Guest Bios
Read About the Guests on Today's Autistic Moment
Some guests have chosen to have a picture of themselves with their bios.
Others have chosen to not have their pictures used here.
Zephyr James
Zephyr James is an Autistic Adult and the Community Engagement Manager at the Autism Society of Minnesota. With over 9 years experience in the Autism field, they spend their time talking to Autistic community members to create resources that meet the needs of the community where they are. James has completed the Partners in Policymaking disability advocacy program and was a Minnesota LEND Fellow.
Candice is a courageous trail blazer and Founder of Namasté Center for Healing. She is Autistic, ADHD and a neurodivergetnt thought leader in the Neurodiversity Movement. She is a sex, relationship and intimacy expert who provides therapy and intimacy coaching to neurodivergent adults and mixed neurotype couples. She also provides EMDR and IFS therapy to complex trauma survivors with a variety of sex, relationship and intimacy issues.
Becca was diagnosed on the autism spectrum as an adult and have since become a dedicated autism and neurodiversity advocate, researcher, consultant, speaker, and author. Becca's work includes neurodiversity and disability consulting, autistic quality of life research, as well as teaching her course, Self Defined Living: A Path to a Quality Autistic Life, she has published multiple articles and books about life on the autism spectrum with the goal of spreading acceptance, building understanding, and encouraging self-advocacy. Becca is an animal lover with a special affinity for cats, and spend most of my “free” time
Ana Aragon lives in the United Kingdom. Ana moved to the UK when she was 18. Ana was diagnosed as Autistic when she was 19. Ana is an Autism professional who supports Autistic people. Ana worked with Autistic Adults and Children in various educational settings for half a decade. Following the completion of her master's degree and Autism specialization, Ana founded her own Autism-related company, Autism-Thoughts. Ana is committed to ensuring that Autistic people and families in general, have the tools they need to work with their brain type rather than against it, and learn how to accept themselves as they truly are, so that Autistic people can build self-esteem and truly trust themselves and their wonderful talents.
Oluwatobi Odugunwa
Oluwatobi Maeyen Odugunwa is an Autistic and chronically ill mobility aid user. They began their journey as a self-advocate and now advocate for their communities and for disability frameworks. With an academic and professional background in racial justice and LGBTQ rights, Oluwatobi is newly involved in the disability justice movement and now works with the Autistic People of Color Fund. Their day job is as an Anti-Bias Coordinator consulting on DEI issues, including ableism and disability-related topics, at a publishing Company.
Precious Lesley
(she/her/hers)
Precious, an AuDHD Adult, is dedicated to providing education and establishing authentic relationships with job seekers and employers. She is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Loud Nerd and helps Neurodivergent individuals navigate the complex job search process, while also assisting employers in building diverse and inclusive teams and workplace cultures that promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). As a Black, Autistic woman, Precious has personal experience with the compounded effects of racism, sexism, and ableism and incorporates an intersectional perspective in her work, encouraging other disability advocates to do the same.
Michelle Markman
Michelle Markman is an ND relationship coach and a late diagnosed Autistic woman. She grew up in a rather unique way: educated by unschooling until high school. Though she was aware of social differences and experienced social challenges in childhood she was unclear on their explanation until college. Michelle has been through spinal fractures, chronic pain, an autoimmune disease and through it all has refused to accept mediocrity. Michelle's greatest personal accomplishment was climbing Kilimanjaro the world's tallest free-standing mountain in Africa. Michelle is a mother, world traveler, foodie, bibliophile and bon vivant. Michelle is vibrant and resilient and takes her greatest pleasure from helping others form and nurture social relationships.
Carole Jean-Whittington
Carole Jean-Whittington is the owner of Beyond Chronic Burnout Podcast. Carole's expertise is Autistic women experiencing burnout. Carole's website whittingtonwellbeing.com provides practical, proven burnout recovery for women who want to thrive in life, leadership, and legacy.
Doug Blecher
Doug Blecher is the founder of Autism Personal Coach. Autism Personal Coach for over a decade has been providing Autistic Adults and teens with extraordinary support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized life coaching and community events. To learn more about Autism Personal Coach visit https://autismpersonalcoach.com.
Daren Howard
Daren Howard is the Deputy Director of The Autism Society of Minnesota, is an Autistic parent of an Autistic child and a nonprofit leader for more than 15 years of relevant experience. In addition to serving as the Deputy Director at The Autism Society of Minnesota, he also serves as a member of the Board of Directors at InPlay, a nonprofit that seeks to to increase equitable access to afterschool and summer learning programs. Daren earned his MBA at California State University Dominquez Hills. He lives in Apple Valley, Minnesota with his spouse, Jacks, their child and their pets Ziggy and Ricky Bobby.