Our Story
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.
Meet Us
CAE didn't begin with a business plan or a catchy name. It began in two different places, with two different mothers, living parallel lives without knowing it.
It started in a parking lot outside her daughter Amelia's ABA center — a quiet row of cars, parents sitting alone with the weight of autism. After Amelia received an autism diagnosis, Cheryl searched for a parent group and found nothing. So she built one. A simple coffee meet-up became sensory-friendly playdates, moms' nights out, and a community of families showing up for each other. She didn't set out to build a movement. But she created one anyway.
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. Oak & Hive grew from this work — not as a community hub, but as a place where parents could find direction and move forward.
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
nikki@caeconnect.com
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.
When her son received an autism diagnosis in 2022, all of that experience found its truest purpose. She built him a neuro-affirming support team from scratch — and then started helping every other parent who called, texted, and showed up asking how she did it. Oak & Hive Consulting was born from that work. CAE is where it grew. Nikki brings compassion, strategy, and a gift for making the impossible feel manageable.
CEO & FounderCheryl Zjajo, CCC-SLP
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 — and when her daughter began to thrive, Cheryl stepped into an even greater purpose . Cheryl brings clinical expertise, deep empathy, and a gift for creating spaces where people feel seen and supported.
Advisor
Community & Events CoordinatorMegan Sokol
Community & Events CoordinatorKelsey Vicini
Kelsey 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.