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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 next big capital project is a complete overhaul of our current parking lot. This project is expected to cost around $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 2017 Annual Report for more information on the work we do.
Please read our 2017 Annual Report for more information on the work we do.
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. In her most recent roles, 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.
Matt Simpson, Board Chair Person: Matt 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 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.
Heather Giguere, Secretary: 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 as part of the board if I am selected.
Toyia Turner, Board Member: As a dedicated professional with a strong personal commitment to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), I am confident that I can support the ASRC with passion and experience.
My 16 years of experience in the non-profit credit union field has allowed me to forge relationships and a large professional network which I feel I can leverage for the ASRC. I have held positions including Special Projects, VP of Lending, Branch Manager, etc. and have experience working as a team, under direction of others, and supervising up to 19 employees. I have helped organize and volunteered at many local events, been a member of several chambers (Genesee County, Burton, Saginaw), and other community organizations. I work well both independently and collaboratively. I believe my work ethic, positive team-player outlook, and quick learning style have allowed me to grow and advance in the organizations I have worked with.
My family has been personally affected with Autism since our son, Rocco was diagnosed with ASD over three years ago. I immediately immersed myself into learning about resources, therapies, education, etc. to help my son reach his full potential, while realizing to appreciate his unique strengths and help him and our family best deal with challenges instead of trying to “fix” something or someone. I resigned from my FT senior management position, continuing to work PT for the same great employer, to devote more time and passion to the world of Autism and my family as a whole.
I joined the ASRC shortly after Rocco’s diagnosis. My family and I have participated in the Annual Walks, socials, various special events, and the parent support groups/trainings. Recently, I worked with Anne, Amy, and other volunteers to help secure sponsorships, raffle items, and vendors for our 2016 Autism Walk. My family has benefited greatly from the various events as well as the connections we have formed with the Autism community.
Tiffanie Scharrer, Board Member: I have three awesome kids. Kaden is 13 years old, Damien is 12 years old, and Genevieve is 4 years old. Kaden was diagnosed with Asperger’s at the age of 6. However, we saw signs as early as 3 years old but due to other medical issues that required immediate attention his diagnosis took longer.
I am a graduate of Davison High School and Baker College. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Accounting. I worked in public accounting at a firm in Genesee County for 5 years. I then went into Non-Profit accounting with a firm in Clarkston for 3 years. I recently switched gears and am in manufacturing accounting with a company in Davison where I reside.
I have held a board position with the ASRC previously as treasurer. I held the treasurer position for Central Elementary PTO in Davison from 2011 to 2017. I was nominated for and accepted the position of accountant with Family Promise of Genesee County for about 2 years as well. Additionally, I have also helped to organize and solicit donations for charity events within our community.
Robert Cook, Board Member: I am Robert Cook. I am a lifetime resident of the state of Michigan. I grew up in East Lansing and have lived in the Lapeer area since 1973. I married my wife Nancy 31 years ago and have a son and daughter. My son was diagnosed with Aspergers while in elementary school. Since he was having some of the same problems that I had while in school, I returned to the same psychiatric specialist that diagnosed him and confirmed that I also had Aspergers. I graduated from MSU with a Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology in 1971 and worked as a staff Medical Technologist until 1998 when it became obvious that I could not maintain further employment in this profession. I went back to school at CS Mott college and obtained an Associate degree in electronics technology. I graduated with "highest honor" from Mott in 1999. I worked as a class 2 Machine Tool Electrician full time until 2006, then the recession started to hit. With the exception of 2007 when I tried truck driving, I have only been able to find contractual work as an electrician. I still accept an occasional contractual job and plan to continue to do so until my wife retires. I am a regular attendee of the ASRC Adult Social. I also have help out at the teen social at the "Forever Friends Network" in Lapeer. I have attended other ASRC functions, but only on occasion. My qualifications for becoming a board member are based mostly on my practical experiences. Please consider: I have been living with Aspergers all of my life. I got a firm diagnosis only a few years ago. I had to figure out, on my own, how to navigate my differences and survive. I have always had a strong interest in psychology and human behavior. I also feel that I am a very analytical person. I have been on a quest for most of my life to understand myself and why I am different. I have read several books on psychological issues; including books on Aspergers, bullying, and transactional analysis. I have tried out several careers since I moved on from my Medical Technology career and paid attention as to what did and did not work for me and why. My ultimate goal is to use what I have learned from my life experiences to help out others dealing with autism.
