The Interesting Expert of the Week column spotlights experts from within the ProfNet Connect community that we think readers and reporters will find interesting and timely. With more than 60,000 profiles, ProfNet Connect offers journalists a vast database of experts and influencers on virtually every topic imaginable. In addition, reporters can also submit a ProfNet query to request experts on a specific topic. Whatever topic you’re writing about, ProfNet can help you find the sources you need – at no charge. Why not give it a try? Send a query now.

“Jazz is known all over the world as an American musical art form.
No America, no jazz.” -- Art Blakey

April is Jazz Appreciation Month, so for this week’s spotlight, we caught up with Kurt Dietrich, professor of music and Barbara Baldwin De Frees Chair in the Performing Arts at Ripon College in Wisconsin.

At Ripon, Dietrich teaches courses ranging from jazz history to romantic music styles and world music. He is the author of "Duke’s 'Bones: Ellington's Great Trombonists” and "Jazz 'Bones:  The World of Jazz Trombone," a history of the North American jazz trombone. Dietrich also contributed to the “International Dictionary of Black Composers,” and is a regular reviewer of books for CHOICE and recordings for the International Trombone Association Journal.

He knows his jazz.

You teach several different types of music, including jazz and world music. Is jazz your favorite?

I love jazz, but I also love classical music, and many types of world music. And, of course, I don’t love all or any of these styles or genres -- I love good music.

What interests you about jazz?

I find the history of jazz fascinating, as a unique part of the American experience, but I am interested in all sorts of strictly musical aspects of jazz as well -- theoretical, technical and aesthetic. And a crucial part of that is the creative aspect of jazz improvisation.

Do you still play?

Yes, I do still play. I don’t play a lot of gigs any more, but enough to keep the dust off my trombone. Prior to starting my college teaching career, I was on the road full-time with a jazz band for five and a half years.

What aspect of jazz do you teach in your classes? What techniques do you use?

I do teach the history of jazz, but I also teach classes in music theory and music history (specifically, 19th century Romanticism). I also lead a symphonic wind ensemble and a jazz ensemble. I’m not sure how to describe the techniques I use, but my philosophy is just to expose the students to as much of the music (the good or great music) as possible. They are going to be “captured” by the music, not by me.

What kind of effect does music have on a student's education?

Music speaks to a part of every student’s humanity that is not addressed in science, in written or spoken language, in business, or even in the humanities. If we could express what music expresses in some other way, we would have no need for music itself -- but we can’t. And yet music also expresses, in its unique way, some of the highest intellect in human experience.

You wrote a book about members of Duke Ellington's orchestra. What most surprised you as you were researching the book?

What surprised me most perhaps was the richness of what is referred to broadly as Ellingtonia. I have many, many books about Ellington and his music, and there are many more that can still be written. I was also gratified by, if not surprised by, the generosity of the many folks I interviewed in sharing their experience in this cultural phenomenon.

You’re currently working a book on jazz in Wisconsin, past and present. What can you tell us about it?

I have interviewed over 50 people for this book already, and have many more to go. The book is turning into a fascinating document about people in jazz -- a fair number of nationally known figures, others known only locally, some of those just for their dedication to teaching others jazz. But the stories of all of those groups are not only interesting, but in some cases downright gripping.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Even after over three decades of college teaching, I often feel blessed that I have been able to spend my career bringing music to students. It’s been a great way to spend a life.

Below are experts from the ProfNet network that are available to discuss various aspects of the fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas. If you are interested in interviewing any of the experts, please contact them via the contact information at the end of the listing. To receive these updates by email, send a note to profnet@profnet.com with the industries you cover, and we'll add you to the appropriate edition.

If you are in need of additional experts, you can also submit a query to the hundreds of thousands of experts in our network. You can filter your request by institution type and geographic location to get the most targeted responses. Just fill out the free query form to get started.

If you have any questions or need assistance with any aspect of ProfNet, please drop us a note at profnet@profnet.com.

EXPERT ROUNDUP: Texas Plant Explosion

Dr. Tim Murphy
Chair of Environmental, Safety and Health Management Program
University of Findlay
"In cases such as this, the first priority is always people. Then your focus turns to the facilities and the environment. There will need to be a massive cleanup effort after this explosion.  The water and soil in that community will be contaminated. And when chemicals such as these mix together, there will be many unknown chemicals created that will be a result of the contamination. This kind of explosion is devastating to the environment for many years to come."
Dr. Murphy has more than 25 years of experience in: first-response protocols in this kind of situation; fertilizer cleanup; the impact explosions such as this can have on the groundwater and the environment; what steps need to be taken to determine what happened; and how to prevent situations like this in the future. He has specifically spent 16 years of his career focused on fertilizer contamination issues.
Media Contact: Brianna Patterson, pattersonb@findlay.edu

Dr. Ronald Smaldone
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
University of Texas at Dallas
“Ammonium nitrate is probably familiar to most people as the explosive that was used in the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. It is used mostly as a fertilizer, but also as a commercial explosive for mining and excavating.  It is much more stable than dynamite in that it is not shock-sensitive, but it can be detonated with a trigger, such as a blasting cap or high heat. Generally, compounds with a high nitrogen content are explosive under the right conditions, owing to the fact that they form nitrogen gas as a byproduct, which is extremely stable, therefore releasing a large amount of energy -- an explosion -- into the surrounding environment.  Ammonium nitrate is a good fertilizer for mostly the same reason -- the high nitrogen content, which is needed by plants for good growth.”
Media Contact: Amanda Siegfried, amanda.siegfried@utdallas.edu

Bill Hildebrand
Protective Security Consultant
Preparis
“From what I’ve seen reported on the explosion in West, Texas, the first responders went into emergency mode and evacuated all the residents in the area. It’s going to be a big investigation, even if the explosion was an accident, because a blast that size will create a massive crime scene. From where they find the last piece of fragment from the explosion, they will double that to create the crime scene radius. So for example, if a piece of debris was found 300 yards from the explosion point, the crime scene will be 600 yards."
Hildebrand is a protective security consultant with Preparis, an emergency preparedness company providing training, technology and services. A former Atlanta Police Department law enforcement professional who served 21 years protecting the Metro Atlanta area, Hildebrand spent seven years as an investigator with the Homeland Security Unit as a critical infrastructure protection subject matter expert tasked with coordinating training. He is available to discuss the police response to any emergency, including explosions, bomb threats, active shooters, workplace violence, and hazardous chemical accidents.
Media Contact: Lauren Patrick, lpatrick@preparis.com

Bryan Hill
Emergency Management Consultant
Preparis
“As of now, the investigation is in the early stages. Signs are pointing to an accident and not an intentional explosion. We can provide businesses in the area training on how to react to the explosion, but for now they should stay away from the area. If they cannot leave, they should be advised to stay indoors and refrain from going outside until they have been given the ‘all clear’ from authorities. Hazardous chemicals, such as anhydrous ammonia, were being used at the plant to make fertilizer, and it’s harmful if inhaled. If your building is in the path of the smoke plume, turn off the HVAC and remain inside with the windows shut. The cleanup and investigation will take time, especially with multiple fatalities.”
Hill is emergency management consultant with Preparis, an emergency preparedness company providing training, technology and services. He has master’s degree in public health from the University of Georgia, College of Public Health, with a graduate certificate in disaster management from the Institute of Health Management and Mass Destruction Defense. He is Advanced Disaster Life Support certified (ADLS) by the AMA and has completed several FEMA certification training courses. He is available to discuss emergency situations as they pertain to public health and the government's response.
Media Contact: Lauren Patrick, lpatrick@preparis.com

Chuck Noteboom
Attorney
Noteboom Law Firm
“When a family loses a loved one in an accident, the survivors are forced to deal with insurance companies and insurance claims at a time when they are overwhelmed by grief.  Insurance companies know victims and their families are vulnerable during these stressful times and often use tricks and lies to convince victims to settle their claims quickly without legal representation. The insurance company wants to settle wrongful-death cases before victims have time to fully measure financial losses.  Spouses, children, and even parents can be financially dependent on the deceased individual and are entitled to compensation for the loss of financial support.  In addition, Texas law allows for compensation for the emotional suffering caused by the wrongful death.”
Noteboom is experienced in handling a wide variety of wrongful death claims, including fatalities and injuries resulting from dangerous premises such as the explosion in West, Texas. He is chairman of the Warren E. Burger Society of the National Center for State Courts.  He is also a member of the American Bar Association, The American Association for Justice, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, and the Tarrant County Bar Association.  He served as president of the Tarrant County Trial Lawyers Association and is the former chair for the Tarrant County Bar Foundation.  He has been featured as an expert commentator radio and television and has spoken at various seminars.  He is the only lawyer in history to obtain two nine-figure jury verdicts in Tarrant County.
Bio: www.noteboom.com/bio/charles-m-noteboom....
Media Contact: Dave Moore, dave@androvett.com

Simon A. Rego, PsyD, ABPP, ACT
Director of Psychology Training
Montefiore Medical Center
“Over the next month, I'd be looking for signs of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), among those who were personally affected by this tragedy. ASD is characterized by four groups of symptoms: 1) dissociative symptoms (e.g., feeling detached from others, feeling like things are dreamlike or not quite real, or amnesia) during or after the explosion, followed promptly by: 2) re-experiencing symptoms (intrusive thoughts or images, flashbacks, nightmares), 3) avoidance of reminders of the explosion (e.g., not talking about it, not watching the news), and 4) feeling an increase in anxiety symptoms (e.g., more easily startled or on edge, difficulty sleeping, more irritable). These symptoms can occur anywhere from two days to a maximum of four weeks after the tragedy. While not the only psychological disorder possible, ASD is quite common after traumatic events such as this one.”
Rego is an expert in the assessment and treatment of trauma and is available for interviews.
Media Contact: Mike Quane, mquane@montefiore.org

Frank L. Branson
Explosion Injury Lawyer
Law Offices of Frank L. Branson, Dallas
“This tragedy was compounded by the fact that this industrial operation was situated so close to homes, schools and businesses. More than ever, oil and gas production, underground utilities, and industrial sites are located near populated areas, which increases the risks of property damage, serious injuries, and deaths caused by explosions, fires, and industrial accidents.”
Branson has extensive experience representing individuals injured in industrial accidents, including major industrial/manufacturing explosions, oil-and-gas pipelines and oil field accidents. Widely recognized as one of America’s best trial lawyers, Branson provides clients with tenacious pre-trial preparation. In such cases, Branson’s team mounts an exhaustive independent investigation using engineering professionals and other experts to reconstruct the fire and explosion and determine exactly what happened.
Media Contact: Robert Tharp, Robert@androvett.com

