| 8:00 – 8:45 AM |
Registration / Breakfast
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| 9:00 – 10:00 AM |
Keynote Address
Dr. Magda Mostafa, Co-Founder, Principal, StudioTM, Autism & Neuro-Inclusive Architecture
Magda is Founding Partner and Principal of StudioTM, a design consultancy based in Dubai specialising in Autism and Neuro-Inclusive Design, as well as Professor of Design at the American University in Cairo. She is the author of the ASPECTSS® Design Index, the world’s first research-based design framework for autism. ASPECTSS was awarded the UIA Triennial Research Award in 2014 and Mostafa is the only laureate to be presented this award twice, awarded again in 2023 for her Autism Friendly University Design Guide. Through her consulting ASPECTSS has been used in architectures for autism and neurodiversity across 5 continents and her work has been presented globally and was most recently exhibited at the 2021 and 2023 Venice Architecture Biennales.
She collaborates globally with leading architectural practices on typologies ranging across residences, schools, healthcare, sports and recreation as well as the urban city scale. Information about her work can be found at her website www.autism.archi and www.studio-tm.online.
Dr. Marlene Sotelo, EdD, BCBA-D, MT-BC, Executive Director, Els for Autism Foundation
Marlene is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in working with individuals of all ages who have autism and other developmental disorders. As the Executive Director of Els for Autism, Marlene plays a pivotal role in leading and managing the organization’s comprehensive programs and initiatives, in addition to overseeing fundraising and development efforts along with oversight of operations at The Els Center of Excellence. Under her guidance, Els for Autism has flourished as a globally recognized institution, providing cutting-edge research, innovative educational programs, and transformative services for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Marlene’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in forging strategic partnerships with renowned institutions, fostering collaboration, and creating synergistic opportunities in the autism field. She actively engages with leading experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to advocate for improved access to high-quality resources and services for individuals with autism.
Before joining Els for Autism in 2014, Marlene served as the Director of Education and Training at the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities for 12 years. She holds a Doctorate in Special Education from Nova Southeastern University, where she also served as an adjunct faculty member. Marlene is an experienced special education teacher, a board-certified music therapist, and a doctoral-level board-certified behavior analyst.
In addition to her role as Executive Director, Marlene is actively involved in various organizations and projects within the autism community. She is a member of the Non-Profit Chamber of Palm Beach and the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce. Marlene serves on the board of directors for The Learning Academy (ages 3-21) at The Els Center of Excellence campus in Jupiter, Florida, and acts as a liaison between the charter school and Els for Autism. She is an honored listee in the Marquis Who’s Who 2023.
Throughout her career, Marlene has authored numerous research publications, contributed to prominent conferences, and presented her work internationally, further enriching the scientific understanding of ASD. Her expertise in evidence-based interventions, early intervention strategies, and the implementation of best practices has positively impacted countless lives.
Marlene’s commitment to global outreach and her expertise as an international consultant and speaker led to the Global Outreach Autism Learning Services (GOALS) program at Els for Autism, providing services to families and professionals in over 20 countries. She plays a pivotal role in providing operational and programmatic support to the Ernie Els Centre for Autism South Africa, provides support to the Els for Autism Canada and Els for Autism UK Foundations, as well as supporting all programs and services offered at The Els Center of Excellence campus in Jupiter, Florida.
As a music therapist and professional singer, Marlene spearheaded the development of the ‘Reach and Teach through the Arts’ program at Els for Autism, which promotes the use of arts in connecting and educating individuals with ASD and other developmental disorders. Marlene’s passion for philanthropy is highlighted through her songwriting and recordings, raising funds for children’s charities, and supporting musicians with ASD. Her contributions to the field of autism spectrum disorder are showcased through various published research studies in peer-reviewed journals, articles of interest in the field of autism and music therapy, and book publication projects such as her involvement in Autism Without Mask, published in Brazil.
Driven by a deep-rooted belief in the potential and unique abilities of individuals with autism, Marlene continues to dedicate her expertise, compassion, and leadership to advance Els for Autism’s mission of fostering lifelong opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum and promoting acceptance and inclusion in society.
