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Autism Support and Resource Center was founded in 2002 by a group of parents, grandparents and guardians who were dedicated to creating community support and awareness at a time when autism was not as prevalent.
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From the beginning |
moving forward |
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ASRC received non-profit, tax exempt and charitable 501(c) 3 organization status in 2005.
Our Center was purchased and opened in April 2012, followed by the opening of our Sensory Room in May 2014. We have served hundreds of families through our Monthly Socials, Family Events, and POWER Sports and Summer Camps. In May of 2017 we completed renovations on our Garrett’s Place Life Skills Center. This was all accomplished through the patience, hard work and dedication of our families, their friends and our local community businesses and private donors. Special thanks to Team Garrett and Rock Bottom Stone Supply for being our main financial supporters for the Life Skills Center. |
The next step in our Strategic Goal is the creation of programming where our teens and young adults will learn valuable life skills such as household chores, budgeting, cooking, home/auto maintenance, and personal care to help them transition to independent living. Securing qualified clinicians, developing appropriate curriculum, and purchasing materials/supplies will create areas of financial need and future funds received will assist with this. Visit our Life Skills Page for more details.
Our most recent capital project was a complete overhaul of our current parking lot which was completed in November 2018 for just over $75,000. Visit our fund development page for information on ways to donate! |
Our Staff and Board of Directors
ASRC is proud of the individuals who serve as employees and Board members. We have a range of professionals as well as ASD individuals who serve to move our organization forward.
Please read our 2021 Annual Report for more information on the work we do.
Please read our 2021 Annual Report for more information on the work we do.
ASRC STAFF MEMBERS
Anne Haley, Executive Director: Anne has served as the Executive Director of the ASRC since February 2014. She and her husband Don are collectively raising 5 children. Her son was diagnosed with Autism at age 2. Prior to becoming the Executive Director of the ASRC, Anne served as the Secretary of the Board of Directors and volunteered her time at various ASRC sponsored events. Anne holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Wayne State University as well as an undergraduate degree in Packaging from Michigan State University. Her experiences range from corporate to educational. Up until February 2014, she served as a Director of non-profit schools in the Metro Detroit area where she gained experience in staff management, curriculum implementation, family relations and fund development. Anne feels grateful to be involved with an organization that strives to integrate people with autism throughout the lifespan.
Amy Morris, Director of Family & Community Education: Amy has spent the entirety of her career in the not for profit social work field assisting children and families with developmental disabilities and multiple mental health impairments. After graduating in 1999 with a BS in Clinical/Community Psychology, she found herself drawn to clients living with an Autism Spectrum disorder and her caseload reflected this. When her own daughter was diagnosed at age 4 with ASD, she made autism her focus personally and professionally. Amy became involved with the ASRC in 2011 in a volunteer capacity, co-chairing the Walk for Autism as well as co-directing POWER Camp. She sat on the ASRC Board of Directors in various roles, including General Board Member, Board Treasurer and Board Chairperson. Passionate about ensuring those living with autism experience a truly integrated and fulfilling life, employment with the ASRC when her current position became available was a natural fit. Whether it is teaching life skills to those on the Spectrum, directing POWER Camp, supervising future clinicians, or planning ASRC fundraisers, Amy thoroughly enjoys her work and strives to see that the needs of everyone with ASD are met.
Toyia Turner, Director of Fund Development: I have 20 years of experience in the credit union industry, beginning as a teller and advancing to positions including Branch Manager and VP of Lending before deciding to work part-time to raise my family. My professional path has allowed me to forge relationships and a vast professional network. I have experience working as a team member, under the direction of others, and supervising up to 19 employees. I volunteer at many local events and have been a member of several chambers and other community and service organizations. I am a proud alumnus of the University of Michigan-Flint where I was a Maize and Blue Award nominee. As a member, program participant, volunteer and most recently a Board member, I continue to be inspired by the ASRC’s efforts. We have seen the impact on our family and cherished son, Rocco who is affected by autism. I am passionate about advancing the lives of those affected by autism and other families like my own. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, fitness, and occasionally participating in the local running scene. I live in Grand Blanc with my husband, Rafael and our children.
Deidra McGaughy, Assistant Program Director: Deidra is a recent Flint graduate from Mott Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program. She first became involved with the ASRC through a pediatric fieldwork assignment completed at P.O.W.E.R Camp in 2021. After reaching out for additional opportunities to support the ASRC, Deidra was onboarded as an assistant program director and teaching assistant for the center’s life skills classes and employment readiness program in early 2022. Deidra takes great pride in being able to contribute and be a part of a loving community that stands for growth and sees the potential in every individual on the autism spectrum. She cherishes every member of the ASRC and hopes to utilize occupational therapy to ensure everyone can accomplish their goals and acquire the skills to be successful in everyday living.
ASRC BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOV 2021 - NOV 2022
Matt Simpson, Board Chair Person: Matt will begin the 3rd year of his 3 year term as Chair Person. He and his family live in Grand Blanc Township in Genesee County. In 2006 Matt and his wife Patty were blessed with Mason who at age three received an ASD diagnosis. Since that time he has been doing what he can to not only help make Mason’s life better, but that of the entire ASD community. This includes being active members of the ASRC.
Matt, who has his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, and is working on a Master’s degree, is a Lieutenant with a local police department. He was previousy a canine handler for over 15 years. His unique perspective on the way that ASD touches ALL OF US comes from not only having a child on the spectrum but also assisting those in the community that have particular challenges related to ASD. This has included searching for those that have wandered or eloped to talking to families about what can be done to make any interaction with Law Enforcement successful for all involved.
Recently he played a part in bringing Michigan Autism Safety Training (M.A.S.T.) to first responders in the area. He makes visits to the ASRC programs in uniform so both individuals on the spectrum and family affected by it can meet and ask questions. He is now involved in creating an emergency contact system to increase the awareness of first responders, via 9-1-1, to the special challenges that being part of the ASD community brings.
Patty Simpson, Treasurer: I am excited to be running again for a Treasurer term. I live in Grand Blanc with my husband Matt and our son Mason, who is in his freshman year of high school. Mason was formally diagnosed with High Functioning Autism when he was 8 years old, but has been receiving therapy since he was 3 years old. I have been working in the Accounting/Finance field for over 20 years and have spent the last 15 years working in the Cost Management department at Williams International. Our family joined the ASRC shortly after Mason's ASD diagnosis in 2015 and since then we have participated in support groups, socials, POWER Camp, POWER Sports and other special events at the center. My husband joined the ASRC board in 2016 and has loved being able to give back to this community as part of this organization that has been such a great support for us. We feel lucky to have such a great resource available in our area and I hope to be able to support the center and give back to the community as part of the ASRC.
Michelle Papatheodore – Secretary: I am pleased to be completing the first year of a 3 year Secretary term. My passion to create awareness and opportunities for ASD families has grown with my children’s participation in POWER Camp as well as seeing the impact ASRC provides with the Life Skills programs, events and social activities.
I am a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and reside in Fenton with my husband Jim and 2 children: Keilana 13 and Athan 11. Our oldest son, Kalei is studying Psychology at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
I have served in many capacities with local service organizations, the local Board of Realtors, Women’s Council of Realtors, The Chamber of Commerce as well as the Positive Parent Network in the Fenton School District. I am dedicated to serving my community, those in need, as well as finding opportunities to improve the lives of others.
I am delighted to be a part of the ASRC board to assist in community education, fundraising, life skills programming, events, social activities, or any other areas to help further the organization.
Heather Giguere, Director: I am pleased to be completing 1 year of a 2 year Director term. I am a proud graduate of Central Michigan University where I completed both my Bachelor and Master’s Degree. I have been a Speech-Language Pathologist for almost 20 years. I have spent the last 18 years working for Lapeer Intermediate School District. The first 10 years I worked at the Center Based program with students ages 3-26 with complex communication, behavioral and educational needs. The last 7 years I have been the Early Intervention Speech-Language Pathologist working through Early On with children 0-36 months and their families. I have had an interest in autism since I was an undergrad at CMU. I volunteered at a 6 week residential camp called Summer Remedial Clinic (SRC) throughout my undergrad and graduate years. All of the campers had speech and language needs and looking back, I now realize many of them were on the autism spectrum. I completed my Master’s project about autism back when it was considered a “low incidence” disability. I was also lucky enough to receive START (Statewide Autism Resource and Training) intensive training through my employment at the LCISD. I never imagined how much that training would help me when our youngest son was diagnosed with autism shortly after he turned 2. I feel that ASRC is a blessing to the autism community and their families. I have volunteered the last two summers at POWER camp and it’s the greatest week of the entire year for me and my 2 boys. My boys have also participated in POWER soccer and POWER basketball. This year I also volunteered at the autism walk. I look forward to continuing my involvement at ASRC as part of the board if I am selected.
