SWM EDITORIAL BOARD
Barb Cook
Editor in Chief
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Formally identified on the autism spectrum along with ADHD and phonological dyslexia in 2009 at the age of 40, Barb is founder and editor in chief of Spectrum Women Magazine and editor and co-author of Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Barb is a highly committed neurodiversity advocate, writer, speaker and keen motorcyclist, making a variety of appearances on Australian radio, television, in newspapers and magazines and the SBS television documentary, The Chameleons: Women with Autism. She is co-founder of Bikers for Autism Australia, Community Council Member of AASET (Autistic Adults and other Stakeholders Engaged Together) and an independent autistic peer reviewer of the journal Autism in Adulthood.
Barb has a Master of Autism (education) with focus on employment from the University of Wollongong, Australia where she is also a tutor in this program and a research assistant in the area of self-determination and self-advocacy for adults on the autism spectrum.
Barb is an Autism and Neurodiversity Employment Consultant and a registered Developmental Educator (DE) who is passionate in supporting, consulting and mentoring on employment issues for neurodiverse adults and their employers.
Barb currently rides a Suzuki V-Strom DL1000 called Ron ‘Strom’ Burgundy.
Barb’s full bio can be found https://barbcook.com.au/about/
Maura Campbell
Senior Editor / Feature Writer
Killyleagh, County Down, Northern Ireland
Maura is from Northern Ireland. She lives with her husband Stephen, her son Darragh, Ash the assistance dog and Baz the cat in the rolling countryside of County Down. She is a senior manager in the Northern Ireland Civil Service and served as a board member of Specialisterne NI from 2014-2016. Maura has spoken publicly about autism in both a personal and professional capacity and guest lectures at the University of Ulster once a year. She was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome in 2011 when she was 44 years old. Like many adults on the spectrum, she sought the diagnosis after learning that her son was autistic. neurodizzy.blog
Lisa Morgan
Senior Editor / Feature Writer
Lisa is author of Living Through Suicide Loss with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, written to help other autistic people find their new normal and know they are not alone. Lisa is Chair of the AAS supported committee called “Suicide in the Autism Community” whose mission is to help the autism community with all issues pertaining to suicide. Lisa spoke at the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine on the Intersection of Mental and Behavioral Health Literacy as an autistic adult sharing lived experience. She is a community council member of AASET, a certified autism specialist CAS, and has a master’s degree in special education. Lisa loves walking in the northeast woods and the rocky coast of Maine where she writes, lives, laughs, and loves making chocolate chip cookies with her boys.
http://nationalacademies.org/hmd/Activities/PublicHealth/HealthLiteracy.aspx
Jen Elcheson
Section Editor / Feature Writer / Social Media Manager
Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
Jen was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome in 1998, back when very few people were diagnosed, let alone females. She has devoted her life to supporting and mentoring children on the spectrum. She currently works as an Education Assistant for the public school system, and respite caregiver and autistic mentor. Jen also runs an online support group, has written articles for AAN magazine, and is a lifelong music fan, especially metal and classic rock. Jen lives in northern British Columbia in Western Canada with her two ball pythons Athena and Lilith. facebook.com/jen.elcheson
Becca Lory Hector
Assistant Editor / Feature Writer/ Video Content Manager
Denver, Colorado, USA
Becca was diagnosed on the autism spectrum as an adult and has since become an active advocate and life coach for individuals on the autism spectrum. Becca has published multiple articles along with speaking publicly about life on the autism spectrum with the goal of spreading acceptance, understanding, and encouraging self-advocacy. She spent four years supporting the autism community in the non-profit sector in her work for grass-roots organizations that provide resources and services directly to individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, and the professionals who work alongside them. Becca left non-profit to pursue dual certifications as an Autism Specialist (CAS) and Cognitive Specialist (BCCS). She now provides supports directly to the autism community as a life coach and by teaching improvisational workshops geared toward assisting teens and adults on the spectrum with the practice of social and independent living skills. She continues her advocacy work through her blogs, public speaking engagements, and the weekly podcast that she co-hosts. Becca is honored to sit on the Advisory Board of the Nassau-Suffolk chapter of the Autism Society of America and the Board of Directors of Different Brains. No matter her role, Becca is dedicated to guiding and supporting individuals on the autism spectrum with unwavering passion and commitment. beccalory.com