Meet Our Team
meet our team
Laurie Stephens, Ph.D. PSY1852
She/Her/Hers
Dr. Laurie Stephens is a developmental psychologist who has been working with children, teens, and young adults on the autism spectrum for nearly 30 years. She currently serves as The Help Group’s Senior Director of Autism and LGBTQ+ Programs. Dr. Stephens previously served as the Director of Autism Spectrum Disorder Programs with The Help Group for 12 years. While working with her ASD clients, Dr. Stephens became extremely interested in the overlap between transgender and gender queer identifications and folks on the spectrum, as many of her clients began to share their authentic selves to her. Dr. Stephens oversees all of Kaleidoscope’s programming and events, and has been instrumental in establishing a specialized diagnostic clinic for LGBTQ+ children, teens, and young adults who may suspect they have an autism spectrum disorder.
meet our team
Laurie Stephens, Ph.D. PSY1852
She/Her/Hers
Dr. Laurie Stephens is a developmental psychologist who has been working with children, teens, and young adults on the autism spectrum for nearly 30 years. She currently serves as The Help Group’s Senior Director of Autism and LGBTQ+ Programs. Dr. Stephens previously served as the Director of Autism Spectrum Disorder Programs with The Help Group for 12 years. While working with her ASD clients, Dr. Stephens became extremely interested in the overlap between transgender and gender queer identifications and folks on the spectrum, as many of her clients began to share their authentic selves to her. Dr. Stephens oversees all of Kaleidoscope’s programming and events, and has been instrumental in establishing a specialized diagnostic clinic for LGBTQ+ children, teens, and young adults who may suspect they have an autism spectrum disorder.
Jay Baldwin
They/Them
Jay Baldwin (they/them) is currently serving as Kaleidoscope’s Program Director. Jay also works as the case manager for Kaleidoscope’s LGBTQ+ Tailored Services Program for DCFS Youth and Families. Jay and has been working with young people in the fields of education and social services for the past 7 years. Growing up as a queer kid with very few resources or community had a lasting impact on Jay, and ultimately led to their passion for serving youth in the LGBTQ+ community. Jay previously served as the co-director of a summer camp for LGBTQ+ teens, an experience which inspired them to further their education in youth development through a one-year program at Inward Bound Mindfulness Education, an organization that trains professionals to bring in depth mindfulness based, trauma informed curriculum to youth. Jay is so thrilled to be part of the Kaleidoscope team and to support the well-being, growth and happiness of LGBTQ+ young adults and their families.
Jess Furrer
She/Her
Jess Furrer is a bilingual psychology intern in the Kaleidosocope Program under supervision of Dr. Priscilla Barajas. She is working towards her Ph.D. in School Psychology. She provides therapy services for children, teens, families, parents, and young adults. Jess has lived experience as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and enjoys providing services to other queer and neurodivergent folx. Her approach to therapy is highly collaborative and creative. Jess is passionate about utilizing clients’ unique identities, strengths, and interests to build skills and reach their goals. She provides both virtual and in-office therapy services as well as services in Spanish.