Cheryl Smith – Board Member: I am pleased to be completing 1 year of a 2 year Director term. My oldest son Randy, now 24, was officially diagnosed with ASD at age 3. Randy is a delightful individual who continually blesses our family. Randy has two older sisters and two younger brothers so he is stuck in the middle, but you won’t hear him complain! We live in Columbiaville, in the north eastern corner of Genesee County. In fact, our home is actually one mile inside of Lapeer County but in Lakeville School District making Randy eligible for services through Genesee County. Because if that, most of our focus is in Genesee County.
I currently work in the Administration Office of Goodrich Schools, in the Office of the Superintendent. I joined the team at Goodrich almost 3 years ago after the Physician I worked with for just under 30 retired. It has been my pleasure to work with a diverse group of people in a lively variety of circumstances.
Since 2014, I have served as the Fellowship Director on the governing Board of our home church, St Timothy Lutheran Church in Otisville, so I have some familiarity with the responsibilities of a Board member.
Randy deeply enjoys and benefits from the programs presented through the ASRC. My interest in the Board is to open new avenues of service for my family and myself. As I shared with Anne and Amy, I love the positive environment that surrounds the programs offered here and think it is time for us to see how we can help.
It is my hope that I could bring the perspective unique to a family supporting the needs of an adult with autism and lend a hand in the development of strategies to encourage and support all of our families.
Peter Chiapetta- Board Member: My name is Peter Chiappetta and I am interested in being one of your new Board of Directors for the Autism Support and Resource Center. I believe I would be a great fit to a Board of Director because I am a focused, hardworking individual who is punctual and has excellent collaboration skills. Also, I gained good collaboration skills from my years in college. When I was in college, I was pursuing a degree in graphic design. Along the way, I made new friends, was debt free, learned new skills such as Adobe Creative Cloud, branding, some graphic design, collaboration skills, communication skills, and new creativity skills. When I graduated, I got a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in graphic design from the University of Michigan- Flint and earlier, an Associate’s Degree in General Studies from Mott Community College. As of right now, I am currently working at General Motors as a Subsystems Operator in Flint, Michigan. During and after college, I continued my participation in many programs offered by the ASRC, as well as social activities. Much of my current success can be attributed to ASRC. The programs I’ve participated in at the ASRC include Adult Life Skills class last spring, Employment 1 class Fall 2019 and briefly Employment 2 in Winter 2020 which got canceled due to COVID. Additionally, I do go to the Autism Social for Adults at the ASRC.
The reason I would like to be on the ASRC Board is because I see it as an opportunity to help people with Autism Spectrum Disorder prepare for the workplace and help establish their independent living. I also want to be on the Board so we can find or establish programs to prepare employers for hiring and working someone with autism.
Garrett Dennis – Board Member: Hello, my name is Garrett Dennis I am 21 years old and I graduated from Grand Blanc High School. I am currently employed at Rock Bottom Stone Supply my job duties include Yard maintenance, shredding, flower care and driving some heavy equipment. When I was 18 I finally got my driver license, I am very proud of that. My hobbies include video games and I love Anime.
I was diagnosed with Autism when I was 4 years old. It has proven to make things a little more difficult for me but does not define who I am. Garretts place is important to me because it gives me a place to be my self with others who share a lot of the same interests and have some of the same struggles as me socially. I am interested in being on the board so I can possibly give some ideas and input about upcoming classes and activities.
Christel Drew – Appointed Director: My name is Christel Drew and I am pleased to serve again as an Appointed Director. Our immediate family consists of my husband Bernard, son Joshua, and daughter Cara, who has been the single best thing to happen to my son. Cara is seven years older than Joshua but has been his everything. We have been privileged to participate with the ASRC since the 2012 Christmas Bowling Party. It was here where we were able to connect with other families on the journey and some of them have become our most amazing friends and sources of strength over the years. Joshua just finished another season of POWER Basketball, which he loves, and is enthusiastically waiting for soccer and dance to come around! I would like to contribute to an organization that has contributed so much to us! Part of my purpose is to motivate, encourage, inspire, and push individuals to overcome every obstacle, situation, and circumstance in their lives. I am grateful to have the change to demonstrate and walk out this purpose as a high school Principal. My favorite students are those who have been written off or those who others don’t quite understand or appreciate. I LOVE to find their gifts, celebrate them, and challenge them and those around them to look at the positives. It is a blessing for sure. Through challenging others to look at certain individuals through a different lens, I have witnessed the miraculous impact of perspective.
