Dr. Amy is a mom of two 20-something daughters, a proud professor and chief, a child neuropsychologist, a wife of 28 years, a lover of nature, and a grateful child of God. She loves to work with young children and their families. While basic cognitive abilities are very important, and at the core of a neuropsychological evaluation, she wants to help children function best at home, in school, socially, and in their community, helping to remove racial, socioeconomic or cultural barriers to their success through maintaining quality education and early intervention.

Becky wears many hats in their work as a human resources professional, neurodivergent yoga facilitator, community-builder, and neurodiversity advocate. With over two decades of experience working for mental health recovery programs serving the neurodivergent community, Becky is passionate about cultivating welcoming, mindful, trauma-aware, and affirming spaces for community care that honor each individual’s experiences and intersecting identities. In their free time, Becky also enjoys hiking in the forest, petting moss, reading science and sci-fi books, and tabletop gaming. 

Dr. Breya Whitefield is an Assistant Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults with neurodevelopmental differences. She provides consultation and intervention for challenging behaviors that may not respond to traditional parenting strategies or outpatient mental health services. Her work focuses on helping families manage issues such as tantrums, aggression, noncompliance, sleep problems, toileting difficulties, and disruptive behaviors.

Brittany Freund is a dedicated Special Education Teacher, beginning her 11th year supporting students in kindergarten through third grade. She works in a cross-categorical setting, meeting the diverse needs of her learners with patience, creativity, and compassion. Outside the classroom, Brittany is a devoted wife to her husband, Tanner, and a loving mother to two children—Wren (4) and Rori (1). Their family also includes a beloved dog, Angus. Brittany enjoys spending time outdoors, especially going on bike rides, and she loves gathering with friends and family for board games. Her passion for teaching and family shines through in everything she does.

Donna is a late-diagnosed woman on the autism spectrum, but she’s arriving on the scene just in time. She is the host of the podcast, “I Should Say That Out Loud,” and the author of two memoirs, “Autistic Revelations: Body Edition” and “Career Edition.” She’s turned her decades of personal autism research, for the sake of her children and herself, into a pursuit of study at university now, for the sake of humanity. She has more memoirs planned and would love to engage with you about your own curiosities in the autism realm for both her podcast and her research. 

Emily Raclaw is Director of On Your Marq, a college success program for neurodivergent students at Marquette University. With nearly 20 years of experience, she specializes in disability services, executive functioning, and inclusive design. A disabled and neurodivergent professional herself, Emily reframes disability as a valued identity and leads a team providing mental health, academic, and independent living support. A nationally recognized speaker, she presents on neuroinclusive education, disability identity, and sustainable support systems that foster belonging and empowerment. Her work centers on creating spaces where disabled individuals can thrive in both academic and professional settings.

James Williams, an autistic self-advocate, has spoken publicly about autism and related disabilities since age 11. 

He is the author of eight autism-related books, and serves on the Steering Committee for the Wisconsin Community of Practice on Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities (ASD/DD). He is on staff for multiple anime conventions throughout the United States, where he also hosts panels on autism awareness designed for anime conventions. Finally, he is an active member of Glenbrook North High School’s Booster Club, his alma mater.

He lives in Northbrook, Ill., and travels frequently to promote autism awareness.

Justus Budde, now in his late 20s, is the firstborn child of Chelsea and Pete Budde. Diagnosed with a host of developmental differences from age 3 to 14, Justus has redefined what his parents were told was possible for an autistic and intellectually disabled person. He has held his first and only job for the last nine years, earned a technical certificate in graphic design and digital production from Waukesha County Technical College, and found his work-life balance in his Waukesha County home, where he lives with his parents. Justus' favorite things are Star Wars, live action Marvel movies, talking zombies, and gluten-free baked goods.

Kaitlyn Jones is a Client Services Coordinator at 4 Paws for Ability, a nonprofit in Xenia, Ohio, that places service dogs with children and veterans with disabilities. She began her journey with 4 Paws over 8 years ago, initially as a volunteer in college. Kaitlyn earned her B.A. in Psychology and now supports families through onboarding and post-placement support. Passionate about the impact dogs can have, she is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. Outside of work, Kaitlyn enjoys outings with her registered therapy dog, Jude, exploring the community and spreading joy wherever they go.

Katrina is a Clinical Child and Adolescent therapist at Evidence Based Counseling Solutions in New Berlin, Wisconsin. She has worked with autistic individuals in a variety of capacities from young children to adults for almost 20 years. She has recently taken on a new role as the Director of Child and Adolescent Services and hopes to expand access to mental health treatment for neurodivergent kids, teens, young adults and their families.

