Rising Voices: Career Journeys and Autism Advocacy

I Found a Place Where I Belong

We are excited to welcome our first international guest from South Africa. Dr. Emile Gouws. Dr. Emile Gouws is an Autism and International disability activist. He was the former Vice Chairman Autism South Africa. Member of Commonwealth Disability Forum, representing underrepresented groups. He is the current president of the Board of Directors at the Interdisciplinary Council for Development and Learning (ICDL). He is a Postdoc fellow in the Department of Inclusive Education at the University of South Africa (UNISA). AJ and Dr. Gouws conversation dives into his personal story and how self-advocacy provided him with a sense of belonging. 

Listen to Them; Meet Them Where They're At

Robert Schmus, MSW, LCSW, serves as a mental health professional, as well as an autistic self advocate. In his practice, Robert supports the neurodiverse community, including autistic individuals, using a variety of therapeutic interventions. His experience as a clinical professional on the autism spectrum places him in a unique role. As a self-advocate, Robert has experience educating communities on topics relating to the autistic and neurodiverse communities, such as employment, relationships, mental health, independence, and self advocacy. He has done this through podcast interviews and speaking at conferences. Such examples include being a keynote speaker at the 44th Annual Philadelphia Regional Developmental Disabilities Conference at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in October 2022, being on a panel for the United Nations/Institute of Neurodiversity’s Autism Awareness Day in April 2024, as well as conducting a workshop on social networking at the Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong (MASS) 25th Gala and Self Advocacy Conference in May 2023. He and a colleague have even created a group where they offer such services called Schmus & St. Clair (https://schmus898.wixsite.com/schmusstclair). He can also be reached by email at schmus898@gmail.com and on his SpeakerHub page at https://speakerhub.com/speaker/robert-schmus.
 
Connect with Robert:
LinkedIn
Speaker Hub

I Just Fell in Love with the Science

This episode is beyond inspirational! In honor and celebration of Black History Month, we address isolation in the field of ABA, marginalized communities, mentorship, impostor syndrome and more. To learn more about Jeron Trotman, follow him on Linkedin, and visit the BMBA network, follow along for virtual and in-person events, and listen to the Beyond The Science Podcast. 

A Desire For Learning

Join AJ & Danielle on a journey of personal & professional growth.Explore their global adventures, including Romania & India.Hear about encounters with world leaders & life-changing experiences. We invite you to share this episode with anyone seeking inspiration, interested in international experiences, or curious about personal & professional development.

Little Did I Know How Special He Would Be

Amy Ursitti, cofounder & secretary of Profound Autism Alliance, advocates for individuals with profound autism & ID. Driven by her brother Jack's diagnosis, she leads the Sibling Action Network, empowering siblings to support each other & improve lives. As a rising M1 at Weill Cornell, she aims to enhance the quality of life for those with profound autism as a physician. Outside of medicine, she enjoys running (training for her 4th marathon!) and spending time with loved ones.

But the Trajectory Changed Again

Dr. Stephen Shore, an autistic advocate with decades of experience, shares his inspiring journey. From his childhood to adulthood, he discusses his challenges, triumphs, and the opportunities that arose from his unique perspective. Dr. Shore, a best-selling author and consultant, offers valuable insights into autism, education, career development, and embracing transitions.

Re-Imagining Success

We are excited to introduce you to Sam Mitchell, who joins us for Disability Employment Month.
Sam is an entrepreneur, public speaker, and host of the "Autism Rocks and Rolls" podcast. He is a self-described high-functioning autistic individual, uses his platform to celebrate neurodiversity and success on the spectrum.
You can learn more about Sam by visiting www.autismrocksandrolls.com

If not me, then who?

Christina Cairoli is a passionate director, special education teacher, and BCBA, with over 10 years of experience in cultivating and supervising teams, as well as directly overseeing the implementation of services in fast-paced client-centered organizations. Christina is the founder of Splendid Torch Consulting and is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance.
*Please excuse some of the audio quality, we are still learning! Thank you for your support!*

I've been wanting to do this since I was a little girl...

We are thrilled to share that our co-host AJ is embarking on a new academic journey! Listen to this special announcement episode brought to you by your hosts AJ & Danielle. Join us to find out how this decision was influenced, and how it will impact AJ's future career and the autism community!

Access and Adventure: Advocacy in Travel with a Service Dog

Aspen Sage Baxter, a 24-year-old paralyzed in 2021, is a travel-loving role model for the disability community. With her "Guardian Angel" JoJo, she inspires others to live fully, saying "If there's a wheel, there's a way." Follow Aspen's journey on social media as she advocates for Functional Neurological Disorder, Mental Health, Autism, & other disabilities. IG: @accessibility_with_aspen_sage FB: Accessibility with Aspen Sage.