Presenters
Autism Translational Research Workshop
Karen S. Fairchild
Karen S. Fairchild, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who recently retired from ScenicView Clinic in Provo, Utah, where she specialized in providing mental health counseling for individuals and families living with autism. Her work with autism individuals includes infants through later adulthood. Three of Karen’s five adult children are autistic. Karen has presented extensively and has been involved in autism advocacy since her first child was diagnosed in 1992.
Suzanne Sawyer-Espinoza
Suzanne Sawyer-Espinoza, MS, CCC-SLP, is the Clinic Manager of the BYU Speech and Language Clinic, as well as the owner of an interdisciplinary private practice serving both children and adults. Her passion for helping others improve their executive functioning skills stems not only from a career spent working with individuals with autism, ADHD, trauma, and grief, but also as the parent of children diagnosed with autism and ADHD. Suzanne frequently presents on these topics at conferences and workshops.
Allison Schuette
Allison Schuette, MS, CCC-SLP, is a Speech-Language Pathologist at a charter school serving children on the autism spectrum. She earned her BS and MS degrees from Southern Illinois University–Carbondale and has clinical experience across early intervention, schools, home health, and skilled nursing settings. Her work focuses on autism, complex communication disorders, and school-based AAC and assistive technology, and she is an active member of the Utah Assistive Technology Team.
Michele Elizabeth Villalobos
Michele Elizabeth Villalobos, PhD, MS, is a Developmental Psychologist who received her degree from the University of Utah. She completed her internship at the Yale Child Study Center with an emphasis in Autism Spectrum Disorders, and she completed her post-doctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children´s Hospital of Philadelphia. She is currently a Full Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Utah and the Clinical Director for the Primary Children's Developmental Pediatrics and Autism Service Line.
Emily Yorgason
Emily Yorgason, MS, CCC-SLP, is a school-based Speech-Language Pathologist whose work centers on neurodiversity-affirming care and interdisciplinary collaboration. As a member of the Utah Assistive Technology Team, she specializes in integrating assistive technology across diverse environments. She actively mentors staff and families in implementing communication supports to drive meaningful, student-centered change.
Contact Us
Business Hours
Monday–Friday (except holidays)
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. mountain time
Street Address
Harman Continuing Education Building (HCEB)
Brigham Young University
770 E University Pkwy
Provo UT 84602
Program Office
BYU CE Events
253 HCEB
770 E University Pkwy
Provo UT 84602
Phone/Email
Office: 801-422-1680
Registration: 801-422-8925
Registration (toll-free): 877-221-6716
Email: cw169@byu.edu
