Who Are Our Speakers?

Sally Burton-Hoyle, Ed.D was the Executive Director of the Autism Society of Michigan from 1994-2006. She received her doctorate in Special Education from the University of Idaho. Dr. Burton-Hoyle has taught at Oakland University in the Autistically Impaired teacher certification program. She has been a trainer for the Department of Community Mental Health presenting information on the Person Centered Process. She is currently a professor at Eastern Michigan University developing the Masters Program in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Sally also has a brother with Autism who lives in Washtenaw County.

Anne Carpenter has been the Librarian and Information/Referral Specialist for ASM for almost 20 years. She has a Masters degree in Library Science from Western Michigan University. She is a woman with Autism who helps parents and professionals by giving first hand advice on the disorder.

Kathy Johnson was the Associate Director/Educational Consultant for ASM from 1995-2005. She has a Masters degree in Special Education and taught students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities for 17 years in New York State. Kathy is also certified in Paralegal Studies. Currently she is an Independant Educational Consultant, advocate and training specialist and the Board President of the Autism Society of Michigan.

Lori Swan is the mother of two boys, the oldest of whom has Autism. She has a degree in Child Development and Psychology from Central Michigan Univeristy, and she used to teach preschool. She is currently working on her Master's degree in Special Education with an emphasis on Autism. She and her husband are the founders of the Autism Foundation of Ingham County. Currently, Lori also serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Autism Society of Michigan. She also likes spending time working on her son's school and home program, but her favorite job is being mom to Michael and Lane.