Our Team

Robin Baron
President

Robin is an award-winning interior and product designer with her own interior design firm as well as an e-commerce site. Based in NYC, she travels the country speaking and appearing on TV.
As a mother of a child with ASD, Robin became very active in the ASD and neurodiverse community. She has been on the board of several related organizations and schools and is currently working on a supported living program to help members of the neurodiverse community become more confident and independent. Robin is the proud parent of Simon and Chloe Ziff, who have been an integral part of creating and developing Relationspot.

What led you to Relationspot?
I saw the need, so when Simon came to me with this idea, I knew that I had to live my motto “If you know you can make a difference, you have to.” I love this community. I want everyone to live their best lives!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love travel, theater, fashion, art, and food…and most of all, I love spending time with family and friends!

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
I started my career as a fashion designer under my own label.

Simon Ziff
Program Coordinator

Simon saw a need in the ASD/Neurodiverse community and became passionate about filling this need. Simon is on the spectrum himself, so he understands the challenges and benefits of being neurodiverse. He is the driving force for our programming and he hosts many of our Relationspot Friday Night Zooms and Saturday Night In-Person Get-Togethers. Simon graduated from Pace University with a Bachelors in Digital Film Production. He’s also a science fiction writer and has recently become certified as a life coach. His passion is to help other people on the spectrum with neurodiversity live their lives to the fullest.

What led you to Relationspot?
I am a Certified Life Coach and I am going for my MSW both of which are to help other people who are neurodiverse or on the spectrum like I am.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I like writing, traveling, video games, watching movies, making movies, reading, and hanging out with my dog Shadow.

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
I am a writer and poet working on a trilogy of novels.

Chloe Ziff
Director of Programing, Social Media, & Member Relations

Chloe is a Co-Founder, with her brother Simon. They have worked closely to develop Relationspot. She also hosts many of our Saturday Night In-Person events and is a valued coach to our members. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a Minor in Psychology from Pace University.

Chloe’s main passion is helping others, especially through Relationspot. Her brother, Simon, has been her inspiration throughout her life, teaching her to always stand up for what’s right. She is driven to help everyone around her. Chloe started on this path when she was very young. She was a counselor at the Marlene Meyerson JCC of Manhattan guiding and helping individuals with autism, down syndrome and other types of neurodiversities. Having her own struggles with learning disabilities has helped her understand how to inspire and guide those around her who may need extra support.

With her hands-on experience, Chloe is an integral part of Relationspot.

What led you to Relationspot?
My brother, who is on the spectrum, has always been my motivation, and inspiration to help others. My whole life has been helping people from all walks of life. Now I’m proud to say I am a co-founder of Relationspot.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love hanging out with friends, and trying out new restaurants throughout the tri-state area! You never know what cool finds and surprises you’ll experience. I also love capturing beautiful memories through my camera.

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
I know sign language.

Jill Tuck
Fractional COO

Jill is a creative, business operations specialist in the social innovation space – supporting social enterprise startups and social entrepreneurs. She is dedicated to helping change-makers translate vision into sustainable business models that are built to scale. A Jill-of-all-trades focusing on ecosystem building, organizational capacity building, and elevating teams.

Based in Philadelphia, she is the co-founder of Phnx Tree Collective, shifting the impact paradigm in Philly to catalyze systems change, for which she is a 2024 Philadelphia Social Innovation Awards finalist. She is on the Young Friends Planning Committee for Philly Startup Leaders and an advocate for equitable opportunity and entrepreneurship. She was the founder of One Tribe Testing during the pandemic after leading regional testing and vaccine operations.

What led you to Relationspot?
Robin! I met Robin at an Especially Everyone event, another organization I work with in the same space, and we immediately hit it off! My whole career is built around bringing people together to make a positive impact. Relationspot does just that.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Going to a concert with friends, binge-reading a book, running, hiking, and family.

