Amy Beaumont, Psy.D., BCABA, is a licensed psychologist and the ASAC Coordinator. Dr. Beaumont received her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and completed internship at the May Institute and National Autism Center in Massachusetts. She is a Certified Associate Behavior Analyst. Dr. Beaumont has over 12 years of experience providing individual treatment, consultation with schools and medical professionals, family therapy, and parent training to individuals with autism and their families. Additionally, she is skilled in the comprehensive psychological assessments of children, adolescents, and adults, particularly of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders, including the use of the ADOS and ADI-R. She has presented on topics related to autism at numerous local and national conferences.

Melissa Hale, Ph.D., BCBA, serves as the ASAC Supervisor and Coordinator of Psychological Services for UM-NSU CARD. She is also a Licensed Psychologist and a Certified Behavior Analyst. Dr. Hale received her Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Florida. She then completed her internship at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Department of Pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Hale has worked extensively with individuals with autism for over 12 years. She has presented at numerous local and national conferences on topics related to autism spectrum disorders.

ASAC Faculty Advisors

Michael Alessandri, Ph.D., is the Executive Director of UM-NSU CARD and has worked with individuals with autism and their families for over 25 years. He received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Rutgers University, Dr. Alessandri completed his internship at UNC-Chapel Hill's Center for Development and Learning (CDL). Dr. Alessandri has presented, consulted and published internationally on developing appropriate and effective educational programs for students with autistic spectrum disorders. In addition, he has received several awards within the field of autism and related disabilities.

Jennifer Stella Durocher, Ph.D., is the Assistant Director of UM-NSU CARD and has worked with individuals with autism and their families for almost 15 years. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Miami. Dr. Durocher completed her clinical internship at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, at the JFK Autism and Developmental Disorders Clinic. Dr. Durocher has presented and published nationally and internationally on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of ASDs. She has also participated in numerous county and statewide task forces focusing on early screening and diagnosis of ASDs, and addressing the mental health needs of adults with ASDs. She also serves as a liaison & consultant to autism-related research projects at the University of Miami, as well as other local universities, and is a consulting editor for the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities.