Our Team

Robin Baron
Co-Founder/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
Co-Founder/Director of Member Success

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
Co-Founder/Director of Programing & Social Media

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.

Tara Stutzman
Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships

Tara is a neurodiversity advocate who has partnered with many organizations to promote inclusion and neurodiversity. She is the mom of two sons, one on the autism spectrum, who is the inspiration for the many hats she wears. She currently serves as the Chair of the NYC Market Committee for Autism Speaks, sits on the Autism Speaks Chefs Gala Committee and is now joining Relationspot.

Tara previously co-chaired the inclusion committee at her younger son’s public school for 4 years and was also elected to the School Leadership Team where she helped create inclusive initiatives and goals for the school in partnership with school and district leadership.

Her passion is in creating a more inclusive world for all neurodiverse people.

What led you to Relationspot?
I was introduced to Robin through an Autism Speaks women-centric fundraiser and when I heard her story and ultimately met with her, I knew I wanted to help grow this amazing organization.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Our family loves to travel! I love to cook and spend time with friends and am a foodie – so if you know any good restaurants, let me know!

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
I made a demo CD in Nashville in my early 20’s and went on to be the lead singer of a cover band for about 5 years!

Willa Jones
Director of Operations & Community Outreach

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.

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!

Brittny Adebowale
Social Media & Email Content Coordinator

Brittny has nearly five years of experience working in social media and digital marketing, with a focus on content creation, email marketing, and short-form video. She enjoys developing thoughtful, engaging content that helps brands and organizations connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. Through her work, Brittny has developed a strong passion for building online communities and creating digital spaces where people feel informed, inspired, and connected. She believes social media can be a powerful tool for bringing people together and helping communities grow both online and offline.

What led you to Relationspot?
What really drew me to Relationspot was the intention behind the community. It’s not just about bringing people together, but about creating spaces where people feel comfortable, supported, and understood.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy staying active. I spend a lot of time at the gym and love taking Solidcore classes. I also enjoy creating fitness content and sharing parts of my wellness journey online.

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
I was a ballet dancer for 16 years. Dance was a big part of my life growing up and taught me a lot about discipline, creativity, and expressing yourself through movement.

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!

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!

Tanner Hilbish
Head Coach

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!

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!

Helena Mueller
Coach

Originally from Wisconsin, Helena holds a BA in English and Theatre from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities and an MA in Classical Acting from LAMDA. Based in New York since 2020, she works as an actor, writer, and voiceover artist. She co-founded MAD Company in 2022 and now serves as its Executive Director, while also freelancing as an event coordinator and producer.

What led you to Relationspot?
For the past year or so, I’ve been searching for new ways to make theatre more accessible for audience members who are neurodivergent. Between that work and my work as an event coordinator, the stars just seemed to align when I ran across Relationspot. Community is one of my core values and to see a company that is so intentionally creating community for people the way Relationspot does feels rarer and rarer these days. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love cooking and baking for people. Having friends over for dinner and trying a new recipe are two of my favorite things in the world!

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
One of my specialties within acting is with stunts/ stage combat! If you ever need someone to (fake) wield a sword, I’m your gal.

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.

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.

Derin Iscan
Coach

Derin graduated from the University of Vermont in 2025 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Throughout his undergraduate degree Derin worked as a Community Engagement Coach at Mansfield Hall, supporting neurodivergent students develop independent living skills. Derin has also interned and now works at the Community Health Centers Safe Harbor location supporting individuals with mental illness as an Outreach and Case Manager.

What led you to Relationspot?
My Roommate Ben, whom I worked with at Mansfield Hall, suggested that relationspot would be a good fit for me… one meeting, and I was hooked!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time I love to do anything outdoors, whether it is hiking, biking, running, or skiing. I love to be outside all four seasons of the year. When indoors, I love playing the guitar whenever I get the chance.

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
A fun fact about me is that I once cycled 165 miles in one day.

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.

Matt Tierney
Coach

Matt is a Philly native and NYC-based performer who moved to New York at 18 to attend the New York Conservatory. His work includes national tours, commercials, and off-Broadway productions. A longtime advocate for the neurodivergent community, Matt works with EPIC Players and believes individuality is what makes people shine.

What led you to Relationspot?
My friend Ben recommended me to Relationspot, and for that – I am so thankful!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I’m a simple man! I love reality tv and reading. My favorite color is green, and I spend too much money at The Gap.

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
A fun fact about me is that I can wiggle my ears!

T.J. Lazo
Coach

T.J. brings a people-first approach informed by his background in education, coaching, and talent development. From special education teaching to coaching educators with Teach For America and building growth-focused programs at Match Group, his work centers on helping people feel supported and confident in how they show up in relationships.

What led you to Relationspot?
Relationspot’s mission deeply aligns with my background and values. I’ve spent my career supporting people through growth, communication, and connection, and I love that Relationspot creates intentional spaces for people to build real relationships. The focus on community, belonging, and social confidence feels both meaningful and needed.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Outside of work, I enjoy fitness, longboarding, exploring new neighborhoods, making art, and spending time with friends. I’m always learning more about psychology, emotional intelligence, and personal growth, usually through books, podcasts, or creative projects. I also love being active and finding moments that feel grounding and restorative.

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
I have a lot of tattoos. Too many to count.

Kristin Kohlmeyer
Coach

Kristin is a documentary producer focused on social justice, systemic change, and trauma-informed storytelling. Her work includes independent films and unscripted series for Hulu and HBO Max, as well as impact producing that connects issue-driven projects with communities. She is currently pursuing her MSW to further her commitment to trauma-informed practice.

What led you to Relationspot?
I learned about Relationspot through a beloved former colleague, Willa Jones, who shared a coaching opportunity on LinkedIn. As a neurodivergent person myself—raised by and alongside other neurodivergent people—I was immediately drawn to Relationspot’s mission. The emphasis on creating welcoming, affirming spaces where neurodivergent adults can connect and thrive resonated deeply with me, and I knew I wanted to be part of that work.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I’m a new mom, so much of my free time is spent hanging out with my infant son. When I have a moment to myself, I love baking (and buying) sweet treats, dabbling in film photography, spending time with friends, belting out a Shania Twain song at karaoke, or watching a great film or TV series with my husband and our fur babies.

What is a fun fact or something surprising about you?
I have a black cat named Kurt (after Kurt Cobain) and an elderly dog named Sienna.