Kelly has been working in the field of Autism & Developmental Disabilities for 30 years. She has been a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst for 23 years. Kelly is a published author, having written a book, “Social Skills Solutions: A Hands-on Manual,” in 2003, and has a new book, “The Group Experience,” published in 2024. Both are available on Amazon. She is an Early Start Denver Model Certified Therapist and a PEERS Certified Therapist. Kelly has written several blogs for Autism Speaks and has published papers on oral health and autism, most recently published in the Journal of Pediatrics. She currently works at Easterseals of Southern California. Previously, Kelly was volunteer faculty at UCI’s Autism Center and an Adjunct Professor at Chapman University.

Kelly Bermingham is receiving an honorarium and travel support for this presentation from the University of Alabama. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

As both a professional working with people served who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, I also have lived experiences in a more direct and personal manner being the sibling to and parent of an adult with a disability. Working as the Family Outreach Coordinator for The Arc of Alabama, we strongly support legislative advocacy (such as The Colby Act) toward policy that will positively impact the lives of Alabamians with disabilities. We respect the rights, dignity and quality of life for those living with a disability as we strive to create an upward trajectory and meaningful outcomes for families experiencing disability. Having worked with various non profit organizations for the vast majority of my career, it has been my pleasure to connect professionals, families and individuals affected by disability for shared purpose to make a difference.

Kim Spangler is a paid employee of The Arc of Alabama. She will mention her place of employment in her presentation. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Jessica Herrod, PhD, BCBA-D, received her doctorate in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Georgia. She is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine and a Case Manager in the Complex Behavior Support Intensive Outpatient Program at the Marcus Autism Center. Her research evaluates assessment and treatment practices when supporting individuals engaging in behavior that puts themselves and others at risk of harm.

Jessica Herrod, PhD, BCBA-D is a paid employee of Emory University and will be mentioning her place of employment in her presentation. Presenter is receiving an honorarium and travel support for this presentation from the University of Alabama. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Dr. Hansen is the Director of the UA-ASD Clinic and an associate clinical professor in the Department of Psychology. She received her PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi and completed her pre-doctoral internship in clinical psychology at the Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. Dr. Hansen also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in clinical child psychology with a specialization in the assessment and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. From September 2020 to April 2024, Dr. Hansen served as the Director of Psychology at Mitchell’s Place, a comprehensive ASD treatment facility in Birmingham, AL. She joined the UA-ASD Clinic staff in spring 2024.

Laura Hansen, PhD is a paid employee of The University of Alabama. She will mention her place of employment in her presentation. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Pamela is a Speech-Language Pathologist with over 35 years of experience. She graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Education in Speech Language Pathology and a Master of Communication Disorders. She served as a speech pathologist in the public-school setting for 25 years. The focus of those years was identifying, evaluating, and serving children aged 3 to 6 years, following the Alabama Administrative Code. She assisted in establishing the HAPIE Program (Helping Auburn Preschoolers – Intervening Early) for Auburn City Schools. In that role, she served as the liaison among the Auburn Autism Center, the Little Tree, and the HAPIE Program. Currently, she serves as a Speech-Language Pathologist in various counties for Alabama’s Early Intervention System and is an Autism Mentor through the Community Autism Initiative, providing training and support across the state. When Pamela is not mentoring caregivers and teaching babies how to communicate, she enjoys time with her family, leading hospitality at her church, planting flowers, reading, shopping, attending Auburn University sporting events, and cruising all over the world with her husband.

Pam Ramsey M.C.D, CCC-SLP is a paid employee of Alabama Community Autism Mentors. She will mention her place of employment in her presentation. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Mallory has been a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist for 12 years. She graduated from The University of Alabama with a bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Communication Disorders. She is the owner of Discovery Speech Therapy LLC, a private speech therapy clinic in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which specializes in the evaluation and treatment of pediatric feeding and communication disorders. She also serves Alabama Early Intervention System families through CSP and UCP. She is an approved vendor for the Disability Determination Service for communication evaluations. Additionally, she serves as a Community Autism Mentor through the Community Autism Initiative, providing training and support across the state. When she is not getting paid to play, you’ll find her cruising around Tuscaloosa in her "mommy mobile" with her husband, Mitch, and their two kids, Sammie Jo and Trace.

Mallory Manning M.S., CCC-SLP is a paid employee of the Discovery Speech Therapy. She will mention her place of employment in her presentation. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Prior EMT and military medic with diverse experience in trauma, post-surgical care, hematology and oncology. Present Registered Dietitian with focus in pediatrics, providing advanced nutritional evaluation and counseling to children and youth with special healthcare needs, and their families. Responsible for staffing medical clinics within CRS, coordinating CRS Feeding Evaluation Clinics, and monitor/assist with the provision of nutritional services over a multi-county area (Shelby, Jefferson, Walker, Cullman).