The ASRC has been instrumental through its programming, referrals, and sharing of resources to help shape and change the perspective of others on so many levels. I would like to be a part of this continued effort of change. I would like to offer my skills, time, experience as an autism mom and educator, plethora of ideas, and any of my resources to be a part of the change. I have a vision to expand the ASRC’s reach into various communities as well as expanding the support to the ASRC through various businesses and organizations within the communities. I thank you sincerely for allowing me the opportunity to help fulfill the dream for so many on our journey!
Carin Jackson – Appointed Director: My name is Carin Jackson and I am pleased to once again serve as an Appointed Director. I live in Fenton with my husband Josh and our three young boys Ryan (10), Drew (6) and Owen (4). I have a Bachelors and Master’s degree in Special Education from Saginaw Valley State University, and I have been both an elementary and special education teacher for Fenton Schools for the past 14 years. I have a passion for working with students and families affected by autism. My nephew, Mason, has autism, and my sister and brother-in-law, Patty and Matt Simpson, are proud ASRC board members. I have seen what a positive impact this organization has had on their family, and it is my hope that I could help bring awareness to the students and families I work with in southern Genesee County.
Joseph N. Kuptz – Appointed Director: I am pleased to serve once again as an Appointed Director. I live in Fenton Township with my wife, Kim, and our four children. I am an attorney who has been practicing for over 11 years. I am currently in private practice with an office also located in Fenton Township, but serving clients throughout Genesee County, northern Oakland County and northern Livingston County. My practice is concentrated in two main areas – estate planning for individuals and couples, and assisting businesses (both for-profit and non-profit entities) with any matters that they need assistance with, including formation of a business, working with creditors, human resources issues, etc.
I am a lifelong resident of Genesee County. I graduated from Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools and obtained my Bachelor’s degree in business from Kettering University. I attended law school at Michigan State University College of Law.
Charise Key-Gray – Appointed Director:
Charise is the mother of a young adult with autism. She, her husband Charles and son Emari reside in Grand Blanc. Charise joined Comerica Bank following her graduation from Central Michigan University in 1993. She is currently the VP and District Manager for 13 Comerica banking centers and Banker Connect Customer Support Team in Southeast Michigan and recently celebrate 28 years with the company. She is heavily involved it the Comerica Cares program which prides itself on helping others in the community.
Charise’s desire to help educate others began in college when she joined Delta Theta, a community service based sorority and she is actively involved in the Flint Alumnae Chapter. Charise has also served on the leadership council for Comerica’s African American Network (CAAN) for the past 11 years. Charise has been involved with ASRC for several years and has chaired a supply drive for several years where she inspired others to donate hundreds of dollars worth of supplies for our programs. She is proud to be involved with the ASRC so that children like Emari are treated with respect in the community.
Anne Haley, Executive Director: Anne has served as the Executive Director of the ASRC since February 2014. She and her husband Don are collectively raising 5 children. Her son was diagnosed with Autism at age 2. Prior to becoming the Executive Director of the ASRC, Anne served as the Secretary of the Board of Directors and volunteered her time at various ASRC sponsored events. Anne holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Wayne State University as well as an undergraduate degree in Packaging from Michigan State University. Her experiences range from corporate to educational. Up until February 2014, she served as a Director of non-profit schools in the Metro Detroit area where she gained experience in staff management, curriculum implementation, family relations and fund development. Anne feels grateful to be involved with an organization that strives to integrate people with autism throughout the lifespan.
Amy Morris, Director of Family & Community Education: Amy has spent the entirety of her career in the not for profit social work field assisting children and families with developmental disabilities and multiple mental health impairments. After graduating in 1999 with a BS in Clinical/Community Psychology, she found herself drawn to clients living with an Autism Spectrum disorder and her caseload reflected this. When her own daughter was diagnosed at age 4 with ASD, she made autism her focus personally and professionally. Amy became involved with the ASRC in 2011 in a volunteer capacity, co-chairing the Walk for Autism as well as co-directing POWER Camp. She sat on the ASRC Board of Directors in various roles, including General Board Member, Board Treasurer and Board Chairperson. Passionate about ensuring those living with autism experience a truly integrated and fulfilling life, employment with the ASRC when her current position became available was a natural fit. Whether it is teaching life skills to those on the Spectrum, directing POWER Camp, supervising future clinicians, or planning ASRC fundraisers, Amy thoroughly enjoys her work and strives to see that the needs of everyone with ASD are met.
