Our Mission and Vision

Mary Anne MacLellan served as the Design Director on The Social Express development team. She is the founder and director of Associated Speech Pathologists, a private practice in North San Diego county. For over thirty years, Mary Anne has specialized in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of children and adults with autism spectrum disorders, Asperger’s Syndrome, apraxia, and other speech and language disorders. Mary Anne received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at San Diego State University. She is licensed by the state of California and a member of ASHA and CSHA.

Luke Tursi has had a very successful 45 years career in the educational publishing industry. All of that experience has been focused on the Sales and Marketing of Curriculum and Assessment to the Birth-12 market. As the New York City sales representative he distinguished himself in the Special Ed market becoming partners with the leadership and sponsoring high quality professional development while selling both group and individually administered diagnostic tests to citywide and district-wide programs.

With AGS Publishing he successfully managed the Northeast Regional sales team for ten years winning state programs and open adoptions in large urban areas. The highlight of those years was managing the very first Reading First Statewide program, Massachussettes.

As National Director of Sales for the past 10 years he managed and led a national sales team of 21 Masters and Ph.D. level salespeople and managers responsible for revenues in excess of $100m. During this time he led the sales team through the Pearson acquisition and integrated the AGS field personnel, operations department, and product management into the Pearson organization.He recently retired form Pearson (and is having the time of his life!).

Aubyn C. Stahmer, Ph.D., BCBA-D, is a Research Scientist at the Child and Adolescent Services Research Center (Children’s Hospital, San Diego) and Research Director of the Children’s Autism Intervention Center. She also works as a researcher at the University of California, San Diego Autism Research Laboratory. Her current interests include the study of early intervention systems for children with autism and the translation of research practices into community settings. Dr. Stahmer has published numerous research articles examining intervention with children who have autistic spectrum disorders. Dr. Stahmer currently sits on the advisory board for the educational software TeachTown.

Amy M. Wetherby, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is a Professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences and Director of the Autism Institute in the College of Medicine and the Laurel Schendel Professor of Communication Disorders at Florida State University. She has thirty years of clinical experience and is a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Dr. Wetherby has published extensively and presents regularly at national conventions on early detection of children with autism spectrum disorders and intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders using the SCERTS® model. She is the Project Director of a Doctoral Leadership Training Grant specializing in autism funded by the U.S. Department of Education. She served on the National Academy of Sciences Committee for Educational Interventions for Children with Autism and is the Executive Director of the Florida State University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. Dr. Wetherby is the Project Director of the FIRST WORDS Project, a longitudinal research investigation on early detection of autism spectrum and other communication disorders, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, National Institutes of Health, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She is also the Principal Investigator of an early treatment study teaching parents of toddlers with autism spectrum disorders how to support social communication and play in everyday activities funded by Autism Speaks and the National Institutes of Mental Health.

Juliann is a Professor in the School of Communication Science and Disorders and the Director of the Communication and Early Childhood Research and Practice Center (CEC-RAP). She has over 30 years of clinical experience, research and teaching in communication, language and early intervention for children and families. Throughout her career, she has emphasized the translation of research to practice and has more than 50 externally funded training and demonstration grants and contracts providing professional development nationwide and internationally with many including the use of technology to support the integration of content into work settings. Current research examines observational measurement of coaching and the application of technology use to coaching within the home and classroom environments to support the implementation of recommended practices for early intervention of social communication for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She is the Project Director of a Doctoral Leadership Training Grant on Language and Literacy, Early Intervention and one for Autism funded by the U.S. Department of Education. She is also the Director of a research and demonstration project on parent implemented language intervention, a Co-Investigator of a NIMH RCT on parent implemented early intervention for toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and participates in technology supported professional development for ASD.

Patricia Wright has a passion for education and advocacy and has dedicated her career to ensuring that individuals with autism are fully-included in society. Her personal mission is to offer the support that makes it possible for people with autism lead meaningful, happy and productive lives. As Easter Seals National Director of Autism Services, Wright leads autism programs for Easter Seals, one of the nation’s largest provider of services for individuals with autism across the life span. Wright’s expertise as an educator and Board Certified Behavior Analyst inform her individualized approach to creating effective treatment plans. She knows that early diagnosis and intervention offer the best outcomes but also is a proponent of appropriate treatment for anyone with autism at any age. Everyone has the ability to learn and develop skills. She is a member of the Organization for Autism Research’s Scientific Council and is currently a serving on the Executive Committee for the Friends of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. Wright is well known as a presenter and has been invited to deliver presentations and conduct training across the United States and internationally.Wright earned her Ph.D. in education from the University of Hawaii in 2006. She also has a master’s of public health from the University of Hawaii, and a master’s degree in special education from San Francisco State University.

