Our Story & Team
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
A nod to our roots: Oak & Hive Consulting
“Why is there no one to talk to?”
What started as an idea to support families through post-autism-diagnosis life became much more. Oak & Hive Consulting was born to bridge the gap between diagnosis and support — helping families navigate autism care with confidence through personalized guidance, trusted provider connections, and inclusive community partnerships. It was the seed that grew into CAE.
Our Story
CAE didn't begin with a business plan or a catchy name. It began with mothers building the things they needed and couldn't find.
When Nikki's son received an autism diagnosis in 2022, she didn't step back from her work — she went deeper into it. As she built a neuro-affirming support team, other parents began reaching out, overwhelmed and unsure where to begin. Her background in psychology, leadership, and coaching met her lived experience, and Oak & Hive grew from this work as a place where parents could find direction and move forward. Along the way, she brought in Cheryl Zjajo, who had built a small parent community group of her own, to join the mission. Together, that work became Collective Autism Experience.
Today CAE is the place where families find guidance, where providers collaborate instead of compete, and where the autism community finally has a central home.
Our Team
Dr. Nikki Sammet
Dr. Nikki Sammet is a clinical psychologist, coach, and entrepreneur who has spent her career building things that didn't exist yet — communities, programs, and platforms that meet people exactly where they are. She holds a Master's in Leadership Development and a PhD in Clinical Psychology, and has worked with clients one-on-one, in groups, and in corporate settings as a coach, educator, and workshop facilitator.
Nikki is a mom of two, one of whom is autistic. She's also neurodivergent herself, with ADHD, which means she's not just building for autism families from the outside — she knows what it's like to navigate a world that wasn't built for your brain. When her son received an autism diagnosis in 2022, all of her experience found its truest purpose. Nikki brings compassion, strategy, and a passion for helping others see all that is possible.
CEO & Foundernikki@caeconnect.com
Dr. Terry Schenk
Chief Financial Officer
Megan Sokol
Community & Events CoordinatorOriginally from New Orleans and now rooted in Atlanta, Megan Sokol is a software engineering student at Kennesaw State University with a heart deeply shaped by lived experience. When her daughter was diagnosed with autism at just one year old, Megan began to see how much neurotypical spaces quietly leave behind — and decided to do something about it.
As CAE's Community & Events Coordinator, she creates gatherings, playdates, and events where every child is celebrated and every family truly belongs. For Megan, inclusion isn't an afterthought — it's the whole point.
community@caeconnect.com
Katie Kaspar, CPNP
Katie Kaspar is a pediatric nurse practitioner, wife to Nathan, and mom of four. Originally from Florida, she and her family now call Atlanta, Georgia, home.
Katie's autism journey began when she and Nathan adopted their son, William, at four years old after he was diagnosed with nonverbal moderate autism. Their experience navigating therapies, services, and government funding inspired her to help other families facing the same challenges.
Here at CAE, Katie is excited about combining her medical background with her personal experience as a parent. Katie is passionate about equipping families with practical guidance, connecting them to resources, and helping them confidently navigate the autism journey.
Benefits & Waiver Navigator
Kelsey Vicini
Community & Events CoordinatorKelsey Vicini White is a California native with a background in business, fashion design and marketing. She currently works in the life insurance industry, where she applies her expertise to help individuals and families plan for secure futures.
Driven by both professional insight and personal experience, Kelsey felt a profound calling to support the autism community after her son was diagnosed at the age of two. This pivotal moment reshaped her purpose, inspiring her to advocate, connect, and contribute to a space that blends compassion with action.
Kelsey brings a unique perspective that bridges business acumen with heartfelt purpose, and she is passionate about creating impact both in her career and within the autism community.
Cheryl Zjajo CCC-SLP
Cheerleader - Founding Team Member
Cheryl is a certified speech-language pathologist who built her career on a deep passion for helping people heal. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, then moved to Atlanta to pursue her dream role on the inpatient brain injury unit at Shepherd Center.
Cheryl's daughter has a rare genetic disorder and level 2 autism. Even as a healthcare professional, Cheryl found herself navigating the system with almost no guidance or support. She stepped away from her career to advocate for her daughter. Cheryl helped build CAE from the ground up alongside Nikki, bringing the early vision to life. These days she's stepped back from day-to-day operations, but she's still cheering CAE on from the sidelines — a forever part of the story, even if you won't find her in your inbox.
Get involved
Want to help CAE grow?
We're a small but mighty team with big dreams for Georgia's autism community — and beyond. Whether you're a marketer, social media whiz, outreach connector, event lover, or just someone who wants to show up and make a difference, there's a place for you here. And if you're an autism caregiver yourself? Even better — you already get it.
We're also actively hiring paid Autism Family Navigators across Georgia. If you have a background in social work, psychology, or special education and a passion for guiding families through the hardest moments, we'd love to meet you.