Jesse Anderson RDN, LD is a paid employee of the Children’s Rehabilitation Services. He will mention his place of employment in his presentation. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Rebekah Whitt is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Clinical Educator at the University of Alabama Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic where she provides speech-language therapy to autistic children, clinical education to graduate students, and serves on an interdisciplinary autism evaluation team. Rebekah is also Program Coordinator for the Supporting and Enhancing Resilient Families (SERF) program, which provides family education, community resources, and respite to the greater west Alabama community. Rebekah has completed trainings in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2), Sequential-Oral-Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding, gestalt language processing, and trauma-informed care. Dr. Laura Hansen is the Director of the UA-ASD Clinic and an associate clinical professor in the Department of Psychology. She received her PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi and completed her pre-doctoral internship in clinical psychology at the Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. Dr. Hansen also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in clinical child psychology with a specialization in the assessment and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. From September 2020 to April 2024, Dr. Hansen served as the Director of Psychology at Mitchell’s Place, a comprehensive ASD treatment facility in Birmingham, AL. She joined the UA-ASD Clinic staff in spring 2024.

Rebekah Whitt M.S., CCC-SLP is a paid employee of The University of Alabama Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic. She will mention her place of employment in her presentation. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Dr. Kathryn Hecht is a Minnesota-based child and adolescent clinical psychologist, author, and nationally recognized speaker specializing in pediatric anxiety and OCD. An outspoken advocate for children’s mental health, she is known for translating evidence-based treatment into clear, actionable strategies families can use, and for helping parents shift from prioritizing comfort to building confident, resilient, and capable kids. A partner at Anxiety Treatment Resources, she is the author of The Be Brave Activity Book and serves as pediatric training faculty for the International OCD Foundation. Her 2025 TEDx talk, “How to Raise Kids Who Can Handle Hard Things,” has been viewed over 1 million times. Dr. Hecht's work centers on a simple belief: "brave kids are the ones who will change the world".

Kathryn Hecht, PhD LP is receiving an honorarium and travel support for this presentation from the University of Alabama. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Ashley leads Alabama’s Accessing Potential Through Assistive Technology (APTAT) program, bringing over 15 years of experience as a Rehabilitation Engineer. She has performed countless AT needs assessments in homes, schools, and workplaces and has a special passion for creating accessible living spaces that support independence. Ashley lives with a neuromuscular disorder and brings personal insight to her work. She and her husband co-designed their own wheelchair-accessible home, enabling them to age with comfort and confidence. Ashley is also a frequent presenter on AT, disability advocacy, and engineering.

Ashley McLeroy, MSME is a paid employee of the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. She will mention her place of employment in her presentation. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Kim Stephenson, Ph.D., is the Program Coordinator of Graduate Gifted Education and an Assistant Professor at Troy University. She serves as the Immediate Past President of the Alabama Association for Gifted Children, Immediate Past Chair of the National Association for Gifted Children Professional Learning Network, Awards Committee member for the Council for Exceptional Children-TAG, NAGC Publications Leadership Working Group, and is on the Annual Fund Committee for NAGC. She has presented her work internationally, nationally, and at the state level and has been honored by the NAGC, the University of Alabama, and MENSA for her research and service.

Kim Stephenson, PhD is a paid employee of Troy University. She will mention her place of employment in her presentation. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Dr. Amy Williamson is a Clinical Associate Professor and the CrossingPoints Program Director at The University of Alabama. She has worked with young adults with intellectual disabilities and autism for over 20 years, both through the K-16 education system as well as other community-based programs. Additionally, Dr. Williamson serves on various local, statewide, and national committees to advocate for improvements in transition opportunities both in the community and in Institutions of Higher Education. Dr. Williamson is the co-founder and current chair of the Alabama Postsecondary Alliance on Intellectual Disabilities (APAID) a state alliance created to educate, train, and support the creation of postsecondary programs (both under IDEA and HEOA) for students with intellectual disabilities in Alabama IHEs. Her research centers around human rights, inclusive postsecondary education, transition programming, and other critically related areas such as sexuality and disability.

Amy Williamson is a paid employee of the Crossing Points Program. She will mention her place of employment in her presentation. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

As a BAMA Alum, and Crossing Points graduate, Colby continues to carve a path and remove obstacles as he faces each new challenge in life. While legislative Advocacy like “The Colby Act” passed in 2023 has been a highlite of his advocacy experiences, he continues to be recognized for his success in other areas as well. Colby lives, works, and enjoys life in Tuscaloosa in a way that creates proof of his life motto: “We are better Together!”

Colby Spangler, presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Mamta Jha Mishra: Advocate, Author, and Entrepreneur Mamta Jha Mishra is an India-born advocate, author, educator, and entrepreneur based in Gadsden, Alabama. She holds degrees in English literature and special education, along with additional training in business, technology, yoga, and cosmetology. Her books, Autism: Our Journey and Finding Happiness and Energy Management Mantras for Caregivers, share lessons from her family’s Autism journey. She founded Parag Cosmetic to support meaningful vocation and financial independence for individuals with special needs. Mamta also leads Autism advocacy initiatives, speaks publicly, and enjoys gardening, yoga, CrossFit, and running marathons.

