Leadership

Mark
Stimac
President

After serving two years on the board of directors, Mark was elected president in September of 2009. He is the father of a nine year old boy diagnosed with severe autism at the age of 2 ½ who is also non-verbal. Having the opportunity to serve on the board and as president has helped him realize the extent of the work that is needed in the Kansas City area to raise awareness and provide resources to those affected by this disorder. His goals are to expand the support group meetings into all areas of the metropolitan area, continue to raise funds to provide services and scholarships and to build the volunteer base that supports the organization. He has a strong belief that the best of The Heartland remains to be seen and that in the next several years our group will become a benchmark by which other organizations are judged. He would like to remind everyone that donations are critical to our mission as well as volunteers. Anyone interested in donating or volunteering is encouraged to contact him at president@asaheartland.org. There is a place for everyone who is interested.

Robin
Masters
Vice President

Robin found the ASH group when her daughter Morgan was diagnosed with high-functioning Autism/Asperger’s and ADHD at age 7. She was seeking a support group for herself but surprisingly found so much more. ASH has been a wonderful addition to the entire family. Morgan has made some wonderful friends and has had a blast doing it. Robin’s husband Bruce has enjoyed getting to know all the faces of ASH and has become an active part of the organization as well.  Morgan’s grandfather even gets in on the fun by attending events and finds it fascinating to talk with the other grandparents that have children on the spectrum.   Robin has been a hairstylist for 22 years and also has an extensive background in hospitality.   She has a motto that she truly believes in, “you get out of it what you put into it”. Her family has truly benefited from their participation in the ASH group.

Kris
Ray
Secretary

Kris Ray and her husband Justin were blessed with their daughter Maddie Grace in September 2006.  When Maddie was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2 the Autism Society enabled her to quickly find reputable help and resources to cope with the daily challenges of Autism.  Kris' desire is to help parents new to the diagnosis and to bring friends and families affected by Autism together to continuously grow our community of support. Kris holds an MBA from Rockhurst University and over the past 20 years has served in IT management positons at 3 major KC corporations.  She is currently employed by Cerner Corporation where she has started up a virtual support group for associates whose families are affected by Autism.  

Jenny
Whitty
Treasurer

Jenny Whitty is a wife, and mother to four incredible children.  Her two youngest boys are 5 and 6 years old and have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Jenny's number one job is to be an effective advocate for her children.  She appreciates all the help, support and information she has received from the Autism Society of the Heartland.  She started a support group in Liberty, Missouri as an effort to bring that same support and information to parents in the Northland.  Jenny also works part time as a radio announcer for KCUR 89.3 FM.  She has over 16 years experience in radio as a reporter, producer, and announcer.  Early, intensive intervention has been very effective for both of Jenny's children.  Jenny says, "although the therapy hasn't been easy, it has been well worth all of our time and effort!

Bill
Robinson

Past President
Bill served as the President of the Autism Society-The Heartland from the latter part of 2006 until Sepetmber, 2009.  He also served as the Treasurer from 2003-2009.  Bill is the proud grandfather of five grandchildren, including a ten year old grandson on the autism spectrum. He serves on the Chapter Services Committee for the Autism Society of America and served as the "Contact Person" for all the Chapters in the South-West Region of the Autism Society.  Bill is an attorney and is now retired after serving twenty one years as a District Court Judge. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a B.S. in Business Administration and Juris Doctor in Law.

Robin
Jordan
Board Member

Robin is the parent of a 26 year old son (Boone) who has autism.  Robin joined ASH as a way to learn about autism resource, so that she could be a better advocate for Boone; and to better serve her clients at work.  Robin has been the Family Resource Specialist for the autism team at Children's Mercy Hospital since March, 2009.  She has worked as a registered nurse at Children's Mercy Hospital since 1993 and is also a board certified pediatric nurse, and a certified mentor for MPACT. Robin holds a BS in business administration from the University of Central Missouri.

Rob
Lippman
Board Member
Don
Stroup
Board Member

Don has a beautiful daughter and two beautiful granddaughters, 10 and 13; the oldest has a severe allergy to peanuts, tree nuts and fish. He retired from Procter & Gamble as a facilities manager and welding inspector after 29 years. After retiring he became a volunteer with Seniors Serving Schools, RSVP and volunteers three mornings each week at Countryside Elementary in Olathe. Don has two very dear friends who are affected by autism, one has a grandson with autism and the other has a son with autism. It is because of them that he became involved in ASH and hopes to be able to help all families with children on the spectrum.