Meet Our Team
Leadership
Joseph Cubells, MD, PhD
Joseph F. Cubells, MD, PhD, is Director of Medical and Adult Services at the Emory Autism Center, as well as Associate Professor in the Departments of Human Genetics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, at the Emory University School of Medicine. His academic research focuses on genetic factors and gene-environment interactions influencing risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. He is also leading a collaborative project with colleagues at the Emory Autism Center, the Emory University School of Public Health, and the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities on developing better services for adults living with autism in Georgia. Dr. Cubells has been at Emory since 2004, and prior to that was on the faculty of psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine for nine years. He completed his undergraduate studies at Johns Hopkins University, and his medical and graduate training at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.Amanda Platner, PsyD, ABPP
Amanda Platner, PsyD, ABPP is the Director of Adult Programs at the Emory Autism Center, as well as Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Platner joined the EAC in the Summer of 2020. Prior to joining the EAC, Dr. Platner was a staff psychologist in the Behavioral Health Department at Franciscan Children's in Brighton, MA. She completed her undergraduate education at Brandeis University and her graduate training at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She completed two years of postdoctoral fellowship in autism spectrum disorder and related neurodevelopmental disorders at the Marcus Autism Center/Emory University and at the MGH Lurie Center/Harvard University. As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Platner specializes in working with individuals and families impacted by neurodevelopmental disorders and is particularly interested in intervention, assessment, as well as working with individuals who have comorbid medical and/or mental health conditions.Toni Thomas
Toni Thomas is the Program Manager for the EAC’s myLIFE Program, providing opportunities for adults to build and practice socially-expectant skills believed to be necessary for success within their community. She has been with myLIFE since 2004, with her current focus on the development of an inclusive, model demonstration program for adults. In 1993 Ms. Thomas joined the Emory Autism Center with her initial focusing ranging from working in the Walden Preschool programs to providing families with the skills needed to enhance their child’s development and preparation for full inclusion in school and community activities. Ms. Thomas received her degree from Rutgers University.
