VOLUNTEER

Our volunteers are incredible contributors; they make a positive and measurable impact.

I have been working with individuals with ASD in Brazil for many years as an Occupational Therapist, with a passion to be with children and provide quality of life and wellbeing! When I had the opportunity to move to Florida, I found out about Els for Autism through some friends. It is a great pleasure to exchange experiences with such a nice team! I will continue next year, as it is something that fulfills me as a professional and a human being.

I volunteer at Els for Autism because it is an organization that makes a difference for children and adults and their families every day with wonderful programs and services, and I want to contribute to that in every way that I can. Working with a team of caring professionals is rewarding, and their focus on new innovative services is challenging and rewarding.

JAMES WILLIAMS, Retired CEO, Easterseals, and Executive Coach and Development Volunteer

Music Therapy, Dance Therapy, and Kickball

I come in once a week and help with the Sea of Possibilities art program. I think it’s a fantastic program where everybody gets to play a part in creating beautiful pieces to sell. I love seeing all the different, wonderful things they make, and to see everyone enjoying their time.

LUCY UHLER, Sea of Possibilities Microbusiness Volunteer

My volunteer experience with the Els for Autism Foundation started 13 years ago as an employee at SAP. I supported Steve Peck who at that time was a founding Co-Chair of the Golf Challenge. I have been blessed to volunteer ever since. I love to see how many family’s lives have been enriched through, not just the schools, but the many programs they offer. Els for Autism Foundation is ‘Best in Class’ and very well-run which is why I proudly support them.

Having a nephew on the spectrum and wishing the opportunities like what the Els for Autism Foundation make possible existed for him is why I love volunteering for the Els for Autism Golf Challenge. Volunteering allows me to make a difference for future generations with autism. Ernie and Liezl’s dedication, commitment, and passion for the cause are contagious and resonate with all those impacted by autism.

I chose to volunteer at The Els Center of Excellence so that I could get out of my comfort zone and work on expanding my skill set as a person. But most importantly because I love helping others. What that grew into is a real passion for The Els Center of Excellence and a deep respect for all those involved in it.

ON MARCH 08, 2023, ELS FOR AUTISM FOUNDATION ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF VISIONARY AUTISM EXPERT, DR. MICHAEL ALESSANDRI AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. ALESSANDRI, WHO JOINED THE ELS FOR AUTISM BOARD IN 2019, SUCCEEDS MARVIN R. SHANKEN, CO-FOUNDER, ELS FOR AUTISM FOUNDATION AND PUBLISHER AND FOUNDER OF M.SHANKEN COMMUNICATIONS. SHANKEN BECOMES THE HONORARY CHAIRMAN.

Officers

DR. MICHAEL ALESSANDRI (CHAIRMAN)

Executive Director, University of Miami Center for Autism and Related Disabilities

LIEZL ELS (SECRETARY AND MANAGING DIRECTOR)

Founder, Els for Autism Foundation

Board Members

ERNIE ELS

Founder, Els for Autism Foundation

GIUSEPPE CIUCCI

Chief Executive, Chairman of the Board, Stonehage Limited

STUART MAKIN (TREASURER)

Partner, Stonehage Limited (non-voting member)

PATRICK MCMAHON

Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Co-Chief Investment Officer, MKP Capital Management, LLC

PAMELA MINELLI

Co-Founder of the Autism Project of Palm Beach County

STEVE PECK

SAP Global Alliance Relationship Leader, EY

MARVIN R. SHANKEN (HONORARY CHAIRMAN)

THE ADVISORY BOARD IS MADE UP OF SELFADVOCATES, AND THEY SERVE TO PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS THROUGH THEIR LIFE EXPERIENCES TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF THE FOUNDATION’S INTERACTIONS WITH CLIENTS, THEIR FAMILIES, AND CAREGIVERS.

Advisory Board Members

SUE ABRAMOWSK

ANDREW BLITMAN

GYASI BURKS-ABBOTT

MIKE DIMAURO

MERRICK EGBER (CHAIRMAN)

ADAM JONES

DR. KERRY MAGRO

PAUL MORRIS

RON SANDISON

KATIE SANTORO

DR. STEPHEN SHORE

CONNOR B. STURGIS

JAMES A. WILLIAMS

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERSMAKE A MEANINGFUL IMPACT by Merrick Egber

Since 2018, Els for Autism Foundation staff have benefitted from the existence of our Advisory Board. The Advisory Board is made up of self-advocates, all with major roles to play, and I, Merrick Egber, am the Chairperson. The Advisory Board Members serve to advise and provide recommendations through their life experiences and to enhance the quality of the Foundation’s interactions with clients, their families, and caregivers. Last year, we had each of the 2022 Board Members interviewed on our own Fore Autism Podcast, and the interviews were spectacular.

Our Board Members provide valuable input, and they serve as autism authorities on a global level. Several participated in last year’s Autism Language/Symbols Survey and disseminated it through their network, along with several participating in the survey to name the Adult Services Building’s café. They provided input on the U CAN EMPLOY Manual which is an authoritative source for employers wanting to hire people with ASD. In addition, their feedback was essential to a Myndstream Project which provides a piece of soothing music when an individual with ASD needs a break, thus helping to relax their minds.

“I am honored to assume the role of Chairman of the Board of the Els for Autism Foundation, a one-of-a-kind autism center of excellence that is transforming lives through its innovation in research and educational and therapeutic programming for clients across the lifespan and the globe. I’m especially humbled that the baton has been passed to me by a man I deeply admire, Marvin Shanken, who has led the Foundation with passion and determination. Together, with our first-rate board, leadership team, and staff, the next phase for the Els for Autism Foundation will be one of breathtaking and impactful growth and expansion.”

– Dr. Michael Alessandri

Founder, Els for Autism Foundation, Publisher & Founder of M.Shanken Communications

Executive Leadership

DR. MARLENE SOTELO

Executive Director, Els for Autism Foundation

YVONNE D’AMELIO

Chief Financial Officer, Els for Autism Foundation

The Advisory Board Members helped us by supporting the Foundation’s events. From the Awe in Autism Events, past summits and conferences, they have all been a fixture of knowledge and talent. Andrew Blitman created a customized painting for the RE-creating RECREATION Conference. Both Andrew Blitman and Connor Sturgis have helped in our fundraising. Mr. Blitman’s artwork has been donated for fundraising and Mr. Sturgis launched a fundraising campaign to raise $100K for Adult Services in the program name of Connor Cares. Finally, in 2022, we had two Autism Spectrum Award Winners and their speeches at the Els for Autism Grand Finale were very inspiring to all attendees.

For the last 5 years, our Advisory Board has served as a source for input and authorities on autism, while also supporting our events in a major way. As Chairman, I am pleased that we have a successful Advisory Board with whom we celebrate the lived-in experiences that are invaluable, and bolster our mission, vision, and values. I could not be happier.