Dr. Lauren Miller is a pediatric clinical neuropsychologist specializing in the care of children with medical, neurological, and neurodevelopmental conditions, with particular focus and expertise in working with children under age 6. Dr. Miller's background includes significant experience in the early identification of autism through screening and early diagnostic evaluation. She trained under Dr. Deborah Fein, a renowned expert in the field of autism and pediatric neuropsychology, and co-author of the M-CHAT-R, the most widely used screening tool for autism in toddlers. Dr. Miller's clinical and research interests are aligned and include a focus on developing and refining efficient screening and diagnostic processes for autism in the context of medical conditions, as well as understanding and predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes as children get older. 

Layne Ledding (she/her) is a 20-year-old young woman from Kenosha, Wis. She lives with her mom, her dad, her brother and sister, two dogs, and a bird. She's been interested in mental health since she was in sixth grade, and has been interested in writing, stories, and poetry since she was a young child. She was diagnosed with autism at 14, and she's never stopped learning. She's come far over these past few years with the help of mentors. Lately, Layne’s glamorously gay, proud, and happy.

Although Margaret doesn't like talking about herself, she is a parent of an autistic son, special educator and CLTS/IRIS service provider in this world called autism. Her and husband Mark's son has taught her pretty much all she needs to know about patience and empathy, and that has driven all of her choices since his diagnosis. Margaret loves this community and does all she can to love and support them.

MJ Lamb is a neurodivergent and chronically mentally and physically ill individual who is also a survivor of sexual violence. When the pandemic took over the world in 2020, MJ was suicidal and received inpatient mental health care. It was through that program that they found their love for creating poetry and abstract art. After a divorce and two address changes, MJ got diagnosed with autism at age 30. Today, they live in Milwaukee with their loving partner and two cats and have begun sharing their story of survival with the world.

Nicola Rose is the writer and director of "Magnetosphere", a recently released movie about a neurodivergent 13 year-old girl realizing she has synesthesia. You can watch the movie on multiple platforms here. Previously, Nicola wrote directed another film, "Goodbye, Petrushka", which was interpreted by many as being about a girl with autism.

A recent graduate from Columbia College Chicago, Noey Budde is still very much trying to find their place in the world, but has a great start with an illustrious background in both the humanitarian and creative fields. Noey is an educated composer creating pieces for various forms of media, primarily podcasts (including this one!) and film. When not in their studio, they’re found working alongside the bright students of Chicago as a substitute teacher. One of their biggest dreams is to create media that comforts and reassures others on the spectrum and living with neurodiversity that they’re seen and heard.

Pete Budde is a devoted husband to his high school sweetheart, Chelsea, and a proud father to two incredible adults, Justus and Noey. A lifelong learner, he finds joy in reading, music, and competition. With 30 years of professional experience, Pete has been fortunate to work alongside exceptional teammates and colleagues, forming lasting friendships along the way. His passion for growth and connection defines both his personal and professional life, making him a valued friend, mentor, and competitor.

Sue is a Christ follower, wife, and mom to three, who has worked for non-profits her entire career. Her daughter, Molly is in her 30s, and was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at age 17 after years of evaluations. Sue ministered at a church for over 18 years, worked at an Autism non profit and is currently the Director of Development & Marketing at Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha & Jefferson Counties.  She is currently leading a support group at her church for parents of children with Autism and serving as an advocate & resource those families and others she has connected with on her journey.  Sue believes God has a plan for every child, adult, and family living with Autism as we all reflect the image of God in our own circles of influence.  

Born on the traditional and current land of many Native Peoples, including the Ojibwe, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Oneida and Potawatomi Nations, Sxdni Small was raised in a Milwaukee, Wis., household graced by kitchen table lilac blooms.  Reading and community organizing were household staples in a home filled with love for words and learning.

Sxdni is a dog training geek and honeybush tea fan, as well as a member of the Wisconsin Writer’s Association.  Their work has been published in various venues including Creative Wisconsin Magazine.  They treasure their spouse’s poetry and the growing pile of books atop their own kitchen table.

Trisha Sacharski is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist with over 23 years of experience. Specializing in Autism and Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), she is deeply committed to helping individuals find and use meaningful ways to communicate. Trisha combines her extensive clinical training with a passion for empowering others, making it her mission to ensure that every voice is heard. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys reading, gardening, baseball, and supporting her three children in all of their interests and endeavors.