THE TEAM

Jeanne Beard

Founder of National Autism Academy
Author of “Autism & The Rest of Us”

Jeanne Beard, founder of the National Autism Academy and author of “Autism & The Rest Of Us”, has decades of experience in the trenches with Asperger’s Syndrome and autism spectrum disorders, and the people diagnosed with them. In addition to her essential life experience creating functional, nurturing and balanced relationships with those on the spectrum, Jeanne was mentored by clinical expert Timothy Wahlberg, PhD during the writing of his clinical guide “Finding the Gray: Understanding and Thriving in the Black and White World of Autism and Asperger’s.” Through her incredible insight into the thoughts, experiences and challenges of those on the spectrum AND of the rest of us, Jeanne builds a bridge to hope and a better future for us all.

Jeanne is the devoted mother of 2 sons, one diagnosed with Asperger’s, one with ADHD. A graduate of both Northwestern University and Dale Carnegie training, Jeanne is retired from a successful career as Vice President of Sales for a Chicago-based printing company with a 27 year tenure.

As Jeanne grew in her understanding of life with autism, her personal mission became supporting other parents by providing the help she needed and couldn’t find. Jeanne is so sure that this information will change your life that she created the National Autism Academy to provide the platform to share this incredibly valuable information with you from the comfort of your home, and with the flexibility you need to fit it into your schedule.

Dr. Timothy Wahlberg

Clinical Director
Author of “Finding the Gray”

Dr. Timothy Wahlberg has been developing life-changing strategies for families with children on the autism spectrum through his work in a clinical, one-on-one environment for more than 25 years.

Dr. Wahlberg has published extensively on the subjects of autism and neurological impairments, has spoken at local and national levels on autism and neuro-developmental delay. Dr. Wahlberg also conducts training seminars at the professional level in these areas.

Dr. Wahlberg trained Jeanne during her work as the lead of the writing team of his popular book for parents, “Finding the Gray; Understanding and thriving in the Black and White World of Autism and Asperger’s.”

Dr. Wahlberg is a member of the American Psychological Association and is the Founder and Clinical Director of The Prairie Clinic in Geneva, IL.

Janna Pyle

National Autism Academy, Customer Care Coordinator

Ms. Pyle, RN, BSN is a registered nurse, a wife, and the mother of a child on the autism spectrum.

Janna has a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy and a bachelor’s degree in nursing, with extensive experience in psychiatric nursing, long term care, critical care, and hospice. Janna has worked with the National Autism Academy since 2017 in the role of Customer Care Coordinator, supports the NAA in content development, and acts as the lead trainer in our parent training programs.

Lisa Dinhofer, MA, CT

Certified Thanatologist with a sub specialty in trauma

Ms. Dinhofer, MA, CT, is a certified Thanatologist (grief specialist) with a sub specialty in trauma. She is a trained counselor, mediator and communication expert with over 18 years of experience training, consulting, coaching and speaking for professional and private clients. Ms. Dinhofer deals with subject matter and circumstances most people turn away from and has an unusual ability to help people find language they need to describe what has happened to them or when they have only one chance to get it right.

In 2017, the NAA began a partnership with Ms. Dinhofer to offer training programs and coaching specific to her area of expertise as a value-added service for NAA clients struggling with grief, trauma, burnout and compassion fatigue in relation to an ASD diagnosis, parenting, living or working with an individual on the spectrum. Ms. Dinhofer provides both group training at the professional level as well as private coaching for professionals and families alike.

To contact Lisa: email [email protected]  www.kodenllc.com