Our Mission and Goals

Florida Autism Connection was started in 2005 by Pam and Bruce Carroll who are the first husband/wife RDI® Program Certified Consultant team outside of Houston, where another husband/wife team, Dr. Gutstein and Dr. Sheely, developed RDI®. Our goal is to provide quality, research-based, developmentally appropriate interventions to families who are raising children with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, PDD-NOS and other related conditions. To reach this goal, we have brought together an exceptional group of professionals with diverse backgrounds. In addition to working with individual families, we are actively involved in research efforts to expand and improve the RDI® protocol. Our group’s extensive experience spans medical, educational, psychological and technical areas. This allows us to meet the diverse needs you have in raising a child with an autism spectrum disorder.

Our Staff

Mariette Burger, MHS, OTR/L
RDI® Program Consultant in Training

Mariette is the newest member of our team. She has worked as an Occupational Therapist for several years and has always had a particular interest in autism spectrum disorders. Over time she started incorporating elements of developmentally sequenced intervention strategies into her practice. Now she is devoting an increasing portion of her effort to formal RDI® consulting with families.

You can reach Mariette by e-mail at mariette@florida-autism.com

Pam Carroll, BSN, RN
RDI® Program Certified Consultant

Pam holds a BS degree in nursing and is a registered nurse with over ten years of clinical experience in a variety of settings. Pam continues to take coursework and advanced training in the mental health field to supplement her nursing background.  She is particularly skilled in the practical aspects of starting and maintaining an RDI® lifestyle. Pam has worked with children of all ages. Her interests include implementing RDI® lifestyle programs with teenage children and adults.

You can reach Pam by e-mail at pam@florida-autism.com

Bruce Carroll, PhD
RDI® Program Certified Consultant

Bruce has extensive experience at the university level in the development and implementation of educational programs and has been recognized by the State of Florida Postsecondary Education Planning Commission for outstanding work on K-12 outreach programs. He has also received numerous teaching and advising awards. Bruce has a strong interest in applying these skills as a consultant to parents in the implementation of the RDI® program. He has a PhD in engineering and is currently completing requirements for a BA degree in psychology. 

You can reach Bruce by e-mail at bruce@florida-autism.com

Angi Semegon, PhD

Angi currently holds a PhD degree in Developmental Psychology. She has a strong research background in the areas of autobiographical memory and developmental psychology. Angi also has extensive experience teaching a variety of psychology courses. Her professional interests include research related to refining and improving the RDI® program and the impact of aging on autobiographical memory.

You can reach Angi by e-mail at angi@florida-autism.com

Where we are located

We are located in Gainesville, FL near the University of Florida - home of the Florida Gators. Clients who travel to our location for assessments will find a wide variety of cultural, entertainment, and outdoor activities available during their stay. Here are a few resources to help you plan your visit

• University of Florida
• Gainesville/Alachua County Visitor Bureau 
• Gator Athletics
• Florida State Parks
• Florida Museum of Natural History
• Center for the Performing Arts