Emily Rubin, MS, CCC-SLP is the Director of Communication Crossroads in Palm Desert, California, a private practice specialized in providing professional learning focused on helping families, caregivers, and educators create positive learning environments focused on relationships and an appreciation of the neurodiversity of children. She is a speech-language pathologist who is passionate about the relationship between social emotional engagement and the development of language, learning, and well-being. 

She is a co-author of the SCERTS Model and a co-developer of the Social Emotional Engagement – Knowledge and Skills (SEE-KS). These approaches provide a framework for social emotional engagement and learning that are: 

1) ecologically valid to the demands of achieving academic standards, 

2) sensitive to the unique needs of students with social learning differences such as autism, and 

3) can serve as a universal design for learning that benefits all of students and young children in order to promote positive long-term outcomes. 

She lectures internationally and provides ongoing technical assistance to school systems and other agencies that care for children and their families.

Erin is an adult on the autism spectrum who was diagnosed at about the age of 15 years old around 2005.  She just recently moved to Northern Kentucky from the Greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area.  While she still deals with PTSD from her school experiences, Erin uses this as her motivation for autism advocacy, and earned her Child Development Associates in 2019.  

Over the past 2 decades, she has written a book, completed a TEDx talk, presented at numerous training events and colleges, and has even been featured on news stations in Philadelphia.  In her spare time, Erin enjoys volunteering in any way possible. She loves dogs, The Lion King, and Dakota Fanning movies.  Erin can only speak for herself, but hopes that people may benefit by hearing her share her experiences.  You can find her online through her personal Facebook: “Erin Clemens (AspergerSadie)”, or other social media platforms under AspergerSadie. 

Jesse is an Autistic Advocate who graduated from Henderson County (KY) High School in 2012. His work journey includes positions at Hugh E. Sandefur Training Center, five years as a custodian with Henderson County Schools, and experience as a Service Porter at two car dealerships with support from AspYre LLC and Vocational Rehabilitation. Currently, Jesse works part-time in customer service at the Henderson YMCA and as a Dietary Aide at Homeplace of Henderson assisted living facility. He successfully completed Introduction to Computers at Henderson Community College with an A grade. Jesse has been involved with "Experiencing Autism, Together," a non-profit organization, for fourteen years and is passionate about community engagement. 

He believes that perseverance is the key to success and enjoys local and University of Kentucky sports. Through sharing his experiences, Jesse hopes to help educators understand the importance of perseverance and patience in supporting autistic students.

Summer is an autistic developmental interventionist with the Kentucky Early Intervention System who navigated public education in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Initially placed in special education, she transitioned to general education after second grade by masking her autistic traits. Summer's higher education journey was non-linear—she earned an Associate's Degree in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (2018), a Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies (2021). She completed her Master's in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (2024). Previously, she taught with Murray Early Head Start for two years. 

Summer is passionate about early intervention, recognizing it as the foundation that shaped her own journey. She emphasizes that "when you meet one person with autism, you've truly met one person with autism," and that her public speaking ability doesn't negate her daily sensory and anxiety challenges. Through sharing her experiences, Summer hopes to help educators understand the importance of individualized, empathetic support for autistic students. 

Tracy Belfield, Ed.S., serves as Field Training Coordinator at the Kentucky Autism Training Center. With over 15 years of experience in special education, Tracy specializes in implementing evidence-based practices for autism across educational settings. Her expertise includes creating sustainable support systems, facilitating successful transitions, training paraprofessionals, and developing family-school partnerships. Tracy has delivered numerous professional presentations to educators, families, and community partners across Kentucky. Her approach emphasizes collaboration between schools, families, and community organizations to create inclusive environments where all students can thrive. 

Dr. Christy Bryce is the Director of KY-ABRI at the University of Louisville’s Center for Instructional and Behavioral Research in Schools (CIBRS).  Her experience as a special education teacher, school psychologist, and Director of Intervention has driven her to become a dedicated advocate for students with untapped potential.  Christy seeks to translate research into practice by helping schools build effective systems and incorporate best practices for students who learn differently.

