Cory Gilden, Ph.D., is the parent of a teenage son, Casey, who has autism and inspires her work in the disabilities field. Dr. Gilden is the Research and Evaluation Manager of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities. She began with the Consortium as a research assistant in 2017, while she worked on her doctorate in Urban Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Delaware. Dr. Gilden’s most recent academic studies were centered around special education policy, parent participation in the IEP process, and improving life outcomes for people with disabilities and their families. Previously, she received a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, a master’s degree in Education, and a master’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from UD. Dr. Gilden volunteers her services as a member of the newsletter committee of Autism Delaware, a LEND family mentor, and a family mentor for The Autism Community in Action in Pennsylvania. In the past, she served on the Board of Directors for the Parent Information Center of Delaware, as the PTA President for the Delaware Autism Program, and as a member of the Early Childhood Autism Stakeholder Group for the Center for Disabilities Studies at UD. She also has worked as a journalist, elementary school educator, curriculum writer, and coalition director. Dr. Gilden has been an instructor of several college courses at UD in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences. She dedicates much of her personal and professional time to working closely with state and national disability organizations to promote awareness and advocacy efforts for people with disabilities. Dr. Gilden serves on the GACEC in the role of parent of a child with a disability.

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