Karen Kaye, founder and Executive Director of CAST & FAST
Karen Kaye is the founder and Executive Director of the Center for Autism Support and Training (CAST) as well as the Foundation for Autism Support and Training (FAST). CAST and FAST have earned the reputation of being one of the leading service providers on Maryland's Autism Waiver and one of the leading national foundations that provide information and resources on adults with autism through the lifespan.
Karen holds a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and is a Licensed Clinical Marriage, Family, Child Therapist in Maryland and California.
Karen has more than 30 years of proven experience as a professional counselor and trainer. She is an approved Family Consultant, Staff Trainer and provider of Adult Lifespan Planning, Intensive Individual Support Services, and Respite Services on the Autism Waiver.
She is also a “Staffing Services Vendor” for adults with autism on DDA’s Self-Direction Program.
Ms. Kaye has also served as Executive Director for several counseling programs and clinics throughout her career and has done community trainings at Autism Society, ARC, Autism Research Institute, Montgomery County Transitions, Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the Arch Diocese of Washington and many more. She participated on the ASD Adult Housing Sub-Committee on the Maryland Governor’s Autism Commission and has had several visits to the Obama White House, working on autism policies concerning adults with Autism. FAST was awarded Consultative Status with the Non-Governmental Branch of the United Nations Economic and Social Council and has done autism training projects in Anguilla and Cameroon. And she is a collaborator with the World Autism Organization and member of the Autistic Global Initiative.
She has specialized expertise in establishing housing and staffing for adults with autism. Augmentative Communication (AAC), Social Skills development and establishing a quality of life for adults with autism.
CAST’S FAMILY CONSULTANTS
CAST’s family consultants hold master’s and doctoral degrees and are extremely talented, resourceful, and professional family trainers and staff supervisors.