Spectrum Connect Virtual Ambassador
Join us on March 17 at 6:00 PM EST for an engaging virtual gathering designed for professionals who want to make a meaningful impact in the autism community. Spectrum Autism Support Group is launching its 2026 Virtual Ambassador initiative and invites community-minded professionals to engage in a purposeful, high-impact conversation.
Spectrum Connect: The Virtual Ambassador Launch – Professionals for Purpose is designed for executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals who are interested in leveraging their influence, networks, and leadership to strengthen support systems for individuals and families impacted by autism.
During this virtual session, you will:
- Gain insight into Spectrum’s strategic vision and growth priorities
- Hear from featured speaker Claire Dees on leadership, advocacy, and professional impact
- Review the structure and expectations of the Virtual Ambassador role
- Explore measurable ways to expand awareness, engagement, and community partnerships
This is not a volunteer meeting — it is a leadership opportunity to align professional capital with meaningful community outcomes.
We are seeking professionals (18+) who value thoughtful growth, relationship-based engagement, and measurable impact.
If you are ready to connect influence with purpose, we invite you to join us.
Keynote Speakers
Claire Dees
Spectrum Connect: Virtual Ambassador Launch
Ms. Dees previously served Spectrum in a volunteer capacity as Board President and now leads the organization as Executive Director. She brings over 30 years of experience in the field of disabilities, both as a parent and a seasoned professional. Previously, she served as Community Engagement Manager for Parent to Parent of Georgia, where she strengthened partnerships and expanded family support initiatives statewide.
Ms. Dees remains deeply engaged in the community. She currently serves on the board of the Duluth Civitans, the Georgia State University Center for Leadership in Disability Community Advisory Committee, and the Autism Plan for Georgia Advisory Council. Her leadership reflects a long-standing commitment to advancing systems of support for individuals and families impacted by disabilities.
Spectrum Autism Support Group offers a comprehensive range of programs, including monthly parent meetings, social skills groups for children and adults on the autism spectrum, family events, camps, and educational opportunities. The organization is especially proud of its robust summer camp program, which serves thousands of children each year through both day camps and their overnight camp experiences.
With Ms. Dees now serving full-time as Executive Director, Spectrum is positioned to enhance and strategically expand its programming. Her passion for empowering families, coupled with her deep knowledge of community resources and collaborative partnerships, will continue to strengthen Spectrum’s impact and improve the lives of those affected by autism throughout our community.
Caliah Jinaye
Spectrum Connect: Building Influence That Serves
We are honored to welcome featured speaker Caliah Jinaye, who will share a networking strategy that supports the purpose of our Virtual Ambassador initiative. Just some of the topics covered will be:
- Building a Network of Supporters for Spectrum – Helping attendees think strategically about how they cultivate and steward relationships that advance mission-driven work. This could include identifying connectors, leveraging influence, and aligning professional capital with meaningful impact.
- Creating Their Spectrum Elevator Pitch – Guiding participants in developing a concise, confident way to articulate who Spectrum is, what we do, and why it matters. Equipping them with language they can immediately use will strengthen their confidence as ambassadors.
- Our goal is for attendees to leave not only inspired but equipped with clarity, language, and a practical next step.
About Caliah Jinaye
Caliah Jinaye is a powerhouse success strategist and the visionary behind Crown Level Living — a brand built to elevate, empower, and transform lives. She has risen above every challenge placed in her path, turning adversity into purpose-driven momentum. From overcoming early obstacles to building an influential platform, Caliah embodies resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of excellence.
Her professional journey began in the corporate world, where she quickly stood out for her drive, communication skills, and ability to connect with people on a deeper level. Those gifts eventually led her into the world of empowerment and personal development, where she discovered her calling: helping others unlock their highest potential and live at their Crown Level.
About Crown Level Living
Crown Level Living was created for women who know they’re called higher — even if life, fear, doubts, pressure, or identity wounds have tried to keep them small.
