My name is Maya and I am a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and PhD student in the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University, under the supervision of Dr. Michelle Phoenix. I completed my BAH degree in Psychology at Queen’s University in 2019, and my MSc in Speech-Language Pathology at McMaster University in 2021. I love working as a SLP, and I continue to practice clinically part-time across a variety of settings (e.g., paediatrics, adults, private practice, hospitals) while completing my PhD. I love working with clients on goals that are meaningful to their lives, and I believe that both research and clinical services are advanced when the two are woven together in a client-centred manner. I am broadly interested in research that advances client- and family-centred SLP services for autistic children and youth and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). My dissertation research applies co-design methods to co-create new, neurodiversity-affirming approaches to social communication intervention for autistic youth and people close to them. My research is funded by a SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarship Doctoral Award the Autism Alliance of Canada Data-to-Policy Fellowship. In addition to conducting research, I love teaching students as an Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct) for McMaster’s SLP program. Outside of work, I love exploring nature, biking, finding new places to try delicious food in Hamilton, and spending time with family and friends. I am really excited to connect with other students and scientists as part of the ENRICH REACH program, and I know I will learn a lot from the amazing mentorship, networking and curriculum opportunities that are to come!