Audrey Metzler has had a connection with the autism community for the entirety of her life—whether it was through friends, peers, family friends, or friends of her siblings.
“When I turned 18, I got licensed to be a habilitation/respite provider for children and teens with autism,” says Audrey. “That transitioned into the work I do in my current role at Emily R. Taylor, Attorney, PLLC, where we work with people impacted by a wide range of disabilities. Autism is very prevalent in the lives of our clients, which is part of why we are so involved with SARRC.”
She is also no stranger to SARRC. She was first connected many years ago through a close family friend whose son was around 5 years old at the time and was receiving services through SARRC. Years later, she volunteered at YES Day for Autism™, a free community event that happens each October, through her employer.
“It was so amazing to connect with families and get a better understanding of who’s in our community and who’s benefiting from all the incredible things SARRC is doing, and that sparked an even deeper interest in SARRC,” she says.
In addition to volunteering, attending special events and supporting where she can, Audrey was further inspired by SARRC’s 2030 Strategic Plan to become a statewide organization that puts effective services within reach of every Arizonan. She decided to amplify her support by becoming a Multiyear Visionary Partner (MVP). As an MVP, Audrey has made the generous commitment to make an annual gift for at least five years to support SARRC’s programs, services, and research initiatives.
“All of the interactions and experiences I’ve had with SARRC’s team and the families SARRC serves have so clearly demonstrated the work SARRC is doing to create a better and brighter future for people with autism, and for our community overall as we continue to learn how to be more inclusive and accepting,” she shares. “To be a part of making an impact on families in other areas of our state who do not currently have access to these invaluable resources is incredible. And is something we absolutely need more of.”
A lifelong advocate, Audrey shares, “Supporting the autism community has been one of the threads in the tapestry of my life for as long as I can remember, really.”
Audrey is a third-generation Arizona native and volunteers with the Aris Foundation, a local non-profit serving unhoused teens and adults in Tempe. She has also volunteered with the House of Refuge and is a member of the Young Professionals Committee of Special Olympics Arizona.
Are you interested in making a difference by becoming a SARRC Multiyear Visionary Partner? Learn more here.
