Florida's First Choice for Autism Supports

Melissa Packwood

Dr. Melissa Packwood is a learning specialist and instructor at Beacon College, where she works closely with freshmen and sophomores, providing individualized academic coaching designed to support neurodiverse learners. With over two decades of experience in education, Dr. Packwood has worked in both public school settings and private consulting prior to her time at Beacon College, focusing extensively on ways to support students with learning disabilities and autism. Her expertise includes executive functioning coaching, instructional design, and teacher and social worker professional development, with these efforts guided by principles of accessibility, equity, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

As a national speaker and educational consultant, Dr. Packwood has presented at major conferences on topics such as executive functioning, apraxia of speech, oppositional behavior, and supporting autistic students in academic and social transitions. Additionally, she has authored several articles, including Facilitating Executive Functioning Skills and Pathological Demand Avoidance in Autistic Children in Fostering Families Today. Her work has also been featured in Dystinct Magazine, on A World of Difference, and on The Individual Matters Podcast.

In addition to presenting at events such as the UCF Pegasus Innovation Lab Online Summit, Daniel Kids Foster Care and Independent Living Conferences, Autism Notebook Connections Conference, Family Café, and the Apraxia Kids National Conference, she has contributed to educational panels including A World of Difference. Dr. Packwood’s ongoing professional outreach and contributions reflect her passion for creating learning environments where all students can thrive. Her mission is to empower autistic individuals through evidence-based practices, educational advocacy, and continued community engagement.

 
Financial and Non-Financial Disclosure:

Melissa's conference registration has been waived. Employed as aLearning Specialist and instructor at Beacon College. I also provide trainings/professional development seminars and executive functioning coaching as well as media appearances/articles in my free time. No nonfinancial disclosures

I'm Speaking At

January 17, 2026
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