Kimberly Howard is a Field Training Coordinator at the Kentucky Autism Training Center, where she delivers direct training and technical assistance to a diverse range of stakeholders, including education staff, social and community personnel, counselors, job coaches, and families. She earned a B.S. in Moderate to Severe Disabilities (P-12) and an M.A. in Educational Counseling with a Rank 1 in Learning and Behavior Disorders (P-12) from Morehead State University. Her background includes teaching students with autism in a highly structured setting and serving as a special education teacher at the elementary, middle, and high school levels across multiple Kentucky counties. 

Mike Miller holds a BS in Elementary and Special Education from Murray State University, as well as a master’s degree in special education and a Rank 1 designation. His certifications include gifted education, supervisor of instruction, exceptional child consultant, and director of special education. Mike pursued post-graduate studies at Eastern Kentucky University and Murray State University. 

His experience includes serving as a teacher of exceptional children and a director of special education in local school districts. Prior to joining the Kentucky Autism Training Center at the University of Louisville's College of Education and Human Development in November 2014, Mike held various roles within programs for students with disabilities at the Kentucky Department of Education. At the Kentucky Autism Training Center, he collaborates with professionals, parents, local school districts, and autistics.

Katie Wolf Whaley, MSW, is a Principal Investigator and Project Director at the University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute. In her work she coordinates training & technical assistance on employment strategies for people with disabilities to service providers, job seekers, family members, and businesses. She works, in collaboration with partners across the state and nation, to build effective systems of support to increase opportunities for people to gain and maintain competitive integrated employment. Katie serves by Gubernatorial appointment as Chairperson of Kentucky’s Employment First Council, serves as the President of the Kentucky Chapter of APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First) and has served on the national board of APSE. Katie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Kentucky.

Nancy W. Lovett, Ph.D. is director of the Early Childhood Regional Training Center in Murray Kentucky. The Calloway County Center serves twenty-seven (27) school districts in West Kentucky as a unique service delivery for training, technical assistance, consultation, and lending of materials in early childhood programs.

Dr. Lovett is a certified trainer on Family Literacy from the National Center on Family Literacy. Nancy is one of the certified for the Kentucky Strengthening Families (TOT), Connect the Dots, and Environmental Education Programs—Environmental Experiences for Young Children (Project Learning Tree), Growing Up WILD, and Project WET.  She is a Kentucky Credentialed Trainer Level 5 (highest level) for professional development for early childhood personnel. Nancy is certified in the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations for many programs including: Practice-based Coaching, Practice-based Coaching TOT (Trainer of Trainers), Positive Solutions for Families and Linking Literacy to Pyramid. Nancy is also certified reliable observer for the TPOT (Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool), and a Facilitator for the Lexia LETRS, Early Childhood.

Dr. Lovett has an emphasis in educational administration as well as in special education and early childhood. Dr. Lovett has also served as an adjunct professor at Murray State University and is currently Co-Director for the Alternative Special Education Certification Model Program at Murray State University. In April of 2011 the West Kentucky Association for Early Childhood Education named an award in her honor, the Nancy Lovett Award of Excellence in Early Childhood with her being named the first recipient.  Nancy has also received the Murray State University, College of Education Outstanding Educator award as well as the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children, Outstanding Special Education Administrator of the Year Award.

Melissa Bazzell brings a lifelong commitment to education, nonprofit leadership, and creative innovation. A former preschool and kindergarten teacher turned early education consultant for Graves County Schools, Melissa is also the founder of The Kidstruction Zone Preschool and Early Eagle Academy. She previously served as the executive director of The Catalyst Center; a nonprofit dedicated to building resiliency through the Strengthening Families framework. 

In her current role, she supports educators as a consultant for the Calloway County Regional Training Center.

Emily Rubin, MS, CCC-SLP is the Director of Communication Crossroads in Palm Desert, California, a private practice specialized in providing professional learning focused on helping families, caregivers, and educators create positive learning environments focused on relationships and an appreciation of the neurodiversity of children. She is a speech-language pathologist who is passionate about the relationship between social emotional engagement and the development of language, learning, and well-being. 