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| 10:00 – 10:30 AM |
Break / Vendor Network
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| 10:30 – 11:15 AM |
Session 1: Through Their Eyes
artcobell
Presenter: Ms. Lizzie Scott, M. Ed
Lizzie is a former Agriculture Teacher turned Business Development Manager at Artcobell, where she works on the Professional Development and Research Team and champions inclusive, flexible, and accessible educational spaces. With hands-on experience teaching agriscience, horticulture, and agriculture technology, Lizzie fostered classroom environments that celebrated diversity and community. Her deep understanding of K-12 and Higher Ed needs, paired with her expertise in educational design, fuels her commitment to creating adaptable spaces that empowers all learners to thrive.
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| 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM |
Panel Discussion
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| 12:15 – 1:00 PM |
Session 2: Joy of Learning / Exceptional Minds
RoboKind
Presenter: Ms. Jennifer Leggio
Jennifer brings a diverse professional background spanning K–12 education, educational technology, and finance. She began her career in banking with BNY Mellon in New York City’s historic Woolworth Building before transitioning into education, where she served as an elementary educator for nearly a decade. She holds Florida State Certification in Educational Leadership, Elementary Education, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), K–12 and earned her master’s degree in educational leadership in 2015.
Jennifer’s passion for educational equity and her desire to support students beyond the classroom ultimately led her to the field of educational technology. For nearly three years, she has served as Partnership Manager at RoboKind, where she works closely with schools and districts implementing evidence-based curricula designed for K-12 learners and neurodiverse classrooms. In this role, Jennifer has gained meaningful experience supporting educators and neurodivergent students through onboarding, professional development, curriculum deep dives, data analysis, and technical support. This work has strengthened her understanding of the unique needs and strengths of neurodiverse learners, while equipping teachers with the tools to foster inclusive and impactful instruction.
Outside of her professional work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband, Russell, and their two daughters. She is an avid cook, reader, and runner, and she enjoys outdoor activities in her free time.
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| 1:15 – 2:15 PM |
Session 3: Neurodiversity in Learning Environments
PBK
Presenter: Ms. Debbie De Bartolo Wilkinson, ALEP, AIA, LEED AP, FCP, Principal, Client Executive, PBK
Debbie is a visionary leader and an accomplished architect with over 35 years of experience in planning, programming, designing, and constructing transformative large-scale educational, governmental, and healthcare facilities across Florida and New England. Debbie’s work reflects a deep commitment to innovation, sustainability, and creating spaces that enrich communities. Renowned for her dynamic, hands-on management style, Debbie fosters a culture of effective collaboration, empowering multidisciplinary teams to achieve extraordinary project outcomes. She has earned a reputation for blending strategic oversight with practical expertise, demonstrating how an integrated design approach can yield exceptional results for clients and stakeholders alike. Her leadership consistently ensures that projects meet their intended goals while delivering impactful and sustainable designs in countless communities.
In addition to her architectural accomplishments, Debbie is a certified Florida Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Practitioner (FCP). Debbie is a passionate advocate for nurturing the next generation of architects and engineers and is actively involved in numerous community and professional initiatives. Currently, she is serving as President Elect for the Florida Chapter of A4LE and has completed the ALEP designation is to continue championing education in ways that inspire future generations. She believes that education, in all its forms, is the ultimate gateway to opportunity and innovation.
Presenter: Mr. Charles C. Gableman, P.E., LEED AP®, President, JLRD
Charles is President of JLRD and an Electrical Engineer with 34 years of experience providing
design, investigation, estimating, analysis and construction administration for communications, lighting,
power, and related electrical systems in the Industrial, Education, Government, and Commercial sectors
of construction.
He has demonstrated experience in designing low-voltage communications, telecommunications, and life
safety systems. He specializes in electrical distribution systems, performing fault, load flow, and
coordination studies, as well as UPS and generator backed-up systems. He frequently assists clients with
investigative surveys, feasibility studies, master planning / programming, and project budgeting to define
scope requirements for a wide variety of projects.
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| 2:15 – 3:00 PM |
Closing Reception / Networking
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