Naturally Autistic ANCA

 

Dr. Lars Perner – Assistant professor of Clinical Marketing, Marshall School of Business, University of California. Chapter Board Member, Autism Society of America

Dr. Lars Perner is autistic and has been a member of the ANCA Foundation Board of Directors since 2001. He has conducted numerous workshops and presentations at ANCA Conferences over the past 10 years. Dr. Perner has written exclusively about autism; focusing attention on College preparation and overcoming barriers for students on the autism spectrum as well as consumer habits of people on the autism spectrum. Dr. Perner is a frequent presenter for the American Psychological Association and is the editor of “Scholars with Autism” to be released in 2012.

Leonora Gregory-Collura - Dipl.RBSTTC, Royal Ballet, London, England – Principal: Naturally Autistic® ANCA® Productions -international magazine, international online newsletter, international daily radio shows, international awards and convention.

Co-founder of ANCA Foundation and ANCA Consulting Inc. - Leonora has served the autistic community since 1995 and began working with special needs students int he performing arts in 1979. She has over 30 years experience working with special needs individuals including those on the autism spectrum. Author of “Anthony’s Story” – an autistic mother and her autistic son. Nominee for the Courage to Come Back award and WOW!clbc Award. Graduate of Blanche MacDonald Modelling School and Employment Skills for women. Over the past 30 years, Leonora has been interviewed on television, radio and the print media for her contribution in the performing arts and with her inclusive approach regarding special needs and mainstream in society.

Charlie Collura - Dipl. Hotel & Restaurant Admin., B.A., McMaster University, Ontario, Canada - Principal: Naturally Autistic® ANCA® Productions - international magazine, international online newsletter, international daily radio shows, international awards and convention.

Co-founder of ANCA Foundation and ANCA Consulting Inc. - Charlie has served the autistic community since 1995. He began working in the field of Special Needs in 1986. Charlie has over 25 years experience working with special needs individuals including those on the autism spectrum, in community living and school environments. Charlie is the author of a eries of educational children’s books soon to be released.

Tammy Klein, VO for the NaturallyAutisticANCA PSA, Emcee and workshop presenter.

Tammy served as an enlisted member of the USAF and was a jet engine mechanic for the F-15 and F-16 aircraft. Master of Science in Criminalistics: California State University Los Angeles. Actor – Lizardman (Film) and We’re Alive (Radio Drama). Tammy is autistic and can be seen in the Rethinking Autism video PSA and heard in NaturallyAutisticANCA audio PSA. She is known for Emergency Contact (Comedy), Ballroom Bootcamp (TV), Megan is Missing, Black Moon (Cannes 2011 short film) and The Molding Maverick Mason

 

Michael Harding, created the NaturallyAutisticANCA PSA script and is a workshop presenter.

Michael Harding is an actor/writer/director and veteran of 30 feature films and an equal number of television shows and movies of the week.  His most recent films include – “Dear John”, “Secretariat”, and “The 5th Quarter” which he starred in with Aidan Quinn and Andi MacDowell.  He plays the recurring character, Dr. Dan Ananda, on the US soap opera “The Young and the Restless”.  Michael was born in South Carolina, but currently resides in Los Angeles.

 

Dani Bowman – Host and workshop presenter.Dani is autistic and aspires to follow in the footsteps of other cartooning greats with her own animation company, Powerlight Studios. Dani  states, “My goal is to change the world’s perception of autism and show the potential that autistic individuals like me have.” Dani illustrates, writes and voice acts nine different cartoon series, each with about 30 unique characters. Her stories, and her own story, have captured the interest of several production companies with the goal of taking Powerlight Studios to network and cable TV. Dani came up with the name of Powerlight Studios at age 11, and shortly there after created her first series, “Gemstar & Friends”, followed by “The Adventures of Captain Yuron”. Recipient of the 2010 inaugural International Naturally Autistic People AWARDS, Visual Arts AWARD, Children’s Category.