This is where faith meets strategy. Where confidence becomes sustainable. Where your calling becomes clear, this brand is the bridge between the life you are living now and the life God intended when He formed you with intention and purpose.
Dr. April Coleman
Spectrum Connect: From Practice to Partnership
We are honored to welcome featured speaker Dr. April Coleman, who will share how to integrate Spectrum into your professional recommendations and how to recognize leadership potential in others, which will reinforce the importance of strategic community partnerships.
In particular, incredibly valuable topics such as:
- How do you intentionally direct clients and families to trusted community resources
- Why recommend and support Spectrum within the broader autism ecosystem
- How collaborative partnerships strengthen outcomes for families
- Your perspective on identifying and recruiting strong board members who align with mission-driven work
Our goal for the evening is not only awareness, but also activation.
About Dr. April Coleman
Dr. April L. Coleman is a Georgia-licensed psychologist, published author, professional speaker, and the clinical training site coordinator for GAC. She has been working in the mental health field since 2009. Dr. Coleman specializes in the comprehensive assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and anxiety. She works with individuals as young as 12 months old. Dr. Coleman also speaks at various parent events and workshops in which she educates parents and caregivers about the common signs of ADHD, ASD, and anxiety; when it is time to seek support from a qualified professional for an assessment; and what next steps should be once the assessment process is complete, and diagnoses are shared.
Dr. Coleman developed a strong interest in working with children and adolescents before completing her undergraduate and graduate studies. She became more interested in working specifically with children after completing an undergraduate externship through The Georgia Center for Children (now The Georgia Center for Child Advocacy) and continuing to work in settings serving the needs of children in the foster care system with histories of trauma. She began her initial graduate training working in a community counseling center serving the needs of children and adolescents residing in a group home setting with histories of trauma. She went on to gain additional experience within the pediatric population where she first received training in working with children and adolescents with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and gained additional experience working within a specialized treatment center providing individual, family, and group therapy to children and adolescents with histories of sexual abuse and/or sexual behavior problems.
Dr. Coleman is very active in her community, participating in various activities involving mental health awareness and advocacy, and uplifting and empowering youth and their families. Dr. Coleman is on the Board of Directors for SPECTRUM Autism Support, Education, and Resources; a member of Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties (JLGNF); a member of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA); the Georgia Psychological Association (GPA); the Southeastern Psychological Association (SEPA); and the American Psychological Association (APA). She has conducted workshops at community mind/body/health fairs sponsored by the Georgia Psychological Association, has presented on learning disabilities and ADHD at an annual regional psychological association conference, and she has provided pro bono workshops, trainings, and educational sessions for parents and families within community and school settings on various topics, including ASD and ADHD assessment, childhood trauma, trauma assessment, childhood anxiety, and conflict resolution.
In her spare time, Dr. Coleman enjoys traveling, reading, being outdoors, volunteering, and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Candace Holmes
Spectrum Connect: Brain-Body Leadership
We are honored to welcome featured speaker Dr. Candace Holmes, who will share how regulation impacts learning, communication, and daily functioning — particularly in the workplace. Just some of the topics covered will be:
- How nervous system regulation affects executive function and decision-making
- The connection between regulation and effective communication
- How dysregulation can present in professional settings (focus, productivity, interpersonal dynamics)
- Practical insights leaders can apply to better support neurodiverse employees
- Why understanding regulation strengthens teams and workplace culture
Our goal is for attendees to leave with both awareness and actionable insight, understanding that supporting regulation isn’t just a clinical concept, but a leadership advantage.
About Dr. Candace Holmes
Dr. Holmes spent the first thirteen years of her oldest daughter’s life frustrated and disappointed. The only recommendation offered to help her daughter thrive while living with ADHD was medication. After successfully using BrainCore Neurofeedback Therapy on her daughter and witnessing her transformation from struggling in school to earning all A’s in her first semester in college, she decided to share it with her community. She is now on a mission to educate the public about a more natural approach to mental health and wellness challenges.