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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 beggining |
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 2020 Annual Report for more information on the work we do.
Please read our 2020 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.
Julia Jackson, Assistant Program Director: Julia is from Lapeer, Michigan, but currently lives in Rochester Hills where she attends Oakland University. She is pursuing a degree in Psychology in hopes to obtain a job in the clinical setting. Julia has been involved with the ASRC since 2011 when she first started volunteering at the Walk the Walk for Autism. She was a peer buddy at P.O.W.E.R. Camp starting in 2013, transitioned into a Junior Counselor in 2016, and continues to serve as an Adult ASRC Counselor. Throughout her high school years, Julia was involved in the LINKS program and currently volunteers with Oakland University’s Center for Autism Outreach Services. Her work with the ASRC, as well as other autism services and programs, has allowed her to fulfill her passion of bettering the lives of individuals on the spectrum through kindness, inclusion, and acceptance.
ASRC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Matt Simpson, Board Chair Person: Matt will begin the 2nd 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 Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, and is nearing his bachelor’s degree, is a Lieutenant with a local police department and has been 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. In the past he has made visits at the ASRC 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 again running for a one year Treasurer term. live in Grand Blanc with my husband Matt and our son Mason, who is 11 years old. 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 18 years and have spent the last 13 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 about a year ago 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 running for 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 would be 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 running for 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 17 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.
Cheryl Smith – Board Member: I am pleased to be running for a 2 year Director term. My oldest son Randy, now 23, 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.
Ryan McReynolds - Board Member: I am Ryan McReynolds, and am entering the 2nd year of my 2 year term as a Director. I am an adult on the autism spectrum. I was born in Rochester Hills, Michigan and currently live in Birch Run, Michigan.
I attend the adult autism social almost every month, and I have volunteered at P.O.W.E.R. Camp and attended the autism walk. I have played my acoustic guitar at the ASRC Christmas party performing some Christmas songs as well as some of my original songs and a few cover songs as well (I do write and record my own songs, I've also done some acting as well).
I am currently an elected Precinct Delegate representing Precinct 2 Birch Run Township and I have previously served on Church Council, Birch Run Township Park Committee and Congressional District 5 Committee.
In addition to having volunteered at P.O.W.E.R. Camp, I have also volunteered at Vacation Bible School at Church and done some political campaign volunteering (I have even ran for various offices before including State Representative).
I spent 2 weeks in Germany, having visited my cousin in Munich but also visiting a family in Neenstetten of whom the mom and most of children are themselves on the spectrum.
When I learned about the potential of spots possibly being available on the board for ASRC, I thought to myself not only am I am individual on the autism spectrum, I am also an individual who already has previous board experience, so I already know pretty much all the ropes to being on the board of directors and I think I can bring my experiences related to the fact I am on the autism spectrum, as well as my previous board experience to the table.
Belinda McAdory – Board Member: My name is Belinda McAdory. I am entering the 2nd year of my 2 year term as a Director. To give you a little of my personal history I’ll start with my journey as a special needs parent. My Son Brandon attends classes at ASRC. Brandon was diagnosed with autism in 1996 at the age of 3. I made sure I educated myself on everything I could to help him succeed. There weren’t many resources available at that time so everything was a fight, but well worth it. Along my journey I’ve been blessed to help other parents navigate through some of the road blocks that I faced. I absolutely love the work the Autism Support and Resource Center does and the benefits it offers to children and adults with special needs, and would love to be a part of this organization. I would love to see where and how we could benefit from each other.
Kathy Emmerling, Appointed Director:
I am so pleased to serve for the first time as an Appointed Director. I am well acquainted with autism as my 28-year-old daughter, Katie Zarnowitz, was diagnosed at the age of three. I chronicled Katie’s (and my) bumpy journey beginning with a hard-fought diagnosis, her formal ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) home therapy program, her studies at community college, and, finally, to the wonderful young lady she is today in my debut book (under my nom de plume Kathleen Jae) From Prompting to Shaping to Letting Go: My Love Affair With ABA and How Being a “Bad Mom” Helped My Daughter With Autism Succeed.
