Stanford Neurodiversity Project - Research, Education, and Advocacy Camp for High Schoolers (SNP-REACH)
2025 Faculty, Guests Speakers, and Camp Leaders will be updated around March 2025
2025 Faculty
Lawrence Fung, M.D., Ph.D. is the Director of the Stanford Neurodiversity Project and Organizer of SNP-REACH. Dr. Fung specializes in the phenomenology, neurobiology and novel interventions of autism spectrum condition. Dr. Fung is the editor of "Neurodiversity: From Phenomenology to Neurobiology and Enhancing Technologies" with American Psychiatric Association Publishing. He serves as Director of the Neurodiversity Clinic, and Associate Professor (University Medical Line) in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences. He is also the father of a teenager on the spectrum.
Rabia Belt, J.D., Ph.D. is a Professor of Law and Professor (by courtesy) of History at Stanford. She is a legal historian whose scholarship focuses on disability and citizenship. Her scholarship ranges from cultural analysis of disability in media, to contemporary issues facing voters with disability, to the historical treatment of disabled Americans. She is currently writing a book titled, “Disabling Democracy in America: Mental Incompetence, Citizenship, Suffrage, and the Law, 1819-1920” that is forthcoming with in the Studies in Legal History Series with Cambridge University Press. In 2015, the American Society of Legal History named her a Kathryn T. Preyer Scholar for her paper, “Ballots for Bullets? The Disenfranchisement of Civil War Veterans.”
Dr. Karen Parker is the inaugural Truong-Tan Broadcom Endowed Professor, Chair of the Major Laboratories Steering Committee, and Associate Chair for Research Strategy and Oversight, in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Stanford University School of Medicine. She is also Professor, by courtesy, of Comparative Medicine at Stanford University. Dr. Parker directs the Social Neurosciences Research Program, which seeks to advance understanding of the biological basis of social functioning across a range of species, and to translate these fundamental insights to drive diagnostic and treatment advances for patients with social impairment. Her core research interests include: oxytocin and vasopressin signaling pathways, development of valid animal models for streamlined translation and clinical impact, and biomarker discovery and therapeutic testing in children with autism spectrum disorder.
Marci Schwartz, LCSW, Ph.D. is an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine. In the SNP, Dr. Schwartz contributes to teaching the PSYC229 series (Topics in Neurodiversity: Introduction and Advocacy). She is also the founder of Thrive College Counseling where she works with students with unique learning profiles to find the right college fit. Dr. Schwartz received her Ph.D. in clinical social work from NYU and her certificate in college counseling from UCLA.
Thuc-Quyen Nguyen, M.D. is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine. She is a psychiatrist in the Adult Neurodevelopment Clinic and Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic. She received her BS in Bioengineering at UC Berkeley and MD at UC San Francisco. She completed her Psychiatry Residency Training at the Harvard Longwood Program, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Stanford.
2025 Guest Speakers
Beth Grady, M.D., F.A.A.P. is a pediatrician who has been caring for low income children and teens in San Mateo County, California for over 25 years. Her professional interests include promoting a strengths-based neurodiversity model for pediatric primary care and making neurodiversity-positive resources and supports accessible to low income and non-English speaking patients and families. She is particularly interested in the intersection between neurodiversity and trauma. Since 2015, Dr. Grady has led the San Mateo Medical Center’s effort to implement Trauma Informed Care, including participating in the Center for Care Innovation’s Resilient Beginnings Collaborative https://www.careinnovations.org/programs/resilience/.
Olenka Villarreal is the founder of Magical Bridge Playground in Palo Alto and Magical Bridge Foundation and a former Silicon Valley leader. In 2008, Olenka brought together an effective team of experts, city officials, and volunteers to design and develop the groundbreaking Magical Bridge Playground in Palo Alto, CA. Olenka holds a B.A. in Economics and Public Policy from Pomona College and M.B.A. in Marketing from Golden Gate University.
Dani Bowman—who is on the autism spectrum founded her company, DaniMation Entertainment, at age 14 in 2009 and launched DaniMation UK in 2019. She graduated with a BFA in Animation in 2018 and an MBA in Global Strategy and Leadership in 2020. Dani has premiered 10 animated short films, a PSA, and a music video at San Diego Comic Con. Over the next 12 years, Dani has led summer animation camps and around the country, initially with Joey Travolta's Inclusion Films, and then expanding out on her own, adding programs at the University of South Florida and Plymouth University in England, teaching over 2000 youth with autism and other different abilities. In 2020, Dani pivoted to teaching animation from in-person to online with 1-Week Animation Workshops and One-on-One classes. In addition to teaching animation, Dani works with her students as a role model and mentor, encouraging them to follow their dreams. In 2021, Dani and her team participated in the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, where she won for “Best Editor” with her film “The Home Office”. Dani is currently working on getting a Ph.D with thesis on how much the impact her program has had in the autism community.
