Dr. Nye is the Executive Director of the University of Central Florida Center for Autism & Related Disabilities and a professor in the Department of Communicative Disorders. He received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Riverside, in the area of Special Education. He has more than 20 years experience in university administration, training and education of speech language pathologists. In 1995 he was appointed a Senior Research Fulbright Scholar to the country of Jordan where he worked to develop a parent survey to screen language, social, and cognitive development in Arabic speaking children, He is currently working with an international network of scholars to develop research methodologies that will guide future development of educational research and public policy in education and health related interventions. Dr. Nye's research interests over the years have included speech and language test development for Navajo children, the development systematic reviews and meta analyses in the area treatment for childhood speech and language disorders, stroke, voice disorders, and autism. He has published and presented his research in national and internationally recognized conferences and colloquiums. In his spare time he enjoys the frequent repairing of his 1970 MGB classic car, collecting antiquarian books, and learning ballroom dance.

Dr. Daly received her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology with specialization in developmental disabilities from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst . Her 10+ years of experience serving individuals with autism includes serving as Director of Training at Emory Autism Center , and consulting to CARD UF Gainesville. While at Emory University , she was Program Director of the nationally recognized Walden Toddler Program, an inclusive model demonstration program for the treatment of toddlers with autism. She is a licensed psychologist, a member of ABA , a faculty member of the NEC*TAS Autism Task Force on best practices, and adjunct instructor in the Department of Psychology. Her research and training interests include incidental teaching, social interaction, inclusion, and early intervention. She enjoys reading mystery and crime novels, girl scouting events, and spending time with her family.

Marilee received her under graduate and Master's degree in Special Education from the University of Florida. Prior to joining the UCF CARD staff in February 1999 her past positions include six years as a classroom teacher of students with autism, experience as a consultant for UF CARD, and two years as Senior Autism Specialist at the Children's Mental Health Unit at the University of Florida. Marilee holds a professional teaching certificate, is endorsed in severe-profound disabilities and is a National Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Marilee is active in local, state, and national professional and family organizations. Her research and training interests include applied behavior analysis, literacy development, and community inclusion. Outside of work, Marilee enjoys traveling, camping, writing and playing frisbee.

Erin received her Master's degree in Communication Sciences and disorders at Nova Southeastern University. Prior to joining the team at UCF CARD, she worked as a speech and language pathologist in both the Broward County School System and at Miami Children's Hospital-Dan Marino Center. Her relationship with CARD centers, specifically UM CARD and it's satellite sites, began in 1999. In addition to her work in the South Florida area, she also traveled internationally to present at international autism conferences, provide consultations, conduct training seminars, and facilitate program development to families with children with autism. Her training and research interests include assessment of children with autism, including ADOS and ADI-R, early social communication skills, applied behavior analysis, genetics, augmentative and alternative communication, and early intervention. Outside of her work, Erin enjoys traveling for pleasure, exercising, shopping and spending time with her family.

Kimberley Nichols received a dual Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Education from Rutgers University 1994, in New Jersey . She holds a professional teaching certification and has worked for 4 years in both a typical and ESE setting in Orange County . Prior to coming to Florida , Kimberley has had 10 years experience working with children with autism as a one on one Discrete Trial therapist and Coordinator in various locations such as Princeton and Cherry Hill NJ as well as LA and the Pacific Palisades in California . She did a 1-year internship at UCLA working with Dr. Ivar Lovaas on an inclusion project for LA Unified School district. Kimberley also brings to UCF CARD a comprehensive back ground in Feeding Therapy from three years at Children's Seashore House Feeding and Dysphasia Unit in Philadelphia . Currently, Kimberley is working towards her CABA through FIT and plans to start her graduate work in ABA . Her research and training interests include Discrete Trial Therapy (DTT) and ABA approaches, Feeding therapy, Positive Behavioral Approach and Inclusion. In her spare time Kimberley enjoys boating, sunning, hanging with good friends and cooking.

