Advisor & Innovator

Turning ambitious ideas into real-world programs that work

I help organizations turn ambitious ideas in AI, XR, mental health, and education into real-world programs that actually work—from DARPA-style research to deployment at scale.

25+ Years Innovation TS/SCI (Former) $100M+ Programs Multisector Collaborations

Strategic Advisory

From policy to deployment
AI & XR
Autism & Neurodiversity
Mental Health
Education Innovation

I work with foundations, startups, and government agencies to design and deliver high-impact technology initiatives in education and psychological health—from DARPA-style R&D portfolios to real-world deployment.

View Services Speaking & Media
Currently Advising Foundations · Startups · Nonprofits

Experience & Services

25+ years of innovation impact

Experience & Impact

From DARPA to deployment

A seasoned executive and policy innovator with 25+ years creating and managing multi-million dollar technology innovation programs in psychological health and education. I specialize in the messy, fascinating work of getting academia, government, philanthropy, and startups to actually collaborate.

  • Navy Aerospace Experimental Psychologist – Retired Navy CAPT trained in aeromedical R&D and aviation human factors
  • DARPA Program Officer – Pioneered psychological health AI agents and STEM education innovation programs ($60M+)
  • Office of Naval Research – Led first military VR therapy for PTSD, now in 70+ clinics worldwide
  • Game Development – America's Army (10M+ users), current Roblox projects with Sesame Street
  • Presidential Appointee – Created first Office of STEM at U.S. Department of Education, 200+ partnerships
  • Chief Science Officer – American Psychological Association (118,000 members)

How I Can Help

Strategic advisory services

Strategic Advisory

Long-term R&D strategy, organizational transformation, cross-sector innovation in education, behavioral health, and autism. Recent example: helped a foundation restructure their autism research portfolio to emphasize community voice and neurodivergent leadership.

Speaking & Workshops

Keynotes on AI, autism and mental health, emerging tech, innovation techniques, leadership, and AI policy. From United Nations panels to intimate workshops with startup teams.

Project Consulting

Technology assessment, program design, policy development, games, virtual reality, conversational agents. I've done everything from DARPA program design to Roblox game development.

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Featured Speaking & Media

Talks, panels & interviews

Dr. Russell Shilling discussing AI, autism, and educational technology on AI Optimist Podcast

AI Optimist Podcast with Skip Rizzo – AI, Autism, & EdTech

Exploring AI, autism and mental health, VR therapy, and how innovation scales through public service and partnerships.

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Russell Shilling speaking at United Nations AutismTech 2025 panel on inclusive technology policy

United Nations – AutismTech 2025

Policy and innovation strategies for inclusive tech in global autism and mental health and disability ecosystems.

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Dr. Shilling moderating Games for Change panel on strategic partnerships in social impact gaming

Games for Change: Strategic Partnerships for Social Good in Gaming

Moderating a panel on games for diabetes support and child motor therapy—how small teams spark big change.

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Captain Russell Shilling Navy retirement video featuring Sesame Street character Murray

CAPT Russ and Murray Retirement Video

When you retire from the U.S. Navy after 22 years – including time at DARPA – you don't expect Sesame Street to make you the star of your own farewell sketch.

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Want to know the full story?

From rural Appalachia to DARPA innovation labs—discover the 30-year journey behind the innovation in VR therapy, AI education, and autism advocacy.

Read My Journey: Navy to DARPA to Neurodiversity Advocacy