Understanding. Commitment.
Heart.

Marjorie McMorris

Executive Director & Founder

Marjorie McMorris is the Founder and Executive Director of The Helix Adult Academy (THAA), launching in fall 2026 to serve autistic and neurodivergent adults through lifelong learning, workforce readiness, and independent living programs. She also founded The Helix School in 2014, a Marin-based program for autistic and other neurodivergent students. A former Goldman Sachs vice president, Marjorie brings decades of leadership, board, and advocacy experience to her work. As the mother of an autistic and neurodivergent young adult, she knows firsthand the challenges families face when school district services end. Her vision for THAA is to create a model that extends learning and opportunity into adulthood.

Lilian P. Ansari

Director of Admissions and Family Services

Lilian Ansari has dedicated more than 25 years to supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals and their families through counseling, advocacy, and education. As Program Manager at Family Resource Navigators, she leads teams that help families navigate special education, healthcare, and community systems. A former Vice President of the Regional Center of the East Bay Board, Lilian also runs Ansari Advocacy and Resource and serves on multiple disability councils. She holds a Master's in Counseling and several certifications in education and family advocacy.

Anya Orton

Program Director

Anya Orton brings 18 years of experience in special education, with a focus on autism, American Sign Language, and autistic and neurodivergent-centered learning environments. She has also worked in higher education as an American Sign Language instructor at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), bringing an academic lens to her work in communication and accessibility. She has supported adolescents and young adults in parallel programs in the local autistic and neurodivergent community, helping them build communication skills, independence, and confidence in daily life. As the mother of autistic and neurodivergent teens, Anya brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. She is deeply committed to expanding meaningful post-secondary education and community-based opportunities for autistic and neurodivergent adults, ensuring continued growth, connection, and dignity beyond high school. (Formerly Anya Carwitz-Heidenberg)

Diane Stair

Development Director

Emma Earnshaw

Photographer / Executive Operations Assistant

Emma is a photographer, educator, and Executive Operations Assistant at The Helix Adult Academy. With a BA in Psychology and a background in photography, she loves combining her creative work with her passion for supporting autistic and neurodivergent adults. At THAA, Emma leads photography and visual arts sessions, helping clients explore their creativity, build new skills, and find fresh ways to express themselves through art. She also keeps the Academy's daily operations running smoothly as Executive Operations Assistant. Emma is passionate about creating hands-on, welcoming experiences where clients can pursue their interests, express themselves creatively, and feel proud of what they make.

Dylan Corr

Behavioral Interventionist / Adaptive Skills Trainer

Dylan brings a background in psychology, human services, and direct support to his work with autistic and neurodivergent young adults. He has several years of experience supporting autistic and neurodivergent youth and now young adults, helping individuals develop communication, social, adaptive, and independent living skills in day program and community-based settings. As an Adaptive Skills Trainer and Social Skills Instructor at Helix Adult Academy, Dylan also supports Drama Therapy and Art, creating opportunities for clients to explore creativity, build confidence, and express themselves authentically. He takes a person-centered, strengths-based approach to his work, believing that meaningful growth comes from helping individuals discover their interests, build genuine connections, and develop the confidence to be themselves. Dylan earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, magna cum laude, from California State University, Long Beach. He is passionate about creating inclusive, supportive spaces where autistic and neurodivergent young adults can embrace their individuality, grow in confidence, and feel empowered to authentically be themselves in the world.

Max Hauser

Drama Therapist / Adaptive Skills Trainer

Max is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, educator, and theatre artist with a background in clinical practice, drama therapy, and supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals across therapeutic, educational, and community settings. Prior to joining Helix Adult Academy, Max worked in a group private practice supporting children, adolescents, and adults, with a particular focus on autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Max holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Drama Therapy from the California Institute of Integral Studies and a Bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Puget Sound. Drawing on his background in both counseling and theatre, Max uses creative and experiential approaches to help autistic and neurodivergent people build relationships, strengthen self-advocacy and confidence, and find meaningful ways to express themselves and connect with others.

Rhoda Robertson

Adaptive Skills Training Facilitator

Rhoda brings eight years of experience working with autistic and neurodivergent adults, supporting individuals as they build greater independence, confidence, and quality of life. She holds a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and has hands-on experience providing Adaptive Skills Training. As Lead Facilitator for our Workforce Readiness program, Rhoda is passionate about meeting individuals where they are, recognizing their unique strengths, and helping them build practical skills that support their personal goals and everyday success.

Nathan Godderis

Lifelong Learning / Adaptive Skills Trainer

Nathan Godderis has dedicated his career to being a mentor, coach, and ally for autistic and neurodivergent teens and adults. His background includes being a Life Skills Instructor at the UCSB Koegel Autism Center, as well as a holistic neurodiversity coach, helping individuals develop self-regulation skills, build emotional resilience, and navigate complex life changes. He is a recent Master's in Psychology graduate from Palo Alto University. Diagnosed with autism early in life, Nathan understands the challenges of navigating societal norms and expectations that aren't always intuitive, as well as the impact a diagnostic label can have on one's mindset. Nathan focuses on honoring a client's authenticity and uniqueness, allowing them to fully be themselves.

Forrest Manning

Life Skills Instructor / Adaptive Skills Trainer

Forrest brings a strong background in customer service, daily operations, and working directly with people. For the past four years, he has worked as a vocational teacher supporting autistic and neurodivergent adults, helping individuals develop workplace skills, build confidence, and work toward greater independence. He enjoys building positive relationships, solving problems, and creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and supported. Throughout his career, Forrest has developed experience working with teams, understanding the needs of customers and the community, and stepping in wherever he is needed. He takes pride in being dependable, approachable, and making a positive difference in the lives of others. Outside of work, Forrest enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new interests, and making the most of life.