RUN FOR AUTISM is thrilled to introduce our 2026 RUN FOR AUTISM ambassador cohort! Our RFA ambassadors will connect with our athletes and strengthen the RFA community. From our Facebook groups to their local communities, our ambassadors will unite our community to make a lasting impact.
Our 2026 Ambassador Cohort
Chris Neil joined the RUN FOR AUTISM team in 2025, initially with plans to run the 2025 BMW Berlin Marathon. He quickly decided to take on a bigger challenge, running all the Abbott World Major Marathons in one year. Chris started with the TCS Sydney Marathon, followed by the BMW Berlin Marathon, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and the TCS New York City Marathon in 2025. In 2026, he’s already completed the 2026 Tokyo Marathon, and the TCS London Marathon is on deck, all with OAR. He runs for his autistic nephews. “Over the years, I’ve listened closely as [their family has] shared the challenges of navigating support systems, finding reliable information, and advocating for their kids in a world that isn’t always built with autism in mind. That’s why the Organization for Autism Research means so much. Because of OAR, families like theirs have better access to research, resources, and guidance that truly make a difference in daily life.” Outside of running, Chris is a program manager at a major tech company, and loves watching Sci-Fi movies, playing guitar, and rooting for his Seattle Seahawks.
Amabella Lambinicio is a Washington, DC special education teacher. “My students have become part of my family,” she said. “The more I work in this field the more I find diamonds and gems of abilities and skills and wonder and amazement through my students, and the more I feel absolutely fulfilled and happy. I want to continue in any way possible to create these safe spaces and ways of encouragement for my students and the autism community.” She first joined the RUN FOR AUTISM community for the 2024 Active for Autism 5K and Kids Dash, when she had started running as a way to do something for herself. Since then, she’s continued her running journey with the Marine Corps 10K and this year the London Landmarks Half Marathon. Amabella loves playing sports, bike riding, playing guitar, and being outside with her dog.
Ryan Kopf runs for his autistic son, Harrison, who just turned six. Ryan is a husband, a father of two (a six-year-old and an 18-month-old), and an attorney in central Florida. An avid marathon runner, Ryan joined RUN FOR AUTISM when he ran the 2024 TCS London Marathon. Since then, he’s taken on the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and Walt Disney World ® Dopey Challenge, with the Big Sur International Marathon and BMW Berlin Marathon on deck in 2026. He loves spending time with his family. “I spend all of my time with my children, who I adore more than life itself. My son and I spend a lot of time building LEGOs.” When he’s not spending time with his kids or working, he’s running.
Jamie Rivenburg is a lifelong educator who joined the RUN FOR AUTISM team in support of her students and their families. In her time as a high school social studies teacher in Maryland, she has frequently utilized OAR’s educator resources to support her autistic students. Jamie first joined the RUN FOR AUTISM team for the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, followed by the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon just a few weeks later! Since then, she’s been an active team member at several events. Outside of teaching, Jamie is a running coach, mom of three adult children, swimmer, and cat lover.
OAR also welcomes back our returning 2025 ambassadors: Beth, Jenelle, and Patrick.