Ryan McReynolds, Board Member: I am Ryan McReynolds, 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.
John Carlson, Appointed Board Member: John “JC” Carlson is currently the General Manager at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club in Grand Blanc. Prior to this, he has served as the Associate Executive for four years and Executive Director for thirteen years at YMCA Camp Copneconic in Fenton. He played an integral role in building one of the premier YMCA outdoor centers and special needs camps in the country. Camp Copneconic is renowned in providing multi-faceted recreational, educational and therapeutic programs to youth, adults, and families. Moreover, JC and the ASRC worked hand-in-hand in partnership toward the development of POWER Camp and was honored to be awarded the ASRC’S Angel Award in 2012. The Autism community has deeply affected JC’s life and he strives to continue to make a difference.
Prior to his experience with the YMCA, he served as a training consultant with Personnel Decisions International, a Human Resources Consulting Firm. He earned his undergraduate degree in Recreation Management from Central Michigan University and his M.Ed. in Instructional Technology from Wayne State University. JC and his wife Laura have five beautiful children (Ryan, Logan, Keely, Connor, and Brendan), four of which are currently attending Grand Blanc Schools. His oldest son is now a senior at Michigan State University, studying Computer Science.
Ashley Kirk, Appointed Board Member: I am eager to take on a more involved leadership role within the autism community here in Michigan, as I was very much involved in the local autism and special needs communities in our hometown in California. While in California, I attended the local support group routinely, and was eventually asked to lead the group, bimonthly. Together, the team and I facilitated meetings. I worked side-by-side with fellow parents and advocates to discuss, explore and procure related local services, resources and contacts. I arranged casual play-dates between siblings, and our children on the spectrum. I kept in touch with members/attendees between meetings by staying active on our local Facebook page, as well sending reminder emails and texts.
In my free time, I enjoy staying current by going to autism-related conferences, and webinars; seeking out and attending events and venues that offer sensory-friendly options; as well as proactively following blogs, reading books and watching videos on the subjects of special needs, autism, special education, sensory processing, speech delay, ABA and related therapies.
I am an excellent communicator, and enjoy spreading awareness about autism with the public. Thus, my eldest son, who is not on the spectrum, is already a natural advocate himself. He and I whole-heartedly view the challenging moments that life presents, as opportunities to explain our challenges to other adults and children, in order to help gain acceptance for those on the spectrum. From playgrounds to birthday parties, grocery stores to garage sales, we strike up conversations with others, in efforts to help shed light regarding the behaviors my son may display.
Professionally, my background is in graphic design, my degree is in the field of Visual Communications, for which I have designed countless websites, logos and graphics since 2002. I would very much enjoy a new opportunity to continue my passion and dedication to the endeavor of helping ASD families in our community, as it is very near and dear to my heart.
Damien Christopher, Appointed Board Member: Damien Christopher is a lifelong citizen of Genesee County. Raised two miles from the ASRC, he has lived, and worked in Genesee County his whole life, and now raises a family here. Damien graduated from the University of Michigan – Flint with a degree in History as well as one in Computer Information Systems. He currently works for General Motors at the Customer Care and Aftersales building on Hill Road where he manages a team responsible for training employees to use new software systems.
Damien has two sons, Magnus and Severin. Severin was diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum in 2010. Damien and his wife are members of the ASRC and have participated in P.O.W.E.R Basketball, Kids’ Socials, The Walk for Autism, as well as volunteer hours that Damien has organized through the General Motors volunteer system “teamGM Cares”. Additionally, Damien regularly volunteers for events with the Special Olympics of Michigan. Damien is always looking for ways to give back, and make life better for those that need help the most. His primary areas of focus for helping others through the ASRC are adult transition, fund raising and elderly care.
