Our Presenters

Marlin Brunson

  • Marlin Brunson is an autistic husband of fifteen years and father to four neurodivergent children. He is a veteran of the US Air Force and has worked as a teacher for the past 9 years. He currently works as a teaching assistant at Utah State University. Marlin has an undergraduate degree from BYU in Biology, a master's degree in education from SUU, and is a doctoral candidate at USU in the field of education. His special interests include wildlife photography, diversity advocacy, artistic expression, construction, and Minecraft. Marlin is currently researching the connections autistic students form in public middle school.

Damon Bryan

  • "Damon Bryan, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 23 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families. He runs a small private practice, Sage Canyon Counseling, where he integrates a compassionate, relational approach with practical strategies for growth and well-being. Damon is also the co-founder and president of the Sage Canyon Autism Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to creating inclusive outdoor experiences and support for autistic individuals and their families. He helps lead the foundation’s Autism Outdoors Utah program, which provides guided outdoor adventures and skill-building activities designed to foster confidence, connection, and joy for autistic participants.

    As a parent to two children—one of whom is autistic—Damon brings a unique blend of personal insight and professional expertise to his work. His perspective allows him to understand the challenges families face from both sides, creating a space that is empathetic, informed, and grounded in real-life experience.

    In his spare time, Damon enjoys running, hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, and spending time with his family."

Karen Fairchild

  • Karen S. Fairchild, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) recently retired from ScenicView Clinic in Provo, Utah where she specialized in providing mental health counseling for individuals and families living with Autism. Her work with autistic individuals and their families included infants through later adulthood. Three of Karen’s 5 adult children are autistic. Karen has presented extensively and has been involved in autism advocacy since her first child was diagnosed in 1992. She is currently a board member of the Autism Resources of Utah County Council and Utah Autism Academy, as well as a council member for ScenicView Academy.

Doc Clegg

  • "Doc Clegg (they/them) is an advocate and administrative professional who works alongside autistic communities, with a strong focus on mental health and belonging. They serve as an Administrative Assistant at the Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism at Utah Valley University, supporting programs, events, and initiatives, including the annual UVU Autism Conference.

    Doc holds an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Family Science with a minor in Autism Studies at Utah Valley University. Diagnosed with autism at age 12, they draw on lived experience with autism, ADHD, and anxiety to inform their advocacy and community-centered work.

    Their work centers on mental health, with particular attention to anxiety and OCD when autism is present, and the gaps in support and understanding that often emerge in these intersections. Doc’s approach emphasizes moving beyond inclusion toward genuine belonging through collaboration, accessibility, and lived-experience-informed design.

    In 2025, Doc received the Michael Sproul Community Spirit Award from the Autism Resources of Utah County Council (ARUCC) in recognition of their dedication and service to the autism community in Utah County. They are also a member of the leadership team for Autism Incorporated, UVU’s Autism Club"

Sarah Heuser

  • Sarah has a masters of Clinical Social Work, a bachelor's degree in behavioral science with an emphasis in psychology. She works at ScenicView Academy as a mental health therapist for individuals on the autism spectrum. She was diagnosed as autistic with a side of Nonverbal Learning Disorder when she was 18. Upon her diagnosis she threw herself into studying autism from an autistic point of view by listening to fellow autistic folks while also reading academic research on the subject. In 2019 she received both the ARUCC Michael Sproul's Community Spirit award, and the UDDC's Professional of the Year award.

Eric Espinel

  • Eric Espinel is a neurodivergent founder, strategist, and ecosystem builder dedicated to transforming neurodiversity from a "medical liability" into an "economic asset."

    With a career spanning Google, Visa, and venture building, Eric brings a unique blend of corporate discipline and entrepreneurial chaos to his leadership. He spent years navigating high-performance environments while undiagnosed, learning firsthand the "masking tax" that burns out brilliant minds. This experience drives his mission: to build the infrastructure that allows neurodivergent founders and professionals to stop surviving and start building.

    Eric is the founder of Phossil, a cognitive continuity tool designed to help high-context teams and neurodivergent professionals manage attention and workflow. Phossil acts as an "external executive function" engine, solving the context switching tax that kills productivity in modern work environments.

