Meet Our Passionate Team
Tyler McNamer
 Autismworks Founder Â
Tyler McNamer, founder of AutismWorks, was diagnosed with autism at age 2, but he never saw it as a limitation. Instead, he turned it into his greatest strength. As an author and motivational speaker, Tyler inspires others to embrace what makes them different and turn challenges into power.
At just 17, he published Population One: Autism, Adversity, and the Will to Succeed, a powerful book sharing his journey and lessons learned. Tyler believes autism is not a disability, but an extraordinary ability, and he’s made it his mission to help others see the same.
Jody McNamer
 Autismworks Co-Founder Â
Jody McNamer, co-founder of AutismWorks and proudly known as “Tyler’s Dad,” is a passionate autism advocate and speaker. He offers both public insight and private coaching to help families recognize and nurture the unique abilities of individuals with autism. His mission is rooted in a deep belief that with the right support, every person on the spectrum can offer extraordinary value to the world.
Jody emphasizes the power of sensory integration, lifelong learning, and a strengths-based approach. With deep respect for caregivers and the challenges they face, he shares his journey to inspire hope, perspective, and progress. Through AutismWorks, he continues to support Tyler’s path while uplifting the entire autism community.
Kristina Tindall
 Tyler's Mom Â
Kristina Tindall, Tyler’s mom, has been by his side since his early diagnosis with ASD at age three, when he was non-verbal and navigating a world that didn’t always understand him. Through years of support, both at home and in school with an IEP, she witnessed Tyler transform into a high school graduate and acclaimed international author who speaks powerfully from his own lived experience with autism.
As a dedicated mother and advocate, Kristina is passionate about making autism more manageable and meaningful for everyone it touches, parents, caregivers, educators, and extended families. She and Tyler live in Washington State, where they enjoy skiing, traveling, and creating lasting memories with loved ones while continuing their mission to bring hope and understanding to the autism community.
Brigid Rankowski
 Artist, Educator, and Advocate Â
Brigid Rankowski is an artist, educator, and fierce advocate for the disability community. With a Master’s from Nova Southeastern University and an undergrad degree from Cornell College, she serves on several national and state autism boards, including the Autism Society of Maine and Felicity House’s Self Advocate Advisory Board. Brigid also taught the groundbreaking Autistic Global Initiative online course, developed by and for individuals on the spectrum.
She speaks nationally and internationally on disability issues and is currently launching a nonprofit that teaches circus arts to individuals with disabilities. A licensed fire performer and collaborator with the Maine Arts Commission, Brigid blends advocacy and creativity to inspire inclusion through movement, expression, and education. Learn more about her work at ARoadToMe.com and WayWeMove.org.
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Beth Hedrick
 Educator and Contributing Writer Â
Beth Hedrick is a passionate educator with 23 years of teaching experience and a dedicated mother to two young adults, including Landon, who is on the autism spectrum. Inspired by her son’s journey, she has spent years learning about autism and supporting families on similar paths. Her other son, Aaron, has been a constant mentor and friend to Landon, who is now preparing to begin his college journey.
Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Beth enjoys reading, walking her Basset Hound, and connecting with others in the autism community. As both a lifelong educator and freelance writer, she continues to grow in her knowledge of autism and remains committed to helping families navigate this meaningful journey.
Angela Conrad
 Author, Autism Advocate, Speaker, and Mother. Â
Angela Conrad is a dedicated autism advocate, author, and former special education teacher whose personal journey fuels her passion. As a mother to two sons, Trenton, with severe autism, and Andrew, with high-functioning autism, she openly shares her story of challenges, courage, and hope to inspire others walking a similar path.
Author of Two Brothers One Journey, Angela offers honest insights into the realities of autism parenting, blending education with heartfelt experience. Now based in Indiana, she continues to empower families by turning struggles into strength and raising awareness through her writing and speaking.