Toyia Turner, Director of Fund Development: I have 20 years of experience in the credit union industry, beginning as a teller and advancing to positions including Branch Manager and VP of Lending before deciding to work part-time to raise my family. My professional path has allowed me to forge relationships and a vast professional network. I have experience working as a team member, under the direction of others, and supervising up to 19 employees. I volunteer at many local events and have been a member of several chambers and other community and service organizations. I am a proud alumnus of the University of Michigan-Flint where I was a Maize and Blue Award nominee. As a member, program participant, volunteer and most recently a Board member, I continue to be inspired by the ASRC’s efforts. We have seen the impact on our family and cherished son, Rocco who is affected by autism. I am passionate about advancing the lives of those affected by autism and other families like my own. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, fitness, and occasionally participating in the local running scene. I live in Grand Blanc with my husband, Rafael and our children.
Deidra McGaughy, Assistant Program Director: Deidra is a recent Flint graduate from Mott Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program. She first became involved with the ASRC through a pediatric fieldwork assignment completed at P.O.W.E.R Camp in 2021. After reaching out for additional opportunities to support the ASRC, Deidra was onboarded as an assistant program director and teaching assistant for the center’s life skills classes and employment readiness program in early 2022. Deidra takes great pride in being able to contribute and be a part of a loving community that stands for growth and sees the potential in every individual on the autism spectrum. She cherishes every member of the ASRC and hopes to utilize occupational therapy to ensure everyone can accomplish their goals and acquire the skills to be successful in everyday living.
ASRC BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOV 2021 - NOV 2022
Matt Simpson, Board Chair Person: Matt will begin the 3rd year of his 3 year term as Chair Person. He and his family live in Grand Blanc Township in Genesee County. In 2006 Matt and his wife Patty were blessed with Mason who at age three received an ASD diagnosis. Since that time he has been doing what he can to not only help make Mason’s life better, but that of the entire ASD community. This includes being active members of the ASRC.
Matt, who has his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, and is working on a Master’s degree, is a Lieutenant with a local police department. He was previousy a canine handler for over 15 years. His unique perspective on the way that ASD touches ALL OF US comes from not only having a child on the spectrum but also assisting those in the community that have particular challenges related to ASD. This has included searching for those that have wandered or eloped to talking to families about what can be done to make any interaction with Law Enforcement successful for all involved.
Recently he played a part in bringing Michigan Autism Safety Training (M.A.S.T.) to first responders in the area. He makes visits to the ASRC programs in uniform so both individuals on the spectrum and family affected by it can meet and ask questions. He is now involved in creating an emergency contact system to increase the awareness of first responders, via 9-1-1, to the special challenges that being part of the ASD community brings.
Patty Simpson, Treasurer: I am excited to be running again for a Treasurer term. I live in Grand Blanc with my husband Matt and our son Mason, who is in his freshman year of high school. Mason was formally diagnosed with High Functioning Autism when he was 8 years old, but has been receiving therapy since he was 3 years old. I have been working in the Accounting/Finance field for over 20 years and have spent the last 15 years working in the Cost Management department at Williams International. Our family joined the ASRC shortly after Mason's ASD diagnosis in 2015 and since then we have participated in support groups, socials, POWER Camp, POWER Sports and other special events at the center. My husband joined the ASRC board in 2016 and has loved being able to give back to this community as part of this organization that has been such a great support for us. We feel lucky to have such a great resource available in our area and I hope to be able to support the center and give back to the community as part of the ASRC.
Michelle Papatheodore – Secretary: I am pleased to be completing the first year of a 3 year Secretary term. My passion to create awareness and opportunities for ASD families has grown with my children’s participation in POWER Camp as well as seeing the impact ASRC provides with the Life Skills programs, events and social activities.
I am a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and reside in Fenton with my husband Jim and 2 children: Keilana 13 and Athan 11. Our oldest son, Kalei is studying Psychology at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
I have served in many capacities with local service organizations, the local Board of Realtors, Women’s Council of Realtors, The Chamber of Commerce as well as the Positive Parent Network in the Fenton School District. I am dedicated to serving my community, those in need, as well as finding opportunities to improve the lives of others.
