I’m thrilled to be running the Big Sur Marathon for the second time and third time running with the Run for Autism team!!!

As a Speech-Language Pathologist, I work daily with individuals with autism, witnessing both their social hurdles and communication challenges.

I’m running in support of the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) to raise awareness and fund research that will improve therapies and interventions. These efforts are critical for helping the autism community feel seen, understood, and supported.

For me, this marathon symbolizes the ongoing journey my clients face—challenging, but incredibly rewarding. As an SLP, I’m not just an advocate for communication, I’m an advocate for change and understanding. By running this race, I hope to inspire others to join in spreading awareness and embracing neurodiversity, one step at a time.




OAR is ranked by Charity Navigator as the #1 autism-related charity. Donations help support a number of OAR’s programs including one program I am particularly passionate about, the “Hire Autism” portal for encouraging employers to hire adults with autism along with various programs, scholarships and resources for autistic self-advocates.

WHY RUN FOR AUTISM?
1 in 54 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism. By joining the RUN FOR AUTISM team, you’re supporting OAR’s mission to fund research and resources that help people with autism and their families today.

Here are some of the ways that OAR uses the funds raised by the RUN FOR AUTISM team:

$10 provides a Curriculum in a Box professional development set to general education teachers.
$25 provides 15 copies of A Guide to Safety to families and first responders.
$100 provides the Kit for Kids peer education resource to an entire elementary or middle school.
$150 provides 100 copies of a Life Journey through Autism guidebook sent to a community support group or military installation.
$1,000 provides a research grant for a graduate student studying autism.
$3,000 provides a scholarship for a student with autism to attend college.
$40,000 fully underwrites an applied research pilot study.