Ayla Dillard

Director of Communications

Ayla is a graduate of Stanford University, majoring in Philosophy with a minor in Dance and considerable coursework/research at Stanford’s Psychology department. She further studied graphic design, international relations, statistics, mediation, and conflict resolution. She is a Certified Mediator and has worked with Tina since 2016.

In her role, Ayla oversees various speaking, consulting, and collaborative projects, often partnering with teams in education, healthcare, governmental agencies, and the private sector. This can include coordination of media appearances, project contracting, media content planning, pre-event coordination and vision calls, and other logistics. According to Ayla, the best part of her job is supporting a wide variety of professionals from around the globe, all of whom who are showing up for their communities and engaged in deeply meaningful work.

Ayla also splits her time to provide behind-the-scenes logistical support to the Center for Connection (“CFC”), an interdisciplinary practice founded by Dr. Tina Payne Bryson and based in Pasadena, California, including its PlayStrong Institute and Center for Connection and Neurodiversity.

As a part of the CFC's leadership team, Ayla collaborates with division leads from mental health, assessment, occupational therapy, educational therapy, and speech and language to promote the Center’s services; support its team; and oversee payroll and benefits administration.

In her spare time, she can be found at her local pool, rehabilitating a serious injury sustained in 2021. She aspires to work her way back to hiking, climbing, cycling, and SCUBA diving, but enjoys for now the cozier hobbies, such as reading, puzzling, gardening, and optimizing her vinyl listening experience.