Carole Lieberman, M.D.
Lieberman, “America's Psychiatrist,” is the author of “Coping with Terrorism: Dreams Interrupted” and an expert on the psychological impact of disasters. She explains how people can prepare psychologically and physically, and how they can cope after a disaster occurs -- from a terrorist attack like the Boston Marathon to a tragedy like the Texas fertilizer plant explosion to natural disasters. Lieberman is a Beverly Hills board certified psychiatrist and expert witness, on the clinical faculty of UCLA's Neuropsychiatric Institute. She is also a bestselling author, TV personality, three-time Emmy Award-winner and talk-show host. She is called upon for a psychological perspective of today's headlines.
Expert Contact: drcarole@earthlink.net

Robin F. Goodman, Ph.D., A.T.R.-BC
“With all the bad news -- the Texas plant explosion, the Boston bombing, gun-control votes related to Newtown, along with the everyday crime and trauma reported -- people may be feeling different things. Reactions can vary based on how physically close to the event/situation someone was and how close emotionally someone was to people impacted. Even those watching the news unfold, even if living far away, can be impacted. This can result in being overwhelmed, sad, have worried thoughts, feelings of helplessness physical upset, and angry behavior. However, there are some general helpful healing steps that people can take in the immediate aftermath.”
Goodman is available to discuss some of the strategies people can take in the aftermath of disasters to cope with difficult feelings.
Expert Contact: DrRobinGoodman@aol.com

Jonathan Shoebotham
Attorney, Houston Office
Thompson & Knight LLP
Shoebotham is recognized as one of nation’s leading defense attorneys in the area of environmental and personal injury litigation, with three of the cases he has tried to jury verdict selected by The National Law Journal as among the most significant defense verdicts in the United States. His experience includes representing manufacturers in liability and property damage claims arising from plant explosions. He is prepared to discuss the factors that investigators and insurers will be considering in determining cause and liability in this tragedy, and the overall process and time involved.
Media Contact: Barry Pound, barry@androvett.com

Steve Laird
Law Offices of Steven C. Laird
Laird is a personal injury attorney specializing in industrial accident and wrongful-death law. In the event that the explosion in West, Texas, was the result of a security breach, Laird can discuss liabilities the facility might face for not properly securing the hazardous material. Here is a paper he wrote on the topic of litigation resulting from inadequate security: tinyurl.com/c5dtkn9
Bio: www.texlawyers.com/law_firm/attorneys/st...
Media Contact: Dave Moore, dave@androvett.com

Phrantceena Halres
CEO
Total Protection Services International
Halres is CEO of Total Protection Services International, the only certified security services company focused exclusively on high-threat/close-proximity safety and security services for the protection of critical infrastructure assets in the energy, nuclear, corporate, government and personal protection sectors. She is available to discuss how security measures around this facility and other similar facilities around the nation might be impacted.
Media Contact: Merilee Kern, merilee@kerncommunications.com

Dr. Frances Edwards
Professor
San Jose State University
Dr. Edwards, a former director of emergency services for the City of San Jose, Calif., is an expert in disaster preparedness, emergency response, and recovery. She trains at the state and national level, and is a well-regarded national expert (New York Times, Washington Post, etc.), a textbook author, and an excellent interview.
Media Contact: Donna Maurillo, donna.maurillo@sjsu.edu

Daniel Goodrich
Instructor, Security Management
San Jose State University
Goodrich, a former U.S. Marine, is an expert on explosions and security measures.
Media Contact: Donna Maurillo, donna.maurillo@sjsu.edu

Brian Michael Jenkins
Director, National Transportation Safety and Security Center
Mineta Transportation Institute
Jenkins is an international expert in security and investigations, especially in counter-terrorism. However, many of those issues and techniques apply to local and non-terrorist incidents. He is a former Special Forces officer and security adviser to heads of state.
Media Contact: Donna Maurillo, donna.maurillo@sjsu.edu

If sourcing a story is like casting a movie, experts are like celebrities. They can impart gravity and credibility and eloquence that the facts can't on their own. They can boost ticket sales.

But finding the right expert is easier said than done. Subject-matter experts, like celebrities, don't pick up the phone for everyone. But good reporters know when and how to work the phones and email to put top sources in their stories.

How do they do it? To find out, we recruited reporter Bob Van Voris, a legal reporter for Bloomberg News.

Bob Van Voris of Bloomberg News and John Hazard of Contently

Van Voris, a former practicing attorney, was the featured speaker at a freelancer meetup we co-hosted with Contently. He shared his advice on and experience with finding sources, vetting their expertise, identifying the ones that will give you great quotes, and more. It was a great event, and Van Voris was generous with his time and experience.

Here is a recap of some of his insight and advice. A tip of the hat to Contently’s John Hazard, who did a great job moderating the discussion.

What was the source that was farthest afield from what you were covering?

What I was at the National Law Journal, I was covering a story about a lawyer in California who developed a practice specializing on litigation involving penile augmentation gone wrong. My editor suggested I contact a mohel. So I did, and I awkwardly asked him what happens when there’s a mistake. Needless to say, he really didn’t want to talk about it. I went back and convinced my editor that the story didn’t really need a mohel.

But when you’re writing about something that’s complicated and you need to explain it to readers, you don’t want it to sound like a seminar. If it’s dry, you need people who can make it understandable. You need to give readers something a little fun, a little compelling.

How do you identify someone who will give you a great quote?

It’s definitely trial and error. First, start with a pool of people to choose from. You can find them through ProfNet, or on the lists of people who attend conferences on the topic. Talk to a few of them and see how is good at expressing the point in a way that will appeal to readers. You have to put in the time and talk to people.

Of course, sometimes you don’t have that luxury and you have to talk to a specific person. If you aren’t getting what you need, don’t be afraid to bring them to the same point two or three times. Ask them, “How would I tell this to my mom?” to get them to simplify. Sometimes, by the second or third time through, they’ll be a lot looser and will give you a better quote.

There will be conversations that will go nowhere, but those can still be useful because you can learn about the topic, especially if it’s something you’re not too familiar with.

What about using other reporters, like at niche publications, as sources?

Members of the local press are good sources for background; trade magazine reporters are too. They know the gossip, and they like to talk about what they know. They like to talk.

How do deadlines affect this “audition” process? I would imagine you have very tight deadlines at Bloomberg.

I often have three bylined pieces a day, so I don’t have a lot of time for those. But for my second-day stories, I find ProfNet to be a good tool. I’ll put out a query in the morning, and when I’m ready to start in the afternoon, I have several emails waiting.

What do you do when you hit the source “wall” and you don’t know whom to contact?

I recently had to get sources quickly for a story covering a gay-marriage case in the Second Circuit. It’s not ideal, but I’ll look at who has been quoted in the Times that I can contact quickly.

How do you then make sure you get something unique?

You try to get them off their talking points. Anyone on a wire deadline will have two or three go-to people. You’re not going to have a really deep interview with them. The interview will be two minutes long, and you’ll get a good quote, but those people tend to get over-represented. That is a really good reason to go on ProfNet, go on Google, call two or three new people -- so you’re not getting the same people.

On a short deadline, the important thing is getting your call answered or getting a call back in two minutes. The source who is new to you today might be a regular source down the road.

How do you vet the experts who’ve responded to your query?

If I’m on deadline, it’s pretty ruthless. If I get 20 emails, I can kind of sort through them just by their responses. You don’t want people who have been in every newspaper or program.

You can check their education, what kind of committees they’re on, their résumé, if they’ve written about the topic. You can’t spend hours on it, but you need to do it. Sometimes I do it while I’m on the phone with the source.

I don’t want to sound like a commercial (and they didn’t ask me to say this), but I like ProfNet because the people are motivated and they know how it works. Responses usually come from PR people. You can tell them, “Here’s my story. Make sure the expert really fits. Give me an idea of what they have to say.”

My biggest fear is, I don’t want to be played; I don’t want to look like an idiot. Anytime you have a new source, you need to question them about their position, but you also have to use your instincts.

Have you ever been played?

Yeah, sure. Back when the AGs were suing tobacco companies, there was one guy who would spin you aggressively and would tell you things that would make you look dumb. When that happens, or when someone lies to you, you freeze them out.

Do you ever have trouble getting someone to talk?

You’d be surprised what people talk about. If you ask a question, people will usually help you out. I’ve always been shy, and I was nervous about talking to people in the beginning, but people like to share their knowledge. They do have a vested interest in getting publicity, too, but people also like to get their knowledge out.

How do you balance getting a story out quickly vs. doing the best story possible?

Everybody is a wire service now. The good thing is, you can always update. You can get the story out now and then add depth later.

Who decides, you or your editors?

It’s a mix of both. I have to be satisfied with my story, but sometimes my editors will say, “We need another voice.”

Do you ever give experts quote approval?

I always let them see the quote, but I'll never let them change it or take it back. But it’s not an adversarial relationship. You don’t want to make them look bad.

Sometimes they do try to edit the quote. What I’ll do is say, “OK, let’s talk about this a little more,” and I might get a better quote.

I do sometimes run paraphrases by them if it’s not something I fully understand, but always by phone. And I never show them the story – just the quote.

Do you get quotes by email?

Yes, but it’s not going to be the freshest quote. It’s going to be labored. If I do use a quote I got by email, I will mention it in the story for the readers. I think it’s kind of dishonest not to tell them.

Whether you're a reporter, blogger, author or other content creator, ProfNet can help you with your search for expert sources. You can send a query to tens of thousands of experts and PR agents, search the more than 60,000 profiles on ProfNet Connect, or get timely experts and story ideas by email -- all for free! Need help getting started? Email us

We regularly update our ProfNet Connect calendar to include upcoming events we think will be of interest to PR and media professionals. Following is a summary of the events taking place over the next week or so:

Event: Blogging, Targeting, Connecting and Writing It Right
Host: PRPLI
Date: April 16
Location: Melville, N.Y.
Summary: This joint presentation of PRPLI and Social Media Association will feature panelists from Patch.com, Community Development Corporation of Long Island, BigBuzz Marketing Group and The PR Verdict.
Complete event info here.

Event: Content Marketing Summit
Host: Business Development Institute and PR Newswire
Date: April 17
Location: New York
Summary: Unilever’s Stacie Bright, a veteran marketing and communications leader, will deliver the keynote presentation about how brands connect with audiences through content marketing. The half-day morning conference will consist of several case-study presentations, followed by an interactive panel discussion. Use promo code PRN50 for a special 50%-off pass.
Complete event info here.

Event: Bylines, Contributed Content and Opinion Pieces
Host: Publicity Club of New York
Date: April 18
Location: New York
Summary: Panelists include editors and reporters from Ad Age, Bloomberg View, Business Insider, Huffington Post, The Muse and CNN Digital.
Complete event info here.

Event: Let’s Solve It Together
Host: IABC Detroit
Date: April 18
Location: Detroit
Summary: Bring your biggest current communications challenge, and a panel of respected, experienced communicators from companies and agencies of various types and sizes will do their best to tap each other’s experiences for the benefit of all.
Complete event info here.

Event: Can You Be More Pinteresting?
Host: PRSA Cincinnati
Date: April 23
Location: Cincinnati
Summary: Bob Gilbreath, co-founder and president of Pingage, a new service designed to help businesses dramatically scale their results on Pinterest with less effort, will discuss how to bring more meaning to your Pinterest strategy.
Complete event info here.

Event: Visual Storytelling: The Power of Multimedia in Communications
Host: PR Newswire
Date: April 24
Location: Atlanta
Summary: Kelley Mitchell Price of Pocketfirm, John Aylward of Teavana, Jay Patel of Attention, Candace McCaffery of the Atlanta chapter of the Social Media Club, and Michael Pranikoff of PR Newswire will discuss how leading organizations and thought leaders are leveraging visual assets and creating experiences with their audiences to garner higher visibility, spark interaction and build brand loyalty.
Complete event info here.

Whether you're a reporter, blogger, author or other content creator, ProfNet can help you with your search for expert sources. You can send a query to tens of thousands of experts and PR agents, search the more than 60,000 profiles on ProfNet Connect, or get timely experts and story ideas by email -- all for free! Need help getting started? Email us at profnet@profnet.com

The Interesting Expert of the Week column spotlights experts from within the ProfNet Connect community that we think readers and reporters will find interesting and timely. With more than 60,000 profiles, ProfNet Connect offers journalists a vast database of experts and influencers on virtually every topic imaginable. In addition, reporters can also submit a ProfNet query to request experts on a specific topic. Whatever topic you’re writing about, ProfNet can help you find the sources you need – at no charge. Why not give it a try? Send a query now.

April is National Poetry Month, so for this week’s expert spotlight, we caught up with Dwayne Betts, a poet, essayist and national spokesperson for the Campaign for Youth Justice.

Betts was an honors student through high school when, at the age of 16, he drove to Fairfax, Va., with a group of friends and robbed a man in his car with a gun. Betts was arrested the next day and sentenced as an adult. He spent eight years in prison, where he spent much of his time reading, working as a law clerk, and teaching himself Spanish. He began writing poetry.

After his release, Betts worked at Karibu Books in Bowie, Md., where he was eventually promoted to store manager and founded a book club for African-American boys. He attended Prince George’s Community College, where he subsequently graduated with high honors.

In 2011, Betts was awarded a Radcliffe Fellowship to Harvard University’s Radcliffe Institute of Advanced Studies. He is the author of the memoir, “A Question of Freedom” (Avery/Penguin 2009), and the collection of poetry, “Shahid Reads His Own Palm” (Alice James Books, 2010). His work possesses a careful, complicated and often difficult-to-confront intimacy that challenges conventional ideas about crime, masculinity and redemption. In 2010, he was awarded an NAACP Image Award for “A Question of Freedom” and a Soros Justice Fellowship to complete “The Circumference of a Prison,” a work of nonfiction exploring the criminal justice system's role in the everyday lives of Americans who have not committed crimes.

We have, unfortunately, heard stories like yours before, but not many of them have quite as happy an ending. What helped you persevere and turn your life around?

Most of my success, like everyone’s, has been a product of the support I’ve had around me. Despite not coming up in the greatest neighborhoods or school systems, I did have quality teachers from the very beginning and I did have a mother who made sure I understood the importance of education. Even in prison, I gravitated, whether it was good fortune or good judgment of character or my part, towards people helped me shape myself into who I am now. Most of the stories that don’t turn out well are a product of a series of failures and a serious lack of support. I’d be lying if I made it seem that this has been all a product of my doing.

What does poetry mean to you? How has it helped you?

Poetry opened up a world to me and offered me a way to communicate with the world. Most days I have no idea what poetry means, not in any logical sense. Sometimes a person is able to arrange words in a way that is both musical and insightful. And you care about it. You repeat, “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for” or “What did I know, what did I know, of loves austere and lonely offices,” and it all means more than just the words.

What is your favorite type of poetry or poet?

I don’t have a favorite type of poetry as much as I have poems and poets that I go to often. Robert Hayden, Etheridge Knight, Tracy K. Smith -- her new book is pretty amazing in a way I hadn’t expected. Elizabeth Alexander, Ellen Bryant Voigt. I really admire this collection by Richard Siken.

I mean, I can name names, and to be involved with literature is really to understand that it’s hard to reduce it to a favorite. It’s like asking a hip-hop head who is his favorite MC. He might name a name, but the conversation, if it’s real and the person knows music, will have him thinking about an abundance of lyricists and then of lyrics that stick with him even if he doesn’t like the rapper as much. I’m thinking particularly of that song by The Pharcyde, “Passing Me By” -- I can easily recite it but that doesn’t mean they are my favorites.

Can you tell us a bit about your book club?

The book club is really from a past life. One of the things I’ve realized is that the club existed in part because Karibu Books, which was the largest independent black book store in the country. I had a job that allowed me to be around books all the time and allowed me to be at the center of certain conversations around the need to increase literacy in the community. Also, I was a college student at the time, so I was more or less about to do this book club for free. I’d love to start another book club, in another place. Right now, though, I’m doing a lot of other things, from being a parent and husband, to working and writing and being a spokesperson for the Campaign for Youth Justice. Unfortunately, the book club hasn’t fit into that frame in quite some time. But maybe in the future.

With the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) holding its annual conference in a few weeks, we thought it would be a good time to catch up with Alexandra Owens, executive director of ASJA, to get the inside scoop on the conference and what’s going on at ASJA. [Full disclosure: ProfNet is a sponsor of this year’s conference. We hope to see you there!]

Alexandra, I know I’ve told you before that I am a huge fan of ASJA. For those who might not be familiar with it, can you tell us a little about the organization?

ASJA is the professional organization of independent (freelance) nonfiction writers. It was founded in 1948 as the Society of Magazine Writers, but has grown to include nonfiction freelance writers of all kinds.

What are some of the ways in which ASJA helps writers?

ASJA was founded to let writers help one another, and that's still an abiding principle. ASJA members share information about their work, especially what they're getting paid and about markets -- strengthening all.

The ASJA Monthly is a taste of what members can learn: ow.ly/jU94f

And now, with the ASJA Educational Foundation, we're broadening our scope to help all freelance writers, not just ASJA members.

What is the biggest issue facing freelancers today? More competition? Low pay? Something else?

Probably the biggest is the changing industry itself. With the traditional media industry struggling to find a new business model, freelance writers are being tossed about. It's not as simple as low pay or more competition; it's all changing and freelance writers, like everyone else, have to adapt. The good news is that freelancing is, by definition, being able to adapt.

What is the state of payment for freelancers? Are rates getting lower?

That's an interesting question. I'd say rates are not getting lower so much as pay models are changing completely. In some ways "rates" are lower, and in others, they're better. The truth: New media models don't fit into traditional per-word pay metrics. So what are "rates"? Per-click, per-view, per-hour, per-project, and retainer pay models are gaining ground. Writers who know how to navigate them can absolutely improve their income. Traditional media pay rates have not gone up, that's for sure, since 1960 or before.

Should writers ever work for free? Is it ever worth it to do a job for “exposure”?

Ahhh, the HuffPo question! There may be situations where it makes sense. Does a carpenter ever work for a charity, or contribute to a design house? Of course. If the writer has something to gain (besides "exposure," which kills people), donating one's writing may be profitable. But working for free so someone else can profit is, most of the time, simply foolish. It's a personal calculation everyone makes, every time they are asked. But pros get paid for their work, by definition.

If someone is thinking about becoming a freelancer, what should they have in place before even starting?

A financial cushion is critical. Freelance income is uneven in the best of circumstances. Probably the best tool a new freelancer can have these days is a very full basket of connections. Social media is critical. Work comes from many sources, but the No. 1 source is through personal connections and referrals. Don't burn ANY bridges.

We hear a lot about content marketing these days, and we’re noticing more ProfNet queries for corporate writing. Are you seeing that on your side too?

Content marketing, or writing for corporate entities, is nothing new really. There are two things happening now to bring it to the forefront, though. News organizations need new sources of revenue, and offering branded content can be a big one. And brands are seeing opportunity in social sharing, for which they need content to exploit. ASJA is talking about it, for sure. It's part of this upcoming conference, for example. And you'll be hearing about another event taking place later this year focusing completely on content marketing.

Speaking of the upcoming conference, can you tell us more about it?

Of course! #ASJA2013 is our 42nd annual conference in New York, always focused on freelance writing. There are two days open to the public, crammed with educational sessions on a wide variety of relevant topics. Attendees can also have personal mentoring sessions onsite. More than 600 writers, editors, agents, and industry thought leaders will be there to learn from one another.

On Friday, April 26, we have @ajjacobs speaking at the luncheon, who will be wildly entertaining.

Is there anything new for this year’s conference?

We've slowed things down a little; the sessions are longer and breaks are too. People will have time to make friends. We've added field trips, too: On Wednesday, April 24, there's a trip to the New York Public Library for a behind-the-scenes look, and a great walking tour of Grand Central Station is on tap too. (Sign up soon at www.asjaconference.org)

Oh, and ProfNet will be hosting a sponsored session on Friday on "The Art of Sourcing," on how writers can find, pick and work with experts.

Oh yes! We will have yours, as well as sponsored sessions from others. Follow #ASJA2013 for details.

Do you have to be an experienced freelancer, or are there sessions for newbies as well?