Celine Saulnier, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Autism and Related Disorders, Department of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine. She obtained her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Connecticut, after which she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Yale Child Study Center under the mentorship of Dr. Ami Klin before joining Yale’s faculty. At Yale, Dr. Saulnier was both the Clinical Director and the Training Director for the Autism Program where she oversaw, conducted, and supervised comprehensive diagnostic evaluations on individuals with autism spectrum and related disorders from infancy through young adulthood. At the Marcus Autism Center, Dr. Saulnier oversees the development and implementation of diagnostic and clinical assessments for individuals participating in clinical research. Her research focuses on profiles of adaptive behavior in autism spectrum disorders, particularly on the discrepancy between cognitive ability and the application of functional skills to daily contexts and routines. In addition to her research and scientific publications, she is co-author of the book, Essentials of Autism Spectrum Disorders Evaluation and Assessment.

Craig is a lifetime resident of North Carolina and a two-time Emmy Award© winning Television and Motion Picture Casting Director. Along with his wife, Lisa Mae and his brother Mark, Fincannon & Associates has worked on over 750 film and television projects since 1982. In 1998, Craig, Lisa Mae and Mark won their first Emmy Awards© for the Tom Hanks & Ron Howard HBO hit series From the Earth to the Moon. In 2012, Craig and Lisa Mae brought home the Emmy© again for the critically acclaimed Showtime series “Homeland”. Craig has also been nominated for the Casting Society of America Artios Award numerous times, including a win in 2007 for the feature film Junebug, 2010 for the film Red, and 2012 for Homeland. Craig has also produced the critically acclaimed independent feature film Waterproof, staring Burt Reynolds. Craig is a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Casting Society of America, North Carolina Film Council, and North Carolina Entertainment Hall of Fame Committee. Craig and his wife Lisa Mae have two daughters, Ashley and Erin as well as two grandsons, Finn and Aidan.

Non-verbal until four and diagnosed with “atypical development with strong autistic tendencies,” Stephen Shore was regarded as “too sick” to be treated on an outpatient basis and recommended for institutionalization. Fortunately, his parents disagreed. With their persistence and the help of teachers and other friends and professionals, Stephen has gained more ground than anyone would have thought possible from that original diagnosis! He is now completing his doctoral degree in special education at Boston University with a focus on helping people on the autism spectrum develop their capacities to the fullest extent possible. In addition to working with children and advocating for a better quality of life on the autism spectrum, Stephen presents and consults internationally on adult issues pertinent to education, relationships, employment, advocacy, and disclosure. In his book Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome, he shares his love of music and learning as he walks us through the heartaches and triumphs of his life as an Aspie. He also serves on the board of the Autism Society of America, as board president of the Asperger’s Association of New England, and is on the Board of Directors for Unlocking Autism, the Autism Services Association of Massachusetts, MAAP Services, The College Internship Program, and the KEEN Foundation.

Shannon Wallace graduated with honors from San Diego State University in 1999, earning a Bachelors Degree in Psychology, and attended Pepperdine University where she earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. While working towards MFT licensure, Shannon has completed coursework in Behavior Analysis and has received her certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Since 1997, Shannon’s expertise and focus has been in the areas of research and therapy in autism. She participated as first and second author on numerous research studies on Autism, Williams Syndrome, and infants with focal brain damage, resulting in the opportunity to present her research at relevant conferences nationwide. Recognizing the dire need for her services in this area, working as Assistant Clinical Director, Case Supervisor and Senior Therapist she helped to implement effective programs in diverse schools and home settings throughout San Diego and Los Angeles Counties. She is skilled at conducting Functional Analyses and implementing positive and effective behavior programs based on her findings. Shannon also excels at developing alternative curriculum based on the principles of ABA, DTT, and a child’s IEP goals/areas of need, in order for the child to access academic curriculum in the most effective way. Her passion lies in working with children to expand socialization, generalization and improving the quality of life not only for children with autism but also their families.

