Our Misson
We lead efforts to raise expectations and expand opportunities for people touched by autism across the lifespan.
Our Vision
People with autism will lead lives that meet their greatest potential.
Our History
AAoM was founded in 2009 out of a need to address significant service and reimbursement barriers for individuals and families living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
We believe that every family should have access to services to assist with education goals, to create a safety plan to keep their child from wandering, to enjoy resources and entertainment venues in their community, and to access housing, transportation and employment for independent living. In short, we believe no family member should be limited because they have autism.
Through our three Pillars of Work, AAoM has served over 40,000 people throughout the state and continues to lead efforts to raise
expectations and expand opportunities for people touched by autism across the lifespan.
Navigation
A life-long guide with professional help and answers for anyone touched by autism.
Education
We drive initiatives that address systemic barriers to education, focus on student-centered advocacy and educate families on related topics.
Employment
Maximize employment opportunities for individuals of all abilities across industries.
Our Events
Autism Hero Walk
Our annual Walk enables Michigan’s autism community to come together in celebration of their loved ones at the Detroit Zoo.
Michigan Shines for Autism Gala
Our Gala raises awareness and funds for Michigan-based families affected by autism and honors those making an impact across Michigan.
Navigating Autism Today Conference
Our spring Conference and fall RegionalConference connect the autism community with local vendors and expert speakers.
AAoM offers many online and in-person trainings. See which trainings are coming up.
AAoM Board of Directors
Colleen Allen, Ph.D.
President & CEO
Autism Alliance of Michigan
Ronald Fournier - Chairman
President
Truscott Rossman
Sweta Alberta
Counselor
Still Waters Counseling
Laura A. Athens
Attorney & Mediator
Julie Bullock
Parent Advocate & Philanthropist
Brian Calley
President
Small Business Association of Michigan
Stephen D'Arcy
AAoM Founder
Partner
Quantum Group LLC
Bruce Dall
President
MotorCity Casino Hotel
William Ernzen
Managing Director
Slalom
Amy Fangboner
Executive Assistant
PVS Chemicals, Inc.
Jeff Gebhart
Coordinator
Ford Motor Company
Michael Griffie
Senior Managing Director, External Affairs
Teach for America-Detroit
Alec Hagen
Young Professionals Board Representative
Nicole Hamp, M.D.
Fellow
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics
Kristen Harrison, Ph.D.
Richard Cole Eminent Professor, Hussman School of Media & Journalism
University of North Carolina
Ronald Hodess
Principal
Miller Canfield
Melissa Howell
Chief Human Resources Officer
Kellogg Company
Tisa Johnson-Hooper, M.D.
Medical Director
Henry Ford Health System Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities
David Meador
AAoM Founder
Retired CAO
DTE Energy
Mark Miller
Senior Vice President, Strategy & Corporate Development
JACK Entertainment
Raj Nair
President & Chief Operating Officer
Multimatic
Paula Patterson
Account Director
Experis
Matt Paul
Executive Vice President of Distribution Operations
DTE Energy
Colette Rizik
Client Accountant
Apparatus Solutions, Inc.
Carla Walker-Miller
CEO
Walker-Miller Energy Services
View the members of our Medical Advisory Board.
Our Leadership
Colleen Allen
CEO & President
Marita Grobbel
Chief Operations Officer
Marc Berke
Chief Development Officer
Financials
How We Invest In The Mission
The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) is leading efforts to make Michigan a better
place to live for people with autism and their families.Our impact on families, communities, lawmakers, and service
providers is not possible without the generous support of our corporate, foundation, and individual donors.