Allie Wainer, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Rush, and the Research Director of the AARTS (Autism Assessment, Research, Treatment & Services) Center at Rush. Dr. Wainer has extensive experience with assessment, behavioral intervention, and parent training for individuals with ASD. Her program of research focuses on ways to increase access to intervention for young children with ASD and related neurodevelopmental conditions. She also provides training and consultation in ASD Early Intervention and Parent Coaching for community-based providers in the United States and Internationally.
Principal Investigator
Natalie Berger, PhD, is a licensed pediatric neuropsychologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Rush. Dr. Berger specializes in neuropsychological assessment, with a focus on helping families to understand the neurodevelopmental sequelae associated with their child’s complex medical condition. Her program of research focuses on developing a more comprehensive understanding of the early emerging social cognitive abilities of young children with ASD and related neurodevelopmental conditions. Dr. Berger also has extensive experience with behavioral intervention and parent training for individuals with ASD, and provides training and consultation in ASD Early Intervention and Parent Coaching for community-based providers.
Co-Investigator
Latha V. Soorya, PhD, BCBA, is a licensed clinical psychologist, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Rush and Director of the AARTS Center. Dr. Soorya has been providing clinical care to individuals with ASD and related neurodevelopmental conditions for over two decades. She brings expertise in clinical evaluations and is a trainer on gold standard autism diagnostic instruments. Dr. Soorya’s research seeks to develop and disseminate evidence-informed therapies for social and mental health needs of individuals with ASD across the lifespan. Her current research includes studies of novel social skills groups model and digital health tools to advance diagnostics and therapy monitoring.
Co-Investigator
Yael Stern, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Fellow on the RISE Study. Yael received her PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Northwestern University where she also completed the requirements for her clinical certification in speech-language pathology. Yael’s training has focused on delivering and studying caregiver-mediated communication and language interventions for young children with autism spectrum disorder. She has experience in delivering in-person, home-based early intervention, as well as caregiver-mediated early intervention vie telehealth. Yael’s research focuses on how understanding family characteristics can improve the design and delivery of individualized, family-centered early interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Eric Shannon, PhD, BCBA, is a Postdoctoral Fellow on the RISE Study. Dr. Shannon received his PhD in Special Education from Purdue University. His research focuses on training caregivers and other adult stakeholders to implement evidence-based early communication interventions for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Dr. Shannon’s recent studies have focused on collaborative coaching models, telehealth delivery of naturalistic play-based interventions, and increasing father involvement and efficacy of evidence-based practices. He has experience working in home, school, clinic, and community settings, and has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2023.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Dennis Sotelo Martinez, BA, is a clinical research assistant with the AARTS Center. She coordinates community-based behavioral and early intervention research. Dennis provides support by facilitating study events and closely communicating with families particpating in research.
Research Assistant/Caregiver Liaison
Emma Ockuly, BA, is a clinical research coordinator with the AARTS Center. She coordinates community-based behavioral and early intervention research. She received her B.A. in Human Developmental Psychology at DePaul University. Emma provides support by assisting with patient evaluations, facilitating study visits and submitting to regulatory boards. She has previously worked in community psychology research. Emma hopes to continue working within psychology research for children in the future.
Study Coordinator/ Provider Liaison
Lizzy Fitts, B.A., is a clinical research coordinator with the AARTS Center. She facilitates community-based behavioral and early intervention research through family engagement and assessments. With previous experience in community outreach and social initiatives, she hopes to unite advocacy and research in advancing mental-health awareness of under-served and minoritized communities.
Assessor/Caregiver Liaison
Other Rush Team Members:​
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Edith Ocampo, MS
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Kathleen Flores, BA
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Camille Brune, Phd
Read more about the AARTS Center at Rush here: