CARD Staff

Chad Nye, Ph.D. Executive Director 407-737-2586 ext.11 cnye@mail.ucf.edu

Dr. Nye is the Executive Director of the University of Central Florida Center for Autism & Related Disabilities and Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. He received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Riverside, in Special Education and has more than 20 years experience in university administration, training and teaching.  Dr. Nye is a Co-Chair of the Education Coordinating Group of the Campbell Collaboration  (www.campbellcollaboration.org) and a reviewer for the Cochrane Collaboration (www.cochrane.org) .  Both organizations are international networks of practitioners, scholars, and consumers who promote the development, production, and distribution of systematic reviews of research that assess the effectiveness of interventions in education and health related fields. He has completed and published reviews on the effectiveness of vitamin B6 in treating children with autism as well as a review of the effectiveness of sign language instruction for children with autism.  Dr. Nye is currently developing a ‘Library of Autism Research’ that will be a publicly accessible database of published and unpublished research on the effectiveness of interventions for individuals with autism.  In his limited spare time he sings with the local Barbershop Chorus and collects antiquarian books.

Teresa Daly, Ph.D. Director 407-737-2566 ext.13 tedaly@mail.ucf.edu

Dr. Daly received her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology with specialization in developmental disabilities from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst . Her 10+ years of experience serving individuals with autism includes serving as Director of Training at Emory Autism Center, and consulting to CARD UF Gainesville. While at Emory University, she was Program Director of the nationally recognized Walden Toddler Program, an inclusive model demonstration program for the treatment of toddlers with autism. She is a licensed psychologist, a member of ABA, a faculty member of the NEC*TAS Autism Task Force on best practices, and adjunct instructor in the Department of Psychology. Her research and training interests include incidental teaching, social interaction, inclusion, and early intervention. She enjoys reading mystery and crime novels, girl scouting events, and spending time with her family.

Marilee Emerson, M. Ed., BCBA Associate Director 407-737-2566 ext. 14 memerson@mail.ucf.edu

Marilee has been affiliated with the Florida CARD family since its establishment and has held a leadership position at UCF CARD since 1999. Marilee graduated from the University of Florida with both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in special education.  Since 1988, she has worked for and with individuals with disabilities as an autism classroom teacher, a facilitator for Florida’s Action Advocates, and as Senior Autism Specialist at the Children’s Mental Health Unit at Shand’s Hospital.  She’s mentored over a dozen teachers through the Partnership for Effective Practices in Autism, producing nationally recognized projects; and was active in the development of the autism endorsement requirement. Marilee holds a professional teaching certificate with endorsement in severe-profound disabilities and is a National Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She is active in local, state and national associations.  Some of her research and training interests include literacy, applied behavior analysis and parent training. Outside of work, Marilee is active in the Junior League of Greater Orlando, consults with Blue Skies and enjoys travel, camping, and playing Frisbee.

Bruce Blake, MBA Coordinator 407-737-2566 ext. 19 bblake@mail.ucf.edu

Bruce received an undergraduate BFA degree, and an MBA in global business administration. He is currently completing his doctorate in the National Urban Leadership Initiative graduate program at UCF. Prior to joining CARD, he worked as a residential coordinator, art education teacher, behavior analyst, autism classroom teacher, behavior specialist, autism support teacher, and as a private behavioral consultant. His research and training interests include transition planning and support, peer to peer outreach, transportation professional training, community inclusion strategies, and vocational opportunities for individuals with significant impairments.  He is also the facilitator of the Modern Male social skill group for young males with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  Modern Male (central Florida area) is designed to empower students to become mentors, access their community and engage in personal future planning. Outside of his work, Bruce enjoys spending time with his family and dogs, surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding, oil painting, and ceramics.

Laurie Carroll Executive Secretary 407-737-2566 ext. 10 llcarrol@mail.ucf.edu

Laurie has lived in the Central Florida area since 1980 and has had two years of college majoring in Elementary Education and Business.  She has worked in the Central Florida area for the past 25 years in such major companies as Barnett Bank, and Orlando Regional Healthcare Systems and was the assistant to the Seminole County Clerk of the Court.  After being a stay-at-home mom for five years, she started back into the work force in January of 2007 at the University of Central Florida.  She is happily married to her husband, Bill, and has three children; Elyse, a high school graduate,  Cody who is in middle school, and Ryan who is a preschooler.  When she has spare time, she likes to read, sing and spend time with her family.

Jason Klazon, M.A. Coordinator 407-737-2566 ext. 15 jklazon@mail.ucf.edu

Jason received his Master's degree in Special Education from the University of Central Florida.  Prior to joining CARD, he worked within the Central Florida area as an ESE Teacher, an Employment Program Administrator, and an Employment Support Coordinator.  Jason also worked as a psychoeducation therapist at a psychiatric hospital while living in South Florida.  He currently holds a professional teaching certificate and has experience working with individuals of all ages with varying disabilities.  In addition to his responsibilities at CARD, Jason is an active member of local, state, and national professional organizations.  His research and training interests include transition strategies for adolescent and adult populations, social skills training and strategies for all ages, and sexuality awareness training for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.  Outside of his work, Jason enjoys hanging out with family and friends, his 2 Pugs, watching football, and exercising at his local fitness facility.

