Gifts, Strengths, Creativity & Talents
JENNIFER BUCHANAN
Bio: Jennifer Buchanan is a distinguished music therapist with a career spanning over three decades, marked by innovation, advocacy, and a deep commitment to the therapeutic potential of music. As the Founder of JB Music Therapy, Jennifer leads a dedicated team of certified music therapists who serve thousands across various settings each year, testament to her vision and leadership in the field.
Currently, she holds a prestigious position as a Director at Canada's National Music Centre, further solidifying her standing as a leading figure in the world of therapeutic arts. And, Jennifer is an accomplished author, Jennifer's latest book, "Wellness, Wellplayed," delves into the profound impact of playlists on our well-being.
TAYLOR DUNCAN
Bio: Taylor Duncan, diagnosed with autism at the age of 4, is the Founder (Chief Executive Officer) of Alternative Baseball.
ELAINE HALL
Elaine Hall aka "Coach E" is an award winning author, international keynote speaker, media personality, and acting coach for film and TV. Her groundbreaking organization, The Miracle Project, a theater and film program for children and adults of all abilities, was the inspiration for the two time Emmy Award–winning HBO documentary Autism: The Musical. Elaine is an international keynote speaker and autism/inclusion advocate and focuses on being "Miracle-Minded" to bring out the best in all children. She has received numerous awards from leading organizations including Autism Speaks, the Autism Society of America, Holly Robinson Peete’s HollyRod Foundation, the Shalom Institute, the Malibu Education Foundation, the Mayor of Los Angeles. Los Angeles Magazine named her one of "Los Angeles’s 50 most inspiring women" and Elaine’s memoir, Now I See the Moon was the official selection by the United Nations for World Autism Awareness Day.
EASE GROUP
Everyday Arts for Special Education (EASE) is a multi arts, professional development program for classroom teachers, related service providers, parents and educators. EASE Methodology provides fun, engaging and creative pathways into both social emotional and academic learning. Funded by the US Department of Education, EASE is an evidence-based arts-integrated approach to teaching students of all abilities.
EASE Consultants, Stefanie Singer, Erica Rooney, Nysheva-Starr and Joan Merwyn share their extensive artistic, educational and administrative expertise working with New York City and Los Angeles public schools while discussing the importance of arts in education, and it's benefits for students on the autism spectrum.
ELLEN GERSTEIN
Bio: Ellen is an award-winning actor, writer, director, and producer. She offers a very popular actor's workshop, including for people with unique talents, such as Autism.
Sarah A. Glofcheskie
Bio: CEO and Founder of BeMe.ai
BeMe.ai is focused on bridging the gap between the current standard of care provided to Autistic individuals and a truly individualized, needs-based approach to holistic wellbeing on a massive scale.
CHERYL GINNINGS
Family caregiver, International Speaker, and Differently-Abled coach
Cheryl is an International Speaker who values those who are caring for families and trying to work.