Our Goals

Connections for Autism and Other Disabilities was formed for achieving the mission of supporting families and individuals affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities in the rural Northwest Ohio area. The bylaws of the Ohio non-profit corporation aim to facilitate the implementation of various initiatives, including but not limited to:

  1. Providing baskets with resources for newly diagnosed families, including educational materials and information on parental rights and available services;

  2. Offering one-on-one intake meetings or calls with experienced parents for those suspecting or recently diagnosed with ASD;

  3. Conducting outreach to local doctor's offices to promote early diagnosis and intervention for ASD and developmental disabilities.

  4. Organizing local clinics with volunteer professionals to assist parents in navigating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process and advocating for their children's educational needs;

  5. Facilitating the recruitment and connection of parents with Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), and respite providers tailored to their family's needs;

  6. Establishing scholarships for individuals pursuing Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification, with provisions to encourage their return to serve the local rural Northwest Ohio community;

  7. Conducting outreach and education campaigns to parents, educators, and professionals to raise awareness about the importance of early ASD diagnosis and the importance of early intervention;

  8. Maintaining an online directory of service providers and resources relevant to developmental disabilities, with opportunities for community input and expansion;

  9. Collaborating with local insurance agents to address insurance-related challenges faced by families dealing with ASD and developmental disabilities;

  10. Advocating to improve access to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services in the home, community, and school settings throughout rural Northwest Ohio.

  11. Overall improving access to services and supports for families of children with developmental disabilities in rural Northwest Ohio.

Board of Directors

  • Amber L. Niese, President/Secretary

    As a local attorney and mother of a son with autism, I have firsthand knowledge of the immense challenges that families in our rural area face when seeking quality care, support, education, and housing for individuals with disabilities, especially those with behavioral challenges. Access to community-based intensive applied behavioral analysis therapy (ABA) has had a profoundly positive impact on my son and family; however, obtaining access in our area comes with significant challenges and barriers.

    I am dedicated to expanding access to high-quality resources that meet the unique needs of each disabled individual in rural Northwest Ohio. I believe every child should have access to the opportunities and services they need to thrive in their own communities, without having to endure unnecessary hardships. While I recognize the significant challenges involved, I believe we must begin addressing the barriers families of individuals with disabilities in our community currently face.

  • Erica Hermiller, Vice President

    I’m a proud Putnam County native, a devoted wife, mother of three, and a dedicated Nurse Practitioner. Our life took a significant turn when her oldest son was born under traumatic circumstances, resulting in a brain injury. This life-altering event led us into the world of special needs parenting—a path marked by numerous challenges, particularly in finding and accessing essential services for our son.

    Through our journey, I quickly realized the frustrating gaps in the system and the numerous hoops that families and caregivers must jump through to get the help their children need. This eye-opening experience ignited a passion within me to advocate for other families facing similar challenges. Our goal is to ease the struggles for others by providing guidance, resources, and support, ensuring that no family feels lost or overwhelmed while seeking care for their special needs child.

  • Nichole A. Tripp, Treasurer

  • Melissa Burnett

  • Alisha Reed