Dr. Martin Stein is a Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Child Development and Community Health, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine at UC San Diego. He was elected President of the Society of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics in 2000, and is the recipient of the C. Anderson Aldrich Award in Child Development for his outstanding contributions to child development internationally. This prestigious award was given by the American Association of Pediatrics. Among the early faculty members in the Department, Dr. Stein established the Division of Ambulatory Pediatrics in 1975. He noted that at the time, the concept of a biopsychosocial approach in medical practice was emerging and was consistent with teaching in development and behavior. Dr. Stein was interested in introducing this approach in academic pediatrics. With the responsibility to train residents in ambulatory pediatrics since the mid 1970’s, Dr. Stein incorporated a curriculum in developmental and behavioral pediatrics in the department’s educational program. With his colleagues at UCSD, he pioneered a new curriculum to teach pediatric residents about the development and behavior of normal children and adolescents as well as those with delays in development, behavioral problems and learning challenges. With his colleague, Dr. Suzanne Dixon, Dr. Stein authored a groundbreaking book, Encounters with Children: Pediatric Behavior and Development (now in the 4th edition); it is recognized as a fundamental textbook in the specialty of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. Most pediatric resident programs in the United States currently use this book.

Sue Liesegang has been an Education Specialist since 2003 and currently teaches in a public elementary school learning resource center. She earned a BS in Business Administration from Iowa State University, and an MA in Education from California State University. She is a nationally board-certified Exceptional Needs Specialist who holds a multiple subject credential and two special education credentials (mild/moderate and moderate/severe). Mrs. Liesegang also serves as a Senior Associate Trainer for the Crisis Prevention Institute, where she has gained extensive training in providing behavioral support for students on the autism spectrum. Prior to becoming an educator, Mrs. Liesegang served as an executive for a multi-national corporation where she had training and operations oversight for more than 300 retail sites located in five countries. She previously owned and operated a successful small business.

Sought out globally as an instructional designer, Vicki creates a power-boost for the cutting-edge content of well-known management gurus such as Marcus Buckingham, Keith Ferrazzi, Bill George and Ken Blanchard by infusing their work with optimal learning practices and innovative training materials. As Vice President of Applied Learning for the Ken Blanchard Companies, Vicki specializes in partnering with organizations to design, deliver and coach their people through interactive workshops, keynotes, webinars, podcasts and numerous other classroom and e-learning experiences. Fortune 100 companies that include Nike, Toyota, Gap, Oracle, Proctor and Gamble, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo and many more, have benefited from her custom-designed leadership and customer service programs. She is the co-author of Blanchard’s Legendary Customer Service Training as well their award winning blended e-learning Situational Leadership® II program. In addition, Vicki also crafted the highly acclaimed MBA and MSEL university degree programs for both University of San Diego and Grand Canyon University.

Paul D. Carter brings over 20 years of professional management experience in a variety of medical device and software technology market segments. From 2002 to 2008, Paul gained valuable experience developing and marketing software products for individuals on the autism spectrum at DynaVox, LLC. While at DynaVox, Paul served as the President of the Mayer-Johnson division, leading efforts on the flagship Boardmaker software product range targeted at assisting individuals with cognitive, behavioral, and speech challenges. Earlier in Paul’s career at DynaVox, Paul served as VP of Marketing and helped develop and introduce new alternative and augmentative communication devices to the special-needs market. Most recently, Paul held the position of VP of Product Marketing at Masimo, a leading producer of patent monitoring equipment. Prior to DynaVox, Paul led a successful 11-year career with Hill-Rom, a leading hospital equipment manufacturer. Paul’s last position with Hill-Rom was VP and General Manager of the European Capital Business where he served with a team that successfully integrated three acquisitions and returned a struggling division to profitability. Paul and his family spent six years in Europe during his career with Hill-Rom.

Kevin Custer offers more than 25 years of experience in launching and growing successful education and technology companies. Custer is a founding principal of Arc Capital Development, a private equity and advisory firm that invests in and operates companies that serve school districts, educators, students and parents. The products of his companies have been installed in more than 50 percent of the K-12 schools in the United States with over 10 million online users each week and total over $300 million in annual revenue.Highlights of his career include being the primary architect in the launching of six startups, all becoming multi-million dollars companies, three of which achieved over $20 million in revenues within their first three years, two of which went public with his leadership. Under his leadership he took a small Internet company public through a reverse-takeover of Canada’s seventh-fastest growing public company. Prior to that, he built an Internet-based subscription service that grossed over $20 million in 30 months.

Recently, Mr. Custer was the CEO of AutismPro, they provided online resource and training to help schools build the capability to educate children with Autism. He raised several million in capital, launched the international brand and lead the company to a successful acquisition in 19 months. In 2009 he participated in Colorado’s Autism Commission, which developed the state’s 10-year strategic plan for autism. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Autism Society of Colorado. As a nationally recognized speaker, Custer has presented to many state and national associations, including Autism Society of America, Council for Admin of Special Education, Assoc, of School Business Officers and Council for Exceptional Children, Software and Information Industry Assoc and COMDEX Asia.

