Brandy has over 2 decades of experience as a special educator, championing the potential in autistic children and adults by fostering environments that spotlight their strengths. Brandy is a writer and researcher, state and national speaker, curriculum designer, and program creator. Most recently she has co-founded Spectrum Linx, a pivotal resource for families of autistic members that provide support, guidance, and knowledge at every stage of the autism journey.

Coach Russo is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of The HUB Houston. She has worked with the neurodiverse population in Houston for the past 25 years. Coach is dedicated to educating the world about the incredible gifts that neurodiverse individuals bring to society. With a passion for empowering others and fostering understanding, Coach strives to highlight the unique strengths and perspectives of neurodiverse people, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and celebrated!

Corporal Moran serves as a full-time Police Officer for Harris County’s Precinct One. He has had various assignments in law enforcement, including the Precinct 1 Crisis Intervention Team and Mental Health Special Operations, and he is currently an instructor within his agency specializing in mental health and de-escalation training. He is a prior US Army Soldier and a veteran ofOperation Iraqi Freedom. Corporal Moran has also developed a TCOLE law enforcement training curriculum for Precinct One, focusing on identifying and communicating with the neurodiverse and special needs community. As someone who lives with Autism, Corporal Moran is an advocate for Neurodiversity education, community policing, and the needs of vulnerable populations.

Dr. Karen Jaggers is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Autism Specialist with over 25 years of experience in Houston. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. Dr. Jaggers is a National Board-Certified Counselor, Advanced Family Mediator, Certified Parenting Facilitator, and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. She specializes in high-conflict families and has authored best-selling children’s therapeutic workbooks. Founder and past president of Katy Autism Support, she serves on multiple boards supporting disability and special needs communities. Her personal experience as a parent of a child with autism drives her advocacy and professional work.

Dr. Graham-Garza is an adjunct professor at the Houston Dental School, where she teaches students how to treat patients with intellectual disabilities. She is a co-founder of Autism Rescue Angels, a nonprofit organization that supports Houston-area families with teen or adult loved ones on the autism spectrum. Dr. Graham-Garza has two adult sons, including her younger son Tyler, who is 21 years old and has moderately severe autism. In 2021, she was honored as one of Houston Women’s Magazine’s 50 Most Influential Women.

Dr. Ashton is a Research Scientist at the Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center at Prairie View A&M University. Sally-Ann is a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Association and a Member of the American Psychological Association. She has an MPhil in Criminological Research from the University of Cambridge, which explored the impact of cultural heritage programs in prisons. She has an MSc and PhD in Investigative Psychology from the University of Huddersfield, England with a focus on psycho-social risks associated with gang membership. Her current research includes community policing and safety, child criminal exploitation, violent adolescent offending and victimization.

Leslie holds a Master of Education degree and is a devoted mother of three, including her oldest son who is on the autism spectrum. As a tireless advocate, she has contributed extensively to special needs schools, autism charities, and numerous nonprofit organizations. Mrs. Mogil co-founded Autism Rescue Angels, a Houston-based organization dedicated to providing financial assistance, medical support, therapy, and respite services to families with loved ones affected by autism.

Lindsey Tizzard is a native of New Orleans and was involved with Crime Stoppers of New Orleans and their Teen Ambassadors Against Crime program. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor’s in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology and a minor in Political Science. Lindsey received her juris doctor and Graduate Diploma in Comparative Law from LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Lindsey is a member of the State Bar of Texas and practices criminal law. She currently is an Assistant District Attorney at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

Michelle, a mother of three, spearheaded the establishment of Crime Stoppers of Houston’s NEEDS Program in honor of her son, Nicholas. She is a passionate advocate for crime victims, the neurodiverse, and individuals with special needs. Her advocacy efforts have been instrumental in the successful passage of three pieces of legislation – two in Texas and one in Connecticut – expanding protections for these vulnerable communities. Michelle currently serves as the Chairman of the NEEDS Board of Advisors and sits on the boards of both The Center for Pursuit and Crime Stoppers of Houston.

Sonia Rivera Sonia has over 25 years of experience in project management, program development, staff training & development, writing policies & procedures for new companies. She has also participated in various community needs assessment projects. She worked in the nonprofit sector for 11 years, managing and developing youth programs. She has also worked with at-risk populations, providing Educational and Social Support Programs in the areas of Substance Abuse Prevention, Intervention, and Youth Homelessness before forming her own corporation and nonprofit in 2008 and 2010, respectively.

Wendy is the stepmother of a young man diagnosed with autism and the co-founder of Incuentro LLC, whose Spectrum Linx division offers an innovative platform providing online resources for families navigating autism and special needs. Wendy founded Social Motion, a Houston-based nonprofit that provides social skills and vocational training to individuals with autism and similar disabilities. Wendy has been recognized with numerous awards, including the CSoH Safe School Award, the Woman of Substance award, and recognition as a Community Icon. She was also honored with Community Partner Recognition from Harris County, a Harvard Business School scholarship, and a Texas State Senate Proclamation.