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.
Matt Simpson, Board Chair Person: Matt 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 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.
Heather Giguere, Secretary: 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 as part of the board if I am selected.
Toyia Turner, Board Member: As a dedicated professional with a strong personal commitment to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), I am confident that I can support the ASRC with passion and experience.
My 16 years of experience in the non-profit credit union field has allowed me to forge relationships and a large professional network which I feel I can leverage for the ASRC. I have held positions including Special Projects, VP of Lending, Branch Manager, etc. and have experience working as a team, under direction of others, and supervising up to 19 employees. I have helped organize and volunteered at many local events, been a member of several chambers (Genesee County, Burton, Saginaw), and other community organizations. I work well both independently and collaboratively. I believe my work ethic, positive team-player outlook, and quick learning style have allowed me to grow and advance in the organizations I have worked with.
My family has been personally affected with Autism since our son, Rocco was diagnosed with ASD over three years ago. I immediately immersed myself into learning about resources, therapies, education, etc. to help my son reach his full potential, while realizing to appreciate his unique strengths and help him and our family best deal with challenges instead of trying to “fix” something or someone. I resigned from my FT senior management position, continuing to work PT for the same great employer, to devote more time and passion to the world of Autism and my family as a whole.
I joined the ASRC shortly after Rocco’s diagnosis. My family and I have participated in the Annual Walks, socials, various special events, and the parent support groups/trainings. Recently, I worked with Anne, Amy, and other volunteers to help secure sponsorships, raffle items, and vendors for our 2016 Autism Walk. My family has benefited greatly from the various events as well as the connections we have formed with the Autism community.
Tiffanie Scharrer, Board Member: I have three awesome kids. Kaden is 13 years old, Damien is 12 years old, and Genevieve is 4 years old. Kaden was diagnosed with Asperger’s at the age of 6. However, we saw signs as early as 3 years old but due to other medical issues that required immediate attention his diagnosis took longer.
I am a graduate of Davison High School and Baker College. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Accounting. I worked in public accounting at a firm in Genesee County for 5 years. I then went into Non-Profit accounting with a firm in Clarkston for 3 years. I recently switched gears and am in manufacturing accounting with a company in Davison where I reside.
I have held a board position with the ASRC previously as treasurer. I held the treasurer position for Central Elementary PTO in Davison from 2011 to 2017. I was nominated for and accepted the position of accountant with Family Promise of Genesee County for about 2 years as well. Additionally, I have also helped to organize and solicit donations for charity events within our community.
Robert Cook, Board Member: I am Robert Cook. I am a lifetime resident of the state of Michigan. I grew up in East Lansing and have lived in the Lapeer area since 1973. I married my wife Nancy 31 years ago and have a son and daughter. My son was diagnosed with Aspergers while in elementary school. Since he was having some of the same problems that I had while in school, I returned to the same psychiatric specialist that diagnosed him and confirmed that I also had Aspergers. I graduated from MSU with a Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology in 1971 and worked as a staff Medical Technologist until 1998 when it became obvious that I could not maintain further employment in this profession. I went back to school at CS Mott college and obtained an Associate degree in electronics technology. I graduated with "highest honor" from Mott in 1999. I worked as a class 2 Machine Tool Electrician full time until 2006, then the recession started to hit. With the exception of 2007 when I tried truck driving, I have only been able to find contractual work as an electrician. I still accept an occasional contractual job and plan to continue to do so until my wife retires. I am a regular attendee of the ASRC Adult Social. I also have help out at the teen social at the "Forever Friends Network" in Lapeer. I have attended other ASRC functions, but only on occasion. My qualifications for becoming a board member are based mostly on my practical experiences. Please consider: I have been living with Aspergers all of my life. I got a firm diagnosis only a few years ago. I had to figure out, on my own, how to navigate my differences and survive. I have always had a strong interest in psychology and human behavior. I also feel that I am a very analytical person. I have been on a quest for most of my life to understand myself and why I am different. I have read several books on psychological issues; including books on Aspergers, bullying, and transactional analysis. I have tried out several careers since I moved on from my Medical Technology career and paid attention as to what did and did not work for me and why. My ultimate goal is to use what I have learned from my life experiences to help out others dealing with autism.
