About Us

The Self-Determination Institute (SDI) – Formerly Autism Support Community – is a 501c3 nonprofit organization empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) to lead self-directed lives through training, research, outreach, and thought leadership. We champion choice, inclusion, and equity as fundamental rights, ensuring meaningful opportunities to live, work, and engage in the community.

Founded in 2009 by parents and professionals, SDI addresses service gaps, social isolation, and barriers to inclusion. With decades of experience, we equip individuals, families, and providers with the tools to navigate the Self-Determination Program (SDP) and promote person-centered practices.

Light bulb laying on chalkboard with drawn thought bubble, symbolizing creative ideas.

Mission

Self-Determination Institute (SDI) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization advancing self-determination for individuals with disabilities through training, research, community outreach, and policy advocacy. We equip individuals, families, and professionals with the knowledge to navigate the Self-Determination Program (SDP) and promote person-centered practices. Through research and outreach, we identify barriers, develop solutions, and expand access, ensuring underserved communities can fully participate in self-directed services. As a think tank, we drive policy innovation to strengthen self-determination and disability rights.

Our mission is simple: choice, autonomy, and inclusion for all.

Vision

We envision a future where every individual with a disability has full autonomy, access, and support to lead a self-determined life. Through training, research, outreach, and advocacy, we strive to create inclusive systems that eliminate barriers and promote equity in self-determination. Our goal is a society where choice, dignity, and person-centered decision-making are the standard, ensuring that all people can design lives that reflect their unique goals and aspirations.

Message from the Executive Director:

Welcome to the Self-Determination Institute (SDI).

Kristianna Moralls: Executive Director

Parent of person with autism

At SDI, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to direct their own life, make informed choices, and pursue their goals with dignity, independence, and the support they need to thrive. Our mission is to empower individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through education, advocacy, training, and person-centered practices that promote self-determination and meaningful community inclusion.
As the parent of an individual with autism, my commitment to this work is both deeply personal and professional. For more than two decades, I have advocated alongside individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, helping them navigate educational systems, access services, and build lives centered on their strengths, aspirations, and choice.
My journey has been shaped by a lifelong commitment to learning and service. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Social Science and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. I have completed doctoral coursework in Public Administration and am currently conducting research toward my doctorate, with a focus on strengthening systems that improve outcomes for individuals and families. I am also a graduate of the USC/COPAA Special Education Advocacy Training Program and have earned certifications in Person-Centered Thinking, Independent Facilitation, conflict resolution, bullying prevention, and suicide prevention.
I serve as a State Council on Developmental Disabilities co-trainer for the California Self-Determination Program Orientation, helping individuals and families understand and embrace the opportunities available through self-determination. In addition, I serve as Chair of the Local Volunteer Advisory Committee (LVAC) for the Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center, where I work collaboratively with community members to strengthen services and expand opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
These experiences continue to reinforce what I see every day: when individuals are empowered to make decisions about their own lives and are supported by knowledgeable professionals, engaged families, and inclusive communities, extraordinary things happen.
At SDI, we are committed to providing high-quality education, practical resources, and compassionate guidance that help individuals and families confidently navigate the Self-Determination Program and beyond. We believe that self-determination is more than a program—it is a philosophy that recognizes each person’s right to lead a life of purpose, choice, and belonging.
Thank you for visiting the Self-Determination Institute. It is a privilege to partner with individuals, families, professionals, and community leaders as we work together to expand opportunities and build communities where every person is empowered to live the life they choose.

Our Board

Dr. Kristin Merrill:
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Parent of person with Autism.

Dr. Kristin Merrill is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with more than 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy to adolescents, adults, and families. She currently serves as a Staff Psychologist with CHE Senior Psychological Services, providing psychological assessment and treatment for patients at Heritage Rehabilitation Center in Torrance, California. She is passionate about delivering high-quality psychological care to older adults, including individuals living with depression, dementia, and other mental health conditions, and is committed to expanding access to behavioral health services for this underserved population.
As the parent of an individual with autism, Dr. Merrill brings both professional expertise and personal experience to her advocacy. She has extensive experience supporting parents and caregivers of children and adolescents on the autism spectrum, helping families navigate the unique challenges and celebrate the strengths of individuals with autism.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Merrill has more than 25 years of experience serving nonprofit, community-based organizations, and healthcare agencies as a program development specialist and fundraising professional.
As a member of the SDI Board of Directors, Dr. Merrill is dedicated to advancing SDI’s mission of empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to lead meaningful, self-directed lives. She brings a unique combination of clinical expertise, lived experience as a parent, and nonprofit leadership to help strengthen programs, support families, and promote inclusive communities where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Robyn Del Fierro