Hari Srinivasan is a PhD Candidate in Neuroscience at Vanderbilt University and an alum of UC Berkeley. He is a NSF Graduate Research Fellow, PD Soros Fellow, NISE Fellow at the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation and the UCLA-AIRP Answer Scholar. His research focuses on the sensory motor system in autism. More specifically, his work investigates peripersonal space, which serves as a critical sensorimotor interface, shaping how autistics navigate their social and spatial environments. Understanding PPS dynamics in autism has broad implications across education, employment, and daily living skills. His research is deeply rooted in his lived experience aiming to bridge gaps in understanding sensory processing in autism and improve therapeutic approaches. Srinivasan has a dual dx of Autism and ADHD since toddlerhood, limited spoken communication, sensory processing issues, and other challenges that do present a lot of challenges in his everyday life. He is deeply vested in finding solutions that address multiple domains of autism. He continues to engage in writing on autism, contributes to nonprofits, and initiatives aimed at developing practical, impactful solutions.
Dr. Yu Sun is a professor of Computer Science at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Dr. Sun has extensive work, research, and entrepreneurial experience in software engineering, mobile communications, cloud computing, and Internet applications. He currently serves as director of Software Engineering, Cloud and Mobile Computing Lab (SotCom Lab), and guides student research and entrepreneurship projects. At the same time, Dr. Sun is also the founder of Coding Minds, an technology educational startup that promotes Computer Science education for K-12 students. Prior to founding Coding Minds, Dr. Sun also co-founded Ziiio, an indoor navigation startup based on mobile technology. Dr. Sun also worked as a software engineer at Amazon and participated in the development of Amazon Silk, the world's first cloud-based mobile web browser.
Tingting Chen is a Professor of Computer Science at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, conducting active research in deep learning in medical applications, AI model security and privacy. Dr. Chen founded Code the Spectrum in 2021, a non-profit organization, aiming to help bridge the digital divide between neurotypical and neurodiverse people in the Technology world.
2025 Camp Counselors
Cassidy Miller is a camp coordinator for SNP-REACH and graduate of UC Santa Barbara, majoring in Biopsychology and minoring in both Applied Psychology and Poverty, Inequality, and Social Justice. She is passionate about public health and healthcare equity, with a particular interest in mental health. She is involved in research that examines positive psychology interventions (PPIs) in psychotherapy, and hopes to conduct her own research examining the effects of PPIs in neurodiverse populations in the near future. In her free time, Cassidy enjoys playing Spikeball, hanging out with her cats, and spending time in the sunshine.
Vani Sood is a rising Junior at UC San Diego, majoring in Clinical Psychology and minoring in Business. She is currently a research assistant at UCSD's Mind and Development Lab, where she is researching the perception of augmented reality among 3-6 year olds. Being a psychology major, she possesses immense interest in human cognition and development. As an aspiring applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapist, she is passionate about mental health awareness and resources, as well as promoting inclusivity for neurodivergent individuals. In her free time, Vani enjoys baking, playing the piano, painting, spending time with friends and family, and is a huge dog lover!
Erica Detemmerman a camp coordinator for SNP-REACH, and the administrative associate for the Stanford Neurodiversity Project and Center for Sleep in Autism Spectrum Disorder. After completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Chicago, she became a pre-kindergarten teacher’s assistant and also started part-time work as a research assistant at the Goldin-Meadow lab at the University of Chicago studying non-verbal communication. Desiring to focus on autism, she started work at Soaring Eagle Academy’s therapeutic day school where she supported students with very different profiles and support needs using the Developmental Interpersonal Relationship model. She likes visiting her homeland, Switzerland, and baking pastries.
Ellie Peterson is a senior at University of California, San Diego, majoring in biochemistry with a minor in biology. She is looking forward to sharing her experiences through challenges as a neurodiverse individual, and encouraging others to achieve their goals during their high school and college years. She is excited to learn more about how to advocate for neurodiverse individuals through SNP-REACH. She is also interested in research focused on genetic testing for mental health-related medications, and how the body metabolizes these types of medications. She has volunteered for three years at Hoag Memorial Hospital and is excited to pursue a career in psychiatry, working to help neurodiverse individuals like herself. In her free time, she enjoys running, biking, and anything outdoors.
