Autism Resource Podcast

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. #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #autism #disabilities #podcast #podcasts #inclusion #education #college #financialaid #scholarships www.autismresourceproject.org/podcast

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. www.autismresourceproject.org/podcast

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. www.autismresourceproject.org/podcast

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. www.autismresourceproject.org/podcast

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. www.autismresourceproject.org/podcast

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. www.autismresourceproject.org/podcast

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. www.autismresourceproject.org/podcast

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. www.autismresourceproject.org/podcast

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. www.autismresourceproject.org/podcast

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. www.autismresourceproject.org/podcast

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. https://autismresourceproject.org/podcast/

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. https://autismresourceproject.org/podcast/

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. https://autismresourceproject.org/podcast/

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. https://autismresourceproject.org/podcast/

Casey von Stein, aka Miss Freddy, is a certified Professional Photo Organizer. After 10 years as a professional photographer, she realized that what people really needed was HELP organizing and enjoying their photos. She offers remote organizing services for clients worldwide and self-paced online courses for those who want to tackle their photo organizing on their own. https://autismresourceproject.org/podcast/

Mara McLoughlin is the Founder and Program Director of IRL Social Skills. Working for over 15 years as an autism specialist and speech language pathologist, she recognized students and families needed much more support than schools and private one on one mental health therapy could provide. In March 2021 — during the height of a global pandemic and recession — she assembled an interdisciplinary team to serve families of socially struggling teens and young adults from across the United States. https://autismresourceproject.org/podcast/

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. https://autismresourceproject.org/

Sara Langley is a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in the medication management of children and adolescents. She specializes in Nutritional Psychiatry, including how food impacts mood and behavior, as well as traditional medication management. She treats conditions such as ADHD, Autism, depression and anxiety. She is double board certified in Primary care and Psychiatry and is based in Beverly Hills, CA.