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
I’m an extroverted introvert – confidently awkward. In my pre-pandemic past life, I worked in production and operations in the live event space (concerts, special events, and festivals). Rock and roll, baby!

Katie Hickenbottom
Communications & Website Coordinator

Katie brings a blend of creativity and organization to the table with her background in marketing, graphic design, and web design. She keeps Relationspot’s website running smoothly and makes sure all Member communications are on point. With over 11 years of experience as a photographer and graphic designer, Katie has also collaborated with Robin on her interior design business, combining her eye for detail with a passion for great design.

What led you to Relationspot?
I had been working for Robin’s interior design business and she asked if I could help with Relationspot.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love spending time with my two kids, husband and fur babies. I also like scrolling TikTok, reading, and traveling.

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
Fun Fact: I’m also a photographer! What started as a hobby turned into a real business and now I photograph weddings and families!

Willa Jones
Business Development & Operations Coordinator

Willa Jones has been a producer and project manager for the past decade, developing and producing award-winning series for PBS, CNN, Netflix and Hulu. Prior to working in production, Willa managed a National Endowment for the Arts program organizing workshops in communities across the country to help revitalize them. Willa is driven to build on her experience managing projects, promoting programs, and bringing stories to life, to help foster relationships and communities, and to support the development of an impactful organization. So, she was thrilled to learn about Relationspot, where she now works with its team and members to help the organization to thrive and grow.

What led you to Relationspot?
Andrea, a coach at Relationspot, had told me about the work she does with its members, which I loved hearing about, and was so excited when I heard there was an opportunity to get involved, and to help support Relationspot’s programs, and to work with its team to develop more.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I love to meet up and chat with my friends, walk around NYC’s neighborhoods and parks, to dance and do yoga, travel, watch great TV and films, and to paint and draw people. I also love to hang out with my puppy Jaco and my family.

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
A fun fact about me is that I love drawing and painting people’s portraits. Years ago, I started sketching people on the subway, and that eventually turned into a passion for painting people who I’m inspired by – from my neighbors, to artists I admire. I like to research and write about them as I work on my portraits of them, and to share their work as I share my portraits of them.

Elyse Orecchio
Director of Arts & Special Events, Coach

Elyse Orecchio is a proud lifelong resident of Queens and holds an MA in Applied Theatre. She is dedicated to building community through theatre as a teaching artist. Through organizations like New York City Children’s Theater, Mosaic Community Center, Girl Scout Troop 6000, and Relationspot, she has had the privilege of working with communities including young parents, refugee migrant families, and folx on the autism spectrum. She especially loves connecting with wee ones through theatre—as Louis Armstrong crooned, “They’ll learn much more than I’ll ever know.” On the home front, when not lounging with her 4 cats, Elyse seeks adventure everywhere; her husband Joe and kids, Theo and Melody, help her find it.

What led you to Relationspot?
As a parent, I have been longing for a program like this in NYC for years. I’m so glad it exists, and that I get to be a part of it. Everybody deserves friendship and community.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
You can usually find me at the theatre, but I also have a passion for traveling and camping (and dreaming about traveling and camping). These days, I’ve been obsessed with making pasta from scratch. If I were Taylor Swift, you’d say I’m in my pasta era.

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
I’m studying Italian!

Ariel Kurtz
Program & Social Media Coordinator

Ariel (She/Hers/Her) is excited to work with Relationspot! She has previously worked as a Social Media + Website Manager with the National Disability Theatre. She has also worked as a Social Media Manager for the New York Opera Festival and the Washington Heights Chamber Orchestra. As a neurodiverse person, she is passionate about working with disability-centric organizations.

What led you to Relationspot?
Chloe and I are long-time friends and I asked if Relationspot was hiring!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I like to go to concerts, eat ice cream, and hang out with my friends!

