(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Press Release, January 28, 2026; Cover image credit: HHS FB)
Washington–The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the appointment of 19 new members to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC). These appointments reflect the commitment of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to support breakthrough innovations in autism research, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention by bringing the nation’s understanding of and policies concerning autism into alignment with gold-standard science.
“President Trump directed us to bring autism research into the 21st century,” Secretary Kennedy said. “We are doing that by appointing the most qualified experts—leaders with decades of experience studying, researching, and treating autism. These public servants will pursue rigorous science and deliver the answers Americans deserve.”
The new IACC members are:
Sylvia Fogel, M.D., is an Instructor in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and a practicing psychiatrist and advocate whose work applies systems biology and family-informed perspectives to advance care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and co-occurring medical conditions. Through her work with the Autism Innovation Coalition, she collaborates with researchers, clinicians, and advocates to advance biologically grounded standards of care and evidence-based policy recommendations that align with current and emerging scientific evidence. Dr. Fogel is a graduate of Cornell University Medical College and completed her adult psychiatry residency at Columbia University, where she later held teaching and supervisory roles. She participates in resident education at the Massachusetts General Hospital–McLean Psychiatry Residency Program and currently serves on the Massachusetts Department of Public Health PANDAS/PANS Advisory Committee. As the parent of a child with profound autism and PANS, she has firsthand insight into the challenges faced by affected individuals and families.
Daniel Rossignol, M.D., FAAFP, is a board-certified family physician, clinician-researcher, and advocate advancing care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and co-occurring medical conditions using personalized, systems-biology approaches. He is Chief Medical Officer of the Autism Discovery and Treatment Foundation and practices at Rossignol Medical Center. Dr. Rossignol earned a B.A. in Biochemistry from the University of Virginia, an M.D. from the Medical College of Virginia, and completed Family Medicine residency training at the University of Virginia. His research includes multicenter randomized, double-blind controlled studies and placebo-controlled trials in autism. He has authored or co-authored 80 publications and co-edited A Personalized Medicine Approach to the Diagnosis and Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder (2022). He is a past President of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS). As the father of two children with autism, he has firsthand insight into the challenges faced by affected individuals and families.
Elizabeth Mumper, M.D., is the founder and CEO of Rimland Center for Integrative Medicine and a board-certified pediatrician. She has served as medical director of the Autism Research Institute and earned awards for her contributions to pediatrics, special needs treatment, and autism research. Dr. Mumper has published scholarly works on autism’s interactions with cytotoxicity, inflammation, methylation, and hyperbaric treatment. She has investigated ways to prevent environmental triggers for autism. She has mentored physicians and students pursuing Medical Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, and Physician Assistant degrees. Dr. Mumper earned her M.D. from the Medical College of Virginia and currently serves as faculty for. the Medical Academy of Pediatrics and Special Needs and as a senior fellow for the Independent Medical Alliance.
John Rodakis is the Founder and President of N of One: Autism Research Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to identifying and supporting research breakthroughs, including human clinical trials, in the biological understanding and treatment of autism. Dissatisfied with the lack of answers medicine had following his son’s diagnosis of severe autism, Rodakis has spent over a decade working to find answers. He has partnered with leading researchers at top universities such as Harvard and Johns Hopkins to pioneer and sponsor clinical trials and groundbreaking research into the relationships between autism, the gut and gut microbiome, cell metabolism, and the immune system. He has published on the subject in major media outlets and peer-reviewed scientific publications, organized the first international conference on autism on the microbiome, and advised both public and private companies in their development of treatments for the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. He holds a BS in Biology from SMU and MBA from Harvard University.
Elena Monarch, Ph.D., is the CEO and neuropsychologist of the Lyme and PANS Treatment Center in Hingham, Massachusetts. Dr. Monarch has conducted NIH-funded research into biopsychosocial interventions, seen patients as a neuropsychologist and psychotherapist, and co-taught and guest lectured at Brown University and other colleges. She has published peer-reviewed articles in various journals of neuropsychology, health psychology, and psychiatry. Dr. Monarch belongs to the Medical Academy of Pediatrics and Special Needs, the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, and the American Psychological Association. She earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with emphasis on neuropsychology, cognition, and development from Emory University.
Laura Cellini has more than 25 years of successful legislative experience, combined with the lived perspective of guiding her son from severe regressive autism to a magna cum laude college graduate. She has co-authored and championed numerous laws on autism, immunodeficiency, and neuroimmune conditions, including Illinois’ first statewide autism program for young children, an autism insurance mandate, the creation of the Illinois Autism Task Force, the first law in the country acknowledging underlying and co-occurring medical conditions in autism, and a law to align PANS/PANDAS treatment coverage with peer-reviewed clinical standards. Her current efforts focus on improving the integration of systems-level biomedical evidence to inform research planning, translational insight, and clinical practice standards.