Kim received her undergraduate degree in Secondary English Language Arts Education, her Master's degree in Varying Exceptionalities, and her Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Central Florida (UCF). Prior to joining CARD, she worked within the Central Florida area as a Teacher, Behavior Specialist, and Student Assistance Coordinator. Kim was recognized by Brevard County for the establishment of an outstanding Varying Exceptionalities Program and was recently awarded the Herbert Prehm Student Presentation Award from the Division on Developmental Disabilities (Council for Exceptional Children) for her innovate research involving technology use by individuals with autism and mental retardation. She holds a professional teaching certificate and has had extensive training in American Sign Language. In addition to her responsibilities at CARD, Kim is an active member of state and national professional organizations, is a member of the Project Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Grant Advisory Committee at the University of Central Florida , and is on the editorial board of the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation . Her research and training interests include law enforcement awareness training, community inclusion strategies, and sexuality awareness training for individuals with significant impairments. Outside of her work, Kim enjoys her 3 Basset Hounds, traveling, writing poetry, and spending time with her family.

Karen Wesley holds a Master's Degree in Exceptional Education from the University of Florida. She worked for 10+ years as a classroom teacher in Florida, Georgia, Iowa and North Carolina. She left the classroom to work with adults providing training and support in independent living, community mobility and employment. As a Supported Employment Consultant at Vocational Rehabilitation, Karen monitored contracts for employment programs and provided training to agency staff in six Florida counties. Prior to working at CARD, Karen worked as a Supported Living Coach, Supported Employment Consultant and Professional Trainer. Her training focuses on functional life skills, person centered planning and employment. Karen is a past President of Florida CEC/Division of Career Development and Transition and the Florida Association for Persons in Supported Employment (APSE). Karen enjoys reading, gardening (digging in the dirt), travel and spending time with family and her pet macaw, Max.

Eileen received her Bachelor's degree in Individual Studies (Human Services) from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and has 20 years of experience working in the fields of Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health in administration, teaching, and training in both public and private organizations. Her past positions include 11 years as the Director of Quality Assurance and Staff Development & Training with the State of Delaware. Her training interests include Positive Behavioral Approaches, PECS, Personal Outcome Measures, and community inclusion. In her leisure time, Eileen enjoys flying, running, and golfing with her husband.

Judee joined UCF CARD in May 2000, after working 20 years in the area of marketing and real estate, as the Public Awareness Coordinator. Judee has been actively working in the field of autism since her son was diagnosed with autism in 1992. In 1993, she founded the Autism Society of Greater Orlando, and was president for seven years. She published the first Central Florida Autism Resource Guide for families. In 1996, she founded "Sea of Dreams," a project coordinated with Sea World of Orlando for children with autism. She was secretary for the Autism Society of Florida and has served on numerous boards in the past eight years. Judee has organized and ran many successful fund raisers, promoted autism awareness on TV and radio programs. Her goal is to give not only her own son, but every child with autism a quality of life. Judee enjoys gourmet cooking, entertaining, shopping, snow skiing, traveling, reading, and spending quality time with her son.

Irene received her Associate in Arts degree from Miami-Dade Community College, where she also worked for 12 years in the Computer Information Systems Department on South Campus and 3 years in the School of Justice & Safety Administration on North Campus. She has been employed at the University of Central Florida since 1995. She manages all aspects of the office operation (personnel, purchasing, and budget related matters) coordinates intakes and channels information to the Coordinators. Irene has personal experience with individuals with autism through a number of community activities. She has an adorable one-year old grandson, Joseph Michael, and two wonderful children, Joseph and Jaclyn. She is a member of the Oviedo-Winter Springs Lions Club, Inc. Her interests include traveling, cooking, church activities, and low impact aerobics.

Aimara is the parent of two beautiful children: Alex, who has autism, and Karina, his little sister. Aimara is a graphic artist by training, but also assists at CARD, where she provides extremely valuable help with translation and interpretation for families who communicate in Spanish. Her experience and knowledge are a comfort to those families and the UCF CARD staff.

Lillian serves at UCF CARD as the Intake Coordinator. She is currently an honor student at UCF pursuing her B.S. degree in Communicative Disorders. She plans on obtaining her Master's degree to become a practicing speech-language pathologist. She is originally from Hollywood, FL where she graduated from South Broward High School and is the youngest of four children, including and older brother with autism. In her spare time, Lillian enjoys theatre, shopping, reading, and arts & crafts.

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