Delancy Allred, Director of Public Policy, Autism Society of America
Delancy Allred is the Director of Public Policy at the Autism Society of America. She has been with the organization since 2018, beginning as a policy intern while earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She went on to serve as a Teach For America special educator in Baltimore City Public Schools, where she also earned her teaching certificate from Johns Hopkins University. In her current role, she advances federal and state policy priorities on behalf of the Autism community. She holds a Master of Public Administration and Policy.
Jennifer Cook, Author, Speaker and Consultant
Jennifer Cook is an internationally recognized neurodiversity expert, bestselling author, speaker, and consultant. An autistic adult herself, Jennifer brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work helping reshape how the world understands autism, relationships, and human connection.
Jennifer is the on-camera autism expert for Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum and Autism Consultant for HBO Max’s The Pitt. She is the author of nine bestselling books, including The Asperkids (Secret) Book of Social Rules, Autism in Heels, and My Friend Julia: A Sesame Street Book About Autism. Her work has also been featured in initiatives with Sesame Street, Twitch, and Amazon.
A graduate of Brown and Columbia Universities, Jennifer serves on the Autism Society of America’s Board of Directors and chairs its Council of Autistic Advisors. She is also an international speaker who has presented to audiences ranging from educators and families to the White House and National Institutes of Health. Through her work, Jennifer advocates for greater understanding, acceptance, and meaningful inclusion of autistic people.
Lia Council, High School Special Education Resource Teacher
Lia Council is an in-service high school Special Education Resource teacher servicing students in Yonkers, NY. An educator with over 27 years of experience, Lia is focused on delivering instruction through inclusive practices that promote fairness and respect, while providing opportunities for all through rich, academic experiences. Lia also serves as the director of the Richard Gazzola Teacher Center of Yonkers, which provides professional development through programming, direct assistance, training and mentoring for all teachers within the Yonkers Public School District and those in the non-public schools within the district. An instructor for the NYSUT ELT (Education and Learning Trust) for over 17 years, Lia develops curricula and facilitates courses for teachers across New York State.
She is an active member of her local, the Yonkers Federation of Teachers (YFT), where she served as the building rep in her school for 19 years, and is currently a member of the YFT Executive Board as an At-Large Officer and previous Vice President over Special Areas.
Heidi Goger, Special Education Policy Analyst, AFT
Heidi Goger is an educator, advocate, and Special Education Policy Analyst for the AFT, dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion for students with disabilities. Drawing on extensive experience as an educator, administrator, and consultant, she focuses on systemic educational change, inclusive learning environments, student well-being, and the recruitment and retention of special educators. Through her writing, professional development resources, and advocacy, Heidi translates research and policy into practical strategies that empower educators, families, and school communities. Her work connects disability rights, civil rights, and Disability Pride to the ongoing pursuit of meaningful educational opportunity for every learner.
Desiree Spielman, Elementary Special Education Teacher
Desiree Spielman is an elementary school special education teacher with the Albuquerque Public School District in Albuquerque, NM. Desiree has been teaching for 18 years. She is dual licensed in special education and early childhood education. She has a master's degree from the University of New Mexico with a specialization in emotional and behavioral disorders and is a National Board certified teacher. She is a proud member and treasurer of the Albuquerque Teachers Federation of Teachers, Local #1420.
