Living Plans & Community
Louise Masin Sattler
Bio: Louise Masin Sattler is an educator, psychologist, and advocate for children with unique needs- including Autism. She owns Signing Families and is a frequent speaker and contributor to media, such as SLATE, USA TODAY, CNN, Pediatric Safety, among others. She co-produced the web series- The Salon - with its' diverse cast (with Harry Shearer, Kate Linder, Eddie Buck, and Luis Lopez). Louise is known for her fast-paced and humorous workshops.
GIRI PULIGANDLA
Bio: Experienced and passionate change-maker in health and social systems. Canadian Mental Health Association - Edmonton Region
MOISH TOV
Bio: Moish Tov is a seasoned CEO, entrepreneur and dynamic leader with extensive start-up, life science and technology experience. Moish founded and led rapid growth start-up companies, eventually leading them to management-led leveraged buyouts through attractive disruptive innovation strategies.
Moish also has a profound and personal understanding of autism as the father of two young men on the spectrum. He is now applying his experience to the field of autism by founding JoyDew, a social enterprise dedicated to recognizing and untapping autism “superpowers” for high-level employment, reducing healthcare inequity, and providing social community and eventually housing for people with autism.
MARY ANN HUGHES
Mary Ann is a well-known expert on the topic of divorce and special needs families.
Mary Ann is a Special Needs Certified Divorce Coach / Consultant
GARY HAWKINS
Bio: Fellow NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme | Fellow MSE Innovation Programme | Founder NEBS Systems Ltd | Founder @ Founders Wellbeing Club | Senior Learning Disability Nurse | Clinical reviewer and chair for C(E)TR’s
JOHN COMEGYS
BUSINESS on CAMERA
John Comegys has over 20 years’ experience in assisting people with disabilities to find and maintain competitive employment. He has the terminal degree in vocational disabilities--a master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. John was a credentialed special education teacher for ten years and earned an Interdisciplinary Professional Leadership Certificate in Autism in 2013 from Fresno Pacific University. Thus he combines the skills of a vocational expert with those of a special education teacher with advanced training in Autism.
J(I know you are going to ask. Comegys rhymes with ‘rummages’. It is Dutch, Gys is a boy’s name in the Netherlands.)
RICHARD SCHREIBER
Bio: Richard Schreiber is the co-founder of NYC Autism Community Group. He is also the father of a child on the autism spectrum.
Rajeev Nirmalakandan
Director: The Odd Way Home
Rajeev Nirmalakhandan is a multi-faceted creative professional, professor at a film school, accomplished filmmaker, creative executive at a production company, and an empowerment speaker and coach. Born in Sri Lanka, Rajeev's life journey has been marked by overcoming formidable medical challenges, spinal surgeries, and navigating life with a disability. Through his award-winning film "The Odd Way Home," Rajeev has painted a powerful and uplifting picture of the human spirit, particularly that of a man on the Autism spectrum. His unwavering mission is to empower others to leverage their adversity, discover their hidden strengths, and ignite confidence and courage.