I am delighted to be a part of the ASRC board to assist in community education, fundraising, life skills programming, events, social activities, or any other areas to help further the organization.
Heather Giguere, Director: I am pleased to be completing 1 year of a 2 year Director term. I am a proud graduate of Central Michigan University where I completed both my Bachelor and Master’s Degree. I have been a Speech-Language Pathologist for almost 20 years. I have spent the last 18 years working for Lapeer Intermediate School District. The first 10 years I worked at the Center Based program with students ages 3-26 with complex communication, behavioral and educational needs. The last 7 years I have been the Early Intervention Speech-Language Pathologist working through Early On with children 0-36 months and their families. I have had an interest in autism since I was an undergrad at CMU. I volunteered at a 6 week residential camp called Summer Remedial Clinic (SRC) throughout my undergrad and graduate years. All of the campers had speech and language needs and looking back, I now realize many of them were on the autism spectrum. I completed my Master’s project about autism back when it was considered a “low incidence” disability. I was also lucky enough to receive START (Statewide Autism Resource and Training) intensive training through my employment at the LCISD. I never imagined how much that training would help me when our youngest son was diagnosed with autism shortly after he turned 2. I feel that ASRC is a blessing to the autism community and their families. I have volunteered the last two summers at POWER camp and it’s the greatest week of the entire year for me and my 2 boys. My boys have also participated in POWER soccer and POWER basketball. This year I also volunteered at the autism walk. I look forward to continuing my involvement at ASRC as part of the board if I am selected.
Cheryl Smith – Board Member: I am pleased to be completing 1 year of a 2 year Director term. My oldest son Randy, now 24, was officially diagnosed with ASD at age 3. Randy is a delightful individual who continually blesses our family. Randy has two older sisters and two younger brothers so he is stuck in the middle, but you won’t hear him complain! We live in Columbiaville, in the north eastern corner of Genesee County. In fact, our home is actually one mile inside of Lapeer County but in Lakeville School District making Randy eligible for services through Genesee County. Because if that, most of our focus is in Genesee County.
I currently work in the Administration Office of Goodrich Schools, in the Office of the Superintendent. I joined the team at Goodrich almost 3 years ago after the Physician I worked with for just under 30 retired. It has been my pleasure to work with a diverse group of people in a lively variety of circumstances.
Since 2014, I have served as the Fellowship Director on the governing Board of our home church, St Timothy Lutheran Church in Otisville, so I have some familiarity with the responsibilities of a Board member.
Randy deeply enjoys and benefits from the programs presented through the ASRC. My interest in the Board is to open new avenues of service for my family and myself. As I shared with Anne and Amy, I love the positive environment that surrounds the programs offered here and think it is time for us to see how we can help.
It is my hope that I could bring the perspective unique to a family supporting the needs of an adult with autism and lend a hand in the development of strategies to encourage and support all of our families.
Peter Chiapetta- Board Member: My name is Peter Chiappetta and I am interested in being one of your new Board of Directors for the Autism Support and Resource Center. I believe I would be a great fit to a Board of Director because I am a focused, hardworking individual who is punctual and has excellent collaboration skills. Also, I gained good collaboration skills from my years in college. When I was in college, I was pursuing a degree in graphic design. Along the way, I made new friends, was debt free, learned new skills such as Adobe Creative Cloud, branding, some graphic design, collaboration skills, communication skills, and new creativity skills. When I graduated, I got a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in graphic design from the University of Michigan- Flint and earlier, an Associate’s Degree in General Studies from Mott Community College. As of right now, I am currently working at General Motors as a Subsystems Operator in Flint, Michigan. During and after college, I continued my participation in many programs offered by the ASRC, as well as social activities. Much of my current success can be attributed to ASRC. The programs I’ve participated in at the ASRC include Adult Life Skills class last spring, Employment 1 class Fall 2019 and briefly Employment 2 in Winter 2020 which got canceled due to COVID. Additionally, I do go to the Autism Social for Adults at the ASRC.
The reason I would like to be on the ASRC Board is because I see it as an opportunity to help people with Autism Spectrum Disorder prepare for the workplace and help establish their independent living. I also want to be on the Board so we can find or establish programs to prepare employers for hiring and working someone with autism.
