MEET OUR ADVISORY BOARD
Dr. Robert Grant, Advisory Board Member
​
Dr. Robert Jason Grant is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and Certified Autism Specialist. Dr. Grant owns and operates a private practice mental health clinic in Missouri. He specializes in Play Therapy techniques with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Dr. Grant also specializes in working with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Developmental Disabilities and is the creator of AutPlay Therapy®, an Autism treatment using Play Therapy, behavioral therapy, and relationship development approaches.
Dr. Grant is the author of several publications including the books AutPlay Therapy Handbook and Play Based Interventions for Autism, ADHD, Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Developemental Disabilities. Dr. Grant conducts various presentations and workshops on topics such as Play Therapy, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Grant has conducted trainings and workshops throughout the United States and has presented at various national conferences including the American Counselors Association, and the Association for Play Therapy. Dr. Grant served on the Board of Directors for Infinity Academy from 2016 to 2018 and currently serves on the advisory board. Visit www.robertjasongrant.com or www.autplaytherapy.com for more information.
Dr. Linda Barboa, Advisory Board Member
​
Dr. Barboa holds degrees in speech pathology and audiology, communication sciences and disorders, psychology, and early childhood education. She is an experienced speech-language pathologist, with a background as a special education director, director of an autism center, and university professor. She has worked as an educator in America and Europe and has presented numerous programs to professionals across the country. Dr. Barboa served as the Vice President on the Infinity Academy Board of Directors from 2016 to 2020 and currently serves on the advisory board. Dr. Barboa has authored several books including Stars in Her Eyes: Navigating the Maze of Childhood Autism, which she wrote with Elizabeth Obrey. Her other books include Steps: Forming a Disability Ministry, and a children’s series about autism, based on the book Albert is My Friend. Dr. Barboa is the recipient of the Jefferson Award for Community Service. She currently resides in Battlefield, Missouri with her husband, Mike.
Sherry Whitson, Advisory Board Member
​
Sherry earned her bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Drury University, Springfield, MO, and her Masters in Elementary Education from Missouri State University. She retired with 39 years of teaching experience on the elementary and middle school levels, with the final 14 being as a teacher educator/trainer/supervisor at Missouri State University. Sherry served as president of the Community Teacher Association of the Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA) in Republic, Mo, was the Elementary representative of the Springfield Public Schools MSTA , president of the SW District Classroom Teachers Association of MSTA, and was awarded a lifetime membership in the PTA, While at Missouri State University, Sherry served as the advisor and co advisor of the Student Missouri State Teachers Association, Dr. Grant served on the Board of Directors for Infinity Academy from 2016 to 2020 and currently serves on the advisory board. After her retirement, she was awarded the honor of Emeritus Status from Missouri State University.