Advisory Council

STEPHEN DILLY, M.D., PH.D.

Stephen G. Dilly, MBBS, PhD, is CEO of Codexis Inc. a biotechnology company at the forefront of the application of enzyme engineering to oligonucleotide synthesis. He is also a Board member of Cognoa Inc a pediatric digital health company. Cognoa's precision health platform is designed to support early identification and treatment of pediatric behavioral health conditions including autism spectrum disorders. Stephen was previously CEO of Sierra Oncology until its acquisition by GSK and before that CEO of Aimmune Therapeutics (NSDQ: AIMT). 

Dr. Dilly has played important roles in the development and approval of numerous drugs, including Ojjaara®, Palforzia® , Kytril®, Requip®, Kredex®, Paxil CR®, Cathflo Activase®, Raptiva®, Xolair®, Avastin®, Lucentis®, Cubicin® and Tarceva®. 

Dr. Dilly received a PhD in Cardiac Physiology from the University of London and holds an MBBS, graduating as a physician from the University of London.

Dr. Dilly played important roles in the development and approval of numerous drugs, including Kytril®, Requip®, Kredex®, Paxil CR®, Cathflo Activase®, Raptiva®, Xolair®, Avastin®, Lucentis®, Cubicin® and Tarceva®. He is on the Board of Sangamo Therapeutics. Dr. Dilly received a PhD in Cardiac Physiology from the University of London and holds an MBBS, graduating as a physician from the University of London.

ELAINE PICO, M.D., F.A.A.P., F.A.A.P.M. & R.

Dr. Elaine Pico has been an Attending Physician at the Children’s Hospital, Oakland for the last decade. Additionally, she is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Medical Expert for Life Care Plan Needs.

In her extensive practice of over 700 patients, Dr. Pico is a Medical Consultant and Provider for California Children Services in 9 counties, including 12 different clinics. Her special interests include the management of children with a variety of neurological conditions including cerebral palsy, spasticity, neuromuscular disorders, traumatic brain injury and spina bifida.

Dr. Pico holds a Specialty Certification in Pediatric Rehabilitation. She is also Certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Medicine and Rehabilitation. She is a regular presenter at both national and international conferences.

Dr. Pico completed her residency in Pediatrics and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic. She earned an M.D. from U.C.L.A. School of Medicine in1991.

GLORIA SOTO, PH.D.

Dr. Gloria Soto has been involved in Avalon since before its inception and was the first member of its Advisory Council. Dr. Soto is Professor in the Department of Special Education at San Francisco State University. She teaches graduate coursework in special education, cultural diversity, augmentative communication and curriculum-based language and communication intervention.

Her area of professional expertise is in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Her areas of research interest include applied educational issues such as multiculturalism, collaborative teaming, inclusive education and professional preparation, as well as more basic areas such as narrative language in AAC, language development through augmented means and the impact of graphic symbol use on language development. She is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences related to communication intervention and special education. She has published numerous articles and book chapters.

Gloria holds an M.S. from Universidad Pontificia, Spain and a Ph.D. from Purdue University.