Panel Discussion:
Tuesday, June 10th
How do we anticipate and ensure support for people on the autism spectrum
across their lifespan? Join us for a panel discussion with three educational
leaders in the autism community as they address how need and access to
programs must evolve as individuals move into and through adulthood. The
panelists will also speak on their individual experiences establishing an
adult day program in New Jersey (The Alpine Learning Group), the first
Charter school in New York (New York Center For Autism), and a global
initiative for teacher trainings (Global Autism Project).
Bios:
Bridget A. Taylor, PsyD, BCBA-D
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Dr. Bridget A. Taylor is co-founder and Executive Director of Alpine Learning Group and is Senior Clinical Advisor for Rethink. Dr. Taylor has specialized in the education and treatment of children with autism for the past twenty-five years. She holds a Doctorate of Psychology from Rutgers University, and received her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Columbia University. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Licensed Psychologist. She is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and serves on the editorial board of Behavioral Interventions. She is a member of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and a Board Member of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment. She serves on the Autism Advisory Group for the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies and the Professional Advisory Board for the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts. Dr. Taylor is active in the autism research community and has published numerous articles and book chapters on effective interventions for autism. She is a national and international presenter and serves in an advisory capacity for autism education and treatment programs both locally and abroad. Dr. Taylor’s current research interests are in identifying innovative procedures to increase the observational learning repertoires of children with autism.
Julie Fisher, Executive Director, NYC Autism Charter School
Fisher has served as Executive Director of the NYC Autism Charter School since January, 2009. She received her Master of Social Work degree from New York University and is a board certified behavior analyst. While earning her undergraduate degree at Rutgers University, Julie began working with children and adolescents on the autism spectrum, and has remained in the field ever since. Prior to assuming the position of Director of Education at NYCACS in 2006, Julie spent 10 years as Director of Outreach at the Alpine Learning Group.
Molly Ola Pinney, Founder and CEO of the Global Autism Project
Molly Ola Pinney is the Founder and CEO of the Global Autism Project, an International organization that trains teachers to work with children with autism in their communities. In this capacity, she travels internationally with teams of behavior analysts to raise awareness and improve services in under-resourced areas of the world. The organization currently works in Peru, Kenya, Indonesia, India and the Dominican Republic and recently celebrated ten years of service.
Molly regularly guest lectures in local universities, has worked with the UN for World Autism Awareness Day events, and has been honored for her service and commitment to people with autism both locally and internationally. Molly is a recipient of the NBC Comcast Leadership award and has rung the closing bell for NASDAQ.
She graduated from Columbia University where she studied sociology and neuroscience. Her primary research focused on autism in under-resourced communities.