In past lives I have been a proofreader, editor, newspaper reporter and columnist, newsletter writer for a wildlife organization and writer of stage plays and screenplays. Two of my short stories made it to the finals of the 2017 Florida Writer’s Association Royal Palm Literary Award Competition. My first chapter book, Elanora and the Salt Marsh Mystery, will be printed soon, and I am in the process of editing my second novel, Island Times Three-A Raymond Gray Mystery (which takes place on Sanibel Island in 1952). I am currently the CEO of Twenty Paws Publishing.
For several years I have done my best to ensure Katie has had every opportunity to grow and thrive, and I discovered the ASRC at exactly the right time. We had just returned to Michigan after an absence of eight years, and I could not find suitable social groups in the four states we lived in during that time. Katie had attended two other groups in southeast Michigan before the ASRC, and because her experiences there were disappointing, I had to persuade her to attend. From that first night I knew this group would prove to be a winner, and Katie flourished during her time there. Even though she was not able to attend the cooking and social skills classes due to her job schedule, I was (and am) delighted that these opportunities were available.
ASRC has provided enormous benefits to Katie, and that is why I would like to become a useful member of the Board. Everyone with autism deserves to have purposeful learning and social opportunities, and I believe that my perspective will be of benefit to a valuable organization.
I live in Vienna Township with Katie, my husband, Larry, and a brilliant mishmash of canines. My website is kathleenjae.com.
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. live in Fenton with my husband Josh and our three young boys Ryan (6), Drew (3) and Owen (1). I have been a special education teacher for Fenton Schools for the past 10 years, and I currently teach a program for students with autism at State Road Elementary. I am also a START (Statewide Autism Resource and Training) coach for my district. I have a Bachelors and Master’s degree in Special Education from Saginaw Valley State University, and I am currently working toward my Supervisor and Director of Special Education approval. 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 10 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.
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.
Julia Jackson, Assistant Program Director: Julia is from Lapeer, Michigan, but currently lives in Rochester Hills where she attends Oakland University. She is pursuing a degree in Psychology in hopes to obtain a job in the clinical setting. Julia has been involved with the ASRC since 2011 when she first started volunteering at the Walk the Walk for Autism. She was a peer buddy at P.O.W.E.R. Camp starting in 2013, transitioned into a Junior Counselor in 2016, and continues to serve as an Adult ASRC Counselor. Throughout her high school years, Julia was involved in the LINKS program and currently volunteers with Oakland University’s Center for Autism Outreach Services. Her work with the ASRC, as well as other autism services and programs, has allowed her to fulfill her passion of bettering the lives of individuals on the spectrum through kindness, inclusion, and acceptance.
ASRC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Matt Simpson, Board Chair Person: Matt will begin the 2nd 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 Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, and is nearing his bachelor’s degree, is a Lieutenant with a local police department and has been 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. In the past he has made visits at the ASRC 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 again running for a one year Treasurer term. live in Grand Blanc with my husband Matt and our son Mason, who is 11 years old. 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 18 years and have spent the last 13 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 about a year ago 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 running for 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 would be 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 running for 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 17 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.
Cheryl Smith – Board Member: I am pleased to be running for a 2 year Director term. My oldest son Randy, now 23, 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.
Ryan McReynolds - Board Member: I am Ryan McReynolds, and am entering the 2nd year of my 2 year term as a Director. I am an adult on the autism spectrum. I was born in Rochester Hills, Michigan and currently live in Birch Run, Michigan.
I attend the adult autism social almost every month, and I have volunteered at P.O.W.E.R. Camp and attended the autism walk. I have played my acoustic guitar at the ASRC Christmas party performing some Christmas songs as well as some of my original songs and a few cover songs as well (I do write and record my own songs, I've also done some acting as well).
