Kristine Domingo, Community Engagement Liaison/Advocate Kristine started her work with Sanford Autism Advocacy as an Autism/IEP Parent Advocate where she supported families throughout their IEP process. Kristine is (SELAS) Special Education Law & Advocacy Series certified through USD. She is also a member of the Counsel for Parent Attorneys & Advocates (COPAA). Three times a year, Kristine is the co-host of the Thriving Autism Families Conference with Crystal Sanford.
As a parent of an autistic child who was identified at 2 1/2, she became well-versed in navigating the IEP process early on, collaborating with IEP teams, and finding resources to help support her son. She then wanted to share her experience and knowledge with other families to help them find their way to becoming strong advocates for their own children. As a former arts educator, she knew at a young age that she wanted to help children and families thrive within their own lives.
Her current role as the Community Engagement Liaison partners advocacy with community outreach. Through conferences, parent coaching, and community events Kristine offers support for the neurodiverse population. Whether it be in advocacy, volunteer work, or education, she truly believes that collaboration is the key to meaningful and impactful experiences.
Anissa Bailey, IEP Advocate Anissa has served the neurodiverse community as a special education teacher for over 10 years. She has expanded her reach by taking on the role of IEP advocate so that all children and families can find their voice in the educational system.
Jacqueline Chan, Administrative Services Assistant Jackie is a mother to two wonderful children: an 11-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son, who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 3. Her advocacy journey started in 2015, navigating early intervention services. Most recently, she experienced changes in her son that resulted in a change in services and resources that would better fit his current needs. During this research, Jackie stumbled across Sanford Autism Advocacy Group and was immediately drawn to the caring, supportive and passionate environment this team provides. She knew she had to be part of it.
Jackie is happy to serve as the backbone of Sanford Autism Advocacy Group. With a background in corporate learning and development, strategic communications and applied behavior psychology, she is passionate about developing opportunities where all families can thrive.
Susan Rothman, IEP Advocate Susan began her career as an art teacher. As she experienced teaching students with autism, she discovered that art gave those students a bright enthusiasm for learning, and observed how art engaged the whole student and promoted higher levels of achievement. The experience inspired her to go back to school and obtain her special education credentials and masters degree in education/autism.
Susan then spent the next ten years teaching in a mild/moderate Special Day classroom, which included Transitional Kindergartners through 2nd graders. She worked with a very diverse group of students and became passionate about inclusive classrooms and recognizing the possibilities of all students. Inclusion has always been Susan's focus because she understands the beauty of creating a rich, diverse class community.
However, after becoming frustrated with education and its current challenges, Susan's special education advocacy journey began. She retired as a teacher and followed her passion of supporting families and representing the best interests of the students.
Susan received her Special Education Advocate Training with COPAA (Counsel for Parent Attorneys & Advocates) and keeps current with her advocacy development. In her free time, Susan enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, painting, doing mosaics and walking her dog.