Gwen Van Ark began work at FPG as the administrative coordinator for the Carolina Fragile X Project in March 2004. In addition to providing administrative support for the National Professional Development Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, she also serves as the parent professional on the project. Her son has Asperger's syndrome. Prior to joining the staff at FPG, Gwen was a family and developmental specialist based at the Center for Development and Learning. In this role, she worked for the Hospital Early Intervention Project at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. Gwen holds a B.A. in Art and Art History from Hope College, where she concentrated her studies in printmaking and gallery management. After several years of work at her home based art business and as a teacher at Family Preschool in Chapel Hill, she obtained her M.Ed. at UNC-Chapel Hill. She also holds an endorsement as a social inclusion facilitator. Outside of work, Gwen enjoys spending time with her husband and son. She also is an avid triathlete, regularly competing in running and biking events throughout North Carolina. Gwen continues to engage in art-related projects and events when time permits.