Mamta Mishra, presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Layne Galvin, is a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in care for the neurodivergent community. She earned her Master of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2022 and has since practiced for three years, working with children and families in the Birmingham area to support sensory regulation, development, and daily functioning. Layne is currently a post-professional doctoral candidate, with an anticipated graduation for this upcoming December. Her clinical approach is rooted in trauma-informed, neuroaffirming care, reflecting her deep commitment to honoring each child's unique sensory and developmental needs.

Layne Galvin, OTR/L, presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Dr. Megan Davis is the Program Director for the UA Autism College Transition and Support Program (UA-ACTS) which provides assistance for degree-seeking students with an autism diagnosis. Dr. Davis received her Ph.D. in Psychology from The University of Alabama and has over 15 years of experience in working with autistic adults. She is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at UA and is heavily involved with both the College Autism Network and the Alabama Autism Providers Network.

Megan Davis, PhD is a paid employee of the UA Autism College Transition and Support Program. She will mention her place of employment in her presentation. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Dr. Courtney K. Dotson is a State Office Administrator with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services or ADRS, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Service, or VR, where she oversees special initiatives/programs such as Self-Employment Services, Project SEARCH, the Transition Unlimited Initiative, Transition Services, Supported Employment Services, Career Employment Services, to name a few. She has vested the majority of her career in the area of rehabilitation, specializing in transition as a VR Counselor in Georgia and Alabama; and is a certified rehabilitation counselor. Prior to returning to ADRS as the training director in 2019, she was employed at Auburn University as a director and assistant clinical professor; where she was also a co-founder of the Auburn University EAGLES Program. Dr. Courtney earned her doctorate from Auburn University. ADRS’ mission is to enable Alabama's children and adults with disabilities to achieve their maximum potential.

Courtney Dotson, PhD is a paid employee of Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. She will mention her place of employment in her presentation. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Lonnie Williams- is an attorney on the Community Access Team at the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program. Lonnie provides services in several different issue areas, such as appropriate treatment and placement, guardianships and conservatorships, Medicaid rights, ADA/504 rights, and fair housing rights.

Lonnie Williams Esq is a paid employee of the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. He will mention his place of employment in his presentation. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Darryle has been leading the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities team since November of 2019 following a long career in the Private Sector. He is one who envision excellence in the delivery of human services. Darryle is also a Team Leader and Peer Reviewer for the Council on Accreditation (COA) which is an international, independent, non-profit, human service accrediting organization.

Darryle Powell Sr. is a paid employee of the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities. He will mention his place of employment in his presentation. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Frannie Yates McCoy is the Supervisor for the Alabama Department of Mental Health Developmental Disabilities Call Center. In this role she oversees the intake process for ADMH AL Medicaid Waivers and the Alabama Community of Practice Program. Mrs. Yates McCoy has 25 years of experience working with individuals with various disabilities specificity intellectual and developmental disabilities. She holds a Master of Education in Counseling and Development from Auburn University Montgomery and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Troy University.

Frannie Yates-McCoy is a paid employee of the Alabama Department of Mental Health. She will mention her place of employment in her presentation. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Dr. Jessica Hoggle is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, and graduated with her doctorate degree in Social Work from the University of Alabama, where her project focused on integrating creative and body-focused modalities into trauma therapy, specifically rhythm and drumming. She currently serves as project manager for VitAL, working closely with the Alabama Department of Mental Health on a new state-wide initiative focused on autism. She previously worked as a therapist at the University of Alabama’s Women and Gender Resource Center, and has previous experience working in community mental health and grassroots organizing. She also co-founded Rooted Tuscaloosa, a non-profit which aims to make the arts and mental health services more accessible to children of all abilities, and helped launch Tuscaloosa’s Sensory Activation Vehicle in partnership with the Tuscaloosa Police Department. She is passionate about researching and finding new and creative methods for healing the mind and body.

Jessica Hoggle is a paid employee VitAL. She will mention her place of employment in her presentation. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Jenny Ryan- is a senior attorney at the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program. She focuses on special education law, particularly in the area of teens. She previously helped create EngageAL.com along with ADRS and ALSDE to provide a framework for teens to independently consider questions about the transition from school to adulthood. Lonnie Williams- is an attorney on the Community Access Team at the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program. Lonnie provides services in several different issue areas, such as appropriate treatment and placement, abuse and neglect investigations, guardianships and conservatorships, Medicaid rights, ADA/504 rights, and fair housing rights.

Jenny Ryan is a paid employee of the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program. She will mention her place of employment in her presentation. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.