About Cognitopia Software

Tom Keating, Cognitopia Software Founder

Thomas Keating, Ph.D.

Keating is Institute Director at Eugene Research Institute, which conducts assistive technology research and development with an emphasis on cognitively accessible computing and design of systems for community living support, including the creation of the Picture Planner^TM icon-based personal organizer. He is also managing partner for Cognitopia Software, LLC, and is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Computer and Information Sciences Department of the University of Oregon. Keating's work over the past fifteen years has focused on the role of assistive technology in the lives of students and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities, on human interface design and development of cognitively accessible software for activities of daily living, and on intelligent systems for remote caregiving. His perspective in all of his work is strongly influenced by his role as primary care provider for a brother with autism.

Rick Gross, Cognitopia® Lead Programmer

Rick Gross

Gross's expertise of twenty-five years with VAX, Macintosh & Wintel computing compiled with custom application development in 4th Dimension, C#, HandHeld Basic, network management, and systems support provides the perfect programming foundation for Gross to build the internal mechanisms of Cognitopia® Software. With a focus on iPhone/iPad, Gross easily maps out the structure and framework for application success. Gross's ability to take an idea from cradle to grave provides Cognitopia® Software the ability to address the future needs in assistive technology in real time. Gross provides leading edge insight as we develop our software. In his spare time, Gross is just as determined to find success with his carpentry skills as he remodels his house- wiring, plumbing, et al, and works diligently in the creation of his beautiful back yard.

Val Stilwell, MSCS, Communications and Marketing

Val Stilwell

Stilwell's expertise as a Communication Strategist develops language tools for desired outcome goals by reviewing and guiding the way companies like Cognitopia® Software uses language to build both internal and external relationships. With more than 12 years and a broad spectrum of industries in her portfolio, Stilwell is poised to highlight Cognitopia® Software to become the well-recognized name in assistive technology that it deserves. Stilwell's well-developed skills for organizing logistics, developing communication channels, building strategic introductions, and discovering opportunities shine as Cognitopia® Software is already moving into a front running position in assistive technology software applications. In her spare time, Stilwell is an alpine ski patroller, a backyard farmer with 4 hens, and very involved with her local community.

The Rest of the Team

Cognitopia® Software collaborates with many specialists in the autism, assistive technology, TBI, and teaching researchers - all top in their respective fields.