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Category: Disability

The Reading Foundation with Alita Truch

Written by Gilda Evans on . No Comments on The Reading Foundation with Alita Truch

Alita Truch is the Executive Vice President of Operations for The Reading Foundation clinics. The Reading Foundation is a specialized literacy center that has been working with neurodiverse and neurotypical children, teens and adults for 35 years. Alita oversees daily operations while fostering a positive organizational culture. Since joining in 1999, Alita has collaborated closely with clinical teams and families to create and sustain a warm, supportive learning environment. She is committed to building strong relationships within the community and with industry professionals, while using her extensive clinical background to support student success.

 Improving Executive Function Skills with Dr. Alissa Ellis

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Dr. Alissa Ellis is a clinical neuropsychologist, researcher, and the founder and director of Ellis Effect Psychological Group, a practice dedicated to evidence-based assessment and treatment for children, adolescents, and adults experiencing mood, anxiety, and attention difficulties. As the creator of the thinkSMART® program, she developed the first transdiagnostic group intervention for teens and their parents specifically designed to strengthen executive functioning skills. This innovative, research-based program helps families build practical strategies for organization, time management, planning, and goal setting—skills that support academic success and emotional well-being across diagnoses. A true scientist-practitioner, she bridges cutting-edge research and clinical innovation to create groundbreaking interventions that empower youth and families toward lasting change.

Hang Ten Surf Therapy with Naomi Matanick

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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.

As You Are Autism Evaluations with Dr. Tracy Burton

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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.

Find Love Safely with Katherine Gyolai

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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.

The Autism Journey with Chris Biscoe

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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.

Grandcare Support System with Laura Mitchell

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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. 

Living a Neurodivergent Life with Ambassador Ian Hale, PhD

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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.

Executive Function Coaching with Michelle Raz

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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.

Living and Learning with Rachelle Vartanian

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Rachelle Vartanian is the Founder and President of Living and Learning Enrichment Center, a nonprofit organization providing a broad range of resources and support services to individuals with disabilities and their families across 12 southeast Michigan counties. Since 2015, the agency has partnered with more than a hundred businesses and organizations to provide access to inclusive employment skill-building opportunities and meaningful job placement support. Rachelle is an active member of dozens of regional business and service organizations bringing with her a mission of empathy, education, and advocacy. Rachelle is also the parent of an adult son with autism and is committed to forging pathways to a higher quality of life for Michigan residents with autism and other disabilities.