Our Members and Board

autism-coalition-members

Vision 2020 Planning Session

Meet our Team

The Coalition is a partnership of human services agencies, educators, health professionals, and adults on the spectrum, including:

BASICS NW

Centralia College

Centralia School District

Chehalis School District

ESD 113 – Special Education

In-Tot Developmental Center

Lewis County Parent-to-Parent

Lewis County Social Services

Lewis County Special Education Coop

Morningside

Northwest Pediatrics Center

Pope’s Kids Place

Providence Centralia Hospital

South Sound Parent Coalition

Toledo School District #237

United Way of Lewis County

Winlock School District #232

Youth Advocacy Center – 360-623-1990

Governance

The Coalition employs an Executive Director and is governed by a Board of Directors and advised by a Steering Committee comprised of Coalition partners. Parent voice is a coalition value and is fully represented within the coalition’s leadership. Monthly meetings are held for Coalition partners and the Board.                       

Executive Director: Michelle Whitlow, M.S.

BOARD MEMBERS

President: Alison Jenkins
Vice President:
Treasurer: Toby Schofield
Secretary: Megan Shepherd

Member: Susan Faubion
Member: Cara Cusak

Member updates to be expected in April, 2024.

In 2014 the Coalition became a registered nonprofit corporation with the State of Washington and in 2015 secured 501(c)(3) Federal tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service.  Significant statewide partners provide valuable support to the coalition’s development and success (University of Washington Autism Center, Seattle Children’s Hospital Autism Center, Autism Society of Washington, Washington Autism Alliance and Advocacy, Washington Department of Health, etc.). 

Letter from the Executive Director:                                                                                                                                                               

Dear Community,

As the newly appointed Executive Director of the Lewis County Autism Coalition, I bring a wealth of experience and a passion for community-driven initiatives. With a Master of Science in Social and Human Services, specializing in Leadership and Community Interventions, from Walden University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, from Washington State University, both earned with Summa Cum Laude honors, I am deeply committed to enhancing the well-being of marginalized populations.

My professional journey includes over twenty years of experience in roles such as Director of Community Engagement for a local pediatric practice where I fostered strategic partnerships to launch innovative health therapy programs, instilled contracted services in local schools geared toward continuity of care, directly supported families of children with autism and other developmental differences, and advocated for workforce issues at legislative sessions. As a Forensic Child Welfare Expert, I integrated local resources into comprehensive and complex case planning while providing expert court testimony. Additionally, my tenure at the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of multifaceted cases and effective intervention strategies. Additional work experience in counseling, intensive case consult services, and youth social development has afforded me a deep understanding of barriers to services that often plague communities. I seek to change that, with your help.

In addition to my professional endeavors, I am actively involved in various community initiatives, engaging in volunteer projects aimed at supporting vulnerable populations, and have served on non-profit boards in top leadership positions. With a strong skill set in stakeholder collaboration, leadership, and empathy, I am dedicated to fostering lasting connections and driving nonprofit development to create a positive and sustainable impact.

It is with great enthusiasm and dedication that I step into this role, ready to embark on a journey of service and collaboration alongside each of you as community members and community partners. Together, we have the power to shape a brighter future and lasting impact for our community—one built on empathy, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to lifting each other up!

Warm regards,

Michelle Whitlow, M.S.
Executive Director, Lewis County Autism Coalition

Please email: info@lcautism.org 

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