Julia Zielke (she/they) graduated this spring from Stanford University, with a B.A.. in Psychology with Honors and a minor in Music. Particularly as a neurodiverse person themself, they are passionate about disability advocacy and dismantling institutionalized ableism. Some of their current research investigates the gender differences in neurodiversity presentation and how these intersect with underdiagnosis of neurodiverse conditions. Their research, including their senior honors thesis, also spans the intersection of emotions, communication, and mental health more broadly. In their natural habitat, they can be found playing the flute and piano, listening to music, writing poetry, analyzing their favorite characters from media, or stargazing. They’re looking forward to meeting you all—and they’re very excited to learn about your hyperfixations, special interests, and passions!
Maya Oralevich is from Palo Alto, California, and she is a rising sophomore at the University of California, Davis, where she plans to study Neurobiology and Anatomy. Maya grew up in a home with 3 neurodiverse siblings, and her passion for neurodiversity and the strength based approach sparked when she was diagnosed with Dyslexia in her sophomore year of high school. After her diagnosis, Maya became a camper of SNP-REACH in 2022, where she worked with her fellow campers to create a website to support undiagnosed neurodiverse students. Over the years, she has used her skills in universal design to volunteer with special needs and foster children, as well as to teach swim lessons to both neurodiverse and neurotypical children. In her free time, Maya enjoys swimming, running, traveling, and learning new languages! Feel free to reach out to Maya at moralevich@ucdavis.edu if you have any questions.
Anthony Woo is a freshman at the New York University College of Arts and Sciences. An anthropology and history student, he is particularly interested in the intersection between the pathologization of neurodivergence and the juridical apparatus. Since middle school, he has been an avid advocate of neurodiversity with a focus on cultivating inclusive spaces. His volunteering experiences range from leading dramatic storytelling sessions in a clinic for children to coordinating accessible events in gallery spaces. Outside of his volunteering work, he enjoys visiting museums and attending book talks.
Hi - I'm Arushi Devgun. I'm a rising senior at Johns Hopkins University, majoring in neuroscience and minoring in psychology. I am from Minnesota. I am interested in neurodiversity because I had a lot of neurodiverse friends growing up, and I have worked with a number of neurodiverse children throughout undergrad. I am committed to empowering and advocating for neurodiverse people so they can show the world their innovative ideas and unique perspectives. My hobbies include reading, writing, and exploring coffee shops around Baltimore. I look forward to meeting everyone!
Lily is a rising second-year at University of California, Santa Barbara majoring in Psychological and Brain Sciences. Having ADHD herself, she is interested in studying neurodivergent individuals in social settings and sharing her passion for learning about this cause. She hopes to further continue her advocacy for the neurodivergent community throughout her time as a counselor. In her free time, she loves to read, cook, play with her cats, and go to the beach. She looks forward to getting to know everyone in this program!
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My name is Zack Mordecai. I am a rising Junior at The University of Vermont studying biology on the Pre-Med track and pursuing a psychology minor. I am interested in neurodiversity as I had many friends who were neurodiverse growing up, and I want to help provide opportunities that they never had. My Hobbies include hiking, weightlifting, and rowing. I am currently a member of the men's rowing team at UVM.
Benji is a junior psychology major and art history minor. He is interested in social neuroscience, psychodynamics, neurodiversity, and psychopharmacology. After graduating from Kenyon, he hopes to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology or neuropsychology.He has researched social psychology with Professor Sarah Murnen for five semesters, has researched facial perception using EEG with Professor Andrew Engell for two, and has completed a summer of Kenyon Summer Science Scholars investigating minority stress theory. He also takes an interest in studying Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism.
Caroline Zuba is a rising Sophomore at The Johns Hopkins University, double majoring in Psychology and Philosophy. She loves volunteering for World Relief in the sector of refugee resettlement, was a crisis counselor for Crisis Text Line, is an apprentice for the Christian fellowship group InterVarsity, and partakes in discipleship with Young Life Baltimore County middle schoolers. She is also conducting qualitative research in the field of forensic psychology. As a part of the NIH Community Partnerships to Advance Science for Society (ComPASS) Study, she is researching the stigma that formerly incarcerated men experience as they re-enter society. In her free time, she loves running half-marathons, journaling, and snuggling with her cat named Hope.
