Dr. Childress obtained her PhD in psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to coming to 3C Institute, she served as a research associate and a postdoctoral fellow in the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill working on a longitudinal imaging study aimed at identifying the early markers of autism through behavioral and imaging methodologies. She has 19 years of autism research experience, during which she has examined the behavioral, personality, and cognitive characteristics of individuals with autism and their family members. Dr. Childress also has experience developing behavioral and parent report measurement tools, coordinating multi-site research studies, and collecting data from children and families. She has taught courses and seminars in general child development, autism, and cognitive development at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

As the Chief Financial Officer for 3C Institute, Ms. Garard’s primary job responsibility is overall financial management including both analysis and daily functions. She is a member of executive management and supervises the administrative, information technology, human resources, project management, and grants management departments. Ms. Garard has extensive experience in financial and accounting management, strategic planning, and personnel management. She joined 3C in 2007 and continues to ensure the financial health and stability of 3C as the company expands and evolves. Ms. Garard received her BS in business administration with a concentration in finance and communication from Meredith College in Raleigh, NC.