Robyn Del Fierro is a Managing Director and Wealth Advisor with BMO Wealth Management’s Legal Advisory Group, where she serves as a trusted advisor to lawyers, their families, and law firms. With more than 25 years of experience in wealth management, she helps clients create and implement comprehensive financial strategies tailored to their long-term goals.
Known for her thoughtful, solution-focused approach, Robyn partners closely with law firm leadership and communicates effectively across all levels of an organization. She is committed to building lasting relationships and guiding clients through every stage of their financial journey, providing customized solutions for investment management, risk management, financing, and liquidity needs across changing economic conditions and life events.
As a member of the SDI Board of Directors, Robyn is committed to advancing the organization’s mission by helping ensure its long-term financial strength and sustainability. She is proud to support SDI’s work in empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live fulfilling, independent lives and in expanding opportunities for the families and communities they serve.

Steve Winshel

Steve Winshel is a serial entrepreneur, cognitive scientist, and educator with a passion for innovation that improves lives. He earned a B.A. from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in Cognitive Science from Princeton University. As the founder of Brainbox, Steve leads the development of technology designed to detect cognitive decline at its earliest stages and expand access to critical diagnostic tools.
Throughout his career, Steve has founded and led multiple companies, experiencing both successful exits and valuable lessons that have shaped his approach to leadership and innovation. He also advises and mentors entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey and teaches accelerator-style entrepreneurship as an Adjunct Associate Professor of Business at Columbia Business School and a Lecturer at Cornell Tech.
As a member of the SDI Board of Directors, Steve brings expertise in innovation, strategic growth, and cognitive science to support SDI’s mission of empowering individuals with developmental disabilities. He is committed to helping the organization embrace forward-thinking solutions, expand opportunities, and strengthen its impact for the individuals and families it serves.

Our Collaborators

Casey Robinson: Web Designer, Explainer Video Maker

Casey Robinson holds a B.A. in Visual and Performing Arts: Arts and Technology, graduating Magna Cum Laude. As a collaborator with the Self Determination Institute, Casey brings more than seven years of graphic design experience and four years of web design expertise. She designed all three Self Determination Institute websites, as well as websites for artists and nonprofit organizations that support people with disabilities. Casey has also created animated explainer videos and character GIFs to help make Self-Determination concepts more engaging and accessible.
Beyond her work in design, Casey is an accomplished visual artist with a passion for drawing, painting, photography, and crafting. She sells her artwork through her website and at local art vendor events, and her work has been featured in art exhibitions throughout Southern California. Casey also facilitates the “Create as You Chat” support group for artists and creative individuals and donates hand-painted chairs to fundraising auctions that support arts programs in her local school district.

Katie Dempsey: Founder of PCSDS

Katie Dempsey is the founder of PCSDS Consulting and brings over a decade of experience in advancing person-centered practices, expanding self-directed services, and shaping effective policy within the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) system. A self-described policy nerd, Katie loves digging into rules and regulations—then turning them into clear, actionable policies, procedures, and practices that help systems work better for everyone.

Elva Chavez

Elva Chavez is an operations leader with extensive experience supporting California’s Self-Determination Program through her work with GT Independence and Aveanna Financial Management Services. She specializes in Financial Management Services (FMS), operational excellence, participant and provider engagement, and person-centered service delivery. Passionate about empowering individuals with disabilities and their families, Elva collaborates with regional centers, independent facilitators, and community partners to promote choice, independence, and meaningful outcomes. As a collaborator with the Self-Determination Institute, she is committed to advancing education, advocacy, and practical solutions that help participants thrive.

Heidi Davis

Heidi Davis is a nationally recognized leader in self-direction and long-term services and supports with more than 30 years of experience partnering with managed care organizations, state agencies, provider organizations, and community-based services. Through her leadership at Public Partnerships LLC (PPL), Heidi has helped expand self-directed service models, including Fiscal Management Services (FMS) and Agency with Choice programs, supporting individuals in achieving greater independence and choice.
Heidi’s expertise includes self-direction program design, policy development, quality improvement, workforce development, strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and organizational performance. She is passionate about advancing person-centered systems through innovation, value-based care, integrated services, and addressing health-related social needs. As a collaborator with the Self-Determination Institute, Heidi brings decades of experience helping organizations and communities build sustainable, person-centered supports that empower people to live the lives they choose.

Suzy Requarth

Suzy Requarth is Program Director of Self-Determination Services at NeuroNav, bringing decades of leadership and frontline experience in California’s developmental disabilities system. Her career spans roles in direct support, behavioral services, regional center leadership, and state policy, giving her a deep understanding of the Self-Determination Program and a strong commitment to person-centered, family-focused advocacy. She is also the Board President of Cal-IF, where she helps advance the future of independent facilitation across California.