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| Alisa Wolf strives to create new and innovative programs for children and adults on the autistic spectrum. Her enthusiasm and persistence in her endeavor has made her an invaluable resource to the autism community. Alisa believes that AFA is a platform to help individuals with autism create a future that is productive and meaningful! |
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| Alisa Wolf - Executive Director/Founder |
| Alisa Wolf is a Television & Media Consultant, Author, Educator, and Producer. Alisa consults with studio executives and film-makers to educate them on developing diverse programming in both film and television. In addition, she coaches actors with disabilities on set, specifically autism.
As an author, Alisa wrote "Acting: for Kids on the Autistic Spectrum" with a forward by Joey Travolta. The book is one of kind which instructs how to address communication and socialization skills to children and adults on the autistic spectrum.
As an arts educator she has created programs in the area of acting, film-making and animation integrating digital media. Alisa has extensive experience in developing and implementing curriculum in a variety of mediums. She created a social skills program for individuals with disabilities which incorporates the arts. Alisa has made appearances on television, film and radio. She is a guest speaker at universities and conferences and is available for speaking engagements and consulting. |
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| Adrian Zmed - President |
| Zmed graduated from Lane Tech High School in Chicago. He began playing football as halfback for the Lane Tech High School team until he broke a bone in his leg, which in turn punctured a major artery, while playing. He quit sports and began acting, appearing in his high school's production of Guys and Dolls. After being featured on a local TV show as one of Chicago's top high school performers, Zmed transferred to the Goodman School of Drama and began studying voice at the Chicago Conservatory of Music. Zmed graduated with a BFA from the famed Goodman School of Drama.
Adrian George Zmed (born March 4, 1954) is a Romanian-American television personality and film actor noted for the roles of "Johnny Nogerelli" in Grease 2 and "Officer Vince Romano" in the T.J. Hooker television series. |
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| Adam Shawn - Vice-President |
Adam Shawn has extensive experience working with both children and adults on the autistic spectrum for over 15 years. After graduating from Hobart College in New York, Shawn founded Comp-N-Kids which provided schools with media and technology programs. He has a diverse background that encompasses working with a variety of individuals with special needs.
In addition, Shawn is a member of the Directors Guild of Los Angeles where his experience includes being technical director for stage shows, working on such specials as, The Grammy Awards, The Academy Awards, and The American Music Awards. His educational background of media, technology and special needs has made him an invaluable asset to Actors for Autism. |
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| Robyn Eastman - Secretary |
| Eastman received her BA from Columbia College in Television and Fiction Writing in 2007 and her MFA in Creative Writing-Fiction in 2010. Before coming to Columbia, Eastman spent 15 years in radio as producer, writer, and on-air personality; her last station was KABC in Los Angeles. She has produced films, commercials, music videos, and events. She recently moved back to Maui, Hawaii, where she is currently working on two books, developing a project for Pacific Radio Group, creating writing workshops, and enjoying "no snow."
Recent publications of her writing include the first chapter of her historical fiction novel Dark Side of the Wave in F Magazine, and "Under Rell's Spell" in Rell Sunn: Queen of Makaha, a collection of stories about surfing legend Rell Sunn, edited by George Ambrose. |
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| Stan Taffel - Director |
| Stan Taffel was born in New York City and began his professional career performing in comedy clubs all over the east coast. His gift for impersonations led him to his first tv show, an animated series called "The Toysters", in which he supplied the voices for several characters. His next TV work was starring in "The News In Revue", from 1993 thru 1996 on PBS. He portrayed well known figures from politicians to celebrities in a raucous and irreverent satire based on current headlines.
For his often unpredictable performances, he won three consecutive Emmy Awards in 1994, 1995 and 1996. Currently he can be seen on "New Jewish Cuisine", where he puts a new spin on Kosher cooking. The show airs at different times on PBS stations.
Stan is sought after in Hollywood as a celebrity interviewer. His warmth and humor coupled with his vast knowledge of film and television history make him the perfect host. He has earned the title of "The Walking Encyclopedia of Film and T.V". He is known for his smooth interviewing style, putting Hollywood legends at ease as he recounts details of their career. |
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David Alan Basche
Kathy Buckley
Al Burton
Coleen Camp
Dave Clark
Bruce Davidson
Ami Dolenz
Danny Jacobson
Brad Koepenick
John Landis
Bobby Moresco
Joe Mantegna
Fred Roos
John Schneider
Charlene Tilton
Jerry Trimble, Jr.
Ron Masak
Susan Olsen
Zoe Saldana
Danny Woodburn
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