Suzy Ahlman has experience teaching in all grade levels, as a school director, and in the legal field. Her passion to work with those who have disabilities came from her three younger brothers who are on the autism spectrum. She is an alumni from both Utah Valley University with a bachelors in Special Education and a minor in Autism Studies, and the University of San Diego School of Law with a Masters in Legal Studies and emphasis in Disability and Education Law. Suzy strives to teach, educate, protect, and represent those who are in need of learning about diversity, equality, and advocacy. She currently teaches at UVU and is the Program Manager for Wolverines Elevated and serves as the Junior Co-Chair for the Autism Resources of Utah County Council.
George Ballew, LCSW, is a Texas native and proud BYU and UofU graduate who has built his career around elevating the quality of clinical treatment and program development for neurodiverse and trauma-impacted youth. As the Clinical Director of Spark Services at the Heritage Community, he leads with a deep commitment to data-informed care, neurologically-sensitive interventions, and caregiving environments that foster trust, confidence, and lasting growth.
With more than a decade of experience across clinical leadership, program development,
and training, George is passionate about shaping meaningful therapeutic systems, mentoring
future clinicians, and advancing best practices in residential treatment. He is also
an enthusiastic writer and presenter, contributing to the field through publications,
lectures, and ongoing professional education.
At home, George is a devoted husband and father of three boys, finding his greatest
purpose in both his family and his work.
Dr. Patrick Mallory is an Assistant Professor in UVU's Applied Behavior Analysis program and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst–Doctoral. He earned his Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Boise State University and has over a decade of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across clinical, home, school, and community settings. His research interests include self-management, self-determination, caregiver-implemented interventions, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, and strategies for improving student engagement in online learning environments.
Kristina Feldman, PhD, is a licensed psychologist who has worked with neurodivergent clients and their families for over fifteen years through assessment, intervention, and research programs. She is passionate about working with autistic individuals and their families and focuses on helping clients alleviate difficulties while celebrating and harboring strengths. Kristina works in her private practice, Neurodiverse Psychological Services, but also consults on research projects and holds adjunct faculty positions at the University of Utah.
Brialee Turner is a therapeutic educator, Certified Social Worker, and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist whose work focuses on LGBTQ+ wellness, neurodiversity across the lifespan, and systemic awareness. As an autistic and ADHD clinician, she brings a uniquely intuitive, detail-oriented, and deeply empathetic lens to her work, blending research-backed insight with lived experience to create presentations that are clear, grounding, and inclusive. She excels at translating complex clinical concepts into practical, accessible tools that empower both professionals and communities to create more affirming mental health environments.
My name is Michael Davies. I am the Program Director for Passages Transition Services at the Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism at UVU. I have been an ally to and professionally supported Autistic folks in a variety of teaching roles and schools from preschools to college and beyond. I am always one who values the life stories of hardships and successes from those on the Autism Spectrum and know that their voice is what will propel the movement of acceptance and inclusivity forward. I aim to facilitate safe spaces where Autistic folks can have experiences that make them feel a sense of belonging. My own sense of belonging stems from my wonderful, two dogs, and all of our fun adventures.
A local LCSW, Katrina Williams, is a lifespan therapist dedicated to helping neurodivergent individuals and advocating for mental health care that is effective, accessible, and adaptable for their needs. She has over 7 years of experience providing treatment for clients with autism and ADHD, and she is also a wife and mother to loved ones on the spectrum and with ADHD. Katrina has specialized OCD training through the International OCD Foundation.
Katrina is a graduate of UVU's Master's of Social Work program.
Crystal Emery is a secondary transition professional with over 25 years of experience working with young children and adolescents. She is certified as an early intervention specialist, a Coach for Early Childhood Professionals, an Employment Specialist, and a Customized Employment professional. She has a Master of Science in Special Education with an emphasis in secondary transition and a Doctorate in Disability Studies, both from Utah State University. Her primary line of research focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration to improve postschool outcomes for students with disabilities. Crystal worked in Early Intervention with children ages 0-3 and their families for 15 years and then spent 12 years working with transition-age youth as a transition services program manager. She currently works for the Utah State Board of Education as the State Systemic Improvement Plan Specialist as part of the postsecondary transition team. Crystal is active in the professional learning community in Utah as a trainer and coach in the fields of early childhood and secondary transition services and enjoys presenting to professionals and families alike.
Deanna Taylor is a Postsecondary Transition Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education. Her public education career has spanned over 40 years as a music teacher, special education teacher, special education director and college instructor in three states. Deanna has master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction and postsecondary transition. Her research on interagency collaboration was published in 2016. (Taylor, D., Morgan, R.L., & Callow-Heusser, C. (2016). A survey of vocational rehabilitation counselors and special education teachers on collaboration in transition planning. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 44, 163-173.). Deanna is passionate about working with teachers and has contributed to the many resources that have been provided in postsecondary transition. During her non-working time, Deanna enjoys the outdoors and family time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Dr. Julia Connelly was born in Leipzig, Germany and received her master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Utah. In January of 2018, she founded The Autism Clinic, a community mental health clinic with emphasis on autistic individuals’ strengths and gifts while providing therapeutic support for clients to reach their full potential in life. In the summer of 2020, she helped create the non-profit, Spectropolis, serving individuals and families affected by autism, providing valuable social connections, activities, and events. At this time, she is providing assessment and consultation services, as well as individual therapy for autistic individuals across the lifespan, addressing common symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD in the context of autism spectrum disorder.
Janae Moss is the co-owner of RBM Building Services and sister companies, the largest family-owned building maintenance company in the Intermountain West. She is also a co-founder of Parents Driving Change, an NGO encouraging people to recognize and use their innate ability to lead.
Janae invests in communities and helps develop the strengths of people and families. Janae is currently working on her PsyD in Sport and Performance Psychology and applying this work with a specific focus to support parents
Sydney Jensen is a Behavior Analyst at Utah Autism Academy. She is passionate about supporting individuals and families in the Autism community. Sydney enjoys creating data-driven therapy that provides joyful outcomes. When she isn’t analyzing data, you can find her hiking or running in the mountains.
Kim Seely is an autistic adult and a graduate of Scenic View Academy where she works as a Librarian at the school. She lives independently in Provo with her new husband. She grew up in Ephraim, Utah and graduated from Manti High School. She likes family history, reading, and music, mostly playing the piano or singing.
Mikle South, PhD is Director of Emory Autism Center in the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. Dr. South’s education includes a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Yale University, a PhD in child clinical psychology from the University of Utah with Dr. Sally Ozonoff, and post-doctoral training at the Yale Child Study Center with Dr. Bob Schultz. His research focuses on factors that contribute to co-occurring mental health conditions with autism including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. His research group is also interested in exploring how autistic people experience identity. Clinically, Dr. South has extensive experience in late diagnosis of autism. He enjoys hiking with his wife, British police procedurals on tv, and eating proper pizza.
Amy is an AuDHD therapist who graduated from Utah Valley University's Master of Social Work program in May of 2024. After growing up receiving therapy that was made for neurotypicals, they decided to try to become the therapist they needed. Amy is passionate about providing neuro-affirming care to their clients and addressing the trauma inherent in being different. They currently work at ScenicView Clinic and enjoy feeling a sense of belonging, community, and support there.
Eric Stoker lives with his family in West Jordan, Utah, and is employed by the Utah
Developmental Disabilities Council as the Information Specialist. He has served on
the Utah Parent Center Board of Directors, People First of Utah Board of Directors
and the Consumer Advisory Council at Utah State University representing the voice
of self-advocates. Eric has spoken nationwide about issues that affect people with
disabilities, autism, and his life experiences as a self-advocate. He received the
Champion of Equal Opportunity Award from the National Association of Councils on Developmental
Disabilities in 2014. In his free time he attends Utah Utes Basketball and football
games with his family and he is also the manager of West Jordan High School’s football
boys basketball and track and field teams. He is also an avid train buff and has amazing
knowledge about the past and current railroad systems in Utah and throughout the United
States. He is also a huge basketball fan and was awarded the 2023 Utah High School
Activities Association’s Super Fan of the Year.
David "Nick" Top Jr, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist working at Utah Valley University Student Health Service, who provide therapy services, autism assessments, and psychotherapy research. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a PhD in clinical psychology in 2020. He comes from a neuro-diverse family and has 13+ years of experiences in autism or psychotherapy research and 10+ years of clinical experience working with autistic persons.
Miriam Walkingshaw, PhD, NCSP, has been working with autistic children, teens, and adults for over ten years. She is currently the director of assessment at The Autism Clinic in Salt Lake City, and she provides assessments informed by an extensive understanding of autism and related co-occurring conditions. In addition to evaluations, she offers person-centered therapy using a variety of modalities. Her therapy experience greatly informs her work in assessment, guiding recommendations for interventions and accommodations.
Dr. Aguayo earned her medical degree at Universidad Anahuac in Mexico City, Mexico
and a Master of Public Health degree at the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. She
completed her Psychiatry residency at New York Medical College, where she served as
chief resident and then went on to pursue a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, CT. During her last year there,
she was the John E. Showalter chief resident.
She worked in Connecticut in both outpatient and inpatient settings focusing her
practice on patients with Autism with challenging behaviors. She moved to the University
of Utah to head their Autism HOME program. An innovative medical home serving individuals
with Autism and related disabilities through the life span. She has remained active
in teaching and training. at the Yale Child Study Center. She joined the Emory University
School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences as an assistant
professor. Her interests include Autism Spectrum Disorders and related disabilities,
challenging behaviors, transition to adulthood and advocacy for families. She is committed
to advancing the field by educating medical students, residents, and fellows.
Dr. Aguayo is board certified in Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry by
the ABPN.
Michelle Stagg, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA is a BCBA of 6 years and has been working with Autism for 11 years. She is on the clinical leadership team at Utah Autism Academy (UAA) and has extensive experience in ABA service delivery, supervision, and clinician training. She specializes in developing comprehensive and focused treatment plans across diverse client profiles and in training and supervising behavior analysts in training (BAIT interns). In her free time, Michelle enjoys spending time with her children, reading, hiking, and Netflix binging.
Alyssa has been in the autism and ABA field for almost 10 years, and has been a BCBA for 6 of those. She is on the clinical management team at Utah Autism Academy and specializes in staff training for RBTs and behavior analysts in training, assessment management, and treatment fidelity. She has wide-ranging experience working with and supporting clients and staff in various treatment settings, through severe problem behaviors, and across ages and support needs. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys reading, baking, all kinds of crafting, and making friends with wildlife.
Olivia Polachek, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, is a Clinical Manager at Utah Autism Academy, where she provides clinic and community-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to individuals. She works with clients in early childhood through young adulthood. She has worked in the field of ABA for 11 years and has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst for the past 3.5 years. Originally from a small town in Minnesota, Olivia moved to Utah to attend the University of Utah, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Health, Society, and Policy. She later completed her Master of Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis at Utah Valley University, graduating in 2022. Olivia is passionate about teaching meaningful self-advocacy skills that empower her clients to navigate a world that is not always accommodating to autistic individuals. Outside of work, she enjoys taking advantage of Utah’s outdoor scene, including skiing, hiking, and paddleboarding.
