Glenna is a Specialist in Autism Spectrum Disorders. She has been working with children and families for over 30 years.  In addition to her Bachelor's Degree in Special Education, Glenna earned a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology, with endorsements in School Psychology and Elementary Counseling. She has received extensive training in the TEACCH methodology at the University of North Carolina. She has also received specialized training in working with individuals with Asperger's Syndrome and High Functioning Autism at the University of Kansas, through workshops with Michelle Garcia Winner, as well as a variety of other seminars, focusing on developing social interaction and social thinking skills. Currently, Glenna provides counseling, social skills groups, educational consulting, and other support services to individuals and families affected by ASD. She is also a Regional Autism Facilitator/Trainer for the Autism Outreach Project through the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

    Contact - GlennaClouse@PSAASA.org


Patricia Dawson, M.A., L.M.H.C.

Patricia is a licensed mental health counselor who has worked in education, mental health, and social services for over 30 years. She has taught her clients emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal skills. She has provided individual, couples, family and group therapy in community mental health agencies and in private practice. Some of her experience working with children includes Luther Child Center, Catholic Community Services, and Group Health Cooperative. For eight years, Patricia was the Clinical Director at Community House Mental Health Agency in Seattle. Currently, her private practices focuses on working with children with Asperger's Syndrome and their families.

    Contact - PatriciaDawson@PSAASA.org


Crystal Gray, M.Ed., R.C.

Crystal Gray is a specialist in Autism Spectrum Disorders providing consultations, presentations, assessments, and individual and group therapy for children, families, and adults. Her expertise includes assessments and diagnostics, social-cognitive interventions, groups, intensive behavior intervention/ABA, TEACCH, PECS, developmental interventions (e.g. RDI, Floor Time), transition, and employment. She has worked in the field of autism as a therapist, special educator, behavior specialist, author, and researcher. Crystal developed and coordinated the Washington State Autism Outreach Project, creating a state-wide technical assistance and training program for the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, training thousands of professionals and parents. She now provides consultations to schools, state agencies, and families. She is the author of The Educational Aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as a certified Counselor and Special Educator. Currently, Crystal is completing her Ph. D. in Clinical Psychology and Washington State University, where she is conducting research on responsiveness to treatment in students and Autism Spectrum Disorders.

    Contact - CrystalGray@PSAASA.org


Gretchen Schmidt-Mertes, M.Ed.

Gretchen is an Educational Specialist in Autism and a well known presenter and consultant throughout the Northwest. She has 20 years of experience teaching both general and special education, and has served students pre-school through high school. Gretchen completed the Professional Training Program at the University of Washington Autism Center, and has undergone extensive training in Asperger's through the Professional Development in Autism Center at the University of Kansas. She has also mentored with Michelle Garcia Winner at the Center for Social Thinking in San Jose, CA. She is currently the Autism Specialist for the Bethel School District and is a Regional Autism Facilitator/Trainer for the Autism Outreach Project through Officer of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Gretchen provides technical support, training and consulting for districts, schools, and families of those with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

    Contact - GretchenSchmidt-Mertes@PSAASA.org


Paige Tangney, M.Ed., R.C.

Paige has a Bachelor Science Degree in Elementary Education in addition to a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology with endorsements in School Psychology and Elementary Counseling. She has worked with children, youth and families for over 25 years. Paige has mentored alongside Michelle Garcia Winner at the Center for Social Thinking in San Jose California. Paige has successfully designed and implemented social skills groups focused on developing social thinking, emotional regulation, functional school behavior and friendship skills. She founded GroundNote Counseling in 2005 to provide counseling and support for children and adults dealing with grief and loss.

    Contact - PaigeTangney@PSAASA.org