Joel Anderson – Host and workshop presenter. Joel is an inspiration to the autistic community for his advocacy work, fund-raising abilities and for creating unique ways to involve the community at large to connect with autistic people and their families. He has been speaking and advocating for over 11 years. Joel resides in California, USA. He not only is a sought after speaker, he is an accomplished artist, musician and song writer. He will be one of the young innovative hosts at the 2011 international Naturally Autistic People AWARDS and CONVENTION held this year in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – Sept.23 – 25. Joel Anderson, 2010 Naturally Autistic® People AWARD recipient for Community Achievement.

 

Paul Maywood – Host and workshop presenter. Paul has worked all his life, is a writer, poet, photographer & Naturally Autistic Radio Show contributor. Paul is in his 50′s and is on the Autitsic Spectrum. A result of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Paul has had to deal with seizures from the age of seven weeks. He attended a Remedial School where he learned to read at age seven. At age eleven he was admitted to Lingfield Hospital School (NCYPE) where he learned to speak Spanish (French and German to a degree since) in out-of-school hours. On three Occasions he was asked to interpret for Sussex Police at East Grinstead. Paul has been employed since the early 1970′s with a  Heating Firm in East Grinstead and then onto a a Hygiene Firm with whom he is employed to this day. From August 1975 up until October 1996 Paul had an enjoyable experience as an Arsenal Supporter at Highbury, where he had a Free Pass for seventeen out of twenty-one Seasons; both as an Arsenal Lottery Agent and as a Match Day Assistant to the Arsenal Groundsman. He is also a contributing writer to Naturally Autistic Online newsletter, writes poetry and is a 2010 Awards recipient for his photography. in his spare time, Paul also enjoys being a comedian! he is in the process of writing his life’s journey – being autistic – with his mother.

Robert Gagno Host - Robert is a 22 year old living in Burnaby, B.C., Canada and was recently featured in the documentary ‘Ingenious Minds’ along with Temple Grandin. He is the Canadian Pinball Champion and is ranked 7th in the world. Robert loves to speak to audiences about his interests and has a great desire to educate others about what it is like to be autistic. Acting is a passion for Robert, having appeared in film, TV and commercials since the age of three. As a teenager, Robert appeared in the independent film – Darc Arc and Cam Girl. later in 2011, he will be featured in a documentary about autism produced by Giveshoe Production.

For presenters below: Photos and bios coming in the next 24 hours

Esther Brokaw – workshop presenter. 2011 awards recipient for Visual Arts.

Kevin Hosseini – workshop presenter. 2011 awards recipient for Visual Arts

Tim Pylypiuk - workshop presenter. ANCA facilitator, Radio Show Host and magazine writer.

Samantha Ruderham – workshop presenter. 2011 awards recipient for performing Arts

Erin Clemens – workshop presenter. 2011 awards recipient for Literary Arts

Scott Siegel – workshop presenter. 2010 awards recipient for performing arts

 

Kelly Green – USA Liaison and workshop presenter.

Founder of AutismHWY.com, Naturally Autistic ANCA radio show host & article contributor. Kelly is parent of an autistic child and founder of AutismHWY.com whose mission is to “promote friendship through common understanding.” Kelly is also the host of Naturally Autistic® ANCA® Radio – AutismHWy Fridays - Creating Awareness through social networking for the family, educators and community. Kelly is well know in California for her chalk festivals where families are engaged in creating works of ‘ART in CHALK‘ – part of APAC Global goes LOCAL community based events to raise awareness, foster friendships and build community based networks.

 

Anthony Gregory – The Collura’s and their son Anthony are an “all autistic family”. In 1998, the Collura’s and ANCA Clients were featured with Victor Malarek in the CBC 5th Estate documentary “Stranger in a Familiar Land.” Their company, ANCA Consulting Inc., was the Sunshine Coast Business AWARD recipient in 2009. The Collura’s and their organizations have been featured in local and national television, radio and print media and online periodicals. Combined, Charlie and Leonora have over 50 years of experience, providing services to the special needs and autism communities.

 

 

HOSTS and Workshop facilitators – 2011 2nd annual International Naturally Autistic® People AWARDS and CONVENTION

Joel Anderson

Joel Anderson, 2010 Naturally Autistic® People AWARD recipient for Community Achievement.