All of the sessions at #ASJA2013 are accessible to anyone. People who are new to freelancing may benefit the most, in fact. On April 27, there is a whole track called "Beginners Pluck" on intro issues, and a session geared for former staffers. Anyone can attend just one day, too, making it an affordable -- and extremely valuable -- career investment.

Programming on Thursday, April 25, is limited to ASJA members, but people can still apply and join in time to attend. See what it takes to join at t.co/xshvrweflu. Apply by Monday, April 15, to be an ASJA member by April 25.

Whether you're a reporter, blogger, author or other content creator, ProfNet can help you with your search for expert sources. You can send a query to tens of thousands of experts and PR agents, search the more than 60,000 profiles on ProfNet Connect, or get timely experts and story ideas by email -- all for free! Need help getting started? Email us at profnet@profnet.com

Where did your experts pop up last month? If you have a success story to share, drop me a line at profnet@profnet.com with “Success Story” in the subject line. Or “like” our Facebook page and leave your success story on our wall, and you might see your picture on the big screen in Times Square!

Not getting queries? Email profnet@profnet.com with your contact info, and we’ll send you details on how you can become a ProfNet member and get publicity for your experts.

With the Supreme Court hearing two cases this week involving same-sex marriage (Prop 8, DOMA), here are experts from our network that are available to discuss the cases. If you are interested in interviewing any of the experts, please contact them via the contact information at the end of the listing. To receive updates by email, drop us a note at profnet@profnet.com with the industries you cover, and we'll add you to the appropriate edition.

If you are in need of additional experts, you can also submit a query to the hundreds of thousands of experts in our network. You can filter your request by institution type and geographic location to get the most targeted responses. The best part? It’s free! Just fill out the query form to get started.

If you have any questions or need assistance with any aspect of ProfNet, please drop us a note at profnet@profnet.com.

Deborah Widiss
Associate Professor of Law
Indiana University Maurer School of Law
“Both of these cases are extremely important because they will clarify whether same-sex couples have the right to marry and whether lawful, same-sex marriages are valid for purposes of federal law.”
Widiss is a preeminent scholar on the same-sex marriage debate, having studied and written several papers and amicus briefs on the subject.
Bio: bit.ly/QJkoUV
Website: law.indiana.edu
Contact: Brianne O’Donnell, brianne.odonnell@gabbe.com

Beth Cate
Associate Professor
Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs
According to Cate, an attorney, the cases give the court an opportunity to make major statements about individual rights to equal protection under the law, and about states’ rights, in the context of same-sex marriage: “This would be particularly interesting in a term in which the justices are likely to say a good deal about individual rights to equal protection under law, and states' rights, in the context of race. But complicated issues related to whether the parties have ‘standing’ may prevent the court from reaching the rights issues. If it does reach them, it is difficult to see how DOMA's rule limiting marriage for federal law purposes to one man and one woman will survive. Neither case requires the court to go all out and declare that the Constitution guarantees a right to same-sex marriage, and it seems unlikely the court would go that far now if it doesn't have to."
Bio: bit.ly/Zmhmq0
Website: www.indiana.edu/~spea/index.shtml
Contact: Sara Beth Joren, sara.beth.joren@gabbe.com

Joe Solmonese
Managing Director and Founding Partner, Gavin/Solmonese
Past President, Human Rights Campaign
“These two cases present the Supreme Court with the ultimate opportunity to align the law with the increasing majority of Americans’ opinions -- including that of our president -- who support same-sex marriage in this country. A decades-long, complex road has brought the movement to this point.  This is the ultimate hurdle -- and opportunity -- that will forever change the landscape for gay rights. If DOMA, in particular, is not overturned, it will create chaos. States will continue to legalize same-sex marriage, but state and federal laws will exist in conflict with each other.  As states continue to legalize same-sex marriage, the effect will be to ghettoize the late-acting states, creating economic drain, business drain, talent drain and further exacerbating the economic impairment of what are already economically upside-down states.”
Solmonese is former president of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender advocacy organization. Under his seven-year leadership, HRC was instrumental in passing landmark legislation, such as the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, as well as the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. The organization also played a key role in winning full marriage equality in eight states, plus the District of Columbia. Solmonese is currently a managing director and founding partner of Gavin/Solmonese and leads the firm’s corporate strategy, public affairs and policy practice, where he advises corporations on organizational effectiveness strategies and policy development and implementation across a diverse spectrum of topics.
Website: www.gavinsolmonese.com
Media Contact: Kendall Roy, kroy@stargroup1.com

David B. Cruz
Law Professor
University of Southern California
“In order to win, Charles Cooper, the lawyer representing Protectmarriage.com, has to convince the Supreme Court that there is a legitimate justification for Prop 8 that doesn't depend on hostility toward gay people.”
An expert in constitutional law, Cruz has followed the same-sex marriage issue for more than a decade. He is available to discuss same-sex marriage, Proposition 8, Defense of Marriage Act, sexual orientation and the law, Equal Protection Clause and civil rights.
ProfNet Profile: www.profnetconnect.com/davidcruz
Website: law.usc.edu
Media Contact: Gilien Silsby, gsilsby@law.usc.edu

David T. Pisarra, Esq.
President
Pisarra and Grist
“What many people fail to recognize is that in the eyes of the law, marriage is a business contract -- nothing more and nothing less. Love, procreation and religion are not prerequisites to getting married and don’t influence the legalities of the contract. So, with this thinking, and knowing that gay Americans are not disallowed from entering into other contractual agreements, the current status surrounding same-sex marriage is nothing but an effort to legislate morality.”
Based in Los Angeles, Pisarra is a family law attorney with same-sex/civil union experience. He is president of Pisarra and Grist; founder of Men’s Family Law, dedicated to providing support and representation to men navigating the tumultuous waters of divorce; and head of International Child Custody, which focuses on those dealing with the complicated issue of international divorce and child custody. He writes a weekly column for the Santa Monica Daily Press titled, “What’s the Point,” and has authored three books on divorce for men. He also contributes to a wide variety of publications, including Huffington Post, Divorce360, Sudden Bachelor and many others. His most recent book, “What About Wally? Co-Parenting A Pet With Your Ex,” has received global media recognition and is co-authored with pet expert Steven May. It focuses on the common but underreported issue of what happens to the dog in a divorce or separation.
Website: www.mensfamilylaw.com
Media Contact: Todd Fraser, tfraser@inkincpr.com

Richard L. Kaplan
Peer and Sarah Pedersen Professor of Law
University of Illinois
The resolution of a U.S. Supreme Court case challenging the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act could have complicated tax consequences for same-sex couples, says Kaplan: “Marital status is implicated in more than 1,100 separate federal provisions, including more than 200 provisions in the tax code alone. The Affordable Care Act imposes two new taxes on married couples with incomes greater than $250,000 and individuals with income greater than $200,000. So, if two married people each earn $150,000, their combined income of $300,000 makes them liable for this extra tax. But under current law, a same-sex couple would not owe anything, because unmarried filers have an individual threshold of $200,000 each. The new Medicare tax on investment income works the same way. Marriage does, however, have significant financial benefits under other federal laws. Social Security provides a spousal benefit equal to half of a worker’s retirement benefit while that worker is alive, and a surviving spouse is entitled to that worker’s full benefit when the worker dies. Similarly, Medicare is available to the spouse of a worker enrolled in the program -- even if the spouse was never in the compensated workforce. Under current law, same-sex partners are not eligible for either Social Security or Medicare benefits because DOMA defines a ‘spouse’ as someone of the opposite gender. But if the court overturns DOMA, married same-sex couples would be eligible for those benefits. The ultimate irony in terms of defending marriage is that a divorced heterosexual spouse is currently entitled to Social Security and Medicare benefits as long as the marriage lasted at least 10 years, while DOMA holds that a same-sex spouse is completely ineligible for such benefits no matter how long they’ve been together.”
Media Contact: Philip Ciciora, pciciora@illinois.edu

Steve Siebold
Gay-Rights Activist, Author
Siebold predicts that within the next 10 years, gay marriage will be legal in all 50 states: “We’ve seen a huge shift in the numbers, and more Americans now support gay marriage than don’t. Americans are finally starting to realize that homosexuality is neither a choice nor a disease, any more than being a heterosexual is. Educated Americans know that homosexuals are no better or worse than anyone else, and should be left alone to pursue their own version of the American dream. This includes the right to marry. American society is still suffering from its puritanical roots, and many of our citizens refuse to accept anything that contradicts our cultural norms. The worst offenders are the religious zealots and televangelists who have poisoned millions with their hate-filled tirades against homosexuals. Would the average American allow a bully to beat up a little kid? No, but that’s exactly what we’ve allowed these religious extremists to do to homosexuals.”
Siebold is author of the book “Sex, Politics and Religion: How Delusional Thinking is Destroying America.”
Media Contact: Bruce Serbin, Bruce@Serbinmedia.com

Amy Stone
Associate Professor of Sociology
Trinity University
For her book, "Gay Rights at the Ballot Box," Stone chronicled the history of ballot victories and defeats of the LGTB movement and the effect ballot measures have had on the movement: "There is a real tension between the ballot measures, which take up tons of time, energy, and money, and the larger movement. At the same time, ballot campaigns can have a beneficial effect on the LGBT community. The need to organize during an election can bring together activists who had not been in contact before.  Once the campaign is over, local groups have the resources and skills needed to continue working on other issues. The good news is that the LGBT movement has become really good at fighting anti-gay ballot measures. Voters have become more supportive of nondiscrimination laws and increasingly supportive of same-sex marriage. Just in the last couple of years, support for same-sex marriage has grown dramatically."
Media Contact: Russell Guerrero, rguerrer@trinity.edu

Mark Scurti
Attorney
Pessin Katz
Scurti teaches “Contemporary Legal Issues Seminar: Sexual Orientation and the Law” as an adjunct professor at University of Maryland Carey School of Law, and is a private attorney with the Baltimore firm of Pessin Katz, where he practices in bankruptcy and same-sex law. He is a leader in Maryland’s pro bono legal community and in providing legal assistance to the LGBT community. Scurti plans to attend the March 26 hearing on the Prop 8 case.
Bio: pklaw.com/pk-law-directory/scurti-mark-f...
UM Carey Law class:  tinyurl.com/c5qzls9
Media Contact: Jeffrey Raymond, jraym001@umaryland.edu