I am currently an elected Precinct Delegate representing Precinct 2 Birch Run Township and I have previously served on Church Council, Birch Run Township Park Committee and Congressional District 5 Committee.
In addition to having volunteered at P.O.W.E.R. Camp, I have also volunteered at Vacation Bible School at Church and done some political campaign volunteering (I have even ran for various offices before including State Representative).
I spent 2 weeks in Germany, having visited my cousin in Munich but also visiting a family in Neenstetten of whom the mom and most of children are themselves on the spectrum.
When I learned about the potential of spots possibly being available on the board for ASRC, I thought to myself not only am I am individual on the autism spectrum, I am also an individual who already has previous board experience, so I already know pretty much all the ropes to being on the board of directors and I think I can bring my experiences related to the fact I am on the autism spectrum, as well as my previous board experience to the table.
Belinda McAdory – Board Member: My name is Belinda McAdory. I am entering the 2nd year of my 2 year term as a Director. To give you a little of my personal history I’ll start with my journey as a special needs parent. My Son Brandon attends classes at ASRC. Brandon was diagnosed with autism in 1996 at the age of 3. I made sure I educated myself on everything I could to help him succeed. There weren’t many resources available at that time so everything was a fight, but well worth it. Along my journey I’ve been blessed to help other parents navigate through some of the road blocks that I faced. I absolutely love the work the Autism Support and Resource Center does and the benefits it offers to children and adults with special needs, and would love to be a part of this organization. I would love to see where and how we could benefit from each other.
Kathy Emmerling, Appointed Director:
I am so pleased to serve for the first time as an Appointed Director. I am well acquainted with autism as my 28-year-old daughter, Katie Zarnowitz, was diagnosed at the age of three. I chronicled Katie’s (and my) bumpy journey beginning with a hard-fought diagnosis, her formal ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) home therapy program, her studies at community college, and, finally, to the wonderful young lady she is today in my debut book (under my nom de plume Kathleen Jae) From Prompting to Shaping to Letting Go: My Love Affair With ABA and How Being a “Bad Mom” Helped My Daughter With Autism Succeed.
In past lives I have been a proofreader, editor, newspaper reporter and columnist, newsletter writer for a wildlife organization and writer of stage plays and screenplays. Two of my short stories made it to the finals of the 2017 Florida Writer’s Association Royal Palm Literary Award Competition. My first chapter book, Elanora and the Salt Marsh Mystery, will be printed soon, and I am in the process of editing my second novel, Island Times Three-A Raymond Gray Mystery (which takes place on Sanibel Island in 1952). I am currently the CEO of Twenty Paws Publishing.
For several years I have done my best to ensure Katie has had every opportunity to grow and thrive, and I discovered the ASRC at exactly the right time. We had just returned to Michigan after an absence of eight years, and I could not find suitable social groups in the four states we lived in during that time. Katie had attended two other groups in southeast Michigan before the ASRC, and because her experiences there were disappointing, I had to persuade her to attend. From that first night I knew this group would prove to be a winner, and Katie flourished during her time there. Even though she was not able to attend the cooking and social skills classes due to her job schedule, I was (and am) delighted that these opportunities were available.
ASRC has provided enormous benefits to Katie, and that is why I would like to become a useful member of the Board. Everyone with autism deserves to have purposeful learning and social opportunities, and I believe that my perspective will be of benefit to a valuable organization.
I live in Vienna Township with Katie, my husband, Larry, and a brilliant mishmash of canines. My website is kathleenjae.com.
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. live in Fenton with my husband Josh and our three young boys Ryan (6), Drew (3) and Owen (1). I have been a special education teacher for Fenton Schools for the past 10 years, and I currently teach a program for students with autism at State Road Elementary. I am also a START (Statewide Autism Resource and Training) coach for my district. I have a Bachelors and Master’s degree in Special Education from Saginaw Valley State University, and I am currently working toward my Supervisor and Director of Special Education approval. 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 10 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.