what we're about
We're here for you
Mentoring Autistic Minds is a San Diego-based nonprofit that is pushing for a neurodiversity-affirming country. We aim to make our country neurodiversity-affirming through education and mentoring for our neurodivergent community members. Information on our events can be found here.
Meet the team
President and Founder - David Rivera
Mentoring Autistic Minds was founded officially in 2022 by David Rivera, a UC Berkeley student majoring in political science. David wishes to become a lawyer so he can create a law firm that defends neurodivergent students.
David went from a timid student who attended Special Education K-6th grade and failing middle school to a student leaving an impact on his community. David created Mentoring Autistic Minds because platforms are vehicles for change.
Board Member - Stephany Avina
Stephany was born and raised in Southern California. She graduated with her bachelors in Psychology from Point Loma Nazarene University and her Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology.
Stephany is passionate about helping others become the best version of themselves. During her free time, Stephany loves to go on walks with her dog, Mr. Charles, try new restaurants, or spend time with friends and family.
Board Member - Alexia Aranda
Alexia was born and raised in the bay area. She graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelors in both Spanish and Speech Language & Hearing Sciences. Her goal is to attain a masters in Speech Language Pathology so that she can become a Bilingual Speech Pathologist.
Board Member - Isabella Biunno
Isabella was born and raised in Henderson, Nevada. She currently attends San Diego State University, pursuing a bachelor's in Psychology with an emphasis in Neuroscience. She is currently president of the Pre-Occupational Therapy Student Association and an active volunteer for a variety of Autism organizations. Her goal is to obtain a doctorate in Occupational Therapy, and she is passionate about helping individuals of all ages and abilities pursue occupations that are meaningful to them.