance remote supports for individuals living with disabilities and older adults. She has over 20 years of experience in the remote monitoring and connected health industry. She speaks across the country on the Connected Home, Technology First, Technology for Aging in Place and Technology-powered caregiving.
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Ambassador Ian Hale has written Support Platform extensively about autism. He himself identifies as being on the spectrum and is an amazing advocate and voice for the autism community. He is a member of the world Academy of Medical Science, Mensa, a Trustee of Autistic Nottingham and a longtime Member of the UK Government Advisory Policy.
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Michelle Raz is an author and Board-Certified Coach specializing in ADHD and executive functioning, and is the founder of Raz-Coaching Academics, Thrive Beyond Therapy, and Sprout Coach. She has been empowering neurodivergent students since 2010 through her online academic coaching platform, which uses neuroscience-backed strategies to help middle school, high school, and college students develop executive function skills for academics and career development. She is also a founding member of the Octopus Movement, a global think tank for promoting the gifts of non-linear thinkers.