The Kentucky Advisory Council on Autism (KYACA) advises our state government on issues that affect Autistic people and their families. The Council is made up of Autistic self-advocates, family members, professionals, and community representatives, most of whom serve on a volunteer basis. This website serves as a central hub for updates, resources, meeting information, and ways to learn about our members and get involved.
Our Mission
The Kentucky Advisory Council on Autism (KYACA) works to improve systems within Kentucky to support Autistic individuals and their families. Our work is shaped in partnership with Autistic self-advocates, families, community members, professionals, organizations, and research.
Our Vision
A Kentucky in which Autistic people of all ages and abilities are supported and empowered to lead self-determined, fulfilling lives and are fully valued as members of their communities.
How KYACA Was Established
The Kentucky Advisory Council on Autism was first established by a governor’s executive order in November 2013. Later executive orders expanded the council’s membership and the roles of the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville.
In 2016, Senate Bill 185 established the council and the Kentucky Office of Autism in state law.
Current Law and Responsibilities
Kentucky law explains how KYACA is organized and what the council is responsible for. KRS 194A.624 was most recently amended in 2026. The updated law gives KYACA responsibilities for guiding the use of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Trust Fund, identifying statewide needs and funding priorities, and reporting on how funds are used.
Council Members
| Organization / Role | Representative |
|---|---|
| Department for Public Health | Kenyetta Pinkston |
| Department for Medicaid Services | Sherri Staley |
| Department for Community Based Services | Amy Smith |
| Department of Public Advocacy | Lucy Heskins |
| Department of Education | Marcie Bridges |
| Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (BHDID) | Elizabeth Markle |
| Department of Juvenile Justice | Kristy Campbell |
| Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs | Ivy Alexander |
| Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities | Meagan Brannon |
| Kentucky Autism Training Center (University of Louisville) | Dr. Larry Taylor |
| Office of Vocational Rehabilitation | Beth McDaniel |
| University of Louisville | Dr. Greg Barnes (Co-Chair) |
| University of Kentucky Human Development Institute | Dr. Rachel Womack (Co-Chair) |
| University of Kentucky | Melanie Tyner-Wilson |
| Pediatrician Representative | Dr. Gail Williams |
| Weisskopf Child Evaluation Center (University of Louisville) | Dr. Scott Tomchek |
| First Steps Program (KEIS) | Andy Waters |
| Director, Office of Autism | Tal Curry |
| Consumer Representative | Kat Flora |
| Consumer Representative | Malinda Weiner |
| Consumer Representative | Micah Peace Urquilla |
| Consumer Representative | Jaz (Brown) Williams |
| Citizen-at-Large | Valerie Flanagan |
| Citizen-at-Large | Rachel Moloveanu |
| Citizen-at-Large | Jessica Rockhold |
| Citizen-at-Large | Debra Blackburn |
| Citizen-at-Large | Anne Murry |
If you would like to apply to be appointed a council member please visit:
https://governor.ky.gov/services/application-for-boards-and-commissions