David S. Cohen
Professor
Drexel University
Cohen is a constitutional law and gender issues expert and a professor at the Earle Mack School of Law at Drexel University in Philadelphia. His publications include articles in the Harvard Journal of Law and Gender, George Washington Law Review, Indiana Law Journal, Boston University Law Review, the South Carolina Law Review and the Columbia Journal of Gender and Law. His previous scholarship looked at Title IX protections against sex discrimination as well as race in the criminal justice system. Cohen received his J.D. from Columbia University School of Law, where he was named a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and received the Public Interest Commitment Award and two Columbia Human Rights Fellowships. He was managing editor of the Columbia Human Rights Law Review and articles editor of the Columbia Journal of Gender and Law.
Bio: tinyurl.com/cwlpd4c
Media Contact: Alex McKechnie, ahm62@drexel.edu

George Seide
Founding Partner
Adelman & Seide, LLP
A family attorney since 1992, Seide practices general family law with a few sub-specialties, including prosecution and defense of contempt proceedings, formation and termination of same-sex marriages and of domestic partnerships which have been legally registered, and representing people facing charges of not paying child support.  He was certified as a family law specialist in 2004, and recently finished serving as chairperson of the State Bar Family Law Section for The California State Bar.
Expert Contact: gseide@adelman-seide.com

Neal Devins
Goodrich Professor of Law, Marshall-Wythe School of Law
The College of William & Mary
Devins served as assistant general counsel for the U. S. Commission on Civil Rights, and project director for the Vanderbilt Institute for Public Policy Studies. He is the author of “Shaping Constitutional Values: The Supreme Court, Elected Government and the Abortion Dispute,” and articles in the Chicago, Columbia, Stanford, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia, California, William and Mary and Yale Law Reviews. He is co-author of “Political Dynamics of Constitutional Law and The Democratic Constitution,” and editor of the book series, “Constitutional Conflicts,” published by Duke University Press. He is a consultant to the ABA Central and Eastern European Law Initiative, reporter for the Congressional Process Committee of the ABA, and serves on the board of directors of AVALON (a battered women’s shelter). He is faculty advisor to the William and Mary Bill of Rights Journal. Devins co-authored a post regarding same-sex marriage on SCOTUSblog last year: tinyurl.com/cwn5v4c
Media Contact: Phillip Jones, pbjones@wm.edu

Aaron Bruhl
Associate Professor of Law
University of Houston Law Center
Bruhl can address the litigation history, political and historical significance of these cases, possible rulings the court could issue, and Supreme Court procedure. Bruhl teaches and writes on statutory interpretation, federal courts and the legislative process.
Media Contacts: Carrie Criado, cacriado@central.uh.edu, or John T. Kling, jtkling@central.uh.edu

Geoffrey Hoffman
Clinical Associate Professor of Law
University of Houston Law Center
Hoffman can comment on the possible ramifications of the cases as applied to family-based immigration cases. Hoffman is the director of the UH Law Center’s Immigration Clinic.
Media Contacts: Carrie Criado, cacriado@central.uh.edu, or John T. Kling, jtkling@central.uh.edu

Thomas Oldham
Professor of Law
University of Houston Law Center
Oldham can address the odds the court will announce a constitutional right to marry for gay couples and what are the likely results. Oldham is a recognized expert in family law and marital property.
Media Contacts: Carrie Criado, cacriado@central.uh.edu, or John T. Kling, jtkling@central.uh.edu

Rev. Jacqueline Lewis, Ph.D.
Senior Minister/Minister for Vision, Worship and the Arts
Middle Collegiate Church
A gay-rights activist, Lewis is senior minister/minister for vision, worship and the arts at Middle Collegiate Church in the East Village. She is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Drew University (M.Phil. and Ph.D.). Lewis, ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA,) serves on the Multiracial Congregation Task Force of the Reformed Church in America. She is a guest speaker and preacher on the topics of racial justice and reconciliation. She is an adjunct professor at The Graduate Theological Union (Center for Arts and Worship), Wesley Theological Seminary (Leadership, D.Min program) and Union Theological Seminary (Preaching and Worship). She is the author of “You are So Wonderful! A Rhyming Celebration of the Uniqueness of Every Child” (Augsburg Fortress, 2003). Her book, “The Power of Stories: A Guide for Leaders in Multi-Racial and Multi-Cultural Congregations,” was published in April 2008 by Abingdon Press.
Contact Information: Dinorah Peña, Dinorah@Danielides.net

We regularly update our ProfNet Connect calendar to include upcoming events we think will be of interest to PR and media professionals. Following is a summary of the events taking place over the next week or so:

Event: Getting Ink: Secrets to Pitching a Great Story
Host: IPRA
Date: April 4
Location: Vienna, Va.
Summary: Gwen Flanders of USA Today and Arin Greenwood of Huffington Post will share advice about how to work with their organizations to get noticed. Both panelists focus on the Washington, D.C., region, providing perspective on how to get press in arguably one of the nation's toughest media markets.
Complete event info here.

Event: NPC Luncheon
Host: National Press Club
Date: April 9
Location: Washington, D.C.
Summary: Dr. John H. Noseworthy, Mayo Clinic president and CEO, will discuss issues facing the health care industry.
Complete event info here.

Event: Free Networking Event
Host: NJ CAMA
Date: April 10
Location: Kingston, N.J.
Summary: The happy hour event will allow individuals in the advertising and communications fields the opportunity to mingle and make new business connections.
Complete event info here.

Event: How to Create Reputation-Building CSR Programs and Avoid the CSR Trap
Host: PRSA Westchester/Fairfield
Date: April 11
Location: Westchester, N.Y.
Summary: Learn why every organization – big and small – needs practical social responsibility programs. An expert panel will explore the positive visibility benefits of sustainability and social responsibility programs and the need for PR professionals to be sensitive to negative repercussions. The panelists will detail award-winning initiatives and help define critical issues affecting your organization’s social responsibility strategies.
Complete event info here.

Event: Connecting the Content Dots
Host: PR Newswire
Date: April 11
Location: Online
Summary: Your target audiences are interacting with your brand, message, and content through a variety of channels. As a result, marketers increasingly need to create messages in multiple formats and ensure that these messages are reaching cross-channel audiences. In this free webinar, Jon Miller of Marketo and Michael Pranikoff of PR Newswire will discuss ways to more effectively utilize the myriad distribution channels and options available (including email, social media, blogs, press releases and websites) to support your content strategy, reach a larger audience and generate more leads for your organization.
Complete event info here.

Event: NPC Luncheon
Host: National Press Club
Date: April 12
Location: Washington, D.C.
Summary: Award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, whose films include “The Civil War” and “Jazz,” will discuss his latest film, “The Central Park Five.”
Complete event info here.

Whether you're a reporter, blogger, author or other content creator, ProfNet can help you with your search for expert sources. You can send a query to tens of thousands of experts and PR agents, search the more than 60,000 profiles on ProfNet Connect, or get timely experts and story ideas by email -- all for free! Need help getting started? Email us at profnet@profnet.com

In light of April as Autism Awareness Month, here are various experts from the ProfNet network that are available to discuss autism spectrum disorders. If you are interested in interviewing any of the experts, please contact them via the contact information at the end of the listing. If you are interested in interviewing any of the experts, please contact them via the contact information at the end of the listing.

If you are in need of additional experts, you can also submit a query to the hundreds of thousands of experts in our network. You can filter your request by institution type and geographic location to get the most targeted responses. The best part? It’s free! Just fill out the query form to get started.

If you have any questions or need assistance with any aspect of ProfNet, please drop us a note at profnet@profnet.com.

EXPERT ROUNDUP: Autism Awareness Month

Ellyn Lucas Arwood, Ed.D.
Professor, School of Education
University of Portland
"The biggest issue about those with autism is that they learn with the use of mental shapes that match their visual thinking but they are living in an auditory world, so there is a cultural and linguistic mismatch."
Dr. Arwood has been a speech-language pathologist, educator, and special educator for the past 35 years. She began working with children with autism in 1972. She is the author of five textbooks, as well as numerous articles, chapters, and monographs, and has made hundreds of presentations in the area of learning and language. She has often been referred to as a lady before her time, as she created numerous instructional ways of helping children and adults become productive academically and socially. For example, she began using drawing with nonverbal students in 1971, developing it into drawn pictures, event-based pictures, cartoons and flowcharts. Today, these types of visual materials are frequently used with children and adults with autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Arwood enjoys an international reputation in learning and language, especially as it relates to students with neurogenic disabilities. She teamed with Carole Kaulitz to create their latest AAPC-published book, “Learning with a Visual Brain in an Auditory World: Visual Language Strategies for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.” She is based in Portland, Ore.
Media Contact: Roya Ghorbani-Elizeh, ghorbani@up.edu

Caroline Sandler
Director, Heeling Autism Program
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
“Every day, we understand more about the exponential powers of our autism service dogs and marvel at the impact they have in their new homes. Families are able to go on outings that wouldn’t have been possible before, ranging from dinner at the local restaurant to vacations to Disney World. All parents have found that the dog’s influence extends far beyond the one child -- eliciting positive responses from siblings, extended family and the wider community.”
Through the Heeling Autism program, Sandler and her trainers provide families with professionally trained autism service dogs, completely free of charge and with a 100 percent success rate. With most autism therapies still financially prohibitive, many have turned to Heeling Autism as an alternative -- some after trying a host of other options with little or no success. In addition to keeping children safe from bolting, university-conducted research has also shown significant improvement in sleep, eating, peer interaction, and overall behavior.
Media Contact: Kelly Lee, Kelly@cocommunications.com

