Meet the Staff

Alexis Perry is our Family Support Specialist for the Direct Services Program at the West Virginia Autism Training Center. She attended Marshall University where she received her RBA degree with an emphasis in Psychology and has 3 years of experience working with families and children. Some of her responsibilities in this role include handling client registrations, assisting families with applying for services, completing the Needs Intake Assessment with families/clients, and keeping families informed while they wait for services to start.

Alicia Ziman is the School-wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Coordinator for the West Virginia Behavior/Mental Health Technical Assistance Center. Alicia holds a BA degree in Multidisciplinary Studies and a Master’s (+30) degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education from West Virginia University. As the PBIS Coordinator, she works with the four regional School-Wide Behavior Support Specialists to develop and provide the most up-to-date technical assistance that can meet the varied needs of educators across the state of West Virginia. Prior to working for Marshall, Alicia served as a Pre-K teacher in Harrison County, WV for 12 years.

Amanda Shelton is a Mountain Early Childhood Coaching Specialist for the West Virginia Behavior/Mental Health Technical Assistance Center at Marshall University. Her previous work experiences are as a Lead Preschool Teacher and a School-Based Mental Health Behavioral Therapist, both in WV. Amanda has a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) with over 20 years of field experience. Family oriented and passionate about bringing people together, Amanda loves hosting family gatherings and seasonal events. She is a huge fan of “The Golden Girls” (with a soft spot for Rose), she enjoys playing music trivia, crime shows, thriller movies and all things pop culture. In her free time, she enjoys boating on Summersville Lake, going to the beach, traveling, trying new foods, and watching her daughter play sports.

Amy Carlson, Ed.D. CCC-SLP, graduated with her Bachelors of Science and Masters of Science degrees in Communication Disorders from Marshall University. She worked for twelve years as a speech-language pathologist in clinical, home health, and educational settings serving patients of all ages. She graduated with her doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in teaching and higher education leadership from Marshall University. She works in collaboration with the West Virginia Autism Training Center and the West Virginia Department of Education Office of Special Education as the Early Childhood Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (ECPBIS) Coordinator for the state of West Virginia.

Amy Staples is the Director for the West Virginia Autism Training Centers Behavior/Mental Health Technical Assistance Center. She received her Master of Arts in Preschool Special Needs from Marshall University. She worked in the private and public educational and administrative setting for 13 years prior to her employment with the center in 2015. She leads the center’s technical assistance efforts including Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, Mental Health First Aid, national, and statewide collaborations.

Anna Shreve is the Program Evaluator for the West Virginia Autism Training Center’s Behavior/Mental Health Technical Assistance Center. She graduated from West Virginia University in 2019 with her BA in Multidisciplinary Studies and her M.A. in Elementary Education with a specialization in grades 5-9 mathematics. After graduation she served as an educator with AmeriCorps before starting her doctoral degree in Leadership at Marshall University where she served as a graduate assistant. Anna loves working with data and using it to continuously strive for improvement and she is excited to bring this passion to the WVATC.

Ashley LaRue is the Eastern Panhandle Early Childhood Behavior Support Specialist for the West Virginia Behavior/Mental Health Technical Assistance Center. She graduated from Shepherd University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University. Ashley was a Pre-K teacher in Jefferson County for fourteen years. She worked in a variety of settings including, childcare (collaborative Universal PreK), Head Start, and school-based setting serving as an Itinerant PreK Special Education teacher. She became certified in Preschool-Special Needs in April 2024 and served as a Curriculum Specialist the last two years. Ashley has worked with students, families, and staff across a variety of settings.

Benjamin Childers has been involved with the West Virginia Autism Training Center since 2007. He currently works among as an Autism Specialist in the southern part of the state. Some of his past duties have included facilitating skills groups such as Discovery Group at Concord University. He provides Tier 2 trainings in a variety of settings: first responders, social services, and schools. He is also a Licensed Professional Counselor within the state of West Virginia.

