Stephen Edelson, Ph.D. | Chief Science Officer
Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D., is the Chief Science Officer of the Autism Research Institute. Active in the field of autism for over 45 years, he began leading ARI in 2006, after the passing of autism pioneer and advocate, Dr. Bernard Rimland. Learn more about Dr. Edelson.
Denise Fulton | Chief Operating Officer
Denise is Chief Operating Officer at ARI, where she has worked since 2006 to advance health, education, and collaboration in the autism community. She is also the proud mother of two sons whose medical journeys inspired her long-standing commitment to supporting impactful autism research and education.
Melanie Glock | Communications and Online Learning Specialist
Melanie has a BA from the University of Washington and is the mother of three busy children. She has been active in the autism community since her daughter was diagnosed in 2003 and began working with ARI in 2010.
Rebecca McKenney | Office Manager
Rebecca has worked for ARI for more than two decades. She is married with three daughters, one with Cerebral Palsy and autistic tendencies. Her hobbies are knitting, crocheting, gardening, traveling, community involvement.
Nataliya | Consultant – Outreach Coordinator
Nataliya has a Bachelor of Psychology from Odessa National University I.I. Mechnicov, Odessa, Ukraine. She has been working with the special needs population since 2006. Nataliya assists in coordinating ARI’s international networking efforts.
Meaghan Weldele de Oliveira | Content Consultant
Meaghan has more than 10 years of experience in mixed-methods research and writing across multiple disciplines. She has worked with ARI since 2021 and, as a systems thinker, understands the inherent interconnectedness of autism research and care to social, climate, and governance issues.