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
mary@wwaacc.org

Mary is the mother of four children between the ages of 12 and 2, including a 6-year old boy 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 15 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. 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 partnerships among those who support children with autism, and in supporting parents in their efforts to advocate for the needs of their children.

Debbie Brennan, Board Vice President
debbie@wwaacc.org

Debbie Brennan is the mother of two sons: one in college, and the other a high school student with autism. When asked about her sons, she can list the many gifts and strengths they both possess, then mentions that her younger son happens to have autism. Debbie truly believes that who the person is comes before the disability. She feels fortunate that she has had the opportunity to learn some important lessons about life from her child with special needs, such as not taking things for granted. Debbie has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation and a minor in Guidance and Counseling. For the past 12 years, she has worked as a Parent Liaison for families of children with disabilities, which has included providing educational opportunities at local and state levels for parents and professionals. Debbie values providing parents, educators, and other professionals with opportunities to develop a better understanding of individuals with special needs. She also believes in the importance of developing collaborative partnerships between families, educators, and service providers, in order to best meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Michele Bartkey, Board Secretary
michele@wwaacc.org

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.

Gary Heimer, Board Treasurer
gary@wwaacc.org

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.

Amy Christensen, Board Member/Marketing
amy@wwaacc.org

Amy has worked in corporate marketing, as well as on her own as a freelance copywriter/graphic designer for 14 years. In addition, Amy has also become a strong advocate for her youngest child, who has autism. Amy became involved with WWAACC because the largest challenge she feels she has faced in having a child with ASD has not been learning to embrace the unique perspectives (as well as challenges) having a child with autism can bring, but finding the best resources available to fit the varied needs of children with ASD. She is hopeful that her professional and personal experience will help strengthen WWAACC’s commitment to making information about autism and the variety of resources/services available more easily accessible to everyone in the Western Wisconsin/Eastern Twin Cities Metro area.