University of San Diego Autism Institute Summer Autism Conference Together We Can Do It!: Building Personalized Supports and Instruction Through Relationships and Collaboration
Speaker and Panel Member Biographies Steve Dionne Steve Dionne is the proud father of three boys, one of whom was diagnosed with autism in 2004. Steve is the author of the One Dad’s Opinion blog, which is part of the Autism Hub. Steve earned a B.A. in psychology with an emphasis on neurophysiology from the University of San Diego in 1993. Steve’s interest in autism is broad, but primarily emphasizes societal inclusion and a positive parenting approach.
Anne M. Donnellan, Ph.D. Dr. Anne Donnellan has a distinguished career in teaching, research, and writing on autism and related disabilities. She is a leader in developing and promoting positive and human approaches to support and understanding of individuals with the autism label. Currently, Dr. Donnellan is a Professor in the School of Leadership and Education Sciences at the University of San Diego and Director of the University of San Diego Autism Institute. She also serves on the California Advisory Committee for the Autism Spectrum Disorders: Guidelines for Effective Interventions Project. Her recent publications include: I can’t get started: “Stress and the role of movement differences for individuals with the autism label” in Stress and Coping in Autism published in 2006 by Oxford University Press, “Invented knowledge and autism: Highlighting our strengths and expanding the conversation” in JASH, and Movement differences and diversity in Autism/Mental Retardation.
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Bev Harp Bev Harp is a recent graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Social Work. Her interests include advocacy, social justice, Supported Employment and talking toy birds. As one of the “Hidden Horde” of autistic adults who grew up without an understanding of her challenges and differences, Bev has come to see the world very differently through the lens provided by an Asperger syndrome diagnosis. In the interest of sharing information, hope and experience, Bev writes the blog Asperger Square 8, along with her best bird, Squawkers McCaw.
Stephen Hinkle Stephen Hinkle is a recent graduate of San Diego State University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Stephen is an individual with autism who grew up in the special education system. He currently works as technology support at a Charter High School in San Diego. Stephen is a national speaker and an advocate for all individuals with disabilities.
Martha R. Leary, MA, CCC-SLP Martha Leary is a Speech and Language Pathologist who has worked with people with autism and their families for over 30 years. She has worked with people with complex needs and lectured extensively in the United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia and England. Her highly acclaimed journal article with David Hill and her publications with Anne M. Donnellan, Ph.D. present a scholarly review of alternative ways of viewing the symptoms of movement difference which may affect our understanding of people with challenging behaviors. Her recent publications include: "I can't get started: Stress and the role of movement differences for individuals with the autism label" coauthored with Donnellan and Robledo in Stress and Coping in Autism published in 2006 by Oxford University Press; Movement differences and diversity in Autism/Mental Retardation with Donnellan; and “Moving on: Autism and movement disturbance” with Hill in the journal Mental Retardation. Martha is also an urban gardener in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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Trevor McDonald, Ph.D. Trevor McDonald, Ph.D., has been a teacher, administrator, teacher educator, professional development provider and researcher in autism and special education in his native New Zealand and in the USA. While his research interests in this field have included friendship, inclusive education and curriculum development, his primary interest has been in supporting the communication endeavors of people with severe disabilities. During the period he was Special Education Director in New York’s School District #2 he became concerned with the literacy achievements of those adolescents who struggle most in the education system and has, over the last seven years, been co-researcher in a longitudinal study into the literacy experiences of 100 students as they progress through the secondary system. He currently lives in San Diego where he is, with his business partner, project developer for the San Diego Unified School District’s federally funded five year Striving Readers Project.
Nan Negri, Ph.D. Nan has been working with individuals on the autism spectrum and their families since 1972. She has been a classroom teacher, a signed-speech therapist, a staff and parent trainer, a program administrator, a university lecturer, and an educational and behavioral consultant. Nan works with and alongside individuals with autism so that together they can identify the opportunities and support they want and need to develop meaningful relationships across their lives. She believes it is critical to teach skills that promote community presence and value. Nan has an extensive background in applied behavior analysis, and believes it can and should be applied through a humanistic and relationship-based approach. She is committed to finding clear and compassionate ways to communicate, work, and be with people with autism, their families, and others supporting them, and to helping everyone have FUN in the process.
Jodi Robledo, Ph.D. Dr. Jodi Robledo is a special education teacher at San Diego Unified School District. She is also an Adjunct Professor and Research Associate at the
4 University of San Diego, School of Leadership and Education Sciences, Autism Institute. Her work focuses on autism and other developmental disabilities, sensory and movement differences, relationship building, and communication. Dr. Robledo presents at national conferences and has recently co-authored “Properties of supportive relationships in the lives of academically successful individuals with autism� in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and "I can't get started: Stress and the role of movement differences for individuals with the autism label" in Stress and Coping in Autism.
Diana Pastora Carson, M.Ed. Diana Pastora Carson, M.Ed., is an educator, author, and diversity consultant and trainer. Ms. Carson has taught pre-school through sixth grade in both special education and general education, inclusive classrooms. She also teaches Disability Studies through the San Diego State University Foundation. She serves on the Board of Directors of Disability Rights California, and is the author of Foundations for Ability Awareness and All the Muchos in the World. Through her trainings, Ms. Carson guides both children in schools and adults in business in exploring the subject of disability, societal attitudes around disability, and the impact of those attitudes. Empowering awareness, inclusion, and total diversity appreciation is her goal.
Jacqui Thousand, Ph.D. Dr. Jacqueline Thousand is a Professor in the special education teacher preparation and graduate program concentrations in the College of Education at Cal State San Marcos in California. Jacqueline is a well-known national and international teacher, author, systems change consultant, and inclusive education advocate. She has authored numerous books, research articles, and chapters on issues related to co-teaching, inclusive schooling, organizational change strategies, differentiated instruction and universal design, cooperative teaching and learning, collaborative teaming processes, creative problem solving, and discipline with dignity. She is actively involved in international teacher education and inclusive education endeavors and serves on the editorial and advisory boards of several national and international journals and professional organizations.
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