She is a co-author of the SCERTS Model and a co-developer of the Social Emotional Engagement – Knowledge and Skills (SEE-KS). These approaches provide a framework for social emotional engagement and learning that are: 

1) ecologically valid to the demands of achieving academic standards, 

2) sensitive to the unique needs of students with social learning differences such as autism, and 

3) can serve as a universal design for learning that benefits all of students and young children in order to promote positive long-term outcomes. 

She lectures internationally and provides ongoing technical assistance to school systems and other agencies that care for children and their families.

Michelle Antle is a Low Incidence Consultant at the Green River Regional Educational Cooperative (GRREC) and has served as a School Psychologist in the public education setting for over 20 years. She was honored as the 2021 Kentucky School Psychologist of the Year for her collaborative and inclusive approach to supporting students with different abilities. Michelle partners with schools, families, and community agencies to bridge research to practice while also supporting individuals and promoting equitable outcomes for all. She brings a collaborative, person-centered approach to her work while also helping to build and grow systems that are safe, supportive, and inclusive. Michelle has also been appointed by the Governor for her second term on the Kentucky Center for School Safety board.  Her position on this board helps her to contribute to statewide efforts to enhance school climate and student well-being. A proud mother of two, Michelle’s personal and professional experiences continue to fuel her passion for creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments.

Dr. Jon Burt is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Special Education, Early Childhood & Prevention Science at the University of Louisville. He earned his PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Louisville and M.Ed. in Special Education with a focus on high-incidence Disabilities and Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD) from Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Burt is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and has extensive experience in the field of special education and applied behavior analysis. He has served in various roles, including behavioral therapist, positive behavior support coach, and classroom teacher prior to his joining the faculty at the University of Louisville as the ABA program director in 2021. His research interests include function-based approaches to reducing disproportional disciplinary practices, functional communication training to reduce dangerous behavior in schools, and the generalization of intervention outcomes.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Burt runs a 5-acre mini farm where his practicum students come to learn operant conditioning principles. 

Enid Hurtado-Stremming is an experienced educator specializing in special education, autism, and assistive technology. She earned her BA in Special Education from San Diego State University and her M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism from Arizona State University. Enid has over a decade of teaching in urban and rural districts across California and Colorado. She has provided training to schools across the U.S. and Canada and has presented at national and international conferences. She currently serves as a School Field Training Coordinator at the Kentucky Autism Training Center, coaching educators on implementing evidence-based practices to support diverse learners.

Heather Dougherty is a dedicated resource special education teacher with 18 years of experience in middle and elementary school settings within Jefferson County Public Schools. She holds a Bachelor’s in Special Education and a Master’s in Elementary Education from Indiana University Southeast, as well as a Rank 1 with a Literacy Emphasis from the University of Louisville. Passionate about advocating for autistic students, Heather is committed to fostering inclusive learning environments that promote independence and success for all learners.

Therese Vali, M.Ed., currently works for GLEC as a Low Incidence Consultant. Therese has worked with students with Moderate and Severe Disabilities for over thirty years. She has worked extensively supporting students with autism, both as a classroom teacher and as a consultant.

Darcie is a dually licensed mental health therapist with 20+ years experience working in the field.  She is passionate about working with children and families and promoting mental health wellness in general.  She seeks to serve the community both in Community Mental Health and through private practice and seeks ways to reduce the stigma around seeking support for more positive mental health. 

Marcie Bridges is an Exceptional Children Consultant within the Guidance and Support Branch of the Division of IDEA Implementation at The Kentucky Department of Education. Currently, Marcie provides technical assistance and support to families and districts in related services, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), assistive technology, Special Olympics and IDEA requirements. Marcie is passionate about family engagement and enjoys being the Commonwealth's Parent and Family Engagement specialist. Before her role at KDE, Marcie, who holds a Master’s Degree, taught students with disabilities in public education for 24 years. 

Emily Rubin, MS, CCC-SLP is the Director of Communication Crossroads in Palm Desert, California, a private practice specialized in providing professional learning focused on helping families, caregivers, and educators create positive learning environments focused on relationships and an appreciation of the neurodiversity of children. She is a speech-language pathologist who is passionate about the relationship between social emotional engagement and the development of language, learning, and well-being. 

