Direct Support Assistant
Our staff
Research Assistant
Student Support Assistant
Poorva Reddy became part of the HANDS team in 2024 as a Student Support Assistant, bringing her dedication to enhancing patient care. She is currently advancing her knowledge by pursuing a Master's degree in Medical Informatics at Indiana University. Before joining HANDS, she completed her Bachelor's degree in Dental Surgery from India.
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DIRECTOR
Dr. Swiezy is a Professor of Clinical Psychology in Clinical Psychiatry at the Indiana University School of Medicine.As founder of the HANDS in Autism® Model and Director of the HANDS in Autism® Center, her programming and research interests include the facilitation and implementation of systems change with direct involvement in development of programming, training and supervision of personnel and students in implementing programming elements, and facilitating engagement, participation and training of community partners.
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ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Dr. Neal has a rich background in clinical neuropsychology, school psychology, and applied behavior analysis with a concentration in complex or dual diagnoses and experience across inpatient, outpatient, diagnostic, home, school and community-based service and treatment settings.
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Data Specialist
Baby Amulya Devarapalli joined the HANDS team in 2023 as a Research Assistant and transitioned to a full-time Data Specialist role in 2024. With a Master's Degree in Health Informatics and a background in Doctor of Pharmacy, Amulya's expertise in Health Data Analytics and Clinical Informatics aligns perfectly with our focus on leveraging data for healthcare improvements. In this role, Amulya will develop and implement standardized policies and procedures across projects, with a special emphasis on priority projects for dissemination.
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COMMUNITY TRANSITION SPECIALIST
Kristan joined the HANDS team in 2022. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and Masters 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 primary science, social studies, and English.
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COMMUNITY TRANSITION SPECIALIST
Amanda joined the HANDS team as a Community Transition Specialist at the beginning of 2023. Her role includes working with families, schools, and community providers to provide strategies and support to promote success in the children with whom she works.
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COMMUNITY TRANSITION SPECIALIST
Tracy Collins joined the HANDS team in 2022. She has been a Special Education Teacher for the last 25 years working with individuals who have autism spectrum and related disorders. She holds a passionate commitment to individuals with ASD and their development.
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Christina Rogers, BSW, MSW, LSW
COMMUNITY TRANSITION SPECIALIST
Christina joined the HANDS team in 2022. She has been with the IU School of Medicine for 17 years. Her career development has been in disability advocacy for the past 13 yrs assisting families looking at current Situations and orchestrating future goals successfully (Transition).
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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.
RESEARCH SPECIALIST
Aditi joined the HANDS team in 2019 after completing her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology at Indiana University-Bloomington. Her research focused on the development of self-regulation and socio-emotional processes during early childhood.
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TRANSITION SUPPORT TECHNICIAN
Allison joined the HANDS team in 2021 and recently graduated from IUPUI in the Purdue School of Science studying Psychology with a minor in Sociology and a certificate in Child Abuse and Neglect.
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DATA SPECIALIST
Mounika joined the HANDS team in 2022. She has a Health Informatics Masters degree from Indiana University Indianapolis. Her areas of interests include health data analytics and clinical informatics. She works as a Data Specialist and is eager to immerse herself in the team's projects.
PROGRAM ASSISTANT
Kurt joined the HANDS team in 2017, coming from a wide range of experience, including; 4 years as a records manager at IDOE, 5 years as a cart collector at Walmart, interning for the Arc of Us, and a teacher aid at his church’s preschool.He volunteers at Riley Hospital, the Children’s Museum, and the Indianapolis Zoo.
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
I’m Mrudhula, and I joined HANDS in AUTISM in February 2023 as a research assistant for the project Collaborative Sites. At the core of my responsibilities, I stand as the Team Lead for my project, utilizing my expertise to drive the team forward while primarily contributing as a proficient Data Analyst.
STUDENT SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Akhil joined the 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, working mainly on sensory kits and bookstore. His academic and research interests are primarily focused on data analytics and data visualization. Before joining HANDS, Akhil completed his undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Automobile Engineering.
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Boti Ogunmola joined the HANDS team as a student support specialist in 2023. She will be completing her master’s degree in public health with a concentration in Global and Environmental Health at IUPUI in spring 2024. She completed her undergraduate degree in medicine from Nigeria where she practised for about 2 years before proceeding to the US to pursue her master’s degree.
DIRECT SUPPORT ASSISTANT
Hello, I’m Girija from India, and my journey with HANDS began in June 2023. I hold a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and have 1.5 years of experience as a Junior Data Analyst in the Drug Safety Department. The intersection of information technology and healthcare, with its remarkable impact on patient safety, left me fascinated.
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DATA SPECIALIST
Sravan Kumar Gadipudi joined the HANDS in 2023 and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in computer and information science at IUPUI. Prior to his current role, Sravan amassed two years of valuable experience as a skilled Data Engineer, mastering the art of handling intricate datasets and implementing innovative data-driven solutions.
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COMMUNITY TRANSITION SPECIALIST
Audrey obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Ball State University, with a focus on Intense Interventions. She has worked in the disability field in a variety of settings, including as an Instructor at Erskine Green Training Institute for 3 years.