Michael Alessandri, Ph.D.

malessandri@miami.edu

Dr. Michael Alessandri is the Executive Director of the CARD. Dr. Alessandri has worked with individuals with autism and their families since 1981 in various capacities. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Rochester and obtained his MS and Ph.D. in Psychology from Rutgers University. Dr. Alessandri is also a Clinical Professor of Psychology and Pediatrics and serves as the Department of Psychology’s Assistant Chairman for Community Outreach and Engagement. 

Dr. Alessandri has received numerous community service awards, including the Autism Society of America’s Wendy F. Miller Autism Professional of the Year Award and National Autism Program of the Year for CARD. He is also the recipient of the March of Dimes Community Excellence in Health Care Award (2007), the Health Services Coalition Outstanding Community Leader Award (2009), and the Parent to Parent Excellence in Family Advocacy Award (2010). Dr. Alessandri was also named one of the Ronald McDonald House's 12 Good Men (2008) and the Dewar's 12 Man of Distinction (2007). In 2012, he was selected by the Children's Trust as the David Lawrence Champion for Children, one of South Florida’s highest honors for community service. In 2016, Dr. Alessandri was named the Visionary Leader of the Year by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce; and in 2017, he was recognized by the Dade County Bar Association with the Fostering Inclusion and Diversity Award. For more information about Dr. Alessandri please click here.

Jennifer Durocher, Ph.D.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
DIRECTOR

jstella@miami.edu

Dr. Jennifer Durocher is the Director CARD. She has worked with individuals with autism and their families since 1992. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Rutgers University, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She completed her doctoral studies at the University of Miami, where she obtained both her M.S. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.  Dr. Durocher is also a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychology and Pediatrics at the University of Miami. 

Her clinical and research interests include improving the early detection of ASD and understanding how individual differences in ASD can be used to design and evaluate more effective interventions.  Dr. Durocher has published and presented locally and nationally on topics related to assessment and intervention in autism.  In addition, she has received several community services awards, including the CARD Founder’s Award (2010), the Tropical Nights Community Leadership Award (2017), and the In the Company of Women Award in the Education & Research category (2023). For more information about Dr. Durocher please click here.