The Analysis Council

works directly with the Board of Directors

to support the Institute's initiatives on constructivism, technology, and diversity.

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Jen Townsend, M.Ed., is the owner of Universal Access Consulting, LLC. Jen is a collaborator who guides families, caregivers, educators and systems using appreciative inquiry techniques to support individuals with autism. Jen has written reader-friendly books on autism. She is the author of Think DIfferent:An Educator’s Approach to Appreaciate What Work and coauthor of SEE, a peer-to-peer mentoring model that uses appreciative inquiry to enhance learner engagement.

Christina Rodriguez is an elementary school teacher in California. Christina says she has had various kids that come in with many needs that she meets in whatever way she can. She communicates with parents of students in her classrooms to better understand the needs of students on the spectrum and to keep them informed about what is going on in the classroom.

Sunny O’Brien is a retired vocal music educator with over 30 years of experience at all grade level from nursery school through secondary education. Her dedication as an educator resulted in her being named to the Who’s Who Among Merican Teacher’s six times and once to Who's Who in America as an exceptional educator. 

Rebecca Dysland has been an autism mother and caregiver for roughly 16 years. Rebecca recently co-founded L.O.O,P.S. Totgether, LLC in an effort to help more caregivers find ways to connect and care for themselves andwith the same passion and dedication for the loved ones they care for.

Rajiv Narula came to the United States in 2005 to pursue a PhD in Environmental Engineering at Clarkson University, Potsdam NY. Teacing is Rajiv’s passion. He took education classes at St. Lawrence University, Canton NY to earn a second master’s in education in August of 2020

Jody Miller is a Community Engagement Coordinator in Region A Partnership for Children Family Support Network, Sylva, North Carolina.

Nathaniel Dodson is a small business owner with autism who has a passion for helping others learn to traverse the rocky path of life with autism, especially parents of children on the spectrum.

Christina Rukki has taught around the world, in Costa Rica, Riwanda, Taiwan and Spain. She is current;y teaching Spanish at New Visions Charter School for the Humanities II in the South Bronx.

Jim Waterson has been a teacher, K-12 principal, School Superintendent and Chair of the Graduate Program in Ed. Leadership at St. Lawrence University. Jim is currently working with the Institute's Autism Initiative to increase awareness about autism spectrum disorder; his interest is in the neuroscience of autism and practices for creating trauma-sensitive classrooms for all students.

Jennifer Legare is a special education teacher and mom to three children on the spectrum.

Jennifer Oskins (she/her) is a Quality Improvement Specialist for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Public Health & Human Services.

Angela Premo began teaching in 1989 as a special education teacher. She taught students receiving special education services in grades pre-k through six for 18 years. Angela has taught children on the spectrum both as a general education and special education teacher. 

Chris Clark is passionate educator with two decades of experience in elementary education.  He is currently an AIS mathematics teacher whose focus is to foster a love of learning and to empower all students to reach their full potential.  Chris is driven by a desire to make a positive impact and equip students with the skills they need to thrive.

Candy Ross, BPHS, is a Family Services Manager with Qualla Boundary Head Start/Early Head Start in North Carolin, a comprehensive child development and early education program for children ages birth to five years from low-income families. Head Start serves children with special needs.

Crista Shelda is a parent of a child who is on the autism spectrum and is the founder/director of We Belong, a parent support group for parents of children on the spectrum

Connor Newcombe graduated from SUNY Potsdam and is the author of the 101 Poems. Connor says “I have been presented on my life journey with autism and I love talking about my experiences to help others understand…

Marcy Perrotte is a special educator in Vermont who specializes in creating educational communities that are inclusive off all learning styles

Breanna Soutar is a high school special education teacher who works with students on the spectrum. 

Nikki Marie is a Special Education Teacher in her 7th year of teaching in New York City. She serves as both an IEP Coordinator and a classroom teacher. Nikki holds an administrative degree and has extensive experience mentoring educators. She has aught students with autism in multiple settings which gives her a deep understanding of effective instructional and support practices. She supports families in navigating special education services, which allows her to bring a well-rounded and meaningful perspective to the autistic community

Phil Sembert realized his high energy, fist bumping approach was overwhelming for stuents on the spectrum.  It made him rethink his approach and be cognizant of those with ASD and it helped him create a more inclusive learning environment. 

Christina Rukki is a high school Spanish and ENL teacher. She has been teaching for eight years and has provided instruction gor students from a variety of backgrounds and abilities. She loves learning and is excited to be growing as an educator alongside her students.

Madison Kozich has been a fourth grade teacher and a social worker. She currently lives in Germany with her husband who is in the military, where she is continuing her education.

Dan Drmacich was principal of Rochester’s nationally renowned School Without Walla for 23 years and is a member of the NYS Performance Standards Consortium. Dan is currently a cofounder and coordinator of the Rochester< NY Coalition for Public Education, an organization focused on research based, progressive school reform issues.

Dr. Anjali Misra is Professor Emeritus, Special Education, SUNY Potsdam. She started the graduate MSED Inclusive and Special Education program at SUNY Potsdam in 1993. Anjali has worked as a teacher, professor, researcher, in the field of special education for about 40 years and is committed to furthering the cause of students with Autism and other disabilities.

Randi Downs is a retired instructional coach and teacher trainer with a focus on Project Based Learning for the Onondaga-Cortland-Madison Although retired, she consults with leaders and teachers monthly. She is a member of the PBL Works National Faculty and travels around the country. Randi taught 7-12 grade English in Central New York and Southern New Hampshire before becoming a facilitator. Randi has a large family that she enjoys spending time with. Her oldest son, Jared, has Down Syndrome and is a vital member of the community. He lives independently and is employed by the local school system. Jared is the inspiration for much of the work Randi facilitate

Teresa Thayer-Snyder, Ph. D. is a former superintendent of the Voorheesville, NY CSD. In February, 2021 Dr. Snyder was interviewed by NPR discussing COVID": Children Will Eventually Return to Schools, But Schools Won’t be the Same.