Dr. Julia Connelly graduated with her doctorate degree from the University of Utah’s Department of Educational Psychology. Dr. Connelly’s graduate research focused on better understanding effective treatments for difficult to manage behaviors in autism. She became the clinical director of the University of Utah’s Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic, where she provided and oversaw therapy services, autism assessments, early intervention, and behavior support for individuals with autism.

In January of 2018, she founded The Autism Clinic, a community mental health clinic with emphasis on individuals’ strengths and gifts while providing diagnoses and therapeutic support for everyone to reach their full potential in life.

Dr. Miriam Walkingshaw, PhD, NCSP, is a licensed psychologist and the director of testing at The Autism Assessment and Consultation Clinic. She has been working with autistic children, teens, and adults for over eight years. She is a humanistic therapist with training and experience in the treatment of anxiety in autism, Play Therapy, Sandplay Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), and LGBTQ+ issues. She works with many clients and families affected by PDA (pathological/persistent demand avoidance).

She also has a strong testing background and provides neuropsychological and psychoeducational assessment, autism assessment, and forensic evaluations. She has extensive experience evaluating autism, including assessing females and those with more nuanced presentations. Her graduate research focused on the relationship between atypical sensory features and anxiety in pediatric autism.

Dr. Stacy Ackerlind is a licensed psychologist and has been with the Autism Clinic since 2021. Her practice is focused on working with autistic adults and with parents of autistic children. As a parent of an autistic child, she brings that insight to her work. Stacy utilizes an interpersonal process and family systems approach to help clients understand themselves and relationships with others. Dr. Ackerlind received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from New Mexico State University (APA accredited).

She completed her predoctoral internship through the University of Utah Counseling Center (APA accredited) and postdoctoral fellowship at the Department of Family and Preventative Medicine. Prior to joining the Autism Clinic, Dr. Ackerlind served as the Chief of Staff for Student Affairs and Interim Associate Vice President for Health and Wellness at the University of Utah. In her free time, Stacy enjoys the beauty of southern Utah, yin yoga practice, live music and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Matthew Roberts graduated from the University of Utah with a PhD in Educational Psychology and Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification. His research focused primarily on Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS), an evidence-based, tiered framework for supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health. Dr. Roberts is passionate about building strong relationships and helping individuals discover and harness their strengths.

In his spare time, he enjoys reading, cooking, playing video games, and spending time with his wife and dog, a big red labrador named Clifford. 

Kirsten graduated from the University of Utah with a Master of Social Work (MSW) and specializes in working with children, teens and young adults on the Autism spectrum, including those with a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profile. She understands the importance of adapting therapy to meet clients’ unique needs, preferences, and communication styles.

Taking a client-centered approach, she focuses on identifying and building upon clients’ strengths while providing the support they need to navigate challenges. Her experience of working in inpatient and crisis settings has taught her the importance of being patient, calm, and empathetic, especially during difficult or high-stress situations. She is here to meet you where you are and is committed to walking alongside you on your journey.

Heather is a psychology student with a long-standing passion for mental health and supporting neurodiverse individuals. At the clinic, she supports new client intake and onboarding, helping families navigate the process with care. Outside of work, Heather enjoys playing video games with her daughter, art journaling, and cuddling with her mini-labradoodle (Squiggs).

Jennifer is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) who believes therapy should be a place for discovery, connection, and maybe even a little bit of fun! She loves working with neurodiverse children, couples, families, and individuals helping them strengthen their sense of self through a client centered approach.

With a Bachelor's in Kinesiology from Cal State Fullerton and a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University, Jennifer blends her understanding of the mind-body connection into her therapy. Whether she’s using play therapy to help a child manage big feelings or leading her Lego group, Jennifer creates spaces where creativity and growth go hand-in-hand.

For Jennifer, therapy isn’t just about challenges, it’s about celebrating growth and effort, unlocking potential, and creating a space where every client can thrive and be exactly who they are.

Maddy received her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Utah. She is dedicated to providing a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. She enjoys collaborating with clients to gain new perspectives on their challenges and to find personalized approaches to growth. She is also trained in EMDR for the treatment of trauma. When Maddy is not at work, she enjoys restoring old furniture and spending time with her dog, Louis.