Melissa Martinez-Areffi

From Houston, Texas, from a crazy Hispanic family.which tells just about everything you need to know. Youngest of 5 kids, so obviously the one that got away with the most stuff. Still. A Texan at heart, although resides in California with her husband of 27 years and 3 children. Producer, writer, location manager and 'fixer." Autism advocate for parents Ran away to Hollywood from politics, and has been in the entertainment industry over 29 years, first in development at beacon Pictures as a reader - gargoyle at the gate. A writing/producing team with husband Andrew. Short lived penance at Dreamworks, then a punch writer, Wife of amazing husband, best friend and partner in crime, Andy. Mom of 3 autistic kids - no, you can't scare her, although you're welcome to try. If she's mad and either smiling or crying, hope it's not about you. Kennedy (animator), Alex (animator) and Bella Zoe, (actress and advocate for diversity in portrayals of autistic characters in film and TV., and staunch anti-bullying stance.) Yes, it was a very long, very painful road, which keeps on going in all the highs and lows, but worth the journey. Co-author of parents guide on dealing with agencies and getting services for their kids, Navigating Autism with Andy Areffi. And I wrote my bio, since God only knows what someone else would say... although writing about yourself in the third person is slightly creepy.