Our Great Team
Julie Duvall-President
Julie Duvall is the President of the Champaign Urbana Autism Network in Urbana, IL. She is a mother of seven children; this includes both an adult and adolescent child who are on the spectrum. She has eleven grandchildren, four of which are also diagnosed with Autism/Intellectual Disabilities. Julie has 28 years of experience in the disability world with an excellent knowledge of state and federal disability laws, including ADA guidelines, policies, and practices. She is strategically minded with the talent to think outside the box to problem solve and provide crisis intervention. She has worked with several state, county, and local governments as well as private agencies to set precedence in policies., procedures, and services for the disability community. Julie is straightforward, poignant, and willing to do what it takes to achieve the end goal. Her specialties are giving a voice to issues, concerns, and advocating for those who need support.
Tayler Blair-Treasurer
Tayler is a mom of three children, who has years of experience working with individuals on the Spectrum both personally and professionally. She started at head start and now works at Urbana Schools as a trained support for disability students. Her patience and ability to support these individuals is inspiring.
Karissa Northway-Secretary
Karissa Northway has been involved with CUAN by attending events and volunteering for four years. She has a daughter, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of 5. Karissa is dedicated to providing awareness and acceptance for those on the spectrum.
Rich Bolser-Board Member
Father of 2 boys. "Jack's dad." Proud supporter of the Special Olympics. VAP graduate 2019. LEND graduate 2020. Volunteer advocate for early intervention and transition to adulthood. 2023 CUAN Board Member.
Alyssa Mize-Board Member
My name is Alyssa. I am 29 years old and a mother of two boys (four year old with autism and a two month old). My husband and I are high school sweet hearts and have been married for five years. My brother has autism as well, so autism is close to my heart and a big part of my life. I am an x-ray technologist and enjoy sewing/embroidering, and playing hockey on the women's league in Decatur. I joined CUAN to make a difference, spread awareness, and encourage acceptance in and for the autistic community.
Jill Graves-Board Member
I am Jill Graves and I am excited to be apart of the CU Autism Network. I am married to Brandon and a mom to four kids, 1 on the autism spectrum. I can’t wait to meet you all at events and to help in any way I can.
Daniel Fox, MPH, PhD-CEO
Daniel is a translational scientist and business administrator with passions for developing patient-focused therapies and helping professionals find their true potentials in the workforce. He holds a PhD in Pharmacology and Neuroscience, a Masters in Public Health, and he has many years of experience working in industries ranging from small biotech startups to global pharmaceutical corporations. Throughout his journey, Daniel has developed significant interests in developing professional success for others.
CUAN Remembers
Angelah "Renee" James will always be remembered as an inspiration to many parents as an advocate for her child, Alexandria. #autismangelforever
Scott Bennett was an Illinois Senator for the 52nd District. He was dedicated to helping autistic families through state policy. He understood the need for more disability legislation and was proud to be our voice in Springfield.
Previous Ambassador of CUAN
Alexandria James, a native of Champaign, has been writing since the age of six with her first book series entitled, "The Lost Things."