DC-AC Family Advisory Group
About Our Members
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Monica Caroline
My child is 6 years old and was diagnosed with autism in 2021.
I look forward to being a DC Autism Collaborative Family Advisory Group Member because sharing our unique autism care journey is a powerful way of raising awareness, educating D.C. families on navigating our early childhood systems, and driving meaningful change in the community.
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Shannon Chappell
My son is 6 years old and was diagnosed with autism in 2022 at two years and nine months old.
I look forward to being a DC Autism Collaborative Family Advisory Group Member because I aim to amplify parent voices, influence change and make sure families across D.C. are informed, confident and unafraid to advocate for the rights their children are entitled to.
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Aliscia Gerken
My child is 10 years old and was diagnosed with autism in 2019.
I look forward to being a DC Autism Collaborative Family Advisory Group Member because I am committed to creating an awareness of services and resources available to or needed by families of special needs children so the most appropriate care is provided within families, educational and medical communities in an accessible, equitable, diverse and inclusive manner.
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April Gillens
My child is 5 years old and was diagnosed with autism in 2023.
I am excited to join the DC Autism Collaborative Family Advisory Group because it gives me the opportunity to share my experience caring for a disabled child with other parents navigating similar challenges. I hope to advocate for enhanced services for families experiencing autism and raise awareness on early diagnosis and intervention.
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Chelsey Houwen
My 4-year-old child was diagnosed with autism in 2023.
I’m excited to join the DC Autism Collaborative Family Advisory Group because I want to help families navigate this journey by providing a clear roadmap. I aim to assist them in understanding the information and resources available, as there’s a lot to learn.
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Aisha Parker
I am the mother of two wonderful children on the autism spectrum. My youngest is 2 and was diagnosed in 2024.
I look forward to being a DC Autism Collaborative Family Advisory Group Member, because I am committed to lightening the load for other parents and caregivers by advocating for systems that truly support every child’s unique needs. My mission is to build a more inclusive, informed and compassionate community for all children with autism and the families who love them.
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Chantey Thompson
My son is 5 years old and was diagnosed with autism in 2022. My daughter is 4 years old and was diagnosed with autism in 2024.
I look forward to being a DC Autism Collaborative Family Advisory Group Member because I truly believe that providing tools and reassurance to families while navigating through the challenges of having a child(ren) on the spectrum is essential (we are a team)! Our children are the future! While in this position, I have the role of advocating and spreading awareness, but I can also learn from others and strengthen my knowledge on the realities of autism spectrum disorder. Autism is not a disability but a different ability!
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Darria Turner
My child is 6 years old and was diagnosed with autism in 2021.
I look forward to being a DC Autism Collaborative Family Advisory Group Member because I want to help create more supportive, equitable systems for families to access the necessary services without obstacles.
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Erika Williams
My grandchild is 2 1/2 years old and was diagnosed with autism in 2025.
I look forward to being a DC Autism Collaborative Family Advisory Group Member because this journey is fast and slow with ups and downs, and I want to be best prepared and educated. I also want to be a genuine support and resource of information for others who are on such journeys and those who should be aware. The change agent in me is activated!
Past DC-AC Family Advisory Group Members
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Joy Harrington
2023-2024 Cohort
2024-2025 Cohort
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Angela Henson
2023-2024 Cohort
2024-2025 Cohort
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Margaux Jessup
2023-2024 Cohort
2024-2025 Cohort
Ward 5
Katiuska Lourenco da Silva
2023-2024 Cohort
2024-2025 Cohort
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Temidayo Ojo
2023-2024 Cohort
Ward 6
Richard Parker
2023-2024 Cohort
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Dewey Sampson
2023-2024 Cohort
2024-2025 Cohort
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Katherine Smyth Haskins
2023-2024 Cohort
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Rose Whelan
2023-2024 Cohort
2024-2025 Cohort