A practicing speech–language pathologist since 1983, Ms Anita Russell subsequently undertook higher training in Autism, specifically in the areas of cognition, language and social interaction, parent training / coaching, and diagnosis and treatment in autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Ms Russell has worked with adults, adolescents, and children with autism throughout her career in various clinical, school and community settings.

From 1996 to 2002, Anita developed and directed the multi-disciplinary Anita Russell Communication Therapy Centre that specialized in the provision of individual, group, and classroom communication and social interaction intervention programmes for children on the autism spectrum.

Her current role at the Autism Resource Centre includes the review and development of ‘best practice’ autism intervention programs, provision of specialist autism training & coaching of carers and professionals as well as research & development initiatives for pre-school and primary school students on the autism spectrum.

Theresa is a trained Early Childhood Educator with a Masters of Science (Early Childhood Studies) with Wheelock College, Boston. With 8 years of experience in established mainstream preschool settings, her passion and desire for children with special needs has led her to the very specialized field of autism. She has obtained a Certificate in working with children and young adults (Council for Awards in Children and Education, UK) and a Certificate in Autism (WeCAN Training, Singapore).

Theresa is currently involved with the Early Intervention Programme of the Autism Resource Centre (S), working very closely with children diagnosed with autism both in groups and in individual settings. She collaborates effectively with families and other professionals to help the children and their families achieve positive outcomes in the intervention of the children she works with. Currently, Theresa spends much of her professional time coaching other teachers to becoming more effective autism teachers.