Bonnie Marquis, M.A., has been an Autism Specialist with the Autism Training Center since 2008. She graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1989 and went on to receive her Master of Arts in Special Education from Marshall University. She provides individualized person centered support for registered families, as well as training and specialized workshops to families and professionals supporting individuals with ASD. She has spent the majority of her career empowering families to improve their quality of life; through increasing their understanding of ASD and its impact and exploring potential avenues to increase independence and self-determination across the life span.

Mrs. Cara Reel, M. Ed. is an Autism Specialist with the Autism Training Center. She received her Master of Education in Special Education from Fairmont State University and has seven years of teaching in the classroom within the public school system. Four of those years she worked in a self-contained classroom assisting and helping students on the Spectrum who have a variety of needs from ASD, level I to level III diagnoses. She has a real passion for helping students/individuals with communication needs, sensory needs and finding behavioral strategies to help students become successful in and out of the classroom. Mrs. Reel was teacher of the year 2019-2020 at Moorefield Elementary School. She has been married for 11 years and they have two older children, one in the Air Force reserves while working full time and one attending college while working full time. They also have two younger children still in school, who keep them very busy on the weekends with barrel racing and sporting events. Cara looks forward to servicing the Eastern Panhandle and becoming a voice for the Autism Training Center.

Carrie Underwood serves as the Business Manager for the West Virginia Autism Training Centers Behavior/Mental Health Technical Assistance Center. Since joining the Center in 2015, she has utilized her education from Marshall University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in history and minors in photography and anthropology. Her professional journey encompasses experience in office management, marketing, design, and event planning.

Caryn Tabor earned her Master of Arts in Special Education and a certificate in Autism from Marshall University. At an early age, Caryn recognized the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families and knew that she wanted to support such individuals. Caryn is a former Special Education teacher in Raleigh County. She and her husband have three children, three cats, and two doodles.

Christy Fubio is the Eastern Panhandle School-wide Behavior Support Specialist with West Virginia Behavioral/Mental Health Technical Assistance Center. She holds a BS degree in Family & Consumer Sciences with an emphasis in Child Development & Family Studies and a Master’s (+30) degree in Early Childhood Special Education from West Virginia University. She is currently completing the VoLT (Violence, Loss and Trauma) Certification at Marshall University. Through the Project AWARE grant, Christy will be working with participating schools in Cabell, Clay and Harrison counties to provide technical assistance, training, coaching, and support in the implementation of PBIS. Prior to working for Marshall, Christy worked as a Special Education teacher in Harrison County for 11 years.

Elizabeth Coffey has been with the West Virginia Autism Training Center since 2009 as the Database Technician. Her duties include updating/maintaining the database and e-filing systems for the center. Elizabeth received her bachelor’s degree from Marshall University in 2012.

Elizabeth Tappan is the Business Manager for the West Virginia Autism Training Center. An employee of Marshall University since 1997, she started working for the WV ATC in 2007. She is primarily responsible for tracking all funding and expenditures, for maintaining compliance with federal, state, and campus policies, and for reporting financial data to ATC staff and others as needed.

Emily Bock earned her master’s degree in special education with a concentration in applied behavior analysis from Arizona State University in 2021. Emily has ten years of experience as a behavior technician at an ABA clinic and was a certified Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Emily also worked as a Parent-Child Interaction Therapist (PCIT), aiding children with autism spectrum disorder and their families in developing positive relationships and understanding autism. Emily is dedicated to helping families understand and access resources for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. As a mother of three children, one of whom is on the autism spectrum, Emily serves as an autism specialist and coordinates The Joseph Sullivan Autism Diagnostic Clinic (A collaboration of Autism Services Center “ASC Therapies” and the West Virginia Autism Training Center).

Erin Aguilar is a North School-wide Behavior Support Specialist for the West Virginia Behavior/Mental Health Technical Assistance Center. The TA Center is a collaboration between the WV Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and the Autism Training Center at Marshall University. She earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in Early Education from West Virginia University. Prior to working for the TA Center she taught in Harrison County Schools for ten years. Erin currently works with 19 counties in the northern region of the state to offer behavior and mental health supports and interventions to ensure success for the students of West Virginia.

