Staff

Tiffany Neal, PhD, HSPP

Director · Assistant Research Professor, IU Research Dual Leadership Role — Director, CBSI and IRCA

Phone:

812-856-1602

Email:

Nealtiff@Iu.edu

• LinkedIn

Dr. Neal provides strategic leadership across the Center for Behavior and Systems Innovation (CBSI) and Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA), advancing integrated systems that empower individuals with neurodevelopmental and behavioral health needs as well as those who support them. Grounded in clinical neuropsychology, school psychology, and applied behavior analysis, she brings extensive experience across inpatient, outpatient, diagnostic, educational, home and community settings to drive sustainable, system-wide impact. Directing both Centers, serving as Associate Editor for Global Implementation Research and Applications (GIRA), and active on state, national, and international committees, her work bridges research and practice through structured implementation science, cross-sector collaboration, pragmatic measurement, and workforce capacity building while scaling evidence-based solutions such as the HANDS in Autism® Model framework across educational, healthcare, justice, and community environments.

Kristan Sievers-Coffer

Training and Education Navigator, CBSI and IRCA Program Management Specialist, IU Research

Phone:

812-856-1607

Email:

ksievers@iu.edu

• LinkedIn

Kristan joined the HANDS team in 2022. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education and her Master's in Elementary Education from Indiana University. She began her career in education as a teacher for 16 years at the middle school level in Illinois and Indiana, covering a range of subjects including science, social studies, and English. Kristan brings a strong foundation in instruction, curriculum design, and program coordination to the HANDS team.

Boti Ogunmola, MPH, CPH

Programming and Facilitation Navigator, CBSI and IRCA

Phone:

812-856-1608

Email:

bomoogun@iu.edu

• LinkedIn

Boti Ogunmola joined the HANDS team in 2023. She leads the state and community facilitation team with a focus on community partnerships and development with the aim of providing continuous evidence-based services and support to individuals, caregivers and professionals through qualitative and quantitative research, communicating effectively with stakeholders and other community engagement efforts.

Saisrujan Pendem

Multimedia Navigator, CBSI and IRCA And Data Specialist

SAISRUJAN joined HANDS in 2023 and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in computer and information science at IUPUI. He is currently working as a student support specialist. His academic and research interests are primarily focused on data analytics and data visualization, Cloud Computing, and Cloud Development.

Mounika Gottipati, BDS, MSHI

Data and Research Navigator, CBSI and IRCA Research Associate, IU Research

Mounika Gottipati supports data management, research coordination, and analytics initiatives at HANDS in Autism®. Her work informs evidence-based decision-making across programs, tracks service outcomes, and strengthens the data infrastructure that supports HANDS training and community engagement efforts.

Larissa Hartley

TRANSITION SPECIALIST, CBSI

Email:

hartley@iu.edu

Larissa provides research-backed trainings to stakeholders, as well as supports classrooms and schools around the state with implementation of the HANDS Model.

Allison Crawford-Wallis

TRANSITION SUPPORT TECHNICIAN

Allison is experienced in leading virtual groups, fostering engaging and inclusive environments that support collaboration, learning, and teamwork. She is skilled in mentoring and supervising interns, providing guidance and feedback while encouraging independence, skill development, and meaningful contributions to organizational goals.

Jean Callaghan-Hoskins, BCBA, LBA

Training Specialist, CBSI and IRCA

Phone:

(812) 856-1604

Email:

JCALLA@IU.EDU

Jean provides research-backed trainings to stakeholders, as well as supports classrooms and schools around the state with implementation of the HANDS Model.  

Michael Nevins

Reasearch Associate

Email:

rnevins@iu.edu

Lora Wagers

Administrative Assistant, HANDS in Autism

Email:

lwagers@iu.edu

Lora Wagers provides essential administrative support to HANDS in Autism®, coordinating day-to-day operations, communications, and organizational logistics. Her work ensures the team can effectively deliver training, events, and community services across the state.

Audrey Pitzer

Training Specialist, CBSI

Email:

audcwill@iu.edu

Audrey provides research-backed trainings to stakeholders, as well as supports classrooms and schools around the state with implementation of the HANDS Model.

Kurt Bassett

Program Assistant, CBSI

About Kurt Bassett Kurt Bassett serves as a Program Assistant with HANDS in Autism® at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community (IIDC), Indiana University Bloomington. Since joining the HANDS in Autism® team in 2017, Kurt has supported training initiatives, office operations, and statewide community engagement efforts that promote inclusion and improve outcomes for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Drawing on his background in records management, retail services, educational support, and community volunteering, Kurt plays an integral role in coordinating day-to-day operations, preparing instructional materials for trainings and schools, and supporting the successful implementation of programs and events. His dedication to organization, collaboration, and service helps ensure that educational resources and professional development opportunities are delivered effectively to educators, families, and community partners across Indiana. Kurt is also widely recognized for hosting "Coffee With Kurt," a community engagement initiative that creates meaningful opportunities for conversation, relationship building, and the promotion of neurodiversity. Through this platform, he fosters inclusive connections among individuals with autism, families, professionals, and community members while encouraging awareness, acceptance, and collaboration. Professional Interests Kurt's professional interests include: Community engagement Autism advocacy Disability inclusion Supported employment Vocational support Training assistance Volunteer services Interdisciplinary collaboration Personal Statement Kurt is passionate about helping others, building positive relationships, and creating welcoming, inclusive environments through service, teamwork, and community involvement. His work reflects a strong commitment to improving the experiences of individuals with autism and their families while fostering meaningful community connections. Research & Practice Areas Community Engagement Autism Advocacy Disability Inclusion Supported Employment Vocational Support Training Support Community Outreach Inclusive Programming Publications & Community Contributions Kurt has contributed to community awareness initiatives, autism advocacy programs, and engagement activities through HANDS in Autism® and partner organizations. His work focuses on increasing community participation, promoting inclusion, and supporting statewide outreach efforts. Awards & Recognition 2019 IBJ Health Care Hero – Recognized for outstanding volunteer service at Riley Hospital for Children. Acknowledged for leadership in supported employment initiatives, community service, and contributions to autism advocacy and disability inclusion.