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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
NSU Alumni Spotlight: Marlene Sotelo, Ed.D. (’09)
Marlene Sotelo, Ed.D. (’09)
Marlene Sotelo, Ed.D. (’09), is program director for the Els Center of Excellence at the Autism Foundation. The world-class facility, which will open in August 2015, seeks to help individuals on the autism spectrum, both locally and internationally, fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive, and rewarding lives. Sotelo is responsible for grant writing, staff and community education, and spearheading innovative programs at the center that will have a global effect on autism services.
One of Sotelo’s specific initiatives is a collaboration with the directors of Autism Charter Schools to manage current and develop new evidence-based programs. She also will oversee the South Africa Autism Els Center. The center anticipates serving 300 students with autism spectrum disorder, as well as developing and overseeing online training modules for parents, teachers, and other professionals.
Sotelo previously served as director of education and training for the UM/NSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), a state-funded, regional autism center serving Broward County by providing clinical, outreach, and family support activities. She currently chairs the CARD Department of Education subcommittee and is an international educational consultant and partner for Alessandri & Associates, LLC.
A professional singer, Sotelo has worked as a music therapist for both the NSU Autism Consortium and Miami Children’s Hospital Dan Marino Center and has written and recorded two original songs to raise money for autism. She also is an avid concert attendee who loves exercise and travel.