Dena L. Gassner, MSW, LMSW

Dena L. Gassner is the 2009 winner of the Jo Andrews Award from Nashville's Mayor's Committee on Disability for outstanding disability advocacy by a person living with disabilities. She has been featured in the No-Myths public service announcement (no-myths.org) and an online video for the Dan Marino Foundation (au-tube). Ms. Gassner is an educator for HEALTH EDucation Network, LLC, in her third national tour speaking about vulnerabilities in Asperger's Syndrome. Her personal mantra empowers persons to leave shame and inadequacy behind for an empowered life embracing autistic authenticity. Ms. Gassner owns a private practice, the Center for Understanding (C4U), in Greater Nashville which is the only adult Asperger's program in the region. Center for Understanding brings in nationally recognized speakers, provides teen and adult support programs (including facilitating Nashville’s Grasp chapter), caregiver recreational events and intensive one-to-one support. In addition to national training for ASA, Penn State, ASA SC, National Association of Developmental Disability Directors, Jewish Vocational Services, Ms. Gassner is a frequent presenter at state wide events such as the Mega Conference, Tennessee Voices, Positive Behavioral Supports, and the Tennessee Department of Education Special Education. She is an advisory board member for the Autism Society of America and an executive board member for GRASP.