As an autistic adult and writer, Dave Kot (he/him) and his wife Angela (she/her) founded Autism at Face Value to educate the public about autism and inclusivity. His team captures the importance of emotional self awareness and regulation. This work builds on Kot’s doctoral studies and professional experience as a therapist.
Everyone deserves to feel safe, included, and successful within their homes and communities. Face Value Comics came to fruition with with the idea that children benefit from having role models that reflect their own attributes, and heroes they can relate to, represented in popular culture.
Dave is a professional therapeutic game master with extensive experience in using tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs), like Dungeons & Dragons, as a pro-social and holistic approach to therapy and recreation. With his expertise, Autism at Face Value now offers immersive TTRPG sessions.
*Sessions typically last around two hours and provide a fully immersive gaming experience complete with dice, pencils, maps, miniatures, and more. While D&D is a well know tabletop mechanic for roleplaying games, there are a variety of other systems designed for shorter play campaigns and are easy to jump in and play, ensuring a fulfilling and engaging experience for participants of all experience levels.
The aim of these sessions is to foster community, teamwork, and personal growth among participants, all within an enjoyable and creative environment. While games can be purely recreational, they also have the potential to include therapeutic elements, should that be of interest.
Our Board of Directors
Angela Kot (she/her)
President
Coauthor and publisher of Face Value Comics. Our comics feature the world’s first hero with autism. Most people will associate me with the comics which is good since it also has its place in our local community comic shops. (Shop local!) I am passionate about neurodiversity acceptance, advocacy, and education.
I am also a corporate professional, wife, and mother. Raising a family affected by autism; I know well the strain out of pocket costs can have on a family. It broke my heart to pass on therapeutic interventions due to cost. This is why I am committed to this work. It’s personal.
Phyl Campbell (she/her)
Vice President
I’m Author, Mother, Dreamer. I’m the author of over 20 books on Amazon, including Martha’s Chickens and the Pirates and the Mermaid’s Revenge series, which includes three books for middle grade (4th-8th) readers, two blank books, and a coloring book. I’m the biological mother of one, and mother many, many more — including helping birth over 50 books from ideation to publication from authors as young as six. I have over 20 years teaching experience. I’m a game designer (Mermaid’s Revenge and Magic Bluff). Everything I do teaches something. Every lesson that I teach fulfills a dream.
I’ve long believed that art is necessary and every artist should be paid with money, not exposure. But until recently, I didn’t know how to go about manifesting this dream into some kind of reality. I’m still learning how to ask for and accept help in the pursuit of these dreams that are so much bigger than I am.
Katelyn Landis (she/her)
Secretary
Neurodivergent lover of cats.
I take notes and support the team on their decision making. In my personal time I like to listen to a wide variety of music and hang out with my cats. I’ve also been know to paint rocks to place in the community to promote kindness and love.
Around September 2024 I felt a strong sense of something calling me to be part of a bigger cause. I happened to know two lovely women who introduced me to the nonprofit organization, Autism at Face Value. It took me a few meetings and a little self reassurance to join but I believe that this group of amazing people have come together to create a welcoming environment for those in the autistic community.
Sami Brittany Dickerson (she/they)
Social Media Chair
From board games to video games, I’ve always believed in the power of play to bring people together. When I’m not working behind the scenes, you’ll find me gaming, painting, crafting, or writing stories. I’m passionate about creating spaces both virtually and in-person that spark conversation and bring like-minded-like-hearted friends closer together.
In my spare time I manage the Mystically-Minded Facebook Group for Central PA, where like-minded creatives and entrepreneurs gather to share events, art, and inspiration. It’s been a joy to see how a strong sense of community can spark growth and connection. I am thrilled to bring that same energy to my role here, with Autism at Face Value.
My goal is to make sure our community feels inclusive and supportive, because everyone deserves a seat at the table.
Join us!
✨Our board is looking for volunteers! ✨
Autism at Face Value is a 501c3 nonprofit volunteer run board.
If you have a passion for making difference, we want YOU!
No task too small, volunteer for just one event or join our board to stay involved.
Send us a message,
Autism at Face Value 