Jackie Clark, Ed.D., is the associate director of the West Virginia Autism Training Center (WVATC) at Marshall University. Dr. Clark has over 15 years of expertise in providing person-centered supports to individuals with autism, their families, educators, and community members. She holds an undergraduate degree in History, a master’s degree in Teaching, and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. Additionally, Dr. Clark is a PEERS certified provider. She previously served as the Director of Direct Services and the Coordinator for The College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the WVATC. Dr. Clark is passionate about shaping inclusive and supportive environments for individuals with autism and is dedicated to fostering a community where everyone can thrive.

Jackie Hayslett is a Student Support Specialist at the College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She completed her B.A. in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Special Education and Social Studies at Marshall University. She also holds a M.A. in Instructional and Educational Leadership from West Virginia State University. Jackie has 7 years of special education experience working in a public high school setting. Her hope is to be able to provide students with ASD a college experience that is fulfilling and community-driven, while helping students learn resiliency as they navigate adulthood.

Jeanna Williams is a North Early Childhood Coaching Specialist for the northern region of West Virginia. Before joining the West Virginia Autism Training Center’s Behavior/Mental Health Technical Assistance Center, she served as an Elementary School Dean of Students and Special Education teacher for over 20 years in Kanawha, Harrison, and Taylor counties. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from The University of Charleston and her Master’s degree from Marshall University.

Jen Fletcher is a Mountain School-wide Behavior Support Specialist for the West Virginia Autism Training Center’s Behavior/Mental Health Technical Assistance Center at Marshall University. She holds a Master of Arts in Education/Special Education. Jen has 9 years of teaching experience, with 7 years in special education. Jen serves 14 counties of the mountain region as part of a team of behavioral professionals that provide behavior and mental health intervention and supports throughout the state of West Virginia.

Jessica Hensley is a South Early Childhood Coaching Specialist for the West Virginia Autism Training Center’s Behavior/Mental Health Technical Assistance Center. She attended West Liberty University to obtain her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education and then her M.A. in Early Childhood Education from Marshall University. Before this position, Jessica was a classroom teacher to students from Pre-K through First grade for eleven years. Jessica has also worked with future teachers in her position as an adjunct professor.

Jessica Jenkins is a Student Support Specialist for The College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Marshall University where she assists students by providing person-centered supports in academics, socialization, and independent living. Jessica received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Marshall University in 2011. After receiving her degree, she went on to teach in the Cabell County School District for nine years where she was nominated Teacher of the Year by her colleagues for two consecutive years. Jessica is currently pursuing her Master of Science degree in Adult Education and Evaluation. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and working on fiber art projects.

Jimmy Jarrell, B.B.A., is the Information Technology Consultant for the West Virginia Autism Training Center. He graduated from Marshall University Lewis College of Business with a degree in Management Information System. He has been with the center since 2011 where he has worked with others to implement new technology. Not one to turn away a computer problem, Jimmy likes to assist others in meeting their technological needs. Other focuses of interest include video editing and computer security.

Ms. Haines, M.A., is an Autism Specialist with the Autism Training Center. She has over 15 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities across myriad settings including residential programs, emergency shelters, mental health centers, public and private schools, and clients’ homes. Additionally, she has over 12 years’ experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder using Applied Behavioral Analysis. She is passionate about fusing the rigor of behaviorism with the compassion and collaboration of team work. Julia has one son, Chandler, a WVU School of Pharmacy Student, to a WVU School of Pharmacy graduate; and a precious Miniature Dachshund, Gracie Mae.

