MVPs are driven by a vision where people living with autism are able to engage fully in the world around them—empowered to engage others, make friends, learn, live and work in the community.
More than a decade ago, Julie Alpert and her husband, Gregg, attended Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center’s (SARRC) Annual Community Breakfast. Julie had some familiarity with autism as her adult cousin had an autism diagnosis.
Rob and Jenni Leinbach's journey to becoming a Multiyear Visionary Partner began in a personal way—their son, Lucas, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) when he was 20 months old.
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Sue and Scott Wallace’s journey with SARRC began after their grandchild was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. One of their friends passed along information about SARRC, which they then shared with their children.
For the Hubbard family—parents Kathy and Bob, and their son—autism intervention has been crucial in their journey. During high school, the Hubbards connected with SARRC, where they were able to enroll their son into several inclusive volunteer and camp programs.
Being involved with SARRC is a family affair for Stuart and Rebecca Rodie, and they’ve been avid supporters since day one. Rebecca, herself a physician, suspected autism when her son, Willie failed to respond to their voices or make eye contact. The Rodies eventually connected with SARRC co-founder Dr. Raun Melmed.
Impressed with SARRC’s long-term commitment to their granddaughter and others on the autism spectrum, Kate and Terry Steinmetz have made a long-term promise of their own.
A desire to help children and support critical research motivated Phil and Susie Goldman to become SARRC Multiyear Visionary Partners. Not directly impacted by autism, the Goldmans were moved hearing the story of their friends’ grandson.
“I believe in giving to good organizations that make excellent use of their resources,” says Tom Kelly, a retired leader in health care administration and finance. That philosophy led him to SARRC, first as a board member, then getting family members involved, and most recently becoming an MVP.
Patty and Phil Dion were MVPs long before joining SARRC’s Multiyear Visionary Partner program. They were inspired to become involved with SARRC many years ago to honor their son, Dave.
Ruth Darby became aware of autism when she was just 11, babysitting for a neighbor’s granddaughter who was on the autism spectrum. Later, as a single parent, she found her son struggling with unexplained symptoms as well.
Dr. Oliver and Sharon Harper have had a major impact on the Phoenix area through Sharon’s real estate projects, Oliver’s continuing involvement in the medical community and their dedication to continuing to support community growth.
Passionate about helping people with autism throughout their lifetimes, the Hiltons have become SARRC Multiyear Visionary Partners to help SARRC realize its vision.
Ceci and Richard Tayrien call themselves “cheerful givers” as new Multiyear Visionary Partners at SARRC. But their involvement in the nonprofit community goes much deeper.
Since 2016, the Pages have been dedicated to supporting SARRC, including becoming Multiyear Visionary Partners or MVPs, pledging an annual donation for five years or more in support of SARRC’s programs, services and research.
After Jeremy and Sara McDonald’s daughter turned 2, they enrolled her in the Community School program where she would receive ABA intervention and the chance to learn, play and interact alongside her typically developing peers. Since that time, the McDonald family has enrolled in several SARRC programs and has seen the benefits first-hand.
As Multiyear Visionary Partners or MVPs, Regeanna and James Mwansa have pledged an annual donation for five years to support SARRC’s programs, services and research. Regeanna and James and their children called Arizona home for many years. But after college, their children chose to move out of state. As for Regeanna and James, they also made a move and currently live in Indonesia where James works as a Technical Expert in underground Planning for Freeport-McMoRan.
The Ewing family was not fully versed in autism when their son was diagnosed in 2019, but that changed quickly with the help of SARRC. While waiting for ABA services, the family enrolled in SARRC’s Parent Training Program, where they received individualized support and one-on-one coaching with a clinician. Since, the family has become more involved with SARRC and most recently pledged their support to the MVP program. They are passionate about lowering the age of diagnosis, building more inclusive and supportive communities, and improving outcomes for individuals with autism.