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Roy J. McDonald

Roy is a former New York State Senator, representing the 43rd District, as well as Districts 100 and 112 in the New York State Assembly. He is also a huge advocate for the Autism community, as he has two grandsons on the spectrum. Tune in to learn more about Roy and his work & experiences in the capital region! www.nysenate.gov/senators/roy-j-mcdonald

Gillian Christian, Myrna Alcy, & Crystal Mendez-Covington - Ability & Beyond Fitness

Tune in to meet the team from Ability & Beyond Fitness! Gillian Christian PT, DPT, is Ability's Chief Operating Officer, Myrna Alcy, MOT, OTR/L, is the Chief Financial Officer and Crystal Mendez-Covington MOT, OTR/L, is the Chief Marketing Officer! Ability & Beyond Fitness is a forward-thinking LLC consulting business that addresses disparities that adults with developmental disabilities face. In a unique social and inclusive environment, they provide an individualized fitness plan to specifically address physical fitness concerns among adults 25 and older with developmental disabilities.  You can find them on the web at: https://abilitybeyondfitness.com/ 

John Donvan& Caren Zucker - In a Different Key

John & Caren are the co-authors of In a Different Key: The Story of Autism. Their book was recently made into a documentary film and debuted at the Oxford Film Festival! In a Different Key chronicles John & Caren's search for the first person formally diagnosed with autism to explore whether that patient’s life held relevance for their own loved ones who also were diagnosed with autism. Tune in to learn more, or visit: www.inadifferentkeythemovie.com

Andy Bondy & Lori Frost - PECS

Meet the duo who combined their innovative ideas for helping children build functional skills and succeed in the classroom to design educational approaches that have improved lives around the world! Andy Bondy & Lori Frost are the co-developers of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), as well as the founders of Pyramid Educational Consultants. Their goal is to help individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, and/or communication challenges learn to shape their own lives and participate in the world around them! Tune in to learn more, or visit: www.pecsusa.com

Shoshana Folic - Wishing' U Well

Shoshana is a high school student in southern Florida. She created the Wishing' U Well organization after seeing the social & mental health effects COVID-19 had on the special needs community. Wishing' U Well is a safe space where individuals can practice all aspects of their health from the comfort of their own home. They can potentially create new life skills, valuable lessons, and even make new friends along the way through Wishing' U Well's program, Fun With Friends! Tune in to learn more or visit: www.wishinguwell.org

Janine Kruiswijk - Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region

Janine Kruiswijk is the Executive Director of the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region, she has been with the agency for over ten years! The ASGCR's mission is to promote lifelong opportunities for people on the autism spectrum and their families, so they can be fully participating members of their communities. They are community builders... providing referral services, advocacy services, and so much more! Soon, they will be expanding to serve the Hudson Valley region as well. Tune in to learn more! https://www.asgcr.org/

 

Courtney Burke - HANYS

Courtney Burke is the Chief Operating and Innovation Officer at the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS). As chief operating and innovation officer, Courtney oversees all of HANYS’ operations and ensures optimal alignment of the Association’s various functions – from healthcare policy and advocacy to quality improvement and data analysis. HANYS is a nonprofit working to ensure that every New Yorker has access to affordable, high-quality care. Tune in to learn more about Courtney, HANYS and how they  help those on the spectrum! 

Dr Lina Bambara - HCPBS

Dr. Bambara is a Professor and Program Director of Special Education at Lehigh University. Her expertise in developmental disabilities spans over 30 years, and includes research in the areas of social and communication interventions, self-determination and self-management interventions, and positive behavior supports for individuals challenging behaviors. Tune in to learn more about Dr. Bambara and Home and Community Positive Behavior Support Network (HCPBS), a non-profit network support, providing free resources to families and providers interested in using PBS. Visit: www.hcpbs.org

Dani LoVecchio - Bridge Kids NY

Tune in to hear from Dani LoVecchio, the Executive Director and co-founder of Bridge Kids NY. Dani is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in New York and New Jersey and is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).  She is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of New York. Bridge Kids NY, located in NYC, offers a variety of services such as supporting parent knowledge and advocacy, offering professional training and supervision, and supportive services for children. You can find Bridge Kids online: www.bridgekidsny.com or on Facebook & Instagram: @bridgekidsny

 

 

Loren Penman - The ANT

Tune in to learn more about The Autism Nature Trail (ANT) at Letchworth State Park in Castile, NY. Loren Penman is the Co-Chair on this project which is six years in the making! The trail is scheduled to be completed for this years hiking season! The ANT is ADA compliant and accessible for visitors of all abilities and ages! This recreational trail will allow all visitors to push boundaries, explore new activities and develop skills. For more information visit: www.autismnaturetrail.com