Karen Doss, M. A., is the Community Education Coordinator for the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University. Ms. Doss holds a master’s degree in communication studies with an emphasis in organizational communication. Ms. Doss started at Marshall as the administrative assistant for the Center for Teaching and Learning. In 2011, she accepted the opportunity to facilitate the start-up and development of the School of Pharmacy at Marshall, focusing on administrative organization and communications. As the community education coordinator, Karen works with autism specialists throughout the state to support their efforts to increase autism acceptance and education in their communities. She develops presentations and other materials, assists in organizing events, and provides training and workshops to community organizations and agencies across the state. When she is not working, Karen enjoys traveling, reading, gardening, and spoiling her two granddaughters.

Karen Midkiff is the Administrative Secretary for the West Virginia Autism Training Center. She had been employed by Marshall University and with the WVATC since 2001. A significant part of her work involves reception duties and serving as the voice of the WVATC when answering the phone. Karen enthusiastically helps people find the supports they need and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.

Kate Morris is a South Early Childhood Behavior Support Specialist for the West Virginia Autism Training Center’s Behavior/Mental Health Technical Assistance Center. She holds a B.A. in Communication Disorders from Loyola University in Baltimore and an M.A. in Hearing and Speech Sciences from The University of Maryland. She has spent the past 19 years working with children with disabilities in a variety of settings including school and home-based services. She will be providing support to counties in the Southern half of WV.

Katie Maynard is a Student Support Specialist with the College Support Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, housed within the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Disorders and is currently working toward obtaining a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Marshall University where she is also the president of Phi Alpha Sigma Mu Honor Society for Social Work. Katie has a passion for helping others through counseling, problem-solving, and advocacy. She has experience working in a federal TRIO Program where her students were underrepresented and through her passions, was able to assist students in choosing their path after high school graduation and assisting with the transition to post-secondary education. Katie is also an intern clinician with Marshall University’s Behavioral Health Clinic where she continues to learn about best practices and working with individuals with neurodivergence(s).

Kelly Franklin, MSW, LGSW, is an Autism Specialist for the West Virginia Autism Training Center. Kelly received her Master of Social Work from Concord University and is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in West Virginia. Kelly previously worked in the field of home visitation where she found that it was important to build trusting relationships with the individuals that she encountered to provide them with the tools and resources they needed to achieve their goals and increase their quality of life.

Kelly Preston is a Student Support Specialist with the College Support Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, housed within the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University. She earned a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marshall University in 2023. She has been employed by Marshall University since 2005, and with the West Virginia Autism Training Center since 2009 in various administrative support roles. Recently she transitioned to her new role in the college program where she assists students by providing person-centered supports in academics, socialization, time management, and independent living. She has two children: an adult son on the autism spectrum and an adult daughter. She enjoys traveling, bicycling, and spending time with family, pets, and friends.

Leigh Saville is the Direct Services Director with the West Virginia Autism Training Center and holds a Masters in Special Education from West Virginia University with certification in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education. Leigh has extensive experience implementing positive behavior supports and is trained in the Picture Exchange Communication System. Previously Leigh taught in the public school system and was the Moorefield Elementary School Teacher of the Year in 2016. Leigh is a passionate advocate for individuals on the spectrum and is a co-founder of the Potomac Highlands Autism Support Network.

Libby Rayment is the West Virginia Autism Training Center’s Office Administrator. She holds a B.A. and an M.A. in Organizational Communication from Marshall University. Libby taught as an Adjunct Faculty member at Marshall University and Mountwest Community and Technical College for many years before coming on board full time at Marshall in 2014 as a Program Assistant II in the College of Liberal Arts. She moved to Libraries and Online Learning, then Computer Science and Engineering before filling the role of Administrative Assistant in Intercultural and Student Affairs starting in 2021. 2024 brought the opportunity to join the WV Autism Training Center, and in addition to serving as the Office Administrator, Libby hopes to learn all she can about Autism Spectrum Disorder and study the methods of communication that can best benefit the center’s students and clients.

