The Autism Foundation of the Carolinas was founded and is governed by board members, all with children on the autism spectrum. Each will individually tell you that their greatest inspiration in forming the Foundation, “My child.” As Isabel Owen so eloquently states, “We are also doing it for the future of our children and the children in this community.” They are inspired by their greatest gift, their children. Please read on to learn more about these parents who are trying to make a difference for all children and families affected by autism.
Jennifer K. Monaco is a UNC-CH graduate with a degree in Journalism, currently pursuing a Masters in Special Education from UNC-Charlotte. When her youngest child was initially diagnosed with speech and sensory issues, Jennifer started learning about the autism spectrum, and its growing presence in the community. This challenging road is what led her back to school and onto the board of Autism Foundation of the Carolinas.
Lori Schleicher is a Wake Forest University graduate with a Masters in Health Administration from Duke University. Her boy/ girl twins were born in 2001. Lori was a partner in the consulting practice of Ernst & Young, LLP up until she realized her son was not just a little boy that who needed a little help with his development. Unlike some autistic children, Robert never demonstrated a regression of skills, rather a slowing of development which became evident at about 15 months of age and was punctuated by comparison with his sister, Rachel. At 18 months Robert began occupational therapy with Dr. Lisa Cyzner, now Founder and Director of the Cyzner Institute, a comprehensive educational and therapeutic resource center for children with special needs ages preschool through third grade. Diagnosed as moderately autistic, Robert is basically non-verbal although he understands language and he is very athletic. He attends Selwyn Elementary School while Rachel who is neurotypical attends Trinity Episcopal School.
Isabel Owen is a Charlotte native, graduate of Queens University with degrees in business and in accounting, and mother of three. Her oldest son, Ashley, born in 2001, had three major heart defects at birth and underwent two successful heart surgeries by the age of five months. At age three he was diagnosed as being moderately autistic and attends school at Selwyn Elementary School. Isabel is quick to point out how Ashley, now 7, is a blessing leading their family to “see the most positive, caring side of human nature in all aspects of our lives.” Her son, James, was born in 2003, and is also on the autistic spectrum, and her son, Reid, was born in 2007.
Marjorie Serralles-Russell is originally from Mexico City, has an undergraduate degree from Georgetown University, MBA and JD from the University of Miami, as well as a CPA. She has many years of corporate work experience and has served on numerous non-profit boards here in Charlotte and South Florida. She has a daughter, Gabriella, and a son, Spencer.
Spencer began receiving speech therapy at 27 months and has continued various forms of therapies to move him along the spectrum. Spencer has strong academic skills, particularly reading, math calculations and spelling. He has difficulty with spontaneous conversations and general social skills, but is a lovable little boy who can develop strong emotional ties with those around him. His disorders fall under the broad umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He is in a full inclusion Charlotte-Mecklenburg School (CMS) Elementary School classroom with pull out resource support and other supporting services.
Lee James is a graduate of American University. He is originally from Richmond, Virginia. He and his wife, Wendy have 3 children—2 girls and 1 boy. His son, Indy has a diagnosis of ASD and attends Selwyn Elementary School. Both Lee and Wendy give of their time and talents to many wonderful causes, but none so personally as to AFC. Bringing resources to those in our community who are affect with autism and making our city autism-friendly is not only a calling but a passion for them.