Erin Brooker Lozott, M.S., CCC-SLP Coordinator 407-737-2566 ext. 22 ebrooker@mail.ucf.edu

Erin Brooker Lozott received her Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Nova Southeastern University. She worked as a speech language pathologist in the Broward County School System and continued her career at Miami Children’s Hospital-Dan Marino Center.  As part of an international consulting group, Erin develops programs and training for children with autism around the world. She has been part of the Celeste Foundation’s parent training project, and is an adjunct instructor in UCF’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Erin’s primary responsibilities include conducting the Hanen “More Than Words” program, and providing training, technical assistance, and individualized support to families of individuals with autism and related disabilities, and the professionals who serve them.  Her training and research interests include assessment of young children with autism, early social communication skills, applied behavior analysis, genetics, augmentative and alternative communication, and early intervention. Outside of work, Erin enjoys traveling, triathlon training, and spending time with her family.

Irene Mazloom, A.A. Office Manager 407-737-2566 ext. 21 imazloom@mail.ucf.edu

Irene received her Associate in Arts degree from Miami-Dade Community College, where she also worked for 12 years in the Computer Information Systems Department on South Campus and 3 years in the School of Justice & Safety Administration on North Campus. She has been employed at the University of Central Florida since 1995. She manages all aspects of the office operation (personnel, purchasing, and budget related matters) coordinates intakes and channels information to the Coordinators.  She has an adorable 9 month old granddaughter, Isabella Nicole, an 8 year old grandson, Joseph Michael, and two wonderful children, Joseph and Jaclyn. She is a member of the Winter Park Elk’s Club DOES. Her interests include traveling, cooking, church activities, and low impact aerobics.

Aimara Rodriguez Parent and Spanish Interpreter 407-737-2566 ext. 51 airodrig@mail.ucf.edu

Aimara is the parent of two beautiful children: Alex, who has autism, and Karina, his little sister. Aimara is an Architectural Designer graduated in 1985 in Caracas-Venezuela, but also assists at CARD, where she provides extremely valuable help with translation and interpretation for families who communicate in Spanish. Aimara has been actively working with families with children with special needs since 1999, when she became a team member of the Family Resource Specialists at the Early Steps Program, in the Department of Children and Families. Aimara joined UCF-CARD in 2004; her experience and knowledge are a comfort to the families and the UCF CARD staff. She loves to spend time at the beach with her husband Alan and her two kids, going camping with Girl Scouts, going to the movies, and exercising.

Kimberly Snoeblen, B.A., BCABA Coordinator 407-737-2566 ext. 16 snoeblen@mail.ucf.edu

Kim received a dual Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Education from Rutgers University.  She holds a professional teaching certificate and has previously worked as both a regular education and exceptional education teacher.  Kim is also a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst.  Prior to moving to Florida, Kim worked as a discrete trial therapist and Coordinator at the Eden Institute and the Bancroft Early Intervention Program in New Jersey, and as a Discrete Trial therapist at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), and was an intern with Dr. Ivar Lovaas, on an inclusion project for the Los Angeles Unified School district.  Kim has a comprehensive background in feeding therapy from her experience at Children's Seashore House Feeding Unit in Philadelphia. Her research and training interests include applied behavior analysis, feeding therapy, bully-proofing, positive behavioral support and inclusion. In her spare time Kim enjoys boating, traveling and gourmet cooking.

Kimberly Spence-Cochran, Ph.D. Coordinator 407-737-2566 ext. 18 kcochran@mail.ucf.edu

Kim received her undergraduate degree in Secondary English Language Arts Education, her Master's degree in Varying Exceptionalities, and her Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Central Florida (UCF). Prior to joining the staff at CARD, she worked within the Central Florida area as a Teacher, Behavior Specialist, and Student Assistance Coordinator.  In addition to her responsibilities at CARD, Kim is a member of UCF’s Project Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Teacher Training Grant Advisory Committee; and an adjunct instructor for both the College of Education and the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. She s on the editorial boards of the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation (JVR)  and  Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits (ATOB).  Her research and training interests include law enforcement/first responder training and sexuality awareness training for individuals with significant impairments. In addition to her other responsibilities at CARD, Kim facilitates the adult groups for the Coastal Region of UCF CARD. Outside of work, Kim enjoys the Caribbean, and spending time with her family.

Eileen Wray, M.A. Coordinator 407-737-2566 ext. 17 ewray@mail.ucf.edu

Eileen received her Masters degree in Exceptional Education from the University of Central Florida.  She is an adjunct instructor for UCF in the College of Education.  She has over 20 years of experience working in the fields of Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health in administration, teaching, and training in both public and private organizations.   At CARD, in addition to her duties as a coordinator, Eileen also oversees the Sister’s Club, Sibshops, and Camp Two Can summer camp.