She is a co-author of the SCERTS Model and a co-developer of the Social Emotional Engagement – Knowledge and Skills (SEE-KS). These approaches provide a framework for social emotional engagement and learning that are: 

1) ecologically valid to the demands of achieving academic standards, 

2) sensitive to the unique needs of students with social learning differences such as autism, and 

3) can serve as a universal design for learning that benefits all of students and young children in order to promote positive long-term outcomes. 

She lectures internationally and provides ongoing technical assistance to school systems and other agencies that care for children and their families.

Michelle Antle is a Low Incidence Consultant at the Green River Regional Educational Cooperative (GRREC) and has served as a School Psychologist in the public education setting for over 20 years. She was honored as the 2021 Kentucky School Psychologist of the Year for her collaborative and inclusive approach to supporting students with different abilities. Michelle partners with schools, families, and community agencies to bridge research to practice while also supporting individuals and promoting equitable outcomes for all. She brings a collaborative, person-centered approach to her work while also helping to build and grow systems that are safe, supportive, and inclusive. Michelle has also been appointed by the Governor for her second term on the Kentucky Center for School Safety board.  Her position on this board helps her to contribute to statewide efforts to enhance school climate and student well-being. A proud mother of two, Michelle’s personal and professional experiences continue to fuel her passion for creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments.

With 36 years of experience, Jon is a long time Early Childhood Special Educator and public-school administrator for early childhood programs; including special education, child find services, and family literacy programs. Jon’s research and teaching focuses on issues relating to family impact on very young children’s emergent literacy development; factors pertaining to children’s social, emotional, and behavioral adjustment to schooling; and applications of Motivational Interviewing (MI) in educational contexts. Jon is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers and is trained in the use of the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI) code. Jon works with a highly successful research consortium, whose past research includes adaptations of the First Step Next early intervention program for preschool-aged children (R324A150221) and children with tertiary behavior challenges in primary classrooms (R324A090237 and R324A150179), as well as the development of educational interventions utilizing MI in various contexts (R324A190173).

Tracy Belfield, Ed.S., serves as Field Training Coordinator at the Kentucky Autism Training Center. With over 15 years of experience in special education, Tracy specializes in implementing evidence-based practices for autism across educational settings. Her expertise includes creating sustainable support systems, facilitating successful transitions, training paraprofessionals, and developing family-school partnerships. Tracy has delivered numerous professional presentations to educators, families, and community partners across Kentucky. Her approach emphasizes collaboration between schools, families, and community organizations to create inclusive environments where all students can thrive. 

Lindsay Eubanks, M.Ed., OTR/L, is an occupational therapist with over 22 years of experience in school-based practice (including JCPS and Shelby County), outpatient pediatrics with a strong emphasis on sensory integration, and community mental health, where she supported survivors of human trafficking and individuals recovering from addiction. She currently serves as a Family & Community Field Training Coordinator for the Kentucky Autism Training Center, providing trauma-informed training and support to educators, families, and providers across the state.

As the parent of a teenager with Level 1 Autism, Lindsay brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work. Lindsay is passionate about helping educators create classrooms where sensory needs are recognized and supported, and she specializes in turning complex sensory processing theory into realistic, effective strategies that empower students and reduce overwhelm for teachers.

Tal Curry, LCSW, serves as the Executive Director for the Kentucky Office of Autism, which is a part of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department of Behavioral Health Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities.  The Office of Autism coordinates statewide efforts to enhance the quality of life and independence to autistics and their families and provides administrative support to the Kentucky Advisory Council on Autism. Prior to serving in his current role, Tal served almost 9 years with the KY Department for Public Health as a Maternal & Child Health Program Administrator for the Early Childhood Mental Health Program, Child Care Health Consultation Program for a Healthy Start in Child Care, and State Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Grant. In addition, Tal has served as a teacher, clinician, mentor and advocate for children and their families for over 28 years.  As foster parent for Kentucky, Tal has happily adopted three unique children.