Join us for Spectrum Chats - a virtual panel on making friends and improving your social circle. The panel will be made up of individuals on the spectrum sharing their personal experiences.
Date: August 25th, 2022
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM CST (7:30 - 9:30 PM EST)
Where: Online
Panelists
Brian Williams was born and raised in Clarksville, Tennessee to Alma and the late Raimon E. Williams. He received an associate degree from Austin Peay State University after transferring back home from MTSU. While working on the student newspaper at MTSU, Brian was introduced to broadcasting and media by individuals involved in the MTSU television studios. Since 1991, Brian has been involved in the broadcasting field. He began his career at Cencom, which is now known as Spectrum then went to Comcast, which is now known as Xfinity. He worked with Xfinity from 1996 to 2007. In 2005, Brian began working at Mount Zion Baptist Church, where he is currently still employed in their Media Ministry. In 2007, Brian was diagnosed with Autism (Asperger’s Syndrome) yet, has not been deterred. He continues to work hard, is devoted to his family, career, and the ministry. Brian unapologetically seeks to continue being a “good man for God.”
Dr. Charles Ihrig is a Licensed Pschologist and Licensed Professiona Counselor. He is also the President and Founder of Athena Care. He graduated with his doctorate in counseling psychology from Tennessee State University and completed his internship/residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry splitting his time between Adults and Children. He is a generalist with experience working with persons of all ages. Dr. Ihrig spends the majority of his clinical time doing diagnostic work, specializing in the assessment of conditions such as Neurodevelopmental, Forensic, and Neuro-Psychological Evaluations. As part of his administrative duties at Athena Care, Dr. Ihrig oversees 5 clinics in Middle Tennessee. These clinics offer a full range of behavioral health services including assessment and ongoing treatment for individuals on the Autism Spectrum.
Melanie Mcafee, RN, MSN - is the mom of three autistic kids: 14, 16, and 19 years old. She is a Master's prepared registered nurse who specializes in child and adolescent mental health. Her company, Social Zebra, helps neurodivergent women and girls make friends, build community, and OWN their AMAZINGNESS. Her special interests are pollinator gardening, converting her front yard to a monarch butterfly waystation, and playing with her one-eyed chihuahua, Sassy. She is also hopelessly addicted to Cuban coffee.
Desiree Dyer - Self-Advocate
Alonso Calderon - Self-Advocate
Riley Dulaney - Self-Advocate
Kathleen Ferrelli, MS, CCC-SLP, AutismTN Teen and Adult Program Manager, will be moderating this event.
If you have questions/situations that have occurred that you would like the panelists to discuss, send an email to kathleen@autismtn.org.
Click here for frequently asked questions!