Elaine Hall
Founder
The Miracle Project
"They may say it takes a village to raise a child; I like to think it takes a child with special needs to raise the consciousness of a village."
Elaine Hall (“Coach E!”) has been referenced by The New York Times as “the child whisperer” and nominated by LA Magazine as one of Los Angeles’ “50 most inspiring women.” Hall was a top Hollywood children’s acting coach whose life changed dramatically after her son Neal, adopted from a Russian orphanage, was diagnosed with autism. When traditional therapies didn’t work, she rallied creative people to join Neal’s world, which brought Neal out of his isolation. Hall developed these methods  to create The Miracle Project, a groundbreaking theatre-based socialization program, profiled in the Emmy Award-winning HBO film, “Autism: The Musical.” Hall has appeared on CNN, CBS, Oprah Radio and NPR, and has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe and more. The United Nations chose her memoir, “Now I See the Moon,” for World Autism Awareness Day 2011, where she has spoken several times. She is an international keynote speaker, a workshop leader and blogs for the Huffington Post. Hall presented her latest book, “Seven Keys to Unlock Autism: Creating Miracles In The Classroom,” at an international conference in Jerusalem, and will be speaking at Harvard in March. She has received honors from Autism Speaks, Autism Society of L.A., The Mayor of Los Angeles, Senator Pavley, Areva Martin, Holly Robinson Peete, Etta Israel, and The Shalom Institute, among others. Hall and her team are now launching The Miracle Project nationally. Hall created and directs an arts enrichment and a religious education at Vista Del Mar in West Los Angeles, which is a recent recipient of a Jewish Community Foundation grant to provide training in inclusion throughout Los Angeles Synagogues. She lives in Santa Monica, Calif., with the two loves of her life: her 18-year-old son Neal and her husband Jeff Frymer, a therapist.
Hall is available for interviews to discuss autism, inclusion, non-verbal autistics, and the positive impact of individuals with autism.
Expert Contact: coachelainehall@gmail.com

Steven Pastyrnak, Ph.D.
Division Chief of Pediatric Psychology
Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
“With all that we know about autism, there is so much more to be experienced and learned. Autism spectrum disorders are complex. They can be as individual and unique as the child living with the disorder. For the child and the family that loves them, it is a journey of patience, strength and understanding.”
Pastyrnak provides inpatient and outpatient consultation services for physicians within the hospital setting. Consultations primarily involve psychological and neuropsychological assessment of children from the ages of 4 months to young adulthood. He also manages administration, supervision and program development of the Pediatric Psychology Clinic. He holds a doctorate of philosophy degree in clinical psychology from Nova Southeastern University, and serves as a regular lecturer both within and outside of Spectrum Health. He is currently participating in multiple pediatric clinical research projects at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. He has been featured numerous national media outlets, including Everyday Health, Sirius XM’s Doctor Radio and Good Parenting Radio, Reuters, WebMD, Parents, CBSNews.com and FOXnews.com. He is available for interviews and can discuss infant toddler development, ADHD, anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorders, cognitive behavioral therapy and pediatric research.
Media Contact: Melissa Kamara Liggins, melissa.kamaraliggins@spectrumhealth.org

Dr. Steven Goldberg, DDS
Inventor
DentalVibe
“Dental health is extremely important to maintain despite one’s personal development. However, for those with disabilities, ensuring proper care can be a difficult task for both the patient and the dental provider. More importantly, the experience can be unpleasant for patients with special needs. When the experience is negative, less attention is paid to this imperative health concern.”
Goldberg graduated from New York University’s College of Dentistry and has been in practice for more than two decades. In that time, he built a successful general and cosmetic dental practice in Boca Raton, Fla., and invented the new DentalVibe Injection Comfort System. He teamed up with senior engineers and designers at Bresslergroup in Philadelphia to co-develop DentalVibe using Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall's "Gate Control Theory of Pain"; that is, redefining the injection process and changing the perception of dentistry worldwide. The theory states that vibrations travel much faster to the brain than the feeling of pain. Once vibrations have reached the brain, the “pain gate” is closed and patients won’t be able to feel the prick of the needle nor the injection pressure.
Goldberg is available to discuss: steps to effectively communicate and comfort patients with autism; new innovations and technological advances, such as the DentalVibe, to help make dentistry pain-free for those with special needs; tips to ensure your special needs family member is receiving proper care from their dentist.
Media Contact: Laura Maxey, lmaxey@5wpr.com

Christopher Lopata, PsyD
Co-director, Institute for Autism Research
Canisius College
“High-functioning autism spectrum disorders (HFASDs) need to be treated comprehensively. Treatment programs need to get to the core symptoms -- social, behavioral and emotional. In a second randomized clinical trial, we found a comprehensive treatment program to be highly effective in improving the social performance and clinical symptoms of children with HFASDs. Children demonstrated significantly higher scores on child measures of non-literal language skills and knowledge of appropriate social behaviors, as well as significantly higher parent-ratings for targeted and broader social skills and significantly lower ratings of autism symptoms compared to children in the control group.”
Based in Buffalo, N.Y., Dr. Lopata is available to discuss HFASDs, treatment strategies and his research.
Media Contact: Eileen Herbert, herberte@canisius.edu

Marcus L. Thomeer, Ph.D.
Co-director, Institute for Autism Research
Canisius College
“In a second randomized clinical trial, we found a comprehensive treatment program to be highly effective in improving the social performance and clinical symptoms of children with HFASDs. The increase in child understanding, along with the increase in parent ratings of social and social-communication skills, suggests that the children in comprehensive treatment programs acquired new skills and social-cognitive understanding and translated those into effective social performance outside of the treatment setting. This is an important finding, as generalization of skills and behaviors beyond the treatment setting are a major obstacle for children with HFASDs. The significant decrease in autism symptoms following treatment is also noteworthy, as few treatments have been able to reduce these long-term impediments to daily functioning.”
Based in Buffalo, N.Y., Dr. Thomeer is available to discuss HFASDs, treatment strategies and his research.
Media Contact: Eileen Herbert, herberte@canisius.edu

Marcel Just
D.O. Hebb Professor of Psychology
Carnegie Mellon University
"The brain's processing of social information is performed by a network of areas, some of which are frontal, and some of which are posterior. This tells us where the problem lies in autism. We can now focus on designing therapies that attempt to either improve the white matter -- something we have already proven is possible through behavioral interventions -- or help the brain develop work-around strategies."
Just provides an explanation for some of autism's mysteries -- from social and communication disorders to restricted interests -- and gives scientists clear targets for developing intervention and treatment therapies. Just uses brain imaging and computer modeling to show how the brain's white matter tracts (the cabling that connects separated brain areas) are altered in autism, and how these alterations can affect brain function and behavior. The deficiencies affect the tracts' bandwidth (the speed and rate at which information can travel along the pathways). These findings build on Just's 2004 influential "Frontal-Posterior Underconnectivity Theory of Autism," which first discovered and explained that the synchronization of the activation between frontal and posterior brain areas is lower in autism.
News Contact: Shilo Rea, shilo@cmu.edu

Marci Schwartz, LCSW, Ph.D.
Founder and Chair of Advisory Board
Camp Altitude
"As children with autism hit puberty, their parents must deal with a new range of issues. We created a camp to specifically help these teens discover their 'best selves.' Summer camp can be a transformational experience for all kids, but especially for these teens, who are dealing with significant new concerns -- ranging from changing personal hygiene habits to relationships with the opposite sex to high school/college preparation."
Schwartz is a specialist in teens and tweens with social development issues, with a focus on Asperger's, high-functioning autism and other social cognitive challenges. She received her MSW and Ph.D. from New York University, and has been providing counseling services for parents of children with developmental disabilities for over 20 years. She has offices in Mountain View and Los Gatos, Calif., and her private practice focuses primarily on parents of children with developmental delays, including autistic spectrum disorders, nonverbal learning disorders and attention deficit disorders. The emphasis of her work is focused on helping parents better understand their children’s unique way of learning and interacting with their environment. She helps parents implement concrete strategies for their families that incorporate the specific learning styles of all the members of the family. She also focuses on helping parents address their emotional needs, such as issues around frustration, anger, sadness and worry regarding their children.
Website: http://www.camp-altitude.com
Media Contact: Nancy A. Shenker, nancys@theonswitch.com

Dr. Annette Cartaxo
Chief of Pediatrics, Newton Medical Center
Integrative Medicine Pediatrician, Atlantic Integrative Medicine
“Proper nutrition goes hand-in-hand with feeling better. When you eat well, you feel and act well, too. Getting proper nutrition can be more challenging for children with autism and other difficulties chewing and swallowing certain foods. Learning about different kinds of foods and new ways to prepare meals can alleviate much of the frustration parents can feel when cooking for their children.”
Dr. Cartaxo, a board-certified pediatrician, is chief of pediatrics at Newton Medical Center in Newton, N.J., and an integrative medicine pediatrician for Atlantic Integrative Medicine in Morristown, N.J. Dr. Cartaxo has been in the health and nutritional field for over 25 years and has treated a number of pediatric conditions including ADHD, Autism, Developmental disorders, Neurological Disorders, Feeding Issues, Food allergies, GI disorders, Infant colic, Holistic Well Baby Consultation and Insomnia. She is a development/behavioral pediatrician who for many years incorporated nutritional medicine in her practice, especially those children with special needs. She is a strong supporter and member of The American College of Nutrition and frequently lectures on the positive impact wholesome nutrition plays on those individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit disorder. Dr. Cartaxo has written numerous articles appearing in natural health journals and newsletters as well as other publications. She also co-authored two chapters (Autism and Seizures) in a nutritional textbook titled, "Foods and Nutrients in Disease Management." She is co-author of “Healing Autism in the Kitchen,” which examines the healing aspects of a healthy diet, with specific emphasis on oral motor difficulties in children with autism spectrum and developmental disorders. This book also provides the necessary tools and guidelines for parents and introduces them to the fundamentals of cooking.
Website: healingautisminthekitchen.com
Media Contact: Rob Seman, Robert.Seman@atlantichealth.org

Paul A. Law, M.D., M.P.H.
Director, Interactive Autism Network
Kennedy Krieger Institute
“Recent research indicates that children receiving special education services are at risk of being victimized at higher rates than regular education students. Our findings show that not only are these children being bullied more, but they are also experiencing significant short-term, and likely long-term, effects of being bullied.”
Dr. Law joined Kennedy Krieger in 2005 to lead a project to develop the Interactive Autism Network, which connects individuals on the autism spectrum and their families with researchers nationwide to accelerate the pace of autism research and aid advocacy efforts for improved services and resources. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Informatics Association and Delta Omega, the Honorary Society in Public Health. Dr. Law earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University (JHU) in 1997 and received a master's of public health degree from the JHU School of Public Health in the year prior. He completed his pediatric residency in 2000 and a health informatics fellowship in 2005 -- both at Johns Hopkins. He has extensive experience in the design and implementation of health research studies in autism and international health. He created and currently is the director of the Interactive Autism Network, an innovative online database with 43,000 participants who contribute information to create the largest pool of autism data in the world. In addition to supporting scientific investigation, it provides individuals and families affected by autism with unprecedented information about the experiences of others, and serves as an open resource for educators and policy makers.
Dr. Law is available to speak about the impact of the Interactive Autism Network on autism research, including studies on elopement/wandering and bullying. He recently authored a study in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics that found bullying causes significant short-term emotional and physical consequences for children with autism.
Website: www.ianproject.org
Media Contact: Megan Thorpe, mthorpe@spectrumscience.com

