Dr. Jane Leatherman is Professor Emerita of Special Education at Purdue University Fort Wayne. Dr. Leatherman received her PhD in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1999. She has taught classes at the undergraduate and graduate level on inclusion, appropriate curriculum and teaching methods for students with disabilities, collaboration, and assessment. Her research interest and writing focus are inclusion best practices and collaboration, resulting in 11 professional publications. She has worked for 36 years with different agencies in three states to advocate for children with disabilities and their families.

After early retirement from Purdue University, she is a part-time lecturer with PFW, Special Education Program, and works with agencies to provide the best services and resources for children with disabilities. Her knowledge of school responsibilities for students with disabilities is a strong asset for the My Autism Ally organization.

Tommy Guest is the owner of Partners in Autism, a family owned and operated autism services provider based in Fort Wayne. Tommy has worked in the autism and disability services field for more than fifteen years. Prior to founding Partners in Autism, he served as Director of Operations at a local ABA center, where he helped develop an autism camp and social skills programs for children and adolescents. He later created the Career Ally Program for the Autism Society of Indiana.

After founding Partners in Autism, Tommy and his wife Camile expanded the organization into a multi-service provider serving children, adolescents, and adults with autism and developmental disabilities throughout Northeast Indiana. In addition to his professional work, Tommy has served in leadership and advisory roles with numerous community organizations and initiatives, including the Disabilities Expo Committee, Northeast Indiana Autism Connections, Transition Partners of Northeast Indiana, the board of CASS Housing, and as a founding board member of My Autism Ally.

As someone with deep personal ties to the autism community, Tommy’s commitment to autism services is rooted in both professional experience and personal understanding. He has become known for his strong advocacy for autism rights, access to medically necessary services, and ensuring that individuals and families are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion while having a meaningful voice in the systems that serve them.

Sue Christman is a Disability Community Advocate. Retired from Easter Seals ARC of Fort Wayne, she has over 40 years of work experience with persons with developmental disabilities including those with autism. She has worked in collaboration to start the following in our community: Sib shops- a support network for siblings affected by disability, Adults with Asperger’s social group, Autism Support group for parent’s, Sensory movies, Middle school and high school social groups for persons with Autism and Northeast Indiana Autism Connection - a community collaboration whose mission is to educate and support. She has worked educating community organizations and families on resources and services for persons with developmental disabilities.

Ta’nisha Clements is a compassionate advocate, community leader, and dedicated supporter of individuals and families impacted by autism and behavioral health challenges. With more than 20 years of experience in behavioral health, case management, social services, and community engagement, she has devoted her career to helping families navigate complex systems while promoting inclusion, empowerment, and access to meaningful support.

As a board member of My Autism Ally, Ta’nisha brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her work. As a family member of autistic loved ones, she understands firsthand the importance of advocacy, education, acceptance, and community connection. Her lived experience fuels her passion for creating supportive environments where individuals with autism and their families feel seen, heard, valued, and empowered.

Ta’nisha has worked extensively alongside schools, healthcare providers, families, and community organizations to strengthen collaboration and improve outcomes for children and families. She is also actively involved with the Allen County Collaborative, formerly known as System of Care, where she continues to support community partnerships focused on behavioral health, family support, and resource accessibility.

Through her community involvement and advocacy efforts, Ta’nisha is committed to increasing awareness, fostering inclusion, and building stronger connections and supports for autistic individuals and their families. Her mission is rooted in compassion, advocacy, and the belief that every individual deserves opportunities to thrive and feel supported within their community.

Nathaniel O. Hubley, a distinguished attorney, has made significant strides in the legal field alongside his law school sweetheart, Christina R. Hubley, at Theisen Hubley Law. Together, they focus their law practice on injury, disability, and employment law, driven by a deep commitment to their clients. As an award-winning attorney recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and Fort Wayne Magazine, Nathaniel brings a wealth of expertise to his work. Nathaniel's notable contributions include a legal publication on vocational experts in Social Security Disability cases, which has garnered citations from federal courts nationwide, and his many presentations at legal seminars addressing crucial topics in employment and disability law. Beyond the professional accomplishments, Nathaniel and Christina are devoted parents to three young boys on the autism spectrum, with their youngest being non-verbal, and share their home with two beloved Bernedoodles.

Nathaniel's community engagement is equally commendable; he has received the Governor’s Award for Tomorrow’s Leaders and actively participates in the Allen County Bar Association, where he serves as President and chairs important sections including the Employment Law section and the Social Security Disability section. His long-standing passion for advocacy extends to assisting individuals with medical impairments, underscoring his dedication to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those with varying abilities.

Alex Andorfer is a Fort Wayne native who attended Bishop Luers High School and graduated with bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting from Ball State University in 2013. In addition to his role as Treasurer for My Autism Ally, he also serves as Treasurer for The Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana and Charitable Gift Planners of Northeast Indiana. He obtained his CPA certification in 2013 and joined his family's accounting firm, Leonard J. Andorfer & Co., LLP, named after his great-grandfather who started the firm in 1947. Alex and his wife, Jamie, enjoy going on family vacations with their four children, frequently visiting zoos and parks located throughout the Midwest.