Meet the Founders
Jason Weissbrod
Co-president and Co-founder
Head Film & Acting Instructor
Jason has a Bachelor’s degree in Directing and Acting for Film and Theatre and has directed, produced, written, edited and starred in many films, television shows, web series, commercials and theatre productions. Jason became involved with the autism community over ten years ago through his work with The Miracle Project as their theatre director and lead acting coach. He also worked with programs and organizations such as Tree Academy, The Help Group, Autism On The Seas, and CSUN's Teenage Drama Workshop. Over time many artists on the Autism Spectrum told Jason they wanted to make professional movies, record music and eventually work in the entertainment industry. This inspired Jason and his colleague, Garth Herberg, to create Spectrum Laboratory. Jason and Garth believe that teaming up artists with Autism along with entertainment professionals stimulates everyone’s creativity and talent. Jason says, “Show people what they can do and magic will ensue!” And it has! Jason feels blessed to be able to do what he loves each day and thanks all who support Spec Labs!
Garth Herberg
Co-president and Co-founder
Head Music Instructor
Garth has been active as both a musician and educator for over ten years. In 2006 he received his Bachelor's degree in Music Composition from Cal State University Northridge. From 2010 - 2012 he was signed as a recording artist with Frenchkiss Records, along with his bandmates (Races). His touring experience and recording credits as a musician, producer and composer/arranger have included work with many national acts (The Janks, Races, The Shivers, Kaely Yuchno). He has also worked on several television and film projects as a composer (Ordained, Fallen Idols, Sesame Street, Special Olympics, Boys Don't Wear Dresses). He has served as a music instructor at Bridges Academy, a school for 2e students on the autism spectrum; The Miracle Project as music director and composer; and CSUN's Teenage Drama Workshop as composer and music director: The Lex Theatre Company as music director and composer. While working at Bridges Academy, CSUN and The Miracle Project, Garth encountered neurodiversity among many wonderful young artists. The laughter, creativity and growth he shared with them moved him towards the role of music mentor and producer. He started Spec Labs with Jason so these vital, unique and authentic voices can find a place in the entertainment industry and inspire the world!
Meet our Team
Cathy McAuley
Head Voice Acting Instructor
Cathy McAuley is a Clio award winning actor and head of Voice Acting for Spectrum Laboratory. Cathy's career as a professional actor spans over 3 decades. She considers herself a journeyman actor as she has been able to successfully weave theater, television, film and voiceover into her ever evolving body of work. McAuley also holds an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the University of Hawaii. She has appeared in over 200 television & radio commercials, and also has guest starred on many episodic television series. One of her more notable roles was her recurring character on Night Court where she played “Wanda the Matchmaker,” Bull's Wife. Cathy has countless professional theater credits including 6 Broadway National Tours co-starring with the legendary Tim Conway. McAuley believes, "What you rehearse is what you will do!"
Dani Bowman
Head Animation Instructor
Dani Bowman founded her company, DaniMation Entertainment, at age 11. She has worked professionally in the animation industry since 14. Since age 15, Dani has led summer animation camps around the country teaching over 700 teens and young adults. Her contributions to the autism community have been widely acknowledged, from receiving the Temple Grandin Award from Future Horizons in 2012 to being the first American with Autism honored at Anna Kennedy's "Wear It for Autism" event in London in October 2014. Dani enjoys speaking about Autism and the need for self-sufficiency and employment for those with disabilities. Spectrum Laboratory is thrilled to see her grow our students' imaginations while honing their professional skills.
Bob Demarco
Founder of DeMarco Productions & Boardmember
Bob DeMarco started playing guitar professionally at 14. He began composing music for Television in 1994 - “Hard Copy”, “Entertainment Tonight”, ”Rachael Ray”, “Ellen” and ”The Bachelor”. Also themes for “Dr Phil”, “Extra”, “The Insider”, and “The Doctors”. Bob has served on the board of directors since Spec Labs began and continues to do so. He has been a key mentor for Spectrum Laboratory, availing his studio to our artists and working tirelessly on Spectrum Laboratory's records and film scores. He is also a lead consultant helping our program expand and serve new communities.
Samara Wolpe
Administrative Assistant
She loves to help our amazing artists achieve their dreams and assist in the creation of everything from films to music videos! Samara hopes to pursue autism research in graduate school.
Ben Avchen
Filmmaker
John Rezende-Shalom
Musician
Liv Brazill
Musician, Actor & Filmmaker
Lucas Salusky
Recording Artist
& Engineer