The mission of AVA is to empower autistic adults in the voiceover industry, redefine the creative community, and inspire positive change in the way society perceives and embraces neurodiversity.

Mentoring to me is sharing my expertise (while being aware of individual interests, fears, and joys) to provide an environment for growth that is kind and candid. My goal is to provide the skills, and confidence that help to build the bridge between where they are and where they aspire to be in voiceover, and in life.

 

Robin Brooke is an accomplished stage actress, voiceover talent, and instructor with over 20 years of industry experience. A long-time member of both Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA, she began her training on a theatre scholarship at American University in Washington, D.C., and continued her studies at the Herbert Berghof Studio in New York City, where she trained with the legendary Uta Hagen. 

Her early career was spent touring and performing in regional theatres across the country, which eventually led to a successful transition into the world of voiceover. Robin’s voice can be heard in video games, animation, audiobooks, commercials, and as an English dubbing artist for foreign television and film on platforms such as Netflix, Amazon, and HBO. 

In addition to her performance work, Robin is a passionate instructor and mentor, particularly dedicated to supporting neurodivergent talent. She is the co-founder and Program Director of Autistic Voiceover Artists (AVA), a nonprofit organization that empowers autistic adults to explore and succeed in voiceover. Through AVA, she is committed to making the voiceover industry more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to those on the autism spectrum.

Mentoring means creating a space where autistic adults feel safe to be themselves, try new things, and grow—not just in skill, but in confidence and connection.

 

Heidi Hackney holds a master’s degree in Human Development and is a certified ICF coach, mentor coach, and coaching instructor. With lived experience in a neurodiverse family—her husband is on the autism spectrum and her teenage daughter navigates life with ADHD—Heidi brings deep empathy and insight to her coaching practice. 

In addition to her private coaching work, Heidi is the co-founder of Autistic Voiceover Artists (AVA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable and accessible voiceover training to autistic adults with a passion for performance. Her work at AVA is rooted in a commitment to inclusion, creativity, and empowerment. 

Outside of her professional life, Heidi is an avid downhill skier and enjoys working as a ski instructor whenever time and snow conditions allow.