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
A fun fact about me is that my birthday is on Christmas Eve, but I’m Jewish and I’m a twin! 🙂

Hayley Sherwood
Community Outreach Coordinator & Coach

Hayley Sherwood a theatre artist, educator, producer, and administrator, whose work focuses on bringing theatre to the people. Some career highlights include producing COMMUNITY WORKS, a community-engaged theatre program at Williamstown Theatre Festival that casts local residents of all ages in a world premiere musical, touring schools as Story Pirate, and serving as a Teaching Artist and the Director of Programs for CO/LAB Theater Group, a company that creates theater with individuals with developmental disabilities. She holds her BFA in Theatre Arts from Boston University and her MA in Educational Theatre for Colleges and Communities from NYU.

What led you to Relationspot?
I was led to Relationspot by Ben Dworken! Ben, the amazing advocate that he is, introduced me to Robin and we got some improv workshops set up! I’ve so enjoyed getting to know everyone involved since!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love to be outside! I like to cycle, run, hike, and have recently been doing a ton of snowboarding! I also love to eat really good food, watch really good movies, TV, and plays, and read really good books. Then, I like to talk about all of those things with my friends and family!

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
I spent a semester studying Shakespeare in London in undergrad and took a trip to study Theater of the Oppressed in Puerto Rico in grad school.

Andrea Friedman

Andrea was born and raised in New Jersey, and is now a proud Vermont resident. After receiving her masters in special education through the Autism Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, Andrea began working as a special educator. Now, seven years later, Andrea has left the classroom and has followed her passion for working with adults. Andrea is dedicated to supporting folx in creating a life and future that is meaningful for them. With a background in the arts, Andrea brings her creativity and her aptitude for out-of-the-box thinking to her work with people.

What led you to Relationspot?
Working with people and being part of community have always been close to my heart. For the past seven years, I worked as a special education teacher, and my passion for establishing communities for people after they are school-age grew. Now, I spend my time working with neurodiverse young adults who are discovering what it means to live their most authentic life in adulthood. I was drawn to Relationspot’s mission of creating a community in which people feel celebrated and safe, and where life-long friendships and relationships can flourish.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I am always creating something. Specifically, I enjoy making things with my hands whether it’s jewelry, weaving on my loom, or crocheting! I also enjoy spending time outside with my dog, Goose!

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
Something fun or surprising about me that people may not know is that I was my high school’s Mascot! During my senior year of high school, I could be found every Friday night in the massive ‘Roscoe the Ram’ costume at a football game or ice hockey game. I am a dancer, so it was a fun ‘in cognito way’ to show off some of my dance moves.

Tanner Hilbish

Tanner received his undergraduate degree in Anthropology from the University of Vermont. After a brief stint in the field of intellectual property, he found himself working as a life skills coach at a living and learning community for neurodiverse college students. Here he discovered his true passion in empowering everyone to live authentically. His focus has been on helping students to develop social communication skills as well as emotional regulation strategies. Tanner went back to school to get his MSW during which he also worked as a therapist for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

What led you to Relationspot?
For the past seven years, I’ve enjoyed building community with and supporting neurodiverse college students in beautiful Burlington, VT. In this work, I witnessed the immense positive impact of building social connections with others. I facilitated group seminars on topics including making and maintaining friendships. This work introduced me to Relationspot and I am excited to help foster meaningful social opportunities for adults on a broader scale.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, you can find me exploring the beautiful state of Vermont with my partner. This includes hiking the Green Mountains, finding hidden swimming holes, boating on Lake Champlain, or skiing at one of many resorts in the area! I also enjoy a night on the couch to binge a new Netflix show or to read a new fantasy novel.

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
I love to travel which has led me on many adventures including backpacking around Thailand, being an exchange student during high school in Germany, and managing a burger joint in Melbourne, Australia!

Marissa Malett
Coach Coordinator

Marissa currently works as a certified mediator, committee board member, service coordinator, employment coach, and advocate. She also works with the NYS school system consulting on special policies and procedures. Marissa provides therapeutic sessions with adults and facilitates mediation sessions. Marissa holds a BA in Criminal Justice, with a minor in Sociology, from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, an MA in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Criminology & Social Deviance, and a post-graduate certificate in Management Training.