Garrett Dennis – Board Member: Hello, my name is Garrett Dennis I am 21 years old and I graduated from Grand Blanc High School. I am currently employed at Rock Bottom Stone Supply my job duties include Yard maintenance, shredding, flower care and driving some heavy equipment. When I was 18 I finally got my driver license, I am very proud of that. My hobbies include video games and I love Anime.
I was diagnosed with Autism when I was 4 years old. It has proven to make things a little more difficult for me but does not define who I am. Garretts place is important to me because it gives me a place to be my self with others who share a lot of the same interests and have some of the same struggles as me socially. I am interested in being on the board so I can possibly give some ideas and input about upcoming classes and activities.
Christel Drew – Appointed Director: My name is Christel Drew and I am pleased to serve again as an Appointed Director. Our immediate family consists of my husband Bernard, son Joshua, and daughter Cara, who has been the single best thing to happen to my son. Cara is seven years older than Joshua but has been his everything. We have been privileged to participate with the ASRC since the 2012 Christmas Bowling Party. It was here where we were able to connect with other families on the journey and some of them have become our most amazing friends and sources of strength over the years. Joshua just finished another season of POWER Basketball, which he loves, and is enthusiastically waiting for soccer and dance to come around! I would like to contribute to an organization that has contributed so much to us! Part of my purpose is to motivate, encourage, inspire, and push individuals to overcome every obstacle, situation, and circumstance in their lives. I am grateful to have the change to demonstrate and walk out this purpose as a high school Principal. My favorite students are those who have been written off or those who others don’t quite understand or appreciate. I LOVE to find their gifts, celebrate them, and challenge them and those around them to look at the positives. It is a blessing for sure. Through challenging others to look at certain individuals through a different lens, I have witnessed the miraculous impact of perspective.
The ASRC has been instrumental through its programming, referrals, and sharing of resources to help shape and change the perspective of others on so many levels. I would like to be a part of this continued effort of change. I would like to offer my skills, time, experience as an autism mom and educator, plethora of ideas, and any of my resources to be a part of the change. I have a vision to expand the ASRC’s reach into various communities as well as expanding the support to the ASRC through various businesses and organizations within the communities. I thank you sincerely for allowing me the opportunity to help fulfill the dream for so many on our journey!
Carin Jackson – Appointed Director: My name is Carin Jackson and I am pleased to once again serve as an Appointed Director. I live in Fenton with my husband Josh and our three young boys Ryan (10), Drew (6) and Owen (4). I have a Bachelors and Master’s degree in Special Education from Saginaw Valley State University, and I have been both an elementary and special education teacher for Fenton Schools for the past 14 years. I have a passion for working with students and families affected by autism. My nephew, Mason, has autism, and my sister and brother-in-law, Patty and Matt Simpson, are proud ASRC board members. I have seen what a positive impact this organization has had on their family, and it is my hope that I could help bring awareness to the students and families I work with in southern Genesee County.
Joseph N. Kuptz – Appointed Director: I am pleased to serve once again as an Appointed Director. I live in Fenton Township with my wife, Kim, and our four children. I am an attorney who has been practicing for over 11 years. I am currently in private practice with an office also located in Fenton Township, but serving clients throughout Genesee County, northern Oakland County and northern Livingston County. My practice is concentrated in two main areas – estate planning for individuals and couples, and assisting businesses (both for-profit and non-profit entities) with any matters that they need assistance with, including formation of a business, working with creditors, human resources issues, etc.
I am a lifelong resident of Genesee County. I graduated from Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools and obtained my Bachelor’s degree in business from Kettering University. I attended law school at Michigan State University College of Law.
Charise Key-Gray – Appointed Director:
Charise is the mother of a young adult with autism. She, her husband Charles and son Emari reside in Grand Blanc. Charise joined Comerica Bank following her graduation from Central Michigan University in 1993. She is currently the VP and District Manager for 13 Comerica banking centers and Banker Connect Customer Support Team in Southeast Michigan and recently celebrate 28 years with the company. She is heavily involved it the Comerica Cares program which prides itself on helping others in the community.
Charise’s desire to help educate others began in college when she joined Delta Theta, a community service based sorority and she is actively involved in the Flint Alumnae Chapter. Charise has also served on the leadership council for Comerica’s African American Network (CAAN) for the past 11 years. Charise has been involved with ASRC for several years and has chaired a supply drive for several years where she inspired others to donate hundreds of dollars worth of supplies for our programs. She is proud to be involved with the ASRC so that children like Emari are treated with respect in the community.