About Carol Gray and the Creators
Carol Gray is the Director of The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She recently completed over 22 years of employment with Jenison Public Schools in Jenison, Michigan, initially as a teacher with students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and in recent years as a consultant to students with ASD in inclusive educational programs. In 1991, Carol developed Social StoriesTM and Comic Strip Conversations strategies that are used worldwide with children, adolescents, and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). She has published several resources on topics related to children and adults with ASD, including articles on bullying, death and dying, and how to teach social understanding. She is the recipient of the Barbara Lipinski Award for her international contribution to the education and welfare of people with ASD.
Mark Shelley is the President of The Special Minds Foundation. Prior to starting the non-profit organization Mark spent 20 years in the advertising field. He has won local, regional and national awards as a writer, director, and producer of broadcast television commercials, political campaigns and corporate multimedia presentations. The Better Business Bureau of South Carolina honored Mark in 2005 by awarding him one of only four Torch Awards. The Torch Award recognizes individuals for high ethical and marketplace integrity. Mark’s motivation to dedicate his efforts toward helping children learn social skills is that he has a son with Aspergers.
The Special Minds Foundation’s primary mission is to develop, inform, and educate families and professionals about effective and affordable resources and programs for individuals with an autistic spectrum disorder.
Major Sponsors include:- Toys R Us Children’s Fund
- Lexington Medical Center
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina
- Lizard’s Thicket Restaurant Chain