What led you to Relationspot?
The mission of Relationspot really spoke to me; a social group that helps build community, friendship, and connections for the ASD/Neurodiverse community.I also really enjoy helping people!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy watching movies and spending time with family & friends

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
A surprising fact about me is that I’ve been a vegetarian since I was 7 years old!

Erin Loughlin
Coach

Erin spent many years working as a Speech-Language Pathologist in a variety of settings across New York, New Jersey, and internationally. After a fulfilling career in speech therapy, Erin took a hiatus from this specific work and transitioned to a new role in a living and learning community in Vermont. There, she worked as a coach and case manager, supporting college students as they navigated various aspects of life, from academics to personal development. Erin believes deeply in the value of bridging communication gaps—whether between individuals with different communication styles or across diverse perspectives. She is excited to bring this mindset to her work, helping individuals achieve their goals and foster meaningful connections.

What led you to Relationspot?

When my colleagues in Vermont recommended RelationSpot, I immediately knew it would be a great fit for me. The focus on fostering meaningful connections and supporting individuals in reaching their personal goals aligns perfectly with my own values and experiences. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time, I love attending live music events—they’re a great way to experience new sounds and connect with others who share similar interests. I also enjoy exploring the woods and fishing. More recently, I’ve been learning to enjoy cooking and figuring out ways to eat sustainably, experimenting with eco-friendly recipes and healthier choices. It’s been a fun and rewarding journey!

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?

A fun fact about me is that I danced on stage at Radio City Music Hall when I was younger! I was an Irish step dancer and had the incredible opportunity to be part of a special show celebrating Irish culture. It was an unforgettable experience and definitely a highlight of my childhood!

Odalis Salcedo
Coach

Odalis Salcedo received her Bachelor of the Arts in Clinical Psychology from St John’s University. She currently works as a Graduate Assistant focusing on improving student health services. With a background in clinical psychology and great experience in life coaching and social work, she is passionate about fostering a space where everyone can be themselves. Her professional aspirations are aligned with making substantive contributions to women’s mental health and the Latin American community as a psychologist.

What led you to Relationspot?
I discovered Relationspot through previous experience in the life coaching field. I enjoy being a part of Relationspot because it allows me to positively impact others and brings a new meaning to my life.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy traveling to different places, hiking, and trying new foods.

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
A fun fact about me is that I love Italian food!

Emily Griffin
Coach

Emily is from New Jersey and works as an occupational therapist for kids and young adults. She graduated from Loyola University in Maryland with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and went on to get her Master’s degree in occupational therapy at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. Emily has always had a passion for helping the neurodiverse community build skills to form meaningful relationships and promote inclusivity in all areas of life.

What led you to Relationspot?
I heard about Relationspot through one of the other coaches (Tanner) and was excited about joining a community whose mission aligns so closely with my passions. My clients have voiced a need for more opportunities to make friendships/learn about dating in a safe and supportive environment.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time I like to draw, paint, and take my dog on long walks to the beach. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family in NYC.

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
A fun fact about me is that I have a twin sister! We are not identical but we share a lot of similarities. Twins run in my family as my grandfather is a twin and my other siblings are twins as well.

Diana Mohibi
Coach

Diana is a full time school counselor dedicated to helping others reach their goals and alignment of their authentic self. She enjoys socializing with others and taking time to learn from and appreciate others for who they are.

What led you to Relationspot?
I had met a young man who participates in Relationspot through mutual friends. This young man appreciated my energy and asked if I was willing to help Relationspot. I graciously accepted and got connected with Robin, who also knows one of my best friends! Small world and a good world we live in indeed.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Relaxing, Self Care, spending time outdoors, traveling, adventures, good laughs with friends and family.

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?

I am a jack of all trades, just ask me!
I’ve have dabbled in the arts, cake decorating, baking, ceramics, painting, poetry, writing (I’m writing a book at the moment).
I’m always open to learning something new!

