Stephen Edelson, Ph.D. | Chief Science Officer
Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D., is the Chief Science Officer of the Autism Research Institute. Active in the field of autism for over 30 years, he was named director of ARI in 2006 after the passing of autism pioneer and advocate, Dr. Bernard Rimland. Learn more about Dr. Edelson.
Denise Fulton | Chief Operations Officer
Denise Fulton is parent to an adult diagnosed with autism. Prior to her work in the autism community, she earned her M.S. HCDE at the University of Washington, and worked for VeriSign. She’s worked with ARI since 2006.
Laura Kanellos | Director of Development
Laura Kanellos is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in strategic partnerships, and organizational development. As a first-generation college graduate, she earned her degree at Seton Hall University and has built a successful career in Agile development and nonprofit management. Laura has made impactful contributions to important causes, including Multiple Sclerosis, HIV, and Cancer.
Melanie Glock | Communications and Online Learning Specialist
Melanie has a BA from the University of Washington and is the mother of three busy children. She has been active in the autism community since her daughter was diagnosed in 2003 and began working with ARI in 2010.
Rebecca McKenney | Office Manager
Rebecca has worked for ARI for more than two decades. She is married with three daughters, one with Cerebral Palsy and autistic tendencies. Her hobbies are knitting, crocheting, gardening, traveling, community involvement.
Nataliya | Consultant – Outreach Coordinator
Nataliya has a Bachelor of Psychology from Odessa National University I.I. Mechnicov, Odessa, Ukraine. She has been working with the special needs population since 2006. Nataliya assists in coordinating ARI’s international networking efforts.