ASERT Presents: Starting and Maintaining an Autism Support Group; A Live Panel Discussion

Not finding a support group in your area that fits your needs – or wondering about how to start your own? Join ASERT for a live, virtual panel discussion on starting and maintaining an autism support group. Hear real stories, practical tips, and encouragement from people who’ve been in your shoes. Learn from those who have been where you are!

Meet the Panelists!

Mandie Englert, MS Ed
Mandie is a preschool teacher from Warren, Pennsylvania, and a proud mom of three boys. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education (Pre-K through 8th grade) and has extensive experience working in the field of special education. For nearly five years, she has taught preschool, where she combines her passion for early childhood education with her dedication to supporting children of all abilities.

In 2018, Mandie founded HEROES after her son asked if he would ever “be normal.” That heartbreaking moment inspired her to create the opportunities, acceptance, and support that she wished had existed for him. Through HEROES, she works to provide inclusive, sensory-friendly experiences for children with disabilities while also reminding parents and caregivers that they are never alone and always have a community beside them.

Dr. Robert Naseef
Robert Naseef is a nationally recognized clinical psychologist, author, and speaker whose work has deeply impacted the autism and disability communities. As the father of an adult son with autism, he speaks not only as a clinician but as someone who truly understands the challenges—and joys—facing families from the inside out.
He is the author of acclaimed books, including Special Children, Challenged Parents and Autism in the Family: Caring and Coping Together, which have become essential reading for families and professionals alike. His TEDx talk, “How Autism Teaches Us About Being Human,” has resonated worldwide with its message of empathy, hope, and understanding.

Dr. Naseef is actively involved in numerous professional and advisory roles. He serves on the Panel of Professional Advisors for the Autism Society of America. His contributions to the Autism community have been recognized with honors, including an award from Variety, the Children’s Charity. Robert Naseef brings warmth, clarity, and heart to his writing, speaking, and clinical work—and places special emphasis on supporting fathers and male caregivers. Dr. Naseef is known for his deep insight, warmth, and ability to connect across professional and personal boundaries. Whether addressing clinicians, educators, or parents, he invites us to rethink what it means to support and include people with autism and other disabilities—and each other.

Greg Bannet
Greg Bannett is an autistic individual who works as a CAPS (Community Autism Peer Specialist) for Mental Health Partnerships (MHP) in Philadelphia. He supports adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum achieve their goals, engage in the community, and work on personal wellness. Greg also runs 2 Adult Autism Support Groups, namely GRASP of Greater Philadelphia in Berwyn, PA & ASPERation in Center City Philadelphia. He values environments that avoid shame and stigma so people can find their way in the world. In his spare time, Greg cherishes steadfast independence, music, the environment, yoga, & a peaceful nap.

Ally Wiener-Avraham, M.S. Ed
Ally is an Early Intervention Specialist, autism and parenting coach, and the founder of Tis the Tism, a platform dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for neurodivergent individuals and their families. With over 15 years of experience working with children and families across educational and community settings, Ally specializes in early childhood development, autism, ADHD, sensory and behavioral support, and family-centered coaching. As both a professional and parent of neurodivergent children, she brings a unique blend of clinical knowledge, lived experience, and real-life practicality to her work. Ally is also a board member of the Autism Society Lehigh Valley, where she helps create inclusive programs, social opportunities, and community supports for autistic individuals and their families. Through workshops, coaching, social groups, and educational content, her mission is to help families feel understood, supported, and empowered.

Emily Saich, Moderator
Emily Saich is the Central Region Director of the ASERT Collaborative. Emily leads a team out of Penn State College of Medicine that supports digital strategy, community engagement, analytics, resource project development, and training initiatives related to supporting the autism communities across Pennsylvania. Emily has supported ASERT in a number of capacities including marketing and communication prior to her current role. Throughout Emily’s entire career, she has focused onmarketing, communications, and project management in the healthcare space.
Emily received her BS from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and her MBA for Penn State University. She currently lives in Central PA with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.