Grace Peterson is a rising senior at University of California, Irvine, majoring in chemistry with a minor in biology. Her interest in neurodiversity began with her own diagnosis of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). With a twin sister who is also neurodivergent, Grace has grown up developing skills for the challenges she has faced as a neurodivergent individual. Grace is passionate about sharing her skills with other neurodivergent individuals and is motivated to make sure neurodivergent individuals feel supported to accomplish their goals, as a neurotypical individual would. Her extensive experience involved with patient care as a volunteer through Hoag Memorial Hospital has inspired her to pursue a career in the medical field to study neurobiology and how it relates to the development of psychiatric disorders. In her free time, she enjoys running/hiking on local trails and spending time with friends and family.
Finley Liu is an undergraduate student at Amherst College majoring in English and AAPI Studies. As a neurodivergent individual herself, Finley is passionate about increasing accessibility and acceptance for neurodivergent people. In particular, she is interested in the unique experiences of female, queer, and POC people, who are often underrepresented in the study of neurodiversity. She is excited to join the Stanford Neurodiversity Project team and work with high schoolers who are interested in neurodiversity advocacy. Outside of academics, Finley is a Bay Area native who grew up going to Stanford Football games with her dad. She loves stuffed animals and Formula 1, and she can't wait to learn about your special interests!
Ceci Heath is a first-year student at the University of Denver studying Psychology. As a part of SNP-REACH, she hopes to champion neurodiversity and empower other neurodiverse individuals. She currently works as a research assistant in the Child Health and Development Lab at the University of Denver, where she studies the ways risk and protective factors influence children’s health and development, and what interventions can support that development.
Victoria Raha Sigaroudi earned her master’s degree in Medicine and is deeply committed to mental health and neurodiversity advocacy. Her passion for inclusive education stems from personal experience supporting a loved one on the autism spectrum, which shaped her commitment to promoting awareness and equity for neurodiverse communities. She is especially interested in bridging clinical care with educational and social support systems to create more inclusive environments.
Sam Dizon (she/her/hers) is a rising senior in the Communication department minoring in Human Rights with a Disability Studies concentration. Growing up with an autistic younger brother, she has always been passionate about inclusivity and disability awareness. After learning from the stigmas surrounding autism in the past, she’s become an active advocate for disability rights as a whole today. At Stanford, she serves as the Disability Community (DisCo) Space’s undergraduate Assistant Coordinator, where her main tasks include creating all the graphics you see on social media (@DisCoStanford) and helping to brainstorm for / organize the space. In her free time, she pursues the arts, whether it’s painting, calligraphy, singing, or all creative things in between. She loves combining her passions for creativity and advocacy wherever she goes!
Sophie Nguyen is currently a senior (Class of 2025) at Granite Bay High School in Sacramento, California, and she is a Camp Leader for SNP-REACH ‘25. Sophie is passionate about the intersection between bioethics and human-computer interaction, specifically with its impact on neurodivergent individuals. As a Camp Leader, she hopes to empower the next cohort of students, transforming them into researchers, educators, and advocates for neurodiversity. Previously, Sophie served on the Network for K-12 Neurodiversity Education and Advocacy (NNEA) Speaker Coordination Sub-Committee and led as the Co-Founder and Researcher of HobbyHive.
Zoe Guo was born and raised in Beijing, she is very familiar with Chinese culture and traditions. Since seven years old however, she’s grown up in Irvine, in sunny Southern California, where she has gathered most of her bright personality. She hopes to attend medical school, studying neuroscience during her undergraduate years. As one of the more recent campers of SNP-REACH, she returns to inspire campers, returning the favor of her experience in 2023. In her free time, she loves playing piano, tennis, weightlifting, and video games occasionally.
Joseph “Joe” Ho is a Stanford rising sophomore studying Biomedical Computation on the pre-med track. As a member of the disability community at Stanford, he is a passionate advocate for all things neurodiversity. He has utilized his journey through personal lived experience to teach others to embrace their differences and let their personality shine. Joseph has past experience working with a number disability and neurodiversity empowerment organizations in the past, including the local Korean American Special Education Center (KASEC) and the Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) sponsored by the California Department of Rehabilitation. In his free time, he likes to destress by spending time with his four younger sisters, playing the piano and cello, arranging his favorite songs, and sampling indie video games.