Alexis Acca
Coach

Alexis Acca is a born and raised New Yorker. She is dedicated to helping individuals in all capacities of their life. She studied Rehabilitation and Human Services with a minor in Special Education at Penn State University, and received her master’s of social work at New York University. Alexis is currently a licensed social worker providing individual and group counseling for people of all ages.

What led you to Relationspot?
A colleague in the field connected me to Robin. After learning about the mission of Relationspot it became clear that helping build this amazing community was an initiative that I really wanted to be involved with. I’ve always had a passion for helping individuals achieve fulfilling lives.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I’m a self-proclaimed “foodie” and love trying new restaurants in New York City. I also enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends.

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
I love running outdoors, and I’m currently training for my second half-marathon!

Sam Funk
Coach

Samantha (Sam) Funk (she/her) is a student of Applied Theatre at CUNY SPS. In addition to her master’s degree studies, Sam is a seasoned artist-educator. Her first teaching artist work began in Nicaragua and Argentina, wherein she partnered with two different organizations to create devised work relevant to each social context that was then shared with the local communities in open-invitation workshops. Following Sam’s experience in Nicaragua and Argentina, she brought her budding theatre pedagogy to teaching preschool and kindergarten full-time. Now, Sam is a dedicated teaching artist working in schools across New York City. Sam also holds a BA in Theatre Performance.

What led you to Relationspot?
I am a neurodivergent person myself! I have been diagnosed with ‘Pure O’ Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (‘Pure O’ OCD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). As a recently diagnosed adult, I am always looking to find community with other neurodivergent people. As an applied theatre practitioner, I love being creative with folks and facilitating as well! Any opportunity to do so is one I will take.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy reading and traveling. However, I don’t have much free time at the moment, as I am in my final year of graduate school.

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
My first claim to fame was when I won a costume contest dressed as Barbie at the Wisconsin State Fair when I was a toddler.

Natalie Zeif
Coach

Natalie is a clinical social worker in New York City. Natalie studied human development and education policy at Brown University and holds an MSW from the Smith College School for Social Work. Natalie works full time as an outpatient psychotherapist and is thrilled to be part of the Relationspot community.

What led you to Relationspot?
I met a Relationspot member at an event hosted by Roaring Epiphany Production Company, a theater company that promotes inclusion in the arts. He connected me to Robin, and I’ve been working with Relationspot ever since.

What led you to Relationspot?
I enjoy trying out new recipes, walking my dog, and playing soccer.

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
I love to read mysteries and thrillers.

Katelyn Wilson
Coach

Katelyn is a Westchester native so she is super excited about Relationspot’s expansion into the Hudson Valley area. She has always had a passion for working with the neurodiverse community and the wonderful people she’s met through it. Outside of Relationspot, Katelyn is a teaching assistant in a 4th grade classroom and babysits after school and on the weekends. She is a big mental health advocate and uses this passion to help others by creating safe, comfortable, and validating environments for all.

What led you to Relationspot?
I heard about Relationspot through my friend and co-founder of Relationspot, Chloe Ziff. I’ve always admired Relationspot’s mission and knew I wanted to get involved.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends and family or singing full concerts in my car.

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
A fun fact about me is that I’m obsessed with the night sky. I love finding a nice dark spot and stargazing whenever I can.

Sam Connolly
Coach

Sam works as a mental health counselor for children and teenagers. She has her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Loyola University Maryland and her master’s degree in mental health counseling from Manhattan University. Sam was born and raised in Staten Island but now lives in the Bronx with her husband. She’s very excited to join the Relationspot community!

What led you to Relationspot?
My friend Emily is also a coach at Relationspot and thought that I might be a good fit, so she sent me over. I am excited to connect with a neurodiverse community and foster relationships that might last a lifetime.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love to travel, play video games, complete jigsaw puzzles, and take nature walks. I also like shopping, reading, and trying new restaurants.

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
I have traveled to 19 US states and 20 countries!