Marc Ellison, Ed.D. is the executive director of the West Virginia Autism Training Center, located at Marshall University in Huntington, WV. Dr. Ellison is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked for more than 30 years to provide person-centered support, services, and advocacy to individuals who live with Autism Spectrum Disorder, their families, and those who support them. He has supported individuals with ASD throughout their lifespan; as they moved to the community from state-supported institutions, searched for and obtained employment, entered into relationships, and transitioned into college. Dr. Ellison has authored or co-authored several publications on the topic of transition into higher education for students diagnosed with ASD, including co-authoring the chapter “The Transition from High School to Higher Education: Inclusive Services and Supports,” in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Identification, Education, and Treatment (4th edition). Dr. Ellison is an Approved Licensed Professional Supervisor in West Virginia, a Board Member of the Autism Society of West Virginia, and a member of the Autism Society of America’s Panel of Professional Advisors.

Marlo Hornsby is a North Early Childhood Coaching Specialist for the West Virginia Behavior/Mental Health Technical Assistance Center and serves the northern region of our state. She graduated from West Virginia University with a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. She has spent her career working with a wide array of clients in a variety of settings.

Mindy Thornton is the Director of Campus Based Services with the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University. Mindy received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology as well as her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Marshall University. Mindy worked for 18 years in Children’s Services for the local community mental health organization and then the last six years as the Assistant State Director for Necco, a foster care company in West Virginia. She is passionate about advocating for youth with complex needs. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and attending concerts with her two adult children and husband.

Molly Fisher is a South School-wide Behavior Support Specialist for the West Virginia Behavior/Mental Health Technical Assistance Center’s Southern Region. Molly holds a BA degree in Elementary Education (K-6) and Social Studies 5-9 from Marshall University, a Master’s in Specific Learning Disabilities and Behavior Disorders from Georgetown College, and an additional Master’s in Talented and Gifted (K-12) from Marshall University. Molly has over two decades of teaching experience, working with children of various disabilities in a school setting.

Natasha Vance, M.A., is a Student Support Specialist at he College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mrs. Vance completed her B.A. in Secondary Education with emphasis in Music and Mental Impairment at Marshall University. She also holds a M.A. in Multi-Categorical Special Education and Autism from Marshall University. Mrs. Vance has worked exclusively with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder for a number of years providing person-centered supports and services as well as academic assistance to individuals who live with Autism Spectrum Disorder at varying stages of life. Her passions are advocating for those with ASD and teaching life skills to create independence.
While not working at MU, she loves to travel with her husband and twin daughters (especially to Disney World), perform with Huntington Dance Theatre, St. John’s Episcopal Church Choir, and the Marching Thunder Alumni Band, and create crafts using various mediums.

Nate Hensley is the Coordinator of Campus Based Services for the College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Nate has been a Counselor for 9 years and is also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC). He has worked at Marshall University in various roles since 2008, including Housing and Residence Life and Student Support Services. Currently, Nate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He is originally from Williamson, WV in Mingo County but Huntington has been his second home since 2005. In his spare time he likes to play golf, and tennis, enjoys the outdoors, plays and collects video games, attend baseball games (Go Reds!), and to spend time with his family. Nate is always eager to listen and lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it, so feel free to reach out to him!

Nicholas Burge is a Student Support Specialist with the College Support Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, housed within the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Ohio University in 2020. He has worked in the field of Higher Education since 2016. Recently he transitioned to his new role in the college program where he assists students by providing person-centered supports in academics, socialization, time management, and independent living. He has four cat children, and he enjoys video games, running, and finding all the hidden gems throughout the tri-state area.

Peggy Hovatter, MA, Endorsed Positive Behavior Support Professional, is an Autism Specialist with the West Virginia Autism Training Center since 1990. She has had the pleasure of learning from people with autism for 35 years, both in a professional capacity and as “Luke’s aunt”, who is an adult on the spectrum. In addition to traveling statewide to train teachers and families on how to develop and implement social clubs, Peggy provides individualized Positive Behavior Support to people with autism and their families in West Virginia.

