Lisa E. Rego
Autism Society RI
Lisa is the mom to Chelsea, Adam and Joey. Chelsea is severely autistic and lives in a group home run by her day program provider. Lisa works in the Family Service Department at the Groden Center, helping other families navigate through the maze that is autism.
Claudia Swiader
Autism Society RI
Claudia is the mom of 2 adult sons with severe Autism; Adam and Matthew live together in a GROUP HOME manged by the Cove Center which also provides their day program services. Claudia, her husband Michael and their daughter Krista are strong, vocal advocates for their boys.
William Cannata Jr.
ALEC
Captain William Cannata, Jr., Retired, has been a member of the fire service for more than 30 years, and is the Program Director of the Autism and Law Enforcement Education Coalition formed in 2003. He is also the parent of a child with an autism spectrum disorder.
Tessa Cannata
The Arc of South Norfolk
Tessa is a Family Support Coordinator at The Arc of South Norfolk serving individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. A founding member of the agency's Family Autism Center, she is an active board member of their Steering Committee. Tessa has a 25 year old son with Autism.