Olivia is the New York Educational Program Director and has been working with neurodiverse learners for three decades. She has worked with autistic individuals and their families in private and public schools as well as home settings. She has also consulted on recreational projects related to autism, including educational software, online games, and museum programs for neurodivergent visitors. Olivia admires the individuals she serves for their sincerity and is grateful they’re willing share their true selves with her.

Jessica is Research Manager for Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Cognitive Neurology/Neuropsychology. Jessica has been a part of the Johns Hopkins team for more than 20 years and has been working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families for more than 25 years. As Research Manager, Jessica is responsible for overseeing research that involves evaluating social behaviors and cognitive functioning in adults with autism and related disorders, particularly in those adults with level 3 autism (ASD-3).

Kathleen is a speech-language pathologist with Johns Hopkins New York Educational Program. She has nearly two decades of experience supporting autistic learners, people with communication needs, and their families. Kathleen believes that everyone has something to contribute and something to gain, and that meaningful participation should be accessible to all. She is committed to neurodiversity-affirming practices and supports every person’s right to communicate in the way that works best for them. In her role as the Educational Program Director, she consults with NYEP’s outreach program, working directly with other SLPs and instructors who lead and support in-person groups. She is passionate about supporting opportunities for authentic community, shared interests, and lasting friendships—and she loves that the NYLL programs help make these goals a reality.

Baris Gokturk is a Turkish artist living and working in Brooklyn, New York. He is a recent graduate of Columbia University’s MFA program in sculpture and previously earned an MFA in painting from Hunter College where he taught for seven years. He has completed public commissions by Columbia University’s Butler Library and The Public Art Fund in New York, among others. Baris has shown his work in the United States and internationally in Germany, Spain, France, Korea, Turkey and Puerto Rico. When he is not creating his own works or teaching the NYLL Art Class, Baris teaches at Pace University.

Kareem Collins is a multi-sport athlete and coach as well as personal trainer. He has worked with the 92nd Street Y/Mount Sinai as well as the New York Sports Club and has experience with Intellectually Disabled clients, Parkinson’s patients, Cancer patients, and more.

Yodit Duguma is a personal trainer and group exercise leader. When she is not working with NYLL, Yodit leads classes at the New York Sports Club, including Silver Sneakers and Yoga.

Allison is a Speech-Language Pathologist with Johns Hopkins New York Educational Program. She has been working with individuals with autism and other developmental disorders for over 25 years. Allison has provided speech and language therapy in schools, adult day hab centers, and home-based settings. She has created social skills curricula for toddlers, school-aged and adult groups. Allison believes that cooking together is a wonderful way to socialize with peers while practicing important life skills. 

Kara is a Speech-Language Pathologist with the Johns Hopkins New York Educational Program. She has specialized training in autism spectrum disorders, deafness, and interdisciplinary care. For over ten years, her work as an SLP has focused on supporting individuals with developmental and neurodevelopmental disabilities, serving clients in community-based, educational, outpatient hospital, university, and private clinical settings. In addition to her clinical work, Kara has also served as an adjunct instructor in the tri-state area. While completing her clinical doctorate in speech-language pathology at Northwestern University, she developed a deep commitment to the role of clinician-scientist, believing that this dual role is essential for delivering high-quality, effective, client-centered care.

Samantha is a Speech-Language Pathologist with the Johns Hopkins New York Educational Program. With nearly a decade of experience as a speech-language pathologist, Samantha is dedicated to supporting both pediatric and adult clients in achieving meaningful communication outcomes. Her practice is rooted in the principles of total communication—embracing a wide range of expressive methods including but not limited to, speech, sign language, AAC, and visual supports—to ensure each individual can communicate in the way that suits them best. Passionate about neurodiversity, Samantha advocates for strength-based, client-centered approaches that honor each person’s unique perspective and abilities. She believes in the power of authentic social interactions to foster connection, confidence, and growth, and takes pride in working closely with families and care teams to create supportive, inclusive environments across home, school, and community settings.