Jennifer Philips is a parent and advocate dedicated to advancing autism research and improving quality of life for those with autism. Striving to identify impactful solutions efficiently and effectively, and optimizing channels of meaningful advocacy are defining elements of Ms. Philips’ efforts. Her commitment was shaped by her daughter’s steep regression into profound autism at the age of two, accompanied by the onset of several serious medical conditions—an experience that has guided her advocacy for more than thirteen years. Ms. Philips is committed to fostering collaboration between researchers, clinicians and the autism community to accelerate progress. Ms. Philips is the founder of the nonprofit organization, Make A Stand 4 Autism, where she leads initiatives under the mission “Unlocking potential in autism through advocacy, research and education.” She earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development with a concentration in Child Development.
John Gilmore, M.P.P., is the founder and executive director of the Autism Action Network, which informs and mobilizes its over 100,000 subscribers regarding issues related to autism including medical rights, access to healthcare, health insurance, special education funding and standards, research, adult services, and epidemiology. Gilmore’s advocacy has led to the passage of autism equity and non-discrimination legislation as well as New York’s banning the use of thimerosal in vaccines intended for pregnant women and children. He founded or co-founded American Values 2024, Autism United, the New York Alliance for Vaccine Rights, Advocates for Children’s Health Affected by Mercury Poisoning, the New York Chapter of Children’s Health Defense, and the National Autism Association’s New York Chapter. Gilmore received his M.P.P. from the University of California, Berkeley.
Caden Larson is a non-speaking adult with autism. He is currently enrolled at Normandale Community College in Minnesota and is studying mathematics. Caden serves as a board member of Children with Autism Deserve Education (CADE), which connects families with grants for medical services, education, and therapy. Larson also works with Communication 4 All and Spellers Freedom Foundation, which aim to bring spelling and typing as a method of communication and education to socio-economically challenged communities and public schools.
Elizabeth Bonker is a national Autism advocate who types to communicate. Bonker serves as the Executive Director of Communication 4 ALL and was a past co-chair of the Autism Taskforce of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities. She is also a board member and Secretary of the Autism Society of Florida and a member of Autism Society’s Council of Autistic Advisors. Bonker travels around the world to give keynotes and create partnerships to empower nonspeakers with communication, regulation, and education. Her nonprofit offers free internet-based instructional videos, lessons, and support to families and schools to teach nonspeakers to type to communicate. Bonker also advocates for legislative and policy initiatives for nonspeakers including adding a Communication section to the Autism CARES Act.
Lisa Wiederlight, M.P.P., is the mother of a young adult with autism and multiple co-occurring medical conditions. In 2018, Wiederlight’s advocacy led to the passage of the Kevin and Avonte’s Law, legislation created to protect children with autism or other developmental disabilities who may wander away from safety by funding community education and related resources. Her state-level advocacy work also led to the appointment of Maryland’s first State Autism Coordinator, Autism Stakeholder Group, and the state’s first Autism Strategic Plan. Wiederlight received her M.P.P. and her B.A. in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland.
Toby Rogers, Ph.D., M.P.P., is a Fellow at the Brownstone Institute for Social and Economic Research where he writes and speaks about the political economy of health, corruption in the pharmaceutical industry, and the regulatory changes necessary to stop the epidemics of chronic illness in children. Dr. Rogers recently presented his research at a hearing of the U.S. Senate, Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. Dr. Rogers has a Ph.D. in Political Economy from the University of Sydney in Australia. His doctoral thesis, “The Political Economy of Autism,” explores the regulatory history of five classes of toxicants that increase autism risk. He also has a Master of Public Policy Degree from the University of California, Berkeley.
Walter Zahorodny, Ph.D., is an associate professor of pediatrics at Rutgers – New Jersey Medical School. Dr. Zahorodny has served children with autism and their families for three decades, to secure diagnoses, interventions and treatments. In addition, for over 20 years, in concert with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr. Zahorodny has directed the New Jersey Autism Study, to establish and maintain population-based autism monitoring in this key region. To address escalating autism prevalence and disparities in autism detection, Dr. Zahorodny’s team developed and advances an integrated system for early autism identification – Autism Detection + Connection. Dr. Zahorodny earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the New School for Social Research and his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University.
Bill Oldham is an investor, consultant, philanthropist, and recognized leader in healthcare and technology. He founded the Thought Leadership and Innovation Foundation (TLI), a non-profit focused on driving innovation in health and education. As chairman and president of AscellaHealth, Oldham was recognized as a 2025 Philadelphia Titan 100 for his leadership and impact on the life sciences industry. He also created Autism First, a family support and therapy organization for autistic children in Northern Virginia, with his wife, Casandra and several investment partners.