    Professionally, Eric specializes in strategic alliances and go-to-market ecosystems. He has a track record of seeing hidden patterns and connecting fragmented systems—a direct result of his neurodivergent thinking style. He holds an MBA from Cornell and uses his background to translate between the "business case" for neurodiversity and the human reality of living it.

    As Co-Chair of the Neurodiversity Chapter of Silicon Slopes, Eric is focused on launching the "Venture Studio" model for ND founders, creating workforce pipelines for the "hidden high-potential," and advocating for systemic policy changes that support the full lifespan of neurodivergent individuals.

Amy Corry

  • Amy (They/them) 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 the ScenicView Clinic and enjoy feeling a sense of belonging, community, and support there.

Jon Follano

  • Jon was born and raised in Hopkins, Minnesota, where early experiences with mental health challenges, neurodiversity, and addiction shaped his interest in this work. Through therapy and a strong connection to the outdoors, he found meaningful support and direction in his own life. In 2019, Jon moved to Utah to work in wilderness therapy as a field guide, primarily supporting neurodivergent adolescents and young adults, many of whom were also navigating substance use challenges. In 2023, he began pursuing higher education with the goal of becoming a therapist and started working as a residential advisor at Telos U in 2024. In 2025, recognizing the need for more substance-specific support for adolescents and young adults, Jon became a Substance Use Disorder Counselor and now works with both Telos U and Telos Geneva.

Shauna Murry Flash

  • Shauna is a sound healer and yoga teacher based in Salt Lake City. A mom of three, a wife, and a dog lover—her life is full, vibrant, and rooted in connection. Shauna believes in the power of intentional movement, breath, and sound to create space for deep healing and alignment. In her sessions, she holds space for busy people to slow down, tune in, and return to themselves—body, mind, and spirit. Her mission is to help others find balance and peace in the midst of life’s beautiful chaos.

Josh Olivas

  • Josh (he/him) considered using AI to write this bio, as a robot writing about a robot seemed deliciously appropriate, but, unfortunately, he couldn't get past the CAPTCHA code. Having somehow made it into his 30s, he has a wide variety of experiences and interests which he draws upon to navigate this bizarre world and the people within. Come check out a unique perspective on said world, and he may even regale you with lessons in photography or home design.

Mila Rodrigues

  • Mila Rodrigues is an autistic project leader, community advocate, and systems thinker dedicated to building inclusive pathways into tech for neurodivergent individuals.

    With over eight years of hands-on experience in neurodivergent education and advocacy, Mila brings both lived insight and deep community connection to her work. She has volunteered extensively with Spectrum Academy, where her son attends, gaining firsthand understanding of the structural barriers neurodivergent students face—especially during the transition from high school to higher education and the workforce.

    Professionally, Mila is a Senior Project Manager known for organizing complex initiatives, aligning stakeholders, and translating across diverse communication styles—skills she humorously describes as “feral monkey wrangling.” Her ability to structure ambiguity, manage resources, and foster collaboration across neurodivergent and neurotypical teams uniquely positions her to lead inclusive efforts within the tech ecosystem.

    As Chair of the Neurodiversity Chapter of Silicon Slopes, Mila focuses on building community, expanding access to tech careers, educating employers, and reimagining hiring and workplace systems so neurodivergent professionals can thrive—not just survive.

Jennifer Parmley

  • Jennifer Parmley is the Assistant Director of New Perspectives, a transitional living program for neurodiverse young adults, and its employment center, The Kreative Space. She is an ACRE Certified Employment Specialist, certified through Utah State University. She previously served as the Marketing Co-Chair on the Board of Directors for the Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, and continues to volunteer with various committees.

Britty Marie

  • Britty Marie, or "Bemusing", as she is known online, is an autistic content creator, social media manager, and public speaker. Britty has been performing on stages since the age of 8. Growing up as an undiagnosed autistic child, Britty leaned into her imagination and drive for storytelling as a way to connect with the world that she struggled to understand. She now spends her time educating and uplifting other autistic people not only to find their passions, but also to help them navigate this often confusing world. "Everyone has something beautiful to offer this world, and I love helping autistic people recognize that beauty in themselves." 

