Casey McPherson

Background

Runs a biotech company in Austin focused on creating customized treatments for children with severe autism.
Treatments are administered intravenously, potentially into the spine, targeting the brain.
Claims the treatments are "amazing" and can be designed on a computer.
Process involves genetic specification to make customized treatments, currently a 10-15 year process he is trying to shorten to "10 years to today" (likely meaning a much faster turnaround than traditional pharma development).
Has an 11-year-old neurodivergent daughter who attends public school (Canyon Vista, about 40 minutes from their home at 183 Baltimore).
He was homeschooled in third grade and feels he started accomplishing his dreams in middle school because he could tailor his learning.
Sees his daughter struggling to do the same in public school.

Met Gary Sheng at the Texas Venture Gala.
Listened to Gary explain the Alpha Schools model: AI-assisted core learning in 2 hours, followed by passion-driven, project-based learning ("Montessori 2.0") for the rest of the day.
Resonated with the idea of starting kids early (middle school) on being "useful to humanity."
Expressed interest in potentially switching his daughter to a different school: "Yeah, I mean, I'd love to."
Was invited to and accepted an invitation for a June 14th Alpha Schools candid briefing/summit.

Personal Motivation: His biotech work is driven by a desire to help children with severe autism.
Experience with Neurodiversity: Understands the challenges and needs of neurodivergent children through his daughter.
Value of Early Passion Pursuit: Believes his own middle school (homeschooled) experience of tailoring his learning to his interests was beneficial.
Critique of FDA: Implied frustration with FDA hurdles for innovative treatments, mentioning that effective treatments sometimes require going to Mexico due to FDA being "bullshit" and outdated, like "religion often doesn't change with the times."
Open to Alternative Solutions: His work in biotech involves cutting-edge, customized approaches, suggesting an openness to non-traditional methods in other fields like education.
Faith/Spirituality: Engaged in a conversation about attending multiple churches, indicating a flexible or exploratory approach to faith, similar to Gary's. Responded positively to Gary's article on "Divine Alignment."

Parent Advocate: As a parent of a neurodivergent child and someone interested in alternative education, he could be a powerful advocate for Alpha Schools.
Biotech/Health Connection: His work in biotech, particularly if it involves AI or advanced technology, might offer interesting parallels or learning opportunities for Alpha students.
Network: As a biotech entrepreneur in Austin, he likely has a network that could be relevant.
June 14th Event Attendee: His presence and perspective would be valuable.

On his biotech treatment: "Yeah, they work amazing. You can design them in a computer."
On FDA: "It's one of my biggest hurdles, for sure... technology is completely outdated."
On his daughter in public school: "It's pretty difficult for her to do that stuff [accomplish her dreams]."
On Alpha Schools' mission: (Implicitly positive, accepted June 14th invite readily).

2025-05-29: Met Gary Sheng at the Texas Venture Gala. Discussed his biotech company focused on severe autism treatments and his neurodivergent daughter's schooling. Gary explained the Alpha Schools model. Casey expressed interest and accepted an invitation to a June 14th Alpha Schools event. They also shared a brief discussion on faith and the FDA. Exchanged contact information.

Transcript ID	Date	Summary
2025-05-29-casey-mcpherson-gala-discussion	2025-05-29	Conversation about biotech, autism treatment, neurodiversity, and Alpha Schools education innovation