F.A.I.R.'s Officers & Board of Directors
Erik Nanstiel President & Administrative Director Dad to Miranda E-mail: erik_at_autismmedia.org Erik Nanstiel is a veteran graphic designer and copy writer with a background in trade magazines and advertising, currently working as an art director for a publishing firm in Evanston, IL. Since his daughter's regression into Autism at 15 months of age, Erik & his family have been working very hard to improve their daughter's health with biomedical intervention and try to recover her from this debilitating disorder. Erik is cofounder and President of the Foundation for Autism Information & Research located in Hoffman Estates, IL.
Laura Lum Corby Vice President & Educational Director Mom to Chad and Lexi E-mail: lauracorby_at_autismmedia.org Laura Lum Corby is the parent of two children affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as having an Autism Spectrum Disorder herself. She has a seven-year-old son who was diagnosed with full-blown, non-verbal autism at 18 months, and a 12-year-old daughter with multiple difficulties in the autism spectrum, including Asperger’s Syndrome. Ms. Corby is currently working towards her Ph.D. in Psychology and is also the Founder and CEO of the Autism Solution Center, Inc. in the Memphis, Tennessee area. Ms. Corby is now using her Strong medical and marketing background to address the issues facing autism and those affected by it. She has spent the last five and a half years engaged in intensive biomedical, dietary and therapeutic research, as it relates to Autism Spectrum Disorders. Ms. Corby is actively involved in disability advocacy; (local, state and national) legislative issues and awareness; autism research, education and treatments; building community relationships and inclusion with those affected by autism and their families. She is actively involved as an advocate for her own children, as well as on behalf of others who are unable to advocate for themselves. Ms. Corby is also a graduate of the Partner’s In Policymaking Leadership Institute, a division of the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Sara DiFucci Secretary & Media Relations Director Mom to Amanda and Jake E-mail: s.difucci_at_autismmedia.org Sara is a full-time mom with a professional background in Human Resources and Public Relations. Her daughter Amanda was diagnosed in 2002. Through biomedical intervention, Amanda has shown substantial gains and is well on her way to recovery. Sara is an active member within several nonprofit organizations that benefit the well being of children and families with autism. She and her husband Michael live with their two children, Amanda and Jake in Lake in the Hills, IL.
Julie Duffield Treasurer & Research Director Mom to Michael & Jessica E-mail: j.duffield_at_autismmedia.org Julie Duffield holds a B.S. in Math, Chemistry and German. She quit teaching public school in 1998 when her son Michael was diagnosed with autism, shortly after her daughter Jessica was born. Jessica was later diagnosed with autism at 17 months of age. The Duffield children respond positively to biomedical treatment coupled with intense ABA and Sonrise therapies. Their progress is slow, but positive, and the Duffields hold high hopes for full recovery from autism for both children. Julie Duffield started teaching high school again in Fall of 2004, in Carpentersville, Illinois. She is a cofounder of the Foundation for Autism Information & Research, Inc. located in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
Michael Smith Board Chairman & Northeast Regional Director Dad to Alexander and Michaella E-mail: m.smith_at_autismmedia.org Michael is the President of Diversified Graphic Systems, Inc., A Printing and graphic communications consulting company located in upstate New York. He has served on local and Regional boards for The International Association of Printing House Craftsmen, Rotary International, and Chamber of Commerce. Since his son's diagnosis at two years old Michael learned of the various treatment options for autism spectrum disorders. His son Alexander has shown great progress through a detailed treatment of ABA and biomedical interventions. Michael spends a lot of time at the State Capital in Albany NY educating state legislators about autism issues. He was instrumental in the passage of New York's Autism Insurance Bill which ended health insurance discrimination against children with autism spectrum disorders.
David Ayoub, M.D. Medical Director Dad to Oliver and Claire E-mail: d.ayoub_at_autismmedia.org Dr Ayoub is a board-certified radiologist and associate professor at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springflield Illinois. He has devoted a great deal of his  professional time with issues regarding vaccine safety. He has lectured at numerous autism conferences and testified in legislative hearings in several states. He is coauthor of "Influenza Vaccine in Pregnancy; Critical assessment of the Recommendations of the  Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices", published in the Amercican Journal of Physicians and Surgeons, Summer 2006. He is currently working on several research projects regarding the link of thimerosal to autism and other conditions. He is married and has a son and newborn daughter.