Rachael Copley, M.A., is an Autism Specialist for the West Virginia Autism Training Center. Rachael holds an undergraduate degree from Marshall University in Education Multi-Subject K-8, a graduate degree from West Virginia University in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Needs, and a Permanent WV Teaching Certificate: k-6, preschool special needs. Rachael previously worked as a teacher for 10 years in a parochial preschool, and in public schools for 12 years. Much of her professional teaching career was spent in Early Childhood Special Education. Her passion lies in building quality relationships with all whom she crosses paths and supporting and educating individuals and families effected by disabilities as they strive to increase their Quality of Life.

Sara Wines is a Mountain Early Childhood Behavior Support Specialist for the West Virginia Autism Training Center’s Behavior/Mental Health Technical Assistance Center. Prior to this position, she worked as an elementary classroom teacher, academic coach, and a statewide early literacy coordinator all in her home state of West Virginia. She graduated from Concord University with her Master’s in Educational Leadership/Administration and from Marshall University with her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education.

Shelby Babbington, M.A. (she/her/hers) is the Mental Health Counselor for West Virginia Autism Training Center’s College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Morehead State University, a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marshall University, and has extensive training in the areas of Violence, Loss, and Trauma Shelby provides therapeutic services through individual and group counseling. She enjoys advocating for students through person-centered care, as well as assisting them with the tools to live a healthy, balanced, and comfortable life. In addition to the work she performs at Marshall University, Shelby has a professional interest in the areas of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Eating Disorders.

Tanya McGregor is an Eastern Panhandle Early Childhood Coaching Specialist. She comes to the West Virginia Behavior/Mental Health Technical Assistance Center with over two decades of experience in early childhood education. She earned her master’s degree in early intervention/special education. Beyond the classroom, Tanya supported fellow educators by contributing to a variety of school initiatives: she represented her school on the county Wellness Committee and served as a member of the Leadership Team for over 10 years. She has enjoyed mentoring student teachers, high school students in the Grow Your Own Program, and those newly hired to the profession. Tanya taught early childhood courses as an adjunct professor at Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College. Her commitment to fostering a love of learning and her dedication to her students lead to her being named Teacher of the Year at Moorefield Elementary in 2012, and a nomination for WV Universal Pre-K Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 2013. Tanya resides in Moorefield, WV with her husband, Patrick. She enjoys spending time with him, their four adult children, and three grandchildren. In her spare time, she loves cooking, working out, vacationing at the beach, and snuggling with her Aussiedoodle, Mollie.

Terre Thomas holds a bachelor’s degree from Marshall University, and has over 25 years of experience in working as a Behavior Support Specialist. Terre has worked with individuals and families across many settings, and served as the director of two different day habilitation centers. Her passion lies in increasing the quality of life for individuals across the life span; and providing families and individuals with tools and resources to transition into a meaningful adulthood.

Teryl Jones is a South School-wide Behavior Support Specialist for the West Virginia Autism Training Center’s Behavior/Mental Health Technical Assistance Center at Marshall University. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Religious Studies. Teryl serves 14 counties of West Virginia’s southern district as part of a team of behavioral professionals established to implement a system-wide delivery of behavior and mental health intervention and supports throughout the state of West Virginia. Teryl has 14+ years’ experience working with people with disabilities in the field of rehabilitation counseling both as a Transition School Counselor and as a supervisor, as well as 4 years as a Mental Health Therapist.

Mrs. Tracey M Coffman-Vincent, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Fairmont State College, she is an Autism Specialist with the Autism Training Center. Specializing in using a person centered and individualized approach serving individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Marshall University for over 12 years. She is currently interested in research investigating different visual strategies to support behavioral and cognitive challenges with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Whitney Lawson is the Program Assistant I for the West Virginia Autism Training Center. She has been employed by Marshall University and with the WV ATC since 2011. A significant part of her duties involves processing travel for WV ATC staff who service clients statewide, and for staff who travel outside the state for presentations or conferences. She is the librarian for the center’s Lending Library, and assists clients with book selections and suggestions.