Mission Statement
Supporting and empowering neurodiverse people throughout life.
Our Story
We started as higher education Disability Services professionals and founded a nationally recognized autism support program. We have now combined forces with College Autism Spectrum to broaden who we serve, out of a desire to help all neurodiverse individuals and their families. Our team is made up of those with lived experience, parental experience, and professional experience in navigating the strengths and challenges unique to neurodiversity.
Meet the Team
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Amy Rutherford, LPC-MHSP
FOUNDER, DIRECTOR
Amy is the founder of Navigate U and also currently serves as the Director of College Autism Spectrum. Amy consults with many universities and businesses where she specializes in creating transitional supports, neuro-inclusive programming and neurodiversity hiring intiatives. She co-founded and directed the Mosaic Program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for 16 years and has nearly two decades of experience in Higher Education. Amy co-authored The BASICS College Curriculum, a four-book series which provides a curriculum for autistic college students as they transition into college, navigate higher ed and strengthen the soft skills needed in the workforce. At her core, she loves creating inclusive environments, equitable experiences and serving others.
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Lead Coach
Coming Soon
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Anne Hill, BS
PROGRAM SPECIALIST, PARENT
Anne has personal and professional experience helping neurodiverse children and adults navigate transitions and set up individualized operating systems. Anne is incredibly motivated to level the playing field for all, and she enjoys advising and encouraging parents and families. She loves to laugh with friends and create and share good eats.
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Jon Daniel, LPC-MHSP
COUNSELOR, CAREER COUNSELOR, COACH
Jon is a counselor, career counselor, and executive functioning coach. Jon has struggled through many transitions in life and found out how to navigate his own executive functioning needs. Jon is passionate about helping others succeed (or fail more safely than he did early on). Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his dogs, reading, and exploring breweries.
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Jaime Butler, MEd
COUNSELOR, COACH
Jaime Butler (she/her) is a passionate neurodiversity advocate with 15 years of experience in higher education and a strong background in supporting neurodivergent individuals across academic, clinical, and community settings. Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience as a neurodivergent individual, she is deeply committed to championing inclusion and access for all. In addition to her work with College Autism Spectrum and The Navigate-U Network, Jaime serves as a pre-licensed mental health counselor at the Chattanooga Autism Center and provides disability services at Chattanooga State Community College. She has presented nationally and internationally on neurodiversity, equipping organizations and professionals with the tools to create environments where all minds can thrive. Jaime holds an M.S. in College Student Development and an M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
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Lauren Brouhard
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Lauren has a background in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and work experience with neurodiverse clients in higher education settings. Lauren hopes to continue to grow in her knowledge of ASD and make connections through the Navigate-U Network in order to help people find the services they need.
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Wynne Zimmerman
DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST
Wynne is a biomedical engineering student. She is the Social Media Engagement Expert for the team. When not designing internet posts, she is busy playing every stringed instrument known to humanity, crocheting, and researching sharks.