Honey Rinicella is the Executive Director of the Medical Academy of Pediatrics and Special Needs (MAPS), a national nonprofit advancing physician education and clinical capacity to care for individuals with autism and complex medical needs across the lifespan. Under her leadership, MAPS operates the only formal physician fellowship in the United States dedicated to comprehensive, evidence-informed medical care for this underserved population. Previously, Rinicella served as Director of Education for the National Autism Association, where she led national conferences and professional education initiatives, and held leadership roles with The Autism Community in Action (TACA), developing large-scale caregiver and professional training programs. She is also the parent of 25-year-old twins with autism, grounding her work in lived experience. Her focus is on strengthening medical standards of care, improving access to medically necessary treatment, and addressing systemic gaps—particularly for non-speaking individuals and adults transitioning out of pediatric systems.
Krystal Higgins is the Executive Director of the National Autism Association (NAA), a national nonprofit focused on meeting the most urgent needs of the autism community. Her focus areas at NAA include expanding access for families to comprehensive medical care, reliable communication methods, and safety supports through the creation and implementation of nation-wide programs. She taught as a special educator for several years at a behavioral hospital, served on the autism panel for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program through the U.S. Department of Defense, is a certified Spelling to Communicate (S2C) practitioner, and is a devoted mother to an adolescent with complex medical needs. Higgins is highly committed to helping combat the wandering and elopement crisis, advancing educational and medical equality, and empowering families through educational resources.
Ginger Taylor, M.S., is a parent advocate and former family therapist with long-standing involvement in autism-related policy and family advocacy. Her work has been shaped by her son’s autism diagnosis and associated medical challenges, which led her to focus on parental rights, informed consent, and access to healthcare services for children with complex medical conditions. Ms. Taylor has held leadership roles in nonprofit organizations engaged in health policy and family advocacy and has contributed extensively to public discourse on autism and health policy through articles, essays, and online publications. She has authored a large body of written commentary intended to inform families and policymakers about navigating healthcare and education systems. Ms. Taylor earned a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling from John Hopkins University and has participated in national discussions related to autism policy, family advocacy, and healthcare access.
Daniel Keely is a high school senior with a strong interest in aerospace engineering and aircraft design. Diagnosed at age three with autism, severe intellectual disabilities, and vision loss, Daniel began speaking for the first time in second grade. Despite his early challenges, he now demonstrates strong academic engagement, specialized technical skills, and sustained personal interests. Daniel shared his personal journey in The Folate Fix, published in March 2025. He is a member of the Capital Area Flyers and has been an FAA-licensed remote pilot since age 14, with more than a dozen model aircraft. In addition, Daniel is an aquatics specialist with expertise in aquatic plant care, water chemistry, and fish behavior, and consults with individuals and businesses to create balanced aquatic environments. He also enjoys singing and playing guitar at open mic nights in his local community. Daniel is an advocate for individuals with disabilities.
Lisa Ackerman is the co-founder of The Autism Community in Action (TACA), a nationally recognized organization supporting families affected by autism across the United States. She established TACA in 2000 after receiving an autism diagnosis for her 2½-year-old son and seeking community-based resources beyond those initially recommended. Over the past 25 years, Ms. Ackerman has led TACA’s growth into an organization that has served more than 100,000 parents nationwide. Under her leadership, TACA has convened over 40 national conferences, awarded more than 3,000 family scholarships, raised $37 million to support family programs, and directed more than $5 million toward autism research. Ms. Ackerman’s son is now a college graduate, employed, and an accomplished musician, reflecting the long-term impact of timely access to education, therapeutic services, and appropriate medical care.
Tracy Slepcevic is a nationally recognized autism advocate, nonprofit founder, U.S. Air Force veteran, integrative health practitioner, and bestselling author of Warrior Mom: A Mother’s Journey In Healing Her Son with Autis. With over 17 years of experience supporting families impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder, she brings a multidisciplinary perspective that integrates military environmental health training, lived parent experience, complementary and alternative medicine. Ms. Slepcevic is the Founder and president of Autism Health Inc. and creator of the Autism Health Summit, convening leading scientists, clinicians, researchers, legal experts, and families to advance dialogue on neuroinflammation, immune dysfunction, environmental exposures, and whole-child approaches to autism.
Katie Sweeney is a long-time autism and disability advocate focused on access, inclusion, and participation in community life, with particular attention to the arts. Her advocacy is informed by her experience as the parent of two sons whose lives have followed very different paths, including one who serves as a Naval Flight Officer in the United States Navy and another who is a profoundly autistic, non-speaking adult. After decades without a reliable means of communication, her autistic son has recently begun expressing his thoughts and needs through spelling-based communication, underscoring the importance of access to communication. Sweeney serves on the Board of CO/LAB Theater Group, delivered a TEDxBroadway talk on inclusive theater practices, and has held leadership roles in political and nonprofit advocacy, including work on autism-related legislation. She currently serves as Executive Support Manager for MAPS—Medical Academy of Pediatrics and Special Needs. Sweeney lives in New York City and holds a B.A. from Colgate University and an M.B.A. from Cornell University.
