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Category: Diversity

Human-Centered AI with Derek Crager

Written by techsupport on .

Derek Crager is a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD professional who spent a lifetime misunderstood — until he found his voice in technology. With a background in industrial reliability and a mind wired for pattern recognition, Derek turned personal struggle into purpose, founding Practical AI and the community hub AIforAutistics.com.

Through his work, Derek helps neurodivergent individuals harness AI not just to cope — but to create, earn, and thrive. His flagship tool, Pocket Mentor, offers voice-powered guidance in industrial settings, proving that AI can be both human-centered and practical.

Employment and Social Security Benefits with Judi Uttal

Written by Gilda Evans on .

Judi is president of the Orange County Asperger’s Support Group, a nonprofit organization improving the quality of life for individuals and families dealing with high-functioning autism. She is a member of several organizations, all working to support the neurodiverse community. In 2022, Judi founded the Autism in Entertainment Workgroup to help support inclusion in the entertainment industry. She is the mother of a 33-year-old son who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of three. 

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Utilizing Self-Direction with Molly Morris

Written by Gilda Evans on .

As a leader in self-directed services policy and implementation, Molly brings over a decade of experience working with states, participants, and provider organizations to enhance and expand self-direction programs nationwide. Through her work, she has shaped policy initiatives, developed critical resources, and built partnerships that advance self-determination for individuals with disabilities and serious mental illness. Molly is a co-founder at The Self-Direction Center.

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Optimizing Your Brain Potential with Dr. Ali Lankerani (Dr. L)

Written by Gilda Evans on .

Dr. L is a Family Advocate, a consultant to the United Nations, a clinical neuroscientist, and a children’s performance optimizer. He is the creator of Role Model Maker, founder of the Amazing Parents’ Network, and director of Foundation for Optimal Beginnings. 

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Special Needs Trusts with Michelle Wolf

Written by Gilda Evans on .

Michelle Wolf is a parent disability advocate and non-profit social services innovator. She is the Founding Executive Director of the Jewish Los Angeles Special Needs Trust, the first pooled nonprofit trust based in LA County for persons with a range of disabilities. Her professional career has been devoted to ensuring that people with chronic health conditions and disabilities are able to access government benefits and enjoy a higher quality of life.

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Creating Success with Steve Winshel

Written by Gilda Evans on .

Steve Winshel holds a PhD in experimental cognitive psychology but has spent his career as a serial startup founder and coach, mentor and teacher to many communities.  He helps entrepreneurs start their own businesses and coaches people who are at inflection points in their lives – career and personal.  He works specifically with neurodivergent clients to help them develop executive functions, move forward to successful careers, or start their own businesses.

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ABA Therapy and Your Child with Jeff Skibitsky

Written by Gilda Evans on .

Jeff is founder and president of ABS Kids which has become a leading provider of services to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The company has locations in California, Utah, and North Carolina and works with a team of more than 800 treatment providers. Jeff has been active in the autism community for almost two decades, holding numerous positions on various committees and boards. He is an advocate and a nationally recognized expert in treatments for children with ASD.

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The Value of Music with Valery Goldes

Written by Gilda Evans on .

Valery Goldes is a recording artist, pianist, singer-songwriter, composer and a producer who grew up in Israel.  A child prodigy in classical piano, he has played with orchestras across Europe & Israel, including under the baton of Zubin Mehta with the Israel Philharmonic when he was only 13.  As a piano coach, Valery’s passion has always been to share his music knowledge and experience with his students. He believes in being not only an instructor but a mentor to each of his students, many of whom are neurodiverse.

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Supporting Siblings with Jessica Siegel

Written by Gilda Evans on .

Jessica is the founder of The Center for Siblings of People with Disabilities and the author of Billy’s Sister: Life when your sibling has a disability–a picture book based on her experiences growing up with her brother, Billy, who has autism. She has also spent over a decade working in nonprofit marketing and communications and is the owner of Sing Creative Group. 

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The Importance of Self-Care with Liz Gabor

Written by Gilda Evans on .

Liz is a certified Kundalini Yoga and Meditation Teacher, a certified Transformation Coach and Trainer and a Wellness Retreat Leader. Her teachings include providing accessible tools to regulate the nervous system, tune into one’s inner guidance, expand awareness, and go beyond perceived limits. Her work is deeply rooted in helping to cultivate self-care rituals and practices that create resilience and foster a kinder and gentler way of being with oneself, and in turn, with others.

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