About Us
Dr. Li Barrett is a respected educator and advocate, co-founding Emma StarPoint Autism Support Network Inc. in Clifton Park, NY, dedicated to fostering inclusive environments for individuals with autism. With a PhD in Educational Policy and Leadership from the University at Albany, State University of New York, and a master’s degree in International Educational Development from Boston University, Dr. Barrett leads as Founder/CEO/Principal Consultant at Academic Collaboration for Excellence LLC, specializing in assisting Chinese students studying in the United States. She held leadership positions in various non-profit organizations, including President of the
Chinese Community Center of the Capital Region and
Vice President of the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association Albany Chapter. Dr. Barrett brings extensive experience in educational administration and program management, having served in roles such as Project Manager for the PIRE Project at SUNY Albany and Vice President for JDX Education Consulting Company. Her background as an educator at Kwong Kow Chinese School and Beijing New Oriental School highlights her commitment to student success locally and internationally.
Dr. Li Barrett
Co-Founder and VP of Fundraiser
With over 15 years of teaching experience, Lily Li
serves as a substitute teacher for BOCES, coveri-
ng various subjects including mathematics, arts,
music, social studies, and special education acr-
oss kindergarten to 12th grades in school distric-
ts throughout the Capital Region. Additionally, s-
he holds the role of chief editor at Pipamag, a
U.S.-based Chinese-English bilingual magazine.
Lily Li is a certified Chinese teacher in New Jers-
ey and holds a master's degree in Chinese history,
enriching her understanding and expertise in bo-
th education and cultural studies.
Lily Li
Board Chair
Jennifer Speenburgh, dynamic Mindset Coach and founder of Well Source Development, has worked for more than 20 years in the corporate training and coaching space.
Since the inception of Well Source Development in 2008, Jennifer has been a sought-after provider of a variety of health and safety trainings for corporations of all industries and sizes, communities, and youth.
She has served as a consultant to many nonprofits on a variety of projects, from assistance with the startup phase of new programs, to training development, communications support, and community outreach.
Jennifer is very passionate about raising awareness and advocating for children with autism, as her
daughter was diagnosed with autism at age 3. In addition to her work with Emma StarPoint, she is also a board-appointed Parent Advocate on the Saratoga County Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council.
Jennifer and her daughter live and enjoy all their community has to offer in Clifton Park, NY.
Jennifer Speenburgh
Vice Board Chair
Qing Zhao is a mother of an autistic child. With a master’s degree in mathematics, she’s always been drawn to structure, logic, and the quiet thrill of solving complex problems- skills that have served her well in her professional career and even in motherhood. Her journey took an unexpected but transformative turn when her child was diagnosed with autism. The world became less about equations and more about understanding a different kind of communication, rhythm, and expression. She poured herself into learning- not just code or algorithms, but sensory needs, speech patterns therapy options, and advocacy. Through it all, she remains grounded by love and driven by a sense purpose: to create a world where the autistic people can thrive as their full, brilliant selves.
Qing Zhao
IT Director
Wangbo Xu is a versatile professional with a unique multidisciplinary background, holding a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the National University of Singapore and a Bachelor's in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. As a registered TCM physician and acupuncturist with the Singapore Ministry of Health, he combines healthcare expertise with extensive experience in manufacturing engineering and project management. Fluent in both English and Mandarin, Wangbo has successfully bridged technical and cross-cultural communication in his professional roles. Beyond his corporate achievements, he actively contributes to community welfare through volunteer work, demonstrating a balanced commitment to both professional excellence and social responsibility. His rare combination of engineering precision, medical knowledge, bilingual ability, and compassionate service makes him a distinctive professional in his fields.
Wangbo Xu
Vice President for events
Jing Shi an electrical engineering graduate from the National University of Singapore (NUS) with experience in the semiconductor industry. She enjoy working on technical projects and solving complex problems.Outside of work, I like volunteering and helping with community initiatives. She believes in using her skills to make a positive impact, whether through mentoring or supporting good causes. She is passionate about technology, continuous learning, and finding ways to contribute both professionally and personally.
Jing Shi
Co Vice President for Publicity