Nicole Kubilus has a serious passion-call it a special interest-for autism advocacy. Diagnosed with autism at two years old, Nicole has pursued various types of autism advocacy work over the last twenty years.

Her artwork and poetry focus on celebrating the autistic experience and spreading awareness about ableism (which she uses to promote Understanding Autism). She is a former art educator and currently working towards a certification in counseling. She lives in Denver, Colorado.

Bret Thayer is a retired public school teacher and the parent of an autistic child. He brings his experience teaching autistic children in a mainstream classroom setting as well as a parent’s perspective navigating the complexities of having a child with special needs in public schools. He currently lives in northern Vermont.