Custer received a bachelor’s of science in computer information science and a bachelor’s of science in marketing from the University of Northern Colorado. He has served as the chairman of the education section of the Software and Information Industry Association, which helps to set public policy as it relates to education technology for schools. Custer serves as the President of the Autism Society of Colorado and on the National Board for the Autism Society of America. He also volunteers with the National Sports Center for the Disabled, serving as a ski instructor for developmentally and physically disabled children and adults.

Rand Levin is Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs, at Universal Motown Republic Group, a division of Universal Music Group, where he is involved in all manner of business affairs transactions, including the negotiation of recording agreements, label agreements and distribution agreements, as well as non-transactional legal aspects of the business of the record division. Prior to joining Universal, Rand served as Senior Counsel, Business & Legal Affairs, at Razor & Tie Entertainment, an independent record label that includes traditional record label functions, as well as direct response and special products businesses. Prior to joining Razor & Tie, Rand was a litigation attorney at Robinson Silverman, Pearce Aronsohn & Berman, LLP (now Bryan Cave, LLP), where he specialized in intellectual property and employment law matters. Rand received a J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where he was on the Law Review.

Peter Rubin is an artist, art director, designer, illustrator, sometime animator, director, and writer with more than nineteen years of experience in major motion pictures and hundreds of commercials under his belt. His credits include Stargate, Independence Day, Space Cowboys, Gangs of New York, Terminator 3, The Surrogates, Green Lantern, and Clint Eastwood’s upcoming Hereafter. His work has been published in The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, Perspective, Millimeter Magazine, and The Painter Wow Book.

Jim Butz has a foundation in business strategy/planning and operations expertise that started with over 25 years within corporate America. For the past 10 years, he has focused on helping small/medium businesses (SMB) start up and grow in Southern California. He keeps current on developing technologies through his involvement as an Associate Manager with California Capital Partners and as a member of Keiretsu Forum Angel Network. In addition, he is a Senior Consultant with TriTech Small Business Development Center where he counsels early-stage companies, helping them put together their businesses and, if required, the documentation needed to pursue third-party investments. In 2001, he co- founded Resonnect where he has been helping companies architect growth strategies and execution plans; negotiate strategic alliances and distribution agreements; and develop operation. For the past four years, he has been deeply involved with new technologies around social media networking and marketing and how to incorporate these tools into SMB companies for branding and business growth. Jim is currently providing counseling on social media marketing with a number of clients in both business-to- consumer and business-to-business environments spanning both product- and service-based companies. On a monthly basis, Jim listens to early-stage entrepreneurs present their business opportunities looking for investment. He provides advice to these entrepreneurs on changes that will make their presentations more acceptable to investors. Jim is active in the local technology community. He previously served on the Program Committee for the San Diego MIT Enterprise Forum, and has held Board positions at UC Riverside CONNECT and the San Diego High-Tech Marketing Alliance organizations. He also participates in an Advisory capacity to a number of early-stage companies.

Joel was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Today, he’s an award-winning artist and outspoken advocate for autism awareness — with a heart bigger than life. Joel prefers to work with acrylic paints, though he also enjoys graphic arts. He is currently studying animation and graphic motion design in college. His art has been published in several books, including the recently released Artism: The Art of Autism by Debbie Hosseini and was also featured in the documentary film ARTS: A Film About Possibilities, Disabilities and the Arts, by Keri Bowers. He received the ANCA Awards, Inaugural 2010 International Award for Community Achievement from Naturally Autistic in British Columbia, Canada and a Certificate of Recognition from the California Senate. Joel hosted the 2011 International Naturally Autistic People Awards and Convention in Vancouver, Canada, and is an official International Ambassador for the 2012 Awards alongside Dr. Temple Grandin. Since 2003, Joel has had the opportunity to realize his goal of helping people with autism, as well as those who love and care for them, through the support of The Autism Tree Project Foundation. With the help of the foundation and others, Joel has spoken to thousands of people, from elementary school to high school and university students, and even large corporations. He has also appeared on many news and radio stations, and shared the stage with celebrities who support autism awareness.

Michelle graduated from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto in 2009 with a Master of Arts in Child Study and Education and a specialization in Special Education. For the past ten years, Michelle has worked with children in a variety of settings, including schools, camps and respite centers. In 2010, she began working at Star Academy, which is an independent school that promotes engaging, individualized programming for students with a wide range of social-emotional and academic challenges. Michelle utilizes both her academic background and experience in the classroom to create a curriculum for The Social Express that teachers can successfully implement with their students.