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Cindy Dircks - President
Cindy and her husband Randy have a son, Dallas who is 12 years old and attends Franklin Middle School in Cedar Rapids. Cindy has been president the past 3 years. Cindy and Randy currently implement several biomedical treatments with Dallas including diet modification, supplements, and chiropractic care. Cindy and Randy are also exploring the other biomedical interventions available.
"After seeing some great strides with Dallas by simply using healthy alternatives, it is my wish to make as many treatments like this available to Iowans. My goal is this role is to bring as many options and educational opportunities as possible to parents in the area. There is Hope!"
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Sheri Grawe - Vice President
I have adopted and am raising my grandson JD (Jacob Daniel) who is now 11 1/2 years old. My husband of 32 years died about 1 1/2 years ago. JD is Autistic and has several other disorders - OCD, ODD, ADHD, Anxiety,and a severe eating disorder. Every new year I have seen progress but many new challenges as well. I have committed my life to helping JD overcome these challenges. As caregivers and parents of these children we all need the support of each other. Some of us have been on this journey for a number of years, and some parents are just starting out. I have worked in the Cedar Rapids School District as a Paraprofessional for about 10 years. I now work in the Marion School district as a Para, and have had this postion for 5 years. In the past I volunteered as Chairman of a Iowa Foster Children Review Board for about 8 years. I was awarded a Governor's Award for Excellance in Volunteering. One year ago I received a "Nine Who Care Award" from Cedar Rapids Channel 9 TV Station for my work with the Foster Care Board and the East Central Iowa Autism Society. This last Spring the East Central Iowa Autism Society also received a Governor's Award for all of our efforts in volunteering It is my passion to help Autistic children and their families. Every year we organize a Autism Walk to raise money for grants from our local Autism Society Chapter. We also do smaller fundraisers such as a motorcycle run and bowling. I also have the oppurtunity to talk and counsel new parents and families.
I have three grown children Jason, Chris and wife Jen, and Melissa, and have three beautiful granddaughters Caitlyn, Ciara, and Cayleigh. My family all live in Marion.
We can make a difference doing what we love for our own childern, and then spreading that love and compassion to other families. We are all on this journey together. We can shed our tears, rejoice in the small things, and look forward to the day that Autism can and will be cured. |
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Dana Martin - Secretary
Dana and her husband Charley live in Tipton, IA. They have 5 children Brittany, Brandyn, Bryanna, Brady and Blayke. and a Grand-daughter Natalee. Blayke has Autism with Mild MR, and has been diagnosed with epilepsy.
Dana Works as a sub in the Tipton Community School district, and stays active in her children's education, and volunteers her time.
Dana has been a member of the East Central Iowa Autism Society, for 3 years... and is active in the chapter. She has worked on the Autism walks and has helped with other benefits such as the benefit bike ride. wing eating contest, Bowling for Autism and many others. Dana is hoping to go to many conferences in the future.. Not only does she want to educate herself, but help spread autism awareness. |
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Mark Hartung - Treasurer
Mark has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa in Math/Computer Science. He has designed and programmed finance and payroll systems for 27 years. Mark is currently employed by Grant Wood AEA.
Mark has been Treasurer of The Arc of east Central Iowa. He is currently Treasurer of the east Central Iowa Autism Society. Mark and his wife Sue, have a daughter Mandi. She lives in Iowa City in a home supervised by Reach for Your Potential. Mandi works at Employment Systems in Iowa City.
”I was Treasurer at The Arc when they were renting office space to buying their first building. I have found the same level of excitement and enthusiasm with the East Central Iowa Autism Society”. |
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Debbie Robinson - Media Specialist
I am the very proud Aunt of my sister’s two sons who are both on the Autism Spectrum. They are two years apart and even though both may share similar aspects of autism, they also struggle with their own individual challenges. Some things work and some don’t. It is trial and error or it may even be try again later. It is with the love and support from family and friends that they are doing great and making strides.
I became involved with the East Central Iowa Autism Society’s local chapter a few years ago to help out with their first fundraising walk by making up some brochures and posters. Today, I am very involved by helping in any way I can and also by serving as a fellow Board Member and Media Specialist.
“I have learned a lot, but I know I have a lot to learn.” |
Our Mission: To be an advocate for all those affected with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
To advance their quality of life through biomedicine, community awareness, and therapies. |
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