Staff Bios

Emily Scott has served as the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma’s Executive Director since 2018. With both professional expertise and lived experience as a parent of a child with autism, she has spent nearly two decades advocating for improved education, healthcare access, and community safety for Oklahoma’s autism community. Emily holds degrees in Administrative Leadership and Nonprofit Management from the University of Oklahoma and Louisiana State University. She currently serves on the Mayor’s Committee on Disability Concerns, the Law Enforcement Policy Task Force for Oklahoma City, and as a LEND Family Mentor for OU’s Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. In 2025, Emily was appointed to the Governor’s Advisory Committee to the Office of Disability Concerns and was named to the Journal Record’s Nonprofit Power List. She lives in Oklahoma City and is the mother of three young adults, three dogs, and a tortoise named Steve.

Jennifer Winfrey has been part of the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma since its inception, serving in roles ranging from volunteer to Finance Director to Interim Executive Director. She brings more than 20 years of government and nonprofit experience, with specialized expertise in accounting and grant management. Jennifer holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Oklahoma and is a Certified Grants Management Specialist through the National Grants Management Association (NGMA). Her deep institutional knowledge and operational leadership have helped shape AFO’s growth and long-term stability. Jennifer recently moved to Lake Eufaula full-time, where she enjoys sunsets, evening walks, and identifying bird sounds with the Merlin Bird ID app.

Carley Marissa Dummitt serves as Engagement Manager for the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma, bringing both professional creativity and personal experience as someone diagnosed with Asperger’s at age nine. She earned her degree in Public Policy and Administration from St. Petersburg College after previously studying Meisner acting and filmmaking. Carley produced AFO’s award-winning documentary Surviving the Spectrum (2024), which highlights the intersection of autism and suicidality. She also hosts and produces AFO’s podcast, Unmasking Autism with AFO, guided by her belief that visibility and connection are key to reducing mental health stigma. Carley enjoys reading, writing, horror movies, and spending time with her dog, Misa. She is a member of the Junior League of OKC and serves as Marketing Chair for the Supporting Minorities with Disabilities Coalition.

Duane Howell serves as the Training Specialist for the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma. His career includes roles as Family Facilitator for the Child Study Center’s JumpStart Clinic, Family Partner for the Center for Learning and Leadership’s 360 Center, and a member of the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority’s Member Advisory Task Force, where he served alongside his wife, Danielle. He is also a LEND Fellow, recognized for his leadership in the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities. Duane and his family received the 2017 Special Olympics State Family of the Year Award and the 2022 Judy Pluess Excellence in Autism Award. He lives in Tuttle, Oklahoma, and is the parent of 24-year-old triplet sons on the autism spectrum and a spirited 20-year-old daughter. His family remains deeply committed to supporting other families navigating similar journeys.

Matt DeCicco is the Resource Coordinator at the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma. A longtime parent advocate, he draws on more than 18 years of lived experience raising his 20-year-old son with Severe Profound Autism. Matt supports autistic individuals across the lifespan and is certified in both autism and suicide prevention. His work centers on connecting families to resources, helping them navigate complex systems, and ensuring they receive the support they need. Matt lives in Lawton, Oklahoma, with his family. He is an avid reader, musician, and music enthusiast who enjoys playing guitar and piano and spending time with his grandchildren.

Dr. Taylor Knooihuizen serves as the Director of Programs for the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma. She holds a Ph.D. in Special Education and is committed to creating inclusive, accessible opportunities for individuals of all abilities. With a strong focus on community inclusion and equitable access, Taylor leads program development that strengthens support for autistic Oklahomans statewide. Her work centers on building partnerships, improving systems, and advancing best practices in the field of disability services. Taylor lives in Tulsa with her family and their two dogs, who frequently accompany them on their many adventures.

Chandee Kott is the Program Officer for Health & Public Safety at the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Stephen F. Austin State University and is a Certified Autism Specialist (CAS). Chandee currently serves on the Oklahoma Caregiver Coalition and the Serving Diverse Voices: Elevating Community Inclusion & Equity Committee. She is committed to staying current on autism research and best practices to elevate AFO’s programming and better serve families across Oklahoma. Motivated by personal connections to autism within her family and community, she works to create more inclusive environments and deepen public understanding of neurodiversity. Chandee lives in Fort Worth, Texas, with her husband and enjoys traveling, concerts, working out, shopping, and spending time with their Yorkie and grown daughters.

Kyle Britt serves as the Program Officer for Employment and Transition at the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma. He is a Certified Autism Specialist with a master’s degree in human resources from Ottawa University. He has extensive experience supporting people with disabilities in both community and workplace settings. Kyle is dedicated to advancing inclusive employment, improving transition pathways, and promoting meaningful advocacy for autistic individuals. In addition to his work at AFO, he serves as First Councilman for the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma. Kyle lives in Tulsa with his wife and three sons. He enjoys playing guitar, video games, comic books, and cheering on the New England Patriots and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Kelli Marshall is the Program Director for Children and Youth at the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma. As a speech-language pathologist, she has experience in hospital, school, clinical, and university settings. Kelli earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. She specializes in communication systems, inclusive practices, and family-centered support. As both a professional and a parent advocating for a child with a disability, Kelli is passionate about empowering families and helping children thrive. Kelli enjoys spending time with her daughters and family, relaxing with a good book, and cheering on the OU Sooners and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Kathy Mitchell is a Project Manager at the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma. She brings decades of experience in human resources and nonprofit management, shaped by her personal journey as the parent of a neurodivergent child and her professional work supporting competitive integrated employment. Kathy holds a Bachelor of Science in Adult Education and Training from St. Joseph’s College of Maine and the credentials of Senior Professional in Human Resources and SHRM Senior Certified Professional. She serves on the Oklahoma Transition Council and has an extensive history of volunteer service on numerous boards focused on business development, environmental stewardship, children’s health, education, and civil dialogue. Kathy lives in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where she and her husband enjoy gardening, cooking, and adventuring with their granddaughter.