Michael Alessandri , Ph.D., Executive Director
Dr. Michael Alessandri is the Executive Director of the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). He is also Director of the Division of Community Outreach and Engagement and Clinical Professor of Psychology and Pediatrics at the University of Miami. Dr. Alessandri has worked with individuals with autism and their families for more than 30 years. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Rochester, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Psychology. He attended graduate school at Rutgers University, where he obtained both his M.S. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.

Jennifer Durocher, Ph.D. , Interim Clinical Director
Dr. Jennifer Durocher is the Interim Clinical Director of CARD and Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Miami. She has worked with individuals with autism and their families for over 20 years. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Rutgers University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She completed her doctoral studies at the University of Miami, where she obtained both her M.S. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.

Diane Adreon , Ed.D., Associate Director
Dr. Diane Adreon is the Associate Director of CARD. Dr. Adreon has worked with individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families for 30 years. She received her doctorate in Special Education from Nova Southeastern University and her Master of Arts degree from Teacher’s College, Columbia University, where she majored in special education and applied behavior analysis.

Robin Parker, SLP.D., CCC , Senior Director – NSU Satellite	
Dr. Robin Parker is the Senior Director of CARD at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Parker is a Program Professor and Clinical Supervisor in the Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders at NSU. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Florida State University and earned her doctorate in Communication Disorders from NSU.

Luis Grana , M.S., Director of Administration & Support	- NSU Satellite M.S. in Mental Health Counseling, Nova Southeastern University & B.A. in Psychology, University of Central Florida

Marlene Sotelo , Ed.D., BCBA-D, MT-BC Director of Education and Training	- NSU Satellite Ed.D. in Special Education, Nova Southeastern University

Carole Abbott , Ph.D., NCSP Ph.D., Bryn Mawr College

Cecilia Alvarez-Tabio, B.A., BCaBA , Program Coordinator
B.A. in Psychology, The Catholic University of America

Amy Beaumont, Psy.D., BCaBA , Assessment Services Coordinator – ASAC
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, Nova Southeastern University

Alexis Bitting, B.S. , Transition Specialist
B.S. in Psychology, University of Miami

Deborah Chin, B.A. , Coordinator of Adult and Transition Services
B.A. in Psychology, Florida State University

Sara Dajer, M.S.Ed. , Educational Support Specialist M.S. in Education, Carlos Albizu University & B.S. in Elementary Education, The Catholic University of Santo Domingo

Lynette Estrada, Ed.D. , Transition Specialist
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Walden University

Sara Ferguson, B.S. , Educational Support Specialist
B.S. in Psychology, Florida State University

Melissa Hale , Ph.D., BCBA-D – Coordinator of Psychological Services Ph.D. in School Psychology, University of Florida

Meaghan Parlade, Ph.D. , Coordinator of Research & Training
Ph.D. in Clinical & Developmental Psychology, University of Pittsburgh

Maricarmen Saleta, B.A. , Educational Support Specialist
B.A. in Psychology, Technical Institute of Santo Domingo

Mallory Schneider, M.S.Ed. , Clinical Support Administrator – NSU Satellite M.S. in Education, University of Miami & B.S. in Psychology, Florida State University

Lori Wise, M.S. , Coordinator of Clinical & Educational Services – NSU Satellite M.S. in Reading & B.S. in Special Education, Florida International University

Michelle Costa, M.S.Ed. , Manager of Special Events M.S. in Education, University of Miami & B.S. in Special Education, Nova Southeastern University

Bijan Boustani, B.A. , Website Manager
B.A. in Computer Science, University of Miami

Lezonne Codner, B.S. , Office Assistant - NSU Satellite
B.S. in Psychology, Nova Southeastern University

Maria Lis De Gasperi, B.A. , Office Manager
B.A. in International Relations, Boston University

Michael Gavila , File Clerk

Tony Gonzalez

Maria Mora , Financial Administrator

Freddy Norori, B.S. , Receptionist
B.S. in Communications, University of Miami

Kent Schomber , Senior Mail Clerk

Daniel Suarez , Assistant to the Directors