Western Wisconsin Autism Advocacy and Consulting Center (WWAACC), Inc. is a non-profit organization established in October 2007. WWAACC’s mission is to empower, educate and support families, caregivers, educators, and service providers of children with autism spectrum disorders, and to provide resources and information in order for parents to make informed decisions regarding the needs of their child.

WWAACC’s volunteer Board of Directors is made up of group of motivated individuals with a variety of skills, knowledge, and experiences. One thing they all have in common is their personal connection to autism. It is this combination of professional knowledge and personal experience that enables this organization to create a valuable resource for families, professionals and the community.

Mary Paulson, Board President
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Mary is the mother of four children, including one son with autism. Mary believes that her family has learned a great deal from living with and loving a child with autism. He is a daily reminder of how important it is to consider other perspectives, and to stay open minded. He has also given his siblings the ability to be truly compassionate for others, and to appreciate and respect individual differences. Mary has a Master's Degree in Social Work, and has worked primarily with children and families for the past 17 years. She has experience in early childhood intervention, adolescent services, child welfare, children’s mental health, school social work, and academic social work. She also has experience and training specific to autism spectrum disorders. She is currently pursuing a docorate degree in Organizational Development. Through her personal and professional experiences, Mary has developed diverse knowledge and understanding about the needs of families of children with autism, as well as the efforts of those who provide education, services, and care to children with autism. She is committed to the organization’s efforts to provide resources and information to families, professionals, and the community, to create equal partnerships among those who support children with autism, and in supporting parents in their efforts to advocate for the needs of their children.

Julie VanDerWagen, Vice President
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Julie is the mother of three active, happy and healthy boys.  The VanDerWagen family moved to Wisconsin seven years ago to find better opportunities for their middle son with Autism.  Julie feels incredibly lucky to have had the gifted people and resources available to make a life changing impact on her son. Along with being an advocate for all of her children, Julie has also been an elementary teacher for the past 14 years, and is currently teaching 2nd grade.  She feels having a child with special needs has allowed her to view each child in her classroom through a new perspective. Each child must be valued for their individual strengths, while encouraging them to work toward their potential.  She strives to provide her students with a positive sense of self worth no matter what limitations they may live with. Julie comes to WWAACC with the hope of reaching families and professionals at all stages in the autism journey. She believes that WWAACC is an organization that will provide not only support and education but also compassion, understanding and a sense of humor.

Craig Blomker, Board Secretary
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Craig and his wife have 3 phenomenal children, the youngest of whom is a son with autism. Like many parents, the first few years with autism were filled with confusion, apprehension, and an insatiable desire to “do something”. Over that time, Craig has developed an appreciation for the wide variety of tools, resources, therapies, and support available for kids with autism and their families. In fact, Craig learned at lot from WWAACC during the organization’s early days that happened to coincide with
his son’s autism diagnosis. Craig appreciates the patience and empathy for all kids that his son has helped him develop. Additionally he believe sin the value an organization like WWAACC can provide other families that undertake the autism journey. Craig has a varied business background with experience it engineering, manufacturing, and marketing, and hopes to leverage these skills to help WWAACC execute its mission.

Gary Heimer, Board Treasurer
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Gary is a Certified Public Accountant with over forty years of business experience. He is a former partner of CPA firm and retired president of Twin Cities printing company. Gary is the father of four married daughters and grandfather of nine grandchildren, one of whom has autism. His grandson with autism is a true joy in his life, sharing a special "grandpa-grandson" relationship. Gary wants to be part of an organization focused on helping parents, grandparents, friends, teachers and others who have a connection to individuals with autism.

Michele Bartkey, Board Member
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Michele is the proud mom of two children, an elementary age son with autism, and a “typical” preschool age daughter. She has worked in the field of education for 13 years as a high school science teacher. Michele believes that having a child with autism has helped her develop a broader perspective and appreciation for the differences among students in her classroom, which have included students with autism. In fact, she has found that she has greater acceptance of the differences among all people in her life. Michele’s experiences as a mom and as a teacher have had a positive influence on how she engages all types of learners. In her role as a teacher, she has always been concerned about what she needs to teach others. But now, she has realized how much she can learn from her son and her students. Michele is excited to be a part of an organization that will be providing support to both parents and professionals who live and work with those with autism.