Ryan McReynolds, Board Member: I am Ryan McReynolds, 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.
John Carlson, Appointed Board Member: John “JC” Carlson is currently the General Manager at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club in Grand Blanc. Prior to this, he has served as the Associate Executive for four years and Executive Director for thirteen years at YMCA Camp Copneconic in Fenton. He played an integral role in building one of the premier YMCA outdoor centers and special needs camps in the country. Camp Copneconic is renowned in providing multi-faceted recreational, educational and therapeutic programs to youth, adults, and families. Moreover, JC and the ASRC worked hand-in-hand in partnership toward the development of POWER Camp and was honored to be awarded the ASRC’S Angel Award in 2012. The Autism community has deeply affected JC’s life and he strives to continue to make a difference.
Prior to his experience with the YMCA, he served as a training consultant with Personnel Decisions International, a Human Resources Consulting Firm. He earned his undergraduate degree in Recreation Management from Central Michigan University and his M.Ed. in Instructional Technology from Wayne State University. JC and his wife Laura have five beautiful children (Ryan, Logan, Keely, Connor, and Brendan), four of which are currently attending Grand Blanc Schools. His oldest son is now a senior at Michigan State University, studying Computer Science.
Ashley Kirk, Appointed Board Member: I am eager to take on a more involved leadership role within the autism community here in Michigan, as I was very much involved in the local autism and special needs communities in our hometown in California. While in California, I attended the local support group routinely, and was eventually asked to lead the group, bimonthly. Together, the team and I facilitated meetings. I worked side-by-side with fellow parents and advocates to discuss, explore and procure related local services, resources and contacts. I arranged casual play-dates between siblings, and our children on the spectrum. I kept in touch with members/attendees between meetings by staying active on our local Facebook page, as well sending reminder emails and texts.
In my free time, I enjoy staying current by going to autism-related conferences, and webinars; seeking out and attending events and venues that offer sensory-friendly options; as well as proactively following blogs, reading books and watching videos on the subjects of special needs, autism, special education, sensory processing, speech delay, ABA and related therapies.
I am an excellent communicator, and enjoy spreading awareness about autism with the public. Thus, my eldest son, who is not on the spectrum, is already a natural advocate himself. He and I whole-heartedly view the challenging moments that life presents, as opportunities to explain our challenges to other adults and children, in order to help gain acceptance for those on the spectrum. From playgrounds to birthday parties, grocery stores to garage sales, we strike up conversations with others, in efforts to help shed light regarding the behaviors my son may display.
Professionally, my background is in graphic design, my degree is in the field of Visual Communications, for which I have designed countless websites, logos and graphics since 2002. I would very much enjoy a new opportunity to continue my passion and dedication to the endeavor of helping ASD families in our community, as it is very near and dear to my heart.
Damien Christopher, Appointed Board Member: Damien Christopher is a lifelong citizen of Genesee County. Raised two miles from the ASRC, he has lived, and worked in Genesee County his whole life, and now raises a family here. Damien graduated from the University of Michigan – Flint with a degree in History as well as one in Computer Information Systems. He currently works for General Motors at the Customer Care and Aftersales building on Hill Road where he manages a team responsible for training employees to use new software systems.
Damien has two sons, Magnus and Severin. Severin was diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum in 2010. Damien and his wife are members of the ASRC and have participated in P.O.W.E.R Basketball, Kids’ Socials, The Walk for Autism, as well as volunteer hours that Damien has organized through the General Motors volunteer system “teamGM Cares”. Additionally, Damien regularly volunteers for events with the Special Olympics of Michigan. Damien is always looking for ways to give back, and make life better for those that need help the most. His primary areas of focus for helping others through the ASRC are adult transition, fund raising and elderly care.