Dr. Kimberly Hile coordinates the Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education and Child, Family, and Community Development undergraduate degree programs at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). She has over 20 years of experience supporting young children, with and without disabilities, as an early care and education teacher, Part C early intervention service coordinator, and Part C developmental therapist. Dr. Hile believes that every child has the right to high-quality and equitable learning opportunities. Her research interests focus on personnel preparation, implementing family-centered practices to support effective collaborations between families and professionals, and the inclusion of young children with disabilities. She is the Principal Investigator for the Regional Autism Network (RAN) at UAH.

After more than a decade as a manufacturing engineer in the aerospace industry, Linda Ware stepped away from her career in 2017 to focus on raising her two young children, both diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Through this journey, she developed a deep passion for supporting the autistic community and their families.

Having navigated a wide range of services—including ABA therapy, speech and occupational therapy, early intervention programs, special education, and medical specialists—Linda Ware has gained extensive firsthand experience in accessing and advocating for individualized support. With each of her children presenting unique strengths and challenges, she has developed a deep appreciation for the diverse needs of individuals with ASD.

Now, as part of UAH’s Regional Autism Network, Linda Ware is dedicated to giving back to the autism community. She is committed to using her knowledge and personal experience to support families, advocate for meaningful resources, and help create a more inclusive environment where autistic individuals can thrive.

Sarah Bailey is the Program Director for the Regional Autism Network at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). Known as a “community connector,” Sarah shares resources with individuals, families, and professionals. She is passionate about advocacy and expanding support networks across 13 North Alabama counties. 

With over 30 years of experience, Sarah’s diverse background includes roles in direct care, education, administration, and advocacy. She has worked as a special education teacher, early interventionist, service coordinator, nonprofit administrator, and small business owner serving families and children. Sarah appreciates each parent’s unique perspective and decision-making for their child, always seeking to honor family voice and choice. She believes in empowering self-advocates by providing them with clear, accessible information so they can make informed decisions that best fit their needs.

Sarah’s personal connections to autism fuel her dedication to initiatives that are inclusive and respectful. In her free time, Sarah enjoys family time, travel, hiking, crafting, and a good cup of hot chocolate.

Lauren Gafford is a recent graduate of The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) who majored in Sport and Fitness Management. She enjoys niche sports like figure skating and learning about para-athletics. Lauren is starting her journey in this field and has multiple years of experience working and coordinating events. She works with both RAN at UAH and ASN (Ability Sport Network) as a Program Coordinator to help both programs grow and aid people who need critical resources.