About the Presenters

Lydia Pinto learned hard work and determination growing up on a farm outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. She first became involved with Eye to Eye as a Co-founder Chapter Leader at Cannon School. Lydia spent time as a chapter leader and mentor during her senior year. She then went on to be accepted into the STEPP Program at East Carolina University in the 2019 cohort where she represented ECU as the Miss East Carolina University Scholarship Recipient and the 2022 Homecoming Captain of the Ship. She studied recreational therapy with a minor in psychology and an entrepreneurship certificate.

Lydia is currently in graduate school at East Carolina University studying recreation sciences. She works as a Graduate Assistant Mentor for the STEPP Program, mentoring students with learning differences while obtaining her master’s in recreation sciences with a concentration in recreational therapy. She is doing graduate work on the new accessible icon for the “handicapped symbol.” Lydia is a Young Life Leader, an avid scuba diver, a wicked hider in a game of sardines, and loves to travel. Lydia is extremely excited for the opportunity to spread advocacy and be back with Eye to Eye.

Originally from Eagan, Minnesota, Lily Eisele is currently attending the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where she first became involved in Eye to Eye as a mentor. As she took on her role as a Chapter Leader, Lily wanted to continue her lifelong advocacy and education of the neurodiverse community by being an Eye to Eye Ambassador. Lily is currently studying kinesiology with a minor in Spanish for health professions. In her free time, she enjoys playing hockey, photography, watching movies with her family, and taking walks outside. Lily’s favorite part of being an Ambassador is being able to interact with the neurodiverse community and traveling to new places.

Originally from Denver, Colorado, Carlye Raabe is a sophomore at American University studying psychology and sociology with a minor in special education. They began their work with Eye to Eye as a sophomore at George Washington High School in Denver, where they started their chapter and were a Chapter Leader. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she had the opportunity to expand her work with Eye to Eye by speaking with a Massachusetts school district and joining Eye to Eye for Day of Action in Washington, D.C. They are now a YAGC and Ambassador program member with Eye to Eye. Outside of their advocacy work, Carlye’s hobbies are building LEGO and collecting odd and obscure Hot Wheels to expand her collection. Carlye hopes to one day work for Child Protective Services and then work as a 504 coordinator for high schoolers. Their favorite part of working with Eye to Eye is spreading the message of neurodiversity awareness and building lifelong friendships.

Originally from Seattle, WA, Alexandra Claeys served as an Eye to Eye Chapter Leader at Gonzaga University. After graduating from Gonzaga with a BS in sociology, Alexandra joined the University of Portland’s Pacific Alliance for Catholic Education (PACE) and taught third grade in Salt Lake City for two years while working towards a Master of Arts in Teaching before joining Eye to Eye. Alexandra is a self-proclaimed foodie who loves to hike, ski, travel, and spend time with her friends and family. Alexandra now works as the Director, Community Leadership at Eye to Eye, stewarding programs aimed at supporting neurodiverse young people who serve as leaders in their communities.