Spectrum Connect: Virtual Ambassadors
Join us on August 11 at 7:00 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 launched 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. change to Spectrum Connect: Virtual Ambassadors – 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.
Discussion Topic & Key Takeaways:
Topic: Turning Connections Into Commitment: Finding the Right People for the Right Purpose
Key Takeaways:
- 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
- Identifying leadership that the Spectrum Board of Directors and Advisory Committee needs
- Turning existing relationships into meaningful partnerships
- Building a Spectrum Board of Directors and Advisory Committee that is set up for long-term success
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 Speaker
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 Coleman is a Georgia-licensed pediatric psychologist at the Georgia Autism Center, where she specializes in comprehensive assessments for ASD, ADHD, learning differences, and anxiety. She also serves as the practicum site coordinator for graduate students from Mercer University, Brenau University, Fielding University, and the University of Georgia.
She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Georgia State University and completed both her master's and doctoral training in Clinical Psychology at the Georgia School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Coleman completed her APA-accredited internship with the University of Massachusetts Medical School's outpatient behavioral health program, where she received specialized training in trauma-focused therapy and developmental assessment, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in Atlanta.
A recognized leader in her field, Dr. Coleman has been featured in True Self Magazine and Peachtree Corners Magazine and was named to both Georgia Trend Magazine's and Georgia State University's 40 Under 40 Class of 2023. She has earned multiple awards for clinical excellence and community impact, including honors from SPECTRUM Autism Support Group, Blossom ABA Therapy Center, the Health 2.0 Conference, and the Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties.
Dr. Coleman is an active speaker, educator, and advocate. She regularly presents at conferences, schools, nonprofits, and parent organizations, sharing expertise on autism, anxiety, trauma, and learning differences. Her insights have been featured on V103's Big Tigger Morning Show, WRFG 89.3 FM's *On Your Mind*, Autism Spectrum News, and Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine. She has also supported families, teachers, and professionals through workshops with school districts, Fulton County CASA, the Southeastern Psychological Association, and parent groups across Georgia and beyond.
In the summer of 2025, Dr. Coleman became a published children's author with the release of *Bye-Bye Jitterbugs*, a story that helps children understand and cope with anxiety. She is currently working on her second children's book, which will focus on the complex feelings children may experience when navigating grief and loss.
Dr. Coleman lives in Gwinnett County with her husband and daughter. She proudly serves her community through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties, and SPECTRUM Autism Support Group.
Dr. Coleman's mission is to empower families, educate communities, and advocate for compassionate, effective care for neurodivergent children.