Meet The Board

Hello!

I am Elizabeth Garza and I live in Murray, KY with my husband and 5 boys. I work at FNB Bank as a commercial loan assistant and have been with the company for 6 years. Autism is still very new to us as our son was diagnosed early 2021 at 4 years old.

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We have seen the many struggles that come with finding resources, support, and advocacy for autism. When I was led to Families on the Spectrum I knew I 

wanted to be a part of this amazing organization! I am honored to be on the board and look forward to advocating and bringing the autism community and families together. I look forward to the many opportunities and friendships that Families on the Spectrum will bring me and my family. 

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Email: elizabeth@familiesonthespectrumky.org

Hello! My Name is Jacob Rivera. I currently reside in Mayfield, Ky with my Daughter Ariana who is 8yrs old and was diagnosed with ASD when she was 2 years old. I have always had a passion for working with children and children with special needs, but this gave me a drive to help those who don't have a voice of their own in any way I can. When I was working at a local Dr's office and was told about FOTS I joined immediately as this was a safe space to talk and offer my guidance and my experiences with ASD that I have gone through with Ariana. I am glad to have this opportunity to serve on the board with so many amazing people and for something that I have always been passionate about personally and professionally!

​Email: jacob@familiesonthespectrumky.org

My name is Anne Sisti and my journey with autism began many, many years ago. My mother was a special education teacher working primarily with autistic children. I used to beg her to let me go to work with her so I could play with the children in her class. I didn’t understand why some of them didn’t speak or had mannerisms that were different than me. My mother explained that those children were special and different. They didn’t look at the world the way I did. Her explanation was enough for me. Years later, I worked with Autistic children at a state-run facility in Huntington, New York. I worked with a great team of professionals trying to find ways to communicate. We developed a program using music and ASL. 

My niece Melissa has a daughter, Zoey who has Autism. Zoey is the light and love of my life! When my husband and I decided to leave Florida for a new adventure; Melissa suggested we come to Paducah. We hadn’t seen them in a year and I was nervous Zoey wouldn’t remember me. When we came in she smiled and came right over, my heart melted. We now live close and I get to see the kids often.

When Melissa told me about FOTS, I was excited that she found a group of supportive families who understood the daily struggles and who without judgement offer a place to talk, to exchange ideas and to help each other through the challenges that come from caring for someone with autism.
FOTS not only offers support to its members but it also offers hope and I am proud to be on the Board of Directors and to lend whatever help, compassion and hard work I can to assist anyone who needs it.

Hey y’all, my name is Shay Tyler and I am so excited about serving on the board for FOTS. In 2000 I graduated  from Paducah Tilghman High School and 15 years later I earned my  Bachelors Degree from Murray State. In May of 2018 I graduated  from Bethel University with a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice. I am currently employed by Paducah Public School as a Social Worker and I have worked in this district for over 8 years. I am the proud single mother of two amazing boys Vic 18 and Kam 11. Kam was diagnosed with Autism at 18 months old so being apart of FOTS means a lot to us and we hope to meet some amazing people and families along the way.

My name is Haley Willie and I live in Mayfield, KY with my husband Jackson and our 3 children. We are expecting another bundle of joy due to make his appearance in the spring of 2023.

I graduated from WKCTC in 2019 with an Associates in Arts and again in 2020 with an Associates in Science. I hope to one day join the nursing program and follow my dream of becoming a nurse.

My son, Noah, was diagnosed with level 2 Autism in March of 2022 at the age of 2 (31 months). We began the process of getting his diagnosis when he was 15 months old and had to jump through a lot of hoops and wait lists to finally receive his diagnosis so we could get him the therapies he needed.

This is one of the many reasons that I am so excited to join FOTS as a board member so I can help local families through the crazy process that comes with getting a diagnosis and everything that follows. I truly could not have done everything I was able to for my son without the community of FOTS being by my side.

It takes a tribe to be a parent and it takes a stronger tribe to be an autism parent. Being a part of a group that understands and has walked a mile in my shoes means so much to me. I am eager to bring awareness to our local community and to play a small role in advocating for our children.

Hey there,

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My name is Erika, I’m the mom of two amazing young adults, one of which was diagnosed with ASD at the age of 18. I reside in Western Kentucky and am a Site Manager and Trainer for Finish Line Car Wash.

As I continue to learn more daily about ASD and the effects it has on teens and young adults, I want to help educate parents and families as their children age into young adults with Autism. I am happy to be a resource of support for impacted families! I have a passion for serving others and hope that I can be a voice for our children, while also advocating for inclusion and equality for all.

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I am so very honored and excited for the opportunity to serve individuals and families of our communities as a Board Member for FOTS!