Rebecca Landa, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Director, Center for Autism and Related Disorders
Kennedy Krieger Institute
"Don't adopt a 'wait and see' perspective on autism. We want to identify delays early in development so that intervention can begin when children's brains are more malleable and still developing their circuitry.”
Dr. Landa is a speech-language pathologist. She has practiced in the public schools, university clinics and hospital settings, and has consulted with schools and families on an international level to establish state-of-the-science educational programming for children with autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Landa obtained her master's degree at the Pennsylvania State University and her doctorate at the University of Washington. She completed post-doctoral training in psychiatric genetics at Johns Hopkins. She is the recipient of the NIMH Shannon Award for excellent and innovative research, as well as the Rita Rudel Prize for Developmental Neuropsychology.
Dr. Landa has been on the forefront of research surrounding the early detection and intervention of autism for more than 10 years. She can provide details on a range of topics, such as advancements in the development of new early intervention protocol for 1-year-olds, signs and symptoms that parents and pediatricians can look for in their child’s early stage development, and details and updates on her groundbreaking research that led to the identification of the earliest signs of autism. In 2001, Dr. Landa was the first researcher to receive funding from the National Institutes of Health to launch an innovative study of baby siblings of autism. Still ongoing today, the research was ground-breaking in its identification of the earliest signs of autism, and subsequently sparked Dr. Landa's development and research of an early intervention model which was shown to stimulate significant improvements in toddlers with autism.
Dr. Landa’s work also led to the development of the Baby Siblings Research Consortium, supported by Autism Speaks, which studies infant siblings of children with autism. As part of the consortium’s executive committee, Dr. Landa oversees this international network of researchers who are pooling data to facilitate research with infants at high risk of developing autism. Her team provides training and support to professionals and has worked directly with select schools in the Baltimore area to create model classrooms that utilize the core principles of autism early intervention established through the team’s research. As a result of this training, more children have access to the latest research-based strategies at lower costs, with the goal of improving outcomes for children with autism across the state of Maryland.
Media Contact: Megan Thorpe, mthorpe@spectrumscience.com

Ericka A. Wodka, Ph.D.
Pediatric Neuropsychologist, Center for Autism and Related Disorders
Kennedy Krieger Institute
“Our recent study about ASD and language delays found that nonverbal intelligence was the strongest predictor of phrase speech, while social interest and engagement were as robust, if not greater, when predicting the age that children attained phrase speech and fluent speech. Children with typical nonverbal intelligence attained language almost six months ahead of those with scores below the average.”
Dr. Wodka graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 2001 with a bachelor's of science in neurobiology and physiology. She then continued her education at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA, earning a master's of science in 2003 and a doctoral degree in 2006, both in clinical psychology with a concentration in clinical neuropsychology. She completed her clinical internship at the Mailman Center for Child Development and University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Miami, and then completed her post-doctoral residency in pediatric neuropsychology at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She joined Kennedy Krieger as a pediatric neuropsychologist and licensed psychologist in 2008. She is active in the mentoring programs at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and participates in the neuropsychological training of externs, pre-doctoral interns and post-doctoral residents. Dr. Wodka's expertise includes understanding the cognitive and behavioral aspects of neurodevelopmental disorders (including ADHD and autism), specifically related to brain behavior relationships involving attention. Dr. Wodka recently published a study that revealed 70 percent of children with ASD, who have a history of severe language delay, achieved phrase or fluent speech by age eight. This suggests that more children presenting with ASD and severe language delay at age four can be expected to make notable language gains than was previously thought.
Media Contact: Megan Thorpe, mthorpe@spectrumscience.com

Roma Vasa, M.D.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Center for Autism & Related Disorders
Kennedy Krieger Institute
“The finding of higher rates of emergency room visits among children with autism demonstrates that many children with autism aren’t receiving sufficient outpatient mental health care to prevent and manage the type of crises that are driving these families to seek urgent help. These findings should highlight the urgent need for better comprehensive outpatient mental health care and insurance coverage for children with autism, along with greater education and training for emergency medical staff.”
Dr. Vasa sees children and adolescents with autism and a variety of psychiatric disorders, with a specific focus on anxiety. She is board-certified and an active member of the Maryland Regional Council of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She completed her undergraduate training at Colby College and received her medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 1991. She completed an internal medicine fellowship at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital and her adult and child psychiatry training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Vasa can speak to the need for greater mental health care and insurance coverage for children with autism. Dr. Vasa recently published the first study to compare mental health-related emergency department (ED) visits between children with and without autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The findings were that ED visits are nine times more likely to be for psychiatric reasons if a child has an ASD diagnosis.
Media Contact: Megan Thorpe, mthorpe@spectrumscience.com

Jeffrey R. Robinson, Ph.D.
Founder and Director
Behavioral Concepts, Inc.
“When the school year begins, many parents utilize the programs available through the school but are unaware that home support and services are available through their private health insurance.”
Dr. Robinson is founder and director of Behavioral Concepts, Inc., a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts. The company provides public schools, students, and their families with highly specialized consultative and direct services to meet their unique developmental, neurological, and behavioral needs. Dr. Robinson works directly with the faculty, children, and their families to promote meaningful inclusion within local public schools and increased structure at home. Although his clinical expertise is applied behavior analysis, Dr. Robinson’s approach is to incorporate other clinically appropriate strategies within a coordinated system of interventions and therapies. He uses developmental, educational, behavioral, communicative, and sensory-based services with children to promote their unique learning style. Despite a specialization in Pervasive Developmental Disability (PDD)-Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dr. Robinson has extensive experience working with children and young adults that present with most disorders of behavior and cognition. His work has been published and he has presented at more than 20 local, state, regional, and national conferences.
Media Contact: Steve Dubin, sdubin@prworkzone.com

Alison Singer
Co-founder and President
Autism Science Foundation
Singer is co-founder and president of the Autism Science Foundation, a not for profit organization that funds autism research and serves to increase awareness of autism spectrum disorders and the needs of individuals and families affected by autism. From 2005-2009, Singer served as executive vice president and a member of the board of directors of Autism Speaks. As the mother of a child with autism and legal guardian of her adult brother with autism, she is a natural advocate. Since 2007, she has served on the national Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), which is charged with writing a strategic plan to guide federal spending for autism research. Within the IACC, she serves as co-chair of the safety subcommittee and on the subcommittee for strategic plan review. Singer also currently serves on the executive boards of the Yale Child Study Center and the Marcus Autism Center at Emory University, on the external advisory board of the CDC’s Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, as a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Immunization Coalition, on the editorial review boards of several scientific journals, and as a member of the program committee for the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR). She graduated magna cum laude from Yale University with a B.A. in economics and has an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Expert Contact: asinger@autismsciencefoundation.org

Lisa Shulman, M.D.
Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Director of the Rehabilitation, Evaluation and Learning for Autistic Infants and Toddlers
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Dr. Shulman is a developmental pediatrician with special expertise in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and learning disabilities. Her research interests include early identification of autism, healthcare disparity in autism diagnosis and management, and complementary and alternative medicine usage in autism. Dr. Shulman directs Einstein’s Infant and Toddler Services at the Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC), which provides family-based diagnostic assessment of young children who have or are suspected of having developmental delays. She also directs CERC’s Rehabilitation, Evaluation and Learning for Autistic Infants and Toddlers at Einstein (RELATE), a special unit for diagnosing and managing children with autism. Here’s a video of Dr. Shulman explaining key development milestones: www.einstein.yu.edu/video/default.asp
Blog: blogs.einstein.yu.edu/?author=8
Media Contact: Kim Newman, kimberly.newman@einstein.yu.edu

Dr. Howard Shane
Boston Children’s Hospital
The use of tablet apps and related technology in the field of treating autism is growing rapidly. Dr. Howard Shane’s research focus is on children with complex communication impairment related to autism and other developmental disorders. Currently, he is studying the use of technology, specifically with tablet apps, and visual supports to improve communication and learning in persons with autism. He is keenly interested in the development of a visual language system to both improve and augment the spoken language system for persons with autism who have difficulty processing spoken language.
Media Contact: Michael Clark, Michael.clark@morris-king.com

David M. Katz, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Neurosciences
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
The Katz laboratory seeks to understand mechanisms of neural circuit dysfunction in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and to develop new therapeutic approaches. A noted autism researcher, Katz and his team use behavioral, electrophysiological, biochemical, imaging and morphometric techniques in genetic mouse models of ASDs to define how deviations in signals between nerve cells alter normal behavior. Part of their research is dedicated to preclinical evaluation of novel therapies for Rett syndrome and other ASDs. He is based in Cleveland.
Media Contact: Bill Lubinger, william.lubinger@case.edu

Dr. Roger Kurlan
Medical Director, Atlantic Neuroscience Institute - Movement Disorders Program
Overlook Medical Center
A board-certified neurologist, Dr. Kurlan is the lead investigator of a study looking at gene expression in autistic and non-autistic males aged 14-21. This study looks at the genetic makeup of persons with autism and those without, to try to determine what genes might contribute to the development of autism. Dr. Kurlan is also a nationally known specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of Tourette’s Syndrome, and has noted some similarities in the two disorders. Prior to joining Overlook Medical Center in 2009, Dr. Kurlan was chief of the Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology Unit, Department of Neurology, and professor, Center for Aging and Developmental Biology, both at the University of Rochester School of Medicine. He is fellow, American Academy of Neurology; member, NIH Clinical Neuroscience and Disease (CND) Study Section; and member, Movement Disorders Society CME Committee. He is a supplement editor for the journal Neurology and a reviewer for more than 20 journals and publications, including Archives of Neurology, Biological Psychiatry, Journal of Child Psychology, Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines, Perceptual and Motor Skills, and Journal of Neuroimmunology.
Media Contact: Janina Hecht, janina.hecht@atlantichealth.org

Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D.
Chief Science Officer
Autism Speaks
Dawson serves as the scientific leader of Autism Speaks, working with the scientific community, stakeholders, and science staff to shape, expand, and communicate the foundation's scientific vision and strategy. She is also professor of psychiatry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dawson's scientific achievements include discovering that autism symptoms could be recognized during infancy, defining the earliest manifestations of autism, pioneering the use of event-related brain potentials to study early brain dysfunction in autism, development of behavioral and electrophysiological endophenotypes in genetic studies of autism, and development and evaluation of the Early Start Denver Model, an intervention for infants and toddlers with autism. Dawson has published over 180 scientific articles and chapters and co-edited or authored a number of books about autism spectrum disorder and brain development, including “Autism Spectrum Disorders,” “Human Behavior, Learning, and the Developing Brain,” “A Parent's Guide to Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism.” She has received over 50 grants supporting her research, including 17 research grants from NIH. From 2000-2007, Dawson founded and directed University of Washington Autism Center's multi-disciplinary clinical services program, the largest of its kind in the northwestern United States. A strong advocate for families, Dawson has testified before the U.S. Senate on behalf of individuals with autism and played a key role on the Washington State Autism Task Force.
Media Contact: Dana Marnane, dmarnane@autismspeaks.org

Peter Bell
EVP, Programs and Services
Autism Speaks
Bell has been involved in numerous accomplishments that have had major benefit to the autism community, including: advancing autism insurance reform in state legislatures across the nation, as well as federal health care reform; securing legislative support and appropriations for autism research through the Combating Autism Act of 2006 (CAA), the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and recent renewal of the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act of 2011 (CARA); developing highly regarded resources for families, such as the Autism Speaks' 100 Day Kit, School Community Tool Kit, and Transition Tool Kit; and establishing a funding mechanism to award over $2.0 million in grants to service provider organizations who are working with individuals with autism around the country.
Media Contact: Dana Marnane, dmarnane@autismspeaks.org

Jonathan Izak
Special Needs Technology Developer
SpecialNeedsWare
Izak is a leader in the rapidly growing field of autism-related tablet apps. He got into the business through the inspiration of his brother, Oriel, rendered nearly mute by autism. As a result of his personal experiences with his brother, Izak created an iPad app that incorporates personalized images, video, audio and other information to familiarize those with autism to their surroundings to assist with routine activities and requests and develop each user’s behavioral skills. Izak is in the process of creating various software items for autism, along with his already released “AutisMate,” and has worked with some of the biggest names in the field of autism to develop his products based on research and personal experiences. He is based in New York.
Media Contact: Michael Clark, Michael.clark@morris-king.com

Dr. Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D.
The McCarton School
Dr. Gerhardt is the director of education, upper school for the McCarton School, and the founding chair of the Scientific Council for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR). He has more than 30 years of experience utilizing the principles of applied behavior analysis in support of adolescents and adults with ASD in educational, employment, residential, and community-based settings. He, along with Dr. Daniel Crimmins, is the editor of the book, “Social Skills and Adaptive Behavior in ASD” (Brooks Publishing), and is the author or co-author of a variety of articles and book chapters on the needs of adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Gerhardt serves on the editorial board of Behavior Analysis in Practice and on numerous professional advisory boards. He received his doctorate from the Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey Graduate School of Education. He is based in New York.
Media Contact: Michael Clark, Michael.clark@morris-king.com

Dr. Robert Melillo
Founder
Brain Balance Achievement Centers
Dr. Melillo is founder of Brain Balance Achievement Centers, a supplementary learning center that helps children between the ages of 4 and 17 reach their academic, social and behavioral potential through a nonmedical, brain-based program. He has over 20 years of experience studying the brain, and is one of the most respected specialists in childhood neurological disorders. His areas of expertise include autism spectrum disorders, PDD/NOS, ADD/ADHD, OCD, dyslexia, Asperger’s, Tourette’s, bipolar disorder, and other attention, behavioral and learning disorders. He recently published “Autism Explained, What the Science Reveals About the Autism Epidemic -- How We Got Here, and What Parents Can Do Now.” He has conducted dozens of television interviews, and has made appearances on the CBS show “The Doctors,” Fox News and NBC as an expert commentator. He has also done hundreds of radio interviews, nationally and internationally.
Website: drrobertmelillo.com
Media Contact: Stefanie Zimmerman, szimmerman@fishmanpr.com

Candace McDonald
Executive Director
Generation Rescue
McDonald is executive director of Generation Rescue, the leading national organization that provides hope, information and immediate treatment assistance to families affected by autism spectrum disorders. Prior to that, she guided the American Red Cross San Gabriel Pomona Valley through an organizational restructuring as director of development and communications, where she also implemented several new and successful fundraising programs. She also served as associate director of development for the International Myeloma Foundation, and continues to actively participate with the American Cancer Society, National Philanthropy Day, NextAid and UNICEF.
Media Contact: Anitra Schulte, anitra@hensonconsulting.com

Dr. Jeffrey Braverman
Founder and Medical Director
Braverman Reproductive Immunology
An internationally known and respected physician, Dr. Braverman specializes in the treatment of recurrent miscarriages and reproductive immunology. He was honored as the youngest graduate at New York University, where he was accepted at the age of 14. After completing his residency, he established a private medical practice in Long Island, N.Y., where he has been treating patients for more than 20 years, becoming one of the world's leading authorities in the field of reproductive immunology. He has written on the topic of pregnancy and autism on his blog (see tinyurl.com/amoxfma) and is available for interviews on autism and its relationship to pregnancy.
Media Contact: Moon Vitiello, moon@kmrpr.com

Elizabeth Reeve, M.D.
Child Psychiatrist
HealthPartners in Minnesota
Dr. Reeve’s clinical work focuses primarily on children and adults with developmental disabilities. In addition to her research and patient care, Dr. Reeve is involved in teaching, speaks in the community to educate others in the field of developmental disabilities, and helps young adults with autism spectrum disorders transition into college and the workforce. She is the mother of an autistic son, and coauthor, with Elizabeth Verdick, of “The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (And Their Parents).” She was named 2012 Psychiatrist of the Year by the Minnesota Psychiatric Society for her dedication to sharing her expertise as a teacher and a mentor. She lives in Minneapolis.
Expert Contact: elizabeth.a.reeve@healthpartners.com
Media Contact: Elena M. Meredith, meredith@freespirit.com

Dr. Stephen Sheinkopf
Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island
The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Dr. Sheinkopf led a research team that examined ways in which infants at risk for autism produced cries as compared to the cries of low-risk infants.  Recordings of babies’ cries were excerpted from vocal and video recordings of 6-month-old infants at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and those with low risk.  Infants were considered to be at risk if they had an older sibling with a confirmed ASD diagnosis.  This research was published in Autism Research.
Media Contact: Amy Blustein, ABlustein@Wihri.org

Dan Cross
Owner
A Step Ahead Pediatric Therapy
A recognized leader in pediatric rehabilitation, Cross is the president and managing therapist of a pediatric therapy center to help children with autism and developmental disabilities. He has experience in working with autistic children in both his personal and professional life. His oldest son has Asperger’s syndrome (an autism spectrum disorder). Cross has spent the last 16 years working in the pediatric therapy field in a variety of settings, including early intervention, office-based and school setting. His career includes leadership roles at HealthSouth, Inc., Therapists Unlimited, TriHealth Inc., and Cardinal Hill of Northern Kentucky. He holds a bachelor of science in physical therapy from the University of Vermont and maintains an active membership in the Down Syndrome Group of Greater Cincinnati, Kentucky Amateur Baseball Association (for which he coaches his son’s team) and Families with Autism.
Media Contact: Corryn Muench, Corryn@theeisenagency.com

Kelle Wood Rich, M.Ed., BCBA
Founder and Director
Central Texas Autism Center
Rich has 20 years of experience working with children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, as a special education teacher, autism specialist and a board-certified behavior analyst. She was an associate of Dr. Vince Carbone for 10 years and conducted workshops for him around the world on teaching children with autism. Rich lectures and consults with schools districts, regional service centers, professional organizations and parent organizations. She also directly supervises her staff of highly trained behavior therapists. She is a certified special education teacher, serves on the advisory board of NAACT, and is an active member of the International Association of Behavior Analysis and Council for Exceptional Children.
Media Contact: Kristin Morgan, kristin@anthonybarnum.com

Debra Satterfield
Interim Chair, Department of Graphic Design
Iowa State University
Satterfield can speak on autism from a unique perspective. She is a researcher, an advocate for children with cognitive disabilities, and the mother of a child with both epilepsy and an autism spectrum disorder. Satterfield is a professor in graphic design and human computer interaction at Iowa State University. Her research focuses on the design of educational experiences for children with autism and cognitive disabilities. One project is focused on using design to improve the social and emotional experiences of children with autism. Another strives to develop and evaluate socially mediating play experiences that will create collaborative learning environments to allow children with autism to play with neurologically typical peers. Satterfield has taught courses in the design of games and educational experiences for social inclusion. She has presented her autism research both nationally and internationally. In May, she will present two papers at the International Annual Meeting for Autism Research in Spain.
Media Contact: Teddi Barron, tbarron@iastate.edu

Diane Millar
Associate Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Radford University
Millar, associate professor of communication sciences and disorders at Radford University, is also director of the Radford University Autism Center and the university's summer RiteCare Autism Clinic. The mission of the Radford University Autism Center is to serve as a resource for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD); families; teachers; speech-language pathologists and other professionals working with children and adults with autism; researchers studying autism spectrum disorders; and undergraduate and graduate students interested in a future career working with individuals with ASD. The main goal is to provide families, professionals and students with access to state-of-the-art clinical services and evidence-based resources to improve the quality of the lives of children and adults with ASD. The center has three key priorities: research, clinical service provision, and community outreach.
Websites: Autism Center: tinyurl.com/cgjdhsu  RiteCare Autism Clinic: tinyurl.com/ctvvcum
Media Contact: Bonnie Q. Erickson, broberts@radford.edu

Erik Carter, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Special Education
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development
Vanderbilt University
Carter directs the Center on Secondary Education for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, which is working on identifying and developing ways to promote positive relationships and social connection for youth with autism. Vanderbilt has a campus broadcast facility with a dedicated fiber optic line for live TV interviews and a radio ISDN line.
Media Contact: Craig Boerner, craig.boerner@vanderbilt.edu

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