Joel is an inspiration to the autistic community for his advocacy work, fund-raising abilities and for creating unique ways to involve the community at large to connect with autistic people and their families. He has been speaking and advocating for over 11 years. Joel resides in California, USA. He not only is a sought after speaker, he is an accomplished artist, musician and song writer. he will be one of the young innovative hosts at the 2011 international Naturally Autistic People AWARDS and CONVENTION held this year in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – Sept.23 – 25.

 

Dani Bowman

Dani is autistic and aspires to follow in the footsteps of other cartooning greats with her own animation company, Powerlight Studios. Dani  states, “My goal is to change the world’s perception of autism and show the potential that autistic individuals like me have.” Dani illustrates, writes and voice acts nine different cartoon series, each with about 30 unique characters. Her stories, and her own story, have captured the interest of several production companies with the goal of taking Powerlight Studios to network and cable TV. Dani came up with the name of Powerlight Studios at age 11, and shortly there after created her first series, “Gemstar & Friends”, followed by “The Adventures of Captain Yuron”. Recipient of the 2011 inaugural International Naturally Autistic People AWARDS, Visual Arts AWARD, Children’s Category.

 

Robert Gagno

Robert is a 22 year old living in Burnaby B.C., Canada and was recently featured in the documentary ‘Ingenious Minds’ along with Temple Grandin. He is the Canadian Pinball Champion and is ranked 14th in the world. Robert loves to speak to audiences about his interests and has a great desire to educate others about what it is like to be autistic. Acting is a passion for Robert, having appeared in film, TV and commercials since the age of three. As a teenager, Robert appeared in the independent film – Darc Arc and Cam Girl. later in 2011, he will be featured in a documentary about autism produced by Giveshoe Production.

Paul Maywood

Bio update coming soon and photo

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Naturally Autistic ANCA Radio Shows, Autistic People, People First. Some of our radio hosts will be running the AWARDS portion of the shows September 23 – 25, 2011

Scott Jackson - Behavioral Health Care consultant for families with children on the autism spectrum.

Scott is autistic and a husband & father with two teenage daughters. A published artist, poet and an aspiring author – his book is near completion (to be published 2011).  Currently Scott works for organizations supporting autistic individuals and their families. He is  Naturally Autistic ANCA Radio Talk Show Host for “Autistic People, People First”, writer for the  Naturally Autistic International monthly online newsletter, a valued member of our ANCA online team  and continues to produce his amazing artwork for KindTree AutismRocks – an organization supporting autistic artists internationally since 1997 amongst many community events. You can view Scott’s art below in the wonderful video slide show or you can view individual pieces of his art  on our ANCA  online team page.

 

Jan Beaver Coad - B.S. and Master of Sciences Degrees, University of Central Arkansas, USA

Jan is autistic and a retired Community College Program Chair. Jan “Beaver” Coad worked for a decade leading and teaching in health care educational programs. Jan was in charge of program planning, writing of curriculum and advisory committee development.  In this capacity she designed and achieved initial accreditation for one program and ongoing re-accreditation for two others. Jan has her Master’s Degree in Community Based Health Education from University of Central Arkansas. Since her diagnosis Jan wrote her first book “Why don’t they come with instructions” – an open account of her very personal & vulnerable journey as an autistic person and a mother raising two children, one who is diagnosed as autistic, one who is not. Jan continues to enjoy speaking with fellow like-minded people on the Autistic Spectrum such recent engagements have been in California, Washington DC and local Washington with state groups.

 

Chef Tom Dickinson - Professional Chef; creator of GFCF Fusion Cuisine

Tom is autistic and a graduate of the Culinary Arts Program at Linn Benton Community College where he trained extensively for two years. He hopes to use that training for the benefit of others who suffer form gluten and dairy in tolerances. Most importantly, Tom wants to make sure that autistic people learn the importance of“gluten free casein free” cooking. His life long goal is to take what is known as a diet and combine it with his California approach to cooking using locally sourced ingredients and redefine it as his own unique cuisine called “GFCF Fusion”, using his own experience on the Autism Spectrum as inspiration to help others. Tom’s premiere Cookbook, “Where There’s A Meal, There’s A Way” will be available at ANCA’s Naturally Autistic, The ANCA Store.

