GCA Live Learning Centre

Nineteen year old is a gifted young singer who was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at age four.Samantha currently attends the University of Toronto in the Bachelor of Performance/Jazz Vocal Program on an academic scholarship. Her accomplishments include successful vocal performances at Toronto�s Rex Jazz Bar, Toronto�s Walter Hall, the CNE Rising Star Competition, as a headliner with the acappella group, Cruisin� and as the winner of Malvern Idol 2009. She has been a speaker and singer at numerous fundraising events including Geneva Centre�s International Symposium for Autism 2008, Universal Energies Jack Canfield Seminar 2009 and the Autists Gala 2010. Through her dynamic vocal performances and inspiring story, Samantha has proudly helped to raise thousands of dollars in support of people with an ASD. Her newest CD will be released at Geneva Centre�s International Symposium for Autism 2010. Sales of this CD will benefit the Geneva Centre for Autism.

Dr. Temple Grandin was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Temple Grandin obtained her B.A. at Franklin Pierce College in 1970. In 1974 she was employed as Livestock Editor for the Arizona Farmer Ranchman and also worked for Corral Industries on equipment design. In 1975 she earned her M.S. in Animal Science at Arizona State University for her work on the behavior of cattle in different squeeze chutes. Dr. Grandin was awarded her Ph.D in Animal Science from the University of Illinois in 1989 and is currently a Professor at Colorado State University. She has done extensive work on the design of handling facilities. Half the cattle in the U.S. and Canada are handled in equipment she has designed for meat plants. Other professional activities include developing animal welfare guidelines for the meat industry and consulting with McDonalds, Wendy�s International, Burger King, and other companies on animal welfare. Following her Ph.D. research on the effect of environmental enrichment on the behavior of pigs, she has published several hundred industry publications, book chapters and technical papers on animal handling plus 45 refereed journal articles in addition to seven books. She currently is a professor of animal sciences at Colorado State University where she continues her research while teaching courses on livestock handling and facility design. Her book, Animals in Translation was a New York Times best seller and her book Livestock Handling an Transport, now has a third edition which was published in 2007. Other popular books authored by Dr. Grandin are Thinking in Pictures, Emergence Labeled Autistic, Animals Make us Human, and Improving Animal Welfare: A Practical Approach. Temple GrandinDr. Grandin has received numerous awards including the Meritorious Achievement Award from the Livestock Conservation Institute, named a Distinguished Alumni at Franklin Pierce College and received an honorary doctorate from McGill University. She has also won prestigious industry awards including the Richard L. Knowlton Award from Meat Marketing and Technology Magazine and the Industry Advancement Award from the American Meat Institute and the Beef Top 40 industry leaders. Her work has also been recognized by humane groups and she received several awards. Dr. Grandin is a past member of the board of directors of the Autism Society of America. She lectures to parents and teachers throughout the U.S. on her experiences with autism. Articles and interviews have appeared in the New York Times, People, Time, National Public Radio, 20/20, The View, and the BBC. Dr. Grandin now resides in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Annie Hussey is a 21 year old woman with a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome, who is now a successful fourth year Psychology student at Toronto's York University. When she is not studying, she shares her life experiences with Aspergers by conducting freelance speaking presentations across the Greater Toronto Area. She also has had extensive experience dealing with human variety and (dis) ability as she has a sister with a developmental delay. As such, she has also served as friend and mentor to many people with Asperger Syndrome, autism and developmental disabilities. Annie attended elementary and secondary school with the Simcoe County District School Board. For seven years, she has presented extensively for this board, as well as for the Geneva Centre for Autism, Peel District School Board, U of T, and at many other venues while balancing her schoolwork and an active social life. Through her engaging presentations, she not only gives a sense of life through �Aspie� eyes, but she also gives tips and clarification in dealing with such capable, yet often demanding, individuals. Join her as she offers insight to anyone who knows or works with anyone with AS.