About Us
NAVIGATE-U NETWORK started with a group of Higher Education Disability Services professionals who ran a nationally recognized University Autism support program. We have now combined forces with College Autism Spectrum to broaden who we serve. Navigate-U exists to support young adults with Autism, along with their families, as they move from high school to college and the workplace.
We also train colleges, professionals, K-12 schools and agencies how to better serve students on the spectrum so every unique mind is valued and empowered to succeed.
The Navigate-U Network was imagined and created by Amy Rutherford-Moody, LPC-MHSP. After Amy spent almost two decades developing and running a program to assist Autistic students in college, she realized the need was much broader. She brought together a team who can support students as they move from high school to college to the workplace and beyond. Amy works tirelessly with training others to create inclusive environments, advancing equitable opportunities, and empowering those with Autism to thrive.
Today, our team is made up of those with lived experience, parental experience, and professional experience in navigating the strengths and challenges unique to Neurodiversity. Each one of our associates has a wide variety of experience with Neurodiverse young adults in post-secondary counseling, the college admissions process, coaching & counseling for college students, career counseling, training and more.
Meet Our Team
Amy Rutherford
LPC-MSHP, M.Ed.
FounderAmy 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 initiatives. 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.
Mary Elizabeth Goodman
M.Ed
Lead CoachMary-Elizabeth was the former Interim and Assistant Director of the Mosaic Program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She has 12 years of experience in higher education and working with autistic students. She enjoys working with students, connecting with families, and advocacy. She wants to amplify autistic voices and create better neuroinclusive spaces.
M.S. CCC, LPC-MSH
Coach, Career CounselorJon Daniel
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).
Jaime Butler
M.ed
Coach, CounselorJaime 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.
Anne Hill, BS
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.
Program Specialist Parent