The NODCC Professional Advisory Committee facilitates connections between researchers and individuals with disorders of the corpus callosum by helping recruit for studies and by approving scientifically sound and important research to be conducted at the NODCC Conference. The Professional Advisory Committee also provides expert advice to physicians, psychologists, and other professionals treating individuals with DCC, updates NODCC members regarding recent scientific advances, and encourages new lines of research and collaboration that will aid our understanding of DCC.

Warren S. Brown, Jr. PhD is a Professor of Psychology at the Graduate School of Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary where he is the Founding Director of the Travis Research Institute. He is a research neuropsychologist/ neuroscientist interested in the cognitive and psychosocial impact of a congenital brain malformation (agenesis of the corpus callosum and hemispherectomy), and has coauthored over 100 peer-reviewed scientific articles. He is also author/coauthor of many theoretical articles and chapters on neuroscience, philosophy, and Christian theology, as well as five books: Whatever Happened to the Soul (edited with Nancey Murphy and H. Newton Malony); Did My Neurons Make Me Do It?, (with Nancey Murphy); Neuroscience, Psychology and Religion (with Malcolm Jeeves); The Physical Nature of Christian Life (with Brad Strawn); and Enhancing Christian Life (with Brad Strawn).
Katherine Claxton, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working in a healthcare setting. She received her bachelor’s degree in social work from Baylor University and her master’s degree in social work from the University of Texas at Austin. Katherine currently works in private practice part time, providing psychotherapy to older adults on-site at their place of residence. Katherine serves on the Irvine Residents with Disabilities Advisory Board, which serves to advise the city on the needs of disabled residents. She is also on the mental health advisory committee for Sandy Feet Initiative, a surf program designed to meet the unique needs of the siblings of disabled children. Katherine and her husband Dean reside in Southern California with their two children: Charlotte (age 10) and Joshua (age 8). Joshua was diagnosed with hypoplasia of the corpus callosum when he was 19 months old after several delayed developmental milestones, prompting the family to become connected with the NODCC for resources and support. Katherine brings to the board her professional experience in the healthcare system, her passion for the needs of neurotypical siblings, and her unique perspective as a primary caregiver to someone with a disorder of the corpus callosum.
Leann Schouten, ClinScD, CCC-SLP, HLA is the co-owner of Jump and Schout Therapy, a multidisciplinary private practice in Brea and Chino California. She has been practicing for over 20 years and specializes in motor disorders. In her practice, she provides speech and language services to toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children, and adults. Dr. Schouten is the founder and CEO of the Jump and Schout Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing medical equipment, supplies, and trainings to families and children in the surrounding community. Jump and Schout Therapy works closely with nearby universities to provide site supervision for graduate and undergraduate externship students. She has expanded her knowledge and growth in the field of communication disorders and sciences as an adjunct faculty member at Chapman University, and currently serves on the board for the California Speech and Hearing Association.