Our Advisors

For the work we do, we often pull in talented special advisors for our planning committee. Our current committee of talented advisors is dedicated to creating an extraordinary science festival experience built around the needs of sensory sensitive kids.

 

Lourdes Quiñones, PT, MA

Early Childhood Consultant

Lourdes Quiñones, is a consultant assigned to the Early Childhood team at the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD-USF). Lourdes’ educational background includes graduating from the program of Physical Therapy at the University of Central Florida, as well as the Master’s in Special Education Disabilities from the University of South Florida (USF). Lourdes is currently a third-year doctoral student in USF’s College of Education. She is enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy program, majoring in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Special Education. Her professional experience includes having served children with a variety of physical and neuro-diversities as a pediatric physical therapist in the home, school, and clinic settings, and as a Kindergarten-1st grade special education teacher in Hillsborough County School District. She has been serving as an Early Childhood consultant at the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD-USF) since 2019..

Darcy Rouhani

Strategic Advisor

Darcy is an autistic business professional with over 15 years of experience in aerospace engineering and manufacturing. Having served in both technical and corporate roles ranging from Process Engineer to Chief Operating Officer, she brings a unique voice to Scientists, Inc. Throughout her career, Darcy has worked hard to build a culture of innovation and transparency with the leaders within her organizations, building trust with industry colleagues, suppliers, and vendors as well as with the FAA. Currently in her role as CEO of RoC Aviation Services, LLC, Darcy leads a team of engineering and regulatory professionals to support growing industries within the commercial aviation and unmanned aircraft sectors. She maintains membership with FABA (Florida Aviation Business Association), is an FAA-Certified Remote Pilot, and is in the process of becoming an FAA Designee. She has a passion for educating others regarding the value that neurodiversity brings to the world. In her spare time, she is an active member of Women & Drones, an organization dedicated to driving excellence in the unmanned aircraft systems industries by achieving equity and participation of women. Darcy enjoys supporting the autism community through serving on nonprofit boards and volunteering within those organizations.