 

Robert S. Delaney - B.A., Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Bob is autistic. A past editor with Squadron Signal Publications, currently working as a freelance editor, fact checker, proof reader and book editor. Editor of Naturally Autistic Magazine, contributing editor – Naturally Autistic international online newsletter and radio show host with Naturally Autistic ANCA Radio – Writer’s Block. In Bob’s free time he coaches and also referees for men’s soccer in the USA.

Maria Iliou - Artist, creator of Athena Autistic Artists - Recipient of the 2011 inaugural International Naturally Autistic People AWARDs, Visual Arts AWARD.

Maria Iliou is autistic, the mother of a child on the spectrum and a Greek artist who is a lifelong resident of Long Island, New York. She is deeply involved as an advocate for the rights of people with autism. Her subject matter varies from the abstract to scenes of nature and family life. Maria has also organized her own autism group, Athena Autistic Artist. She is an artist with talent on many levels. She also writes poetry and is soon to have a book of her poems published. Maria has also won many awards for her painting and poetry. These awards range from the Burke Rehabilitation Hospital Art Show to the Gallery on the Hill, Brookhaven, New York. She was also selected as the artist for the greeting cards of the Autism Society of America in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Her paintings are also on display at numerous Libraries and at Banks through out Long Island, New York.

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Due to unforeseen circumstances the following presenters will be unable to attend.

Susan Mareno - Susan Moreno is the Founder and President of Maap Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome.

She is the author of More Advanced  Individuals with Autism, Asperger Syndrome  and PDD/NOS, a booklet which contains advice and information for parents and supportive  professionals. Her new book, The Spouse’s Guide to Asperger Syndrome, will be  available this fall. Apart from her work at MAAP, she works as a private consultant and parent advocate. Susan holds a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavioral Science from Valparaiso University.  She has two adult daughters, one of whom has autism.

 

Brian R. King LCSW - Aurora University, Aurora, Illinois, USA

Brian is autistic, married and the father of three autistic sons on the autism spectrum. He is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in Naperville, Illinois. Brian is a sought after motivational speaker on building relationships and parenting children on the autism spectrum. Author of “I’m and Aspie” and “Thank-you Sammy” and founder of “Parenting with Purpose, Community”. Brian recently joined the ANCA Team as radio co-host “Parents Corner” on Naturally Autistic ANCA Radio, Autistic People-People First.

 

 

Kim Blanchard-Souch - Owner of Heartfelt Music and Teacher of Band, guitar and vocal sessions (since 1994).

Kim has worked in Community Relations, Non-profit based in Community Support and Mental Health field (over 10 years). A singer/songwriter/musician, Kim currently plays with top 40 bands Detour & Minstrel Road and has been part of many regional Theatre and collaborative projects.  She is a respected and talented vocalist, musician and a versatile performer. With a daughter on the autism spectrum, Kim has devoted many volunteer hours being active on many regional committees, and Autism activities including the formation of a Huron Perth Chapter – Autism Ontario.  She has also performed at many non-profit events in her various groupings to support local agencies and resources. 2008 – 2010 Highlight: This was Kim’s Cross Canada Kaleidoscope Ride Tour with her daughter Sara.  A music project that promotes “Possibilities” and the celebration of abilities and talents!  They also appeared 6 consecutive years at the Rogers Center to sing the national anthem!

Sara Sobey

Sara is a 21 year old singer/performer from Ontario, Canada. She began singing long before she could speak and people were enchanted with her voice. At the age of nine Sara began performing publicly. Along with her singer/songwriter mom Kim Blanchard-Souch, Sara has performed throughout mid and south-western Ontario, as well as on television, talents shows at conferences and at major stadiums singing National Anthems before games. Music became a “bridge” which Sara has crossed to share all the possibilities of her gift, “Possibilities” being Sara’s signature song.