Katie Steed

  • Katie Edna Steed is the Disability Specialist Manager for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Prior to coming to The Church, she spent fifteen years as an Associate Clinical Professor at Brigham Young University in the department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education. Her area of expertise is in children with severe disabilities, including Autism. She taught the methods and practicum courses at Brigham Young University for students who would like to become licensed Special Educators with a Severe Endorsement. Before teaching at Brigham young University, Katie taught in the public schools both as a general educator for one year and as a special educator for three years.

    Her thesis is entitled: Instructing teachers of children with disabilities within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She is passionate about this topic and has presented at several churches over the past 20 years on how to best instruct their primary age children with special needs. She has a website dedicated to providing resources on this topic at: education.byu.edu/disabilities‍ ‍

    Katie also serves as a Technical Specialists for LDS Charities where she provides trainings throughout the world to help educators, medical personnel and parents on how to support individuals with special needs.

    Katie’s favorite titles are that of wife and mother to three wonderful children, one of which has Autism. She loves to support children of all abilities achieve their goals and become what they desire to be.

Andre Sam

  • Andre Sam is a comprehensive Disability & Special Needs Planner with the Disability & Special Needs Project. Andre has 23 years of experience working with individuals who have a disability or special needs and has been in the industry for 14 years now working and planning with individuals and families with special needs and disabilities. Andre works with 120+ organizations nationwide that cover over 60 various types of disabilities, disorders, and diseases, speaks at conferences annually, and works with families throughout the country to help them plan for a better future.

Jared Stewart

  • Jared Stewart, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA was named the 2011 Educator of the Year by the National Association of Private Special Education Centers, the 2018 Presenter of the Year by the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, and the 2020 Hero for Autism by the Autism Resources of Utah County Council. As a Program Director for Provo Utah’s ScenicView Academy— a transitional school for neurodivergent adults targeting functional independence— he teaches his students to recognize and embrace the strengths of their diagnoses while they strive to maximize their potential for success. As an adjunct professor at Utah Valley University, he helps run their annual Conference on Autism and assists with the Melisa Nellesen Center’s Passages Program as a life-skills instructor and curriculum developer. He is the former governor-appointed Chair of the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council and currently serves on several local and national advisory boards for autism and related conditions, including collaborations with the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Jared has spent over two decades working with neurodivergent adolescents and adults as a teacher, life coach, and licensed behavior analyst, and has shared his views on the techniques and mindsets that lead to improved outcomes for these individuals with audiences in over a dozen countries. His passion for the subject arises from personal experience: he has numerous family members on the Spectrum, and he was diagnosed with autism himself as an adult. In his rare free moments, Jared enjoys reading, hiking, writing, and spending time with his wife and three children. Throughout his career he has always adhered to to the belief that there is untapped greatness in everyone, regardless of their so-called “disabilities”.

Eric Stoker

  • Eric Stoker lives with his family in West Jordan, Utah and is employed by the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council as the Information Specialist. He serves on the Utah Parent Center Board of Directors, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities 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 and the Utah High School Activities Association’s SuperFan of the Year in 2023. 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.

Drew Tyler

  • Drew Tyler is a video producer, storyteller, and unapologetic lifelong gamer. He currently manages video production for a Utah-based software company and has previously created media for teams at Tesla and Meta. Over a career spanning more than twenty years, he has produced everything from documentaries and commercials to live broadcasts and technical training content. Drew enjoys exploring how the mechanics of video games mirror real life, a theme he’s developing into his first book project.

Jennifer Walton

  • Jennifer Walton is a self-diagnosed AuDHD mom of three and wife to a fellow AuDHDer. At 36 years old and in the thick of a whole-family neurodiversity journey, she is passionate about understanding neurotypes, how they impact daily life and relationships, and how to successfully work with them. This has led her to spend hundreds of hours learning about AuDHD from books, conferences, and especially real people's lived experiences. Jennifer is excited to share what she has learned, bringing warmth, honesty, and hard-won insight into her presentation — not from a clinical background, but from firsthand experience.

Alan Walton

  • Alan Walton is an AuDHD software engineer and entrepreneur who survived twenty years of full-time employment ranging from Big Tech to early-stage startups by constantly improving his energy management systems. Currently “retired,” Alan is recovering from 20 years of accumulated burnout by playing his favorite game (The Elder Scrolls Online) and vibe-coding full-stack software products for his own use. Alan is presenting twice this year on spoon theory and energy accounting tracking systems.