Meet The Board
Board Chair
Lizzy Garza
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
Secretary
Christal Crane
Hello! My name is Christal Crane, and I’m a proud FOTS Board Member. As an educator, I have taught many children with autism and have been an advocate for my students and their families in the school system. In 2021, my son Charlie was diagnosed with autism at the age of 5. As we embarked on this new journey, I quickly learned that it truly does take a village. Once I discovered FOTS, the board members embraced my family and me. I knew immediately that I wanted to be apart of this organization to be an advocate and support for individuals with autism and their families in our region.
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Board Member
Anne Sisti
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.
Treasurer
Samantha Dillon
Hello!
I am Samantha or Sam to many of our families. I moved to Murray, KY around 2019 after I fell in love with the small town feel from visiting my in-laws for many years. I met my now husband overseas while we were both serving in the military. We have three amazing boys. I hold a BA and MBA, but stay home with my boys when they are not in school. I love to build things in my barn from wood and am a huge fan of DIY - once I set my mind on something I build it or make it.
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We are joined in the Autism family by means of our amazing nephews and one niece. Two nephews live local and the time we spend with them is greatest. I will never forget the first time the youngest one told me he loved me. He spent several years being nonverbal and oh how the tears filled my eyes, and it was amazing. Being involved with this organization has made my heart sing. Seeing what we do and how we help our families give me great pride and I am forever thankful to have been asked to join. This is a family like no other. I am so honored to be a part of this organization and look forward to many amazing things that we will do!
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Board Member
Haley Willie
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.
Board Member
Erika Duncan
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!
