Garrett's Place is proud of the individuals who serve as employees and board members. We have a range of professionals, as well as ASD individuals who serve to move our organization forward.
Please read our 2025 Annual Report for more information on the work we do.
Please read our 2025 Annual Report for more information on the work we do.
STAFF:
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Anne Haley, Executive Director: Anne has served as the Executive Director of Garrett's Place since February 2014. She and her husband Don have a blended family of 5 children. Her son was diagnosed with Autism at age 2. Prior to becoming the Executive Director of Garrett's Place, Anne served as the Secretary of the Board of Directors and volunteered her time at various Garrett's Place sponsored events. Anne holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Wayne State University as well as an undergraduate degree in Packaging from Michigan State University. Her experiences range from corporate to educational. Up until February 2014, she served as a Director of non-profit schools in the Metro Detroit area where she gained experience in staff management, curriculum implementation, family relations and fund development. She and her husband Don also are owners of Strive Centers for Autism ABA Clinics with locations in Burton and Brighton. Anne feels grateful to be involved with an organization that strives to integrate people with autism throughout the lifespan.
Amy Morris, Director of Family and Community Education: Amy has spent the entirety of her career in the not for profit social work field assisting children and families with developmental disabilities and multiple mental health impairments. After graduating in 1999 with a BS in Clinical/Community Psychology, she found herself drawn to clients living with an Autism Spectrum disorder and her caseload reflected this. When her own daughter was diagnosed at age 4 with ASD, she made autism her focus personally and professionally. Amy became involved with the ASRC in 2011 in a volunteer capacity, co-chairing the Walk for Autism as well as co-directing POWER Camp. She sat on the Garrett's Place Board of Directors in various roles, including General Board Member, Board Treasurer and Board Chairperson. Passionate about ensuring those living with autism experience a truly integrated and fulfilling life, employment with Garrett's Place when her current position became available was a natural fit. Whether it is teaching life skills to those on the Spectrum, directing POWER Camp, supervising future clinicians, or planning fundraisers, Amy thoroughly enjoys her work and strives to see that the needs of everyone with ASD are met. Julia Jackson, Assistant Program Director: Julia graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Oakland University in 2021. Her involvement with Garrett's Place began in 2011 when she volunteered at the first Walk the Walk for Autism. She was a peer buddy at POWER Camp starting in 2013, transitioned into a Junior Counselor in 2016, and now serves as a co-director of camp. Julia onboarded as an assistant program director and teaching assistant for the center’s life skills classes and recreational programs. Having grown up with a brother and close friend on the spectrum, she has developed a natural passion for and sense of purpose in serving the ASD community. |
BOARD OF DIRECTORS (NOVEMBER 2025 - 2026):
Matt Simpson, Board Chair Person: Matt is pleased to be starting a three year term as Board Chairperson. He and his family live in Grand Blanc. In 2006, Matt and his wife Patty were blessed with Mason, who at age three received an ASD diagnosis. Since that time, he has been doing what he can to not only help make Mason’s life better, but that of the entire ASD community. This includes being active members of Garrett's Place.
Matt, who has his Master's Degree in Criminal Justice Leadership & Management, is a School Resource Officer for a local district. He recently retired from his post as Lieutenant with a local police department and was previously a canine handler for over 15 years. His unique perspective on the way that ASD touches ALL OF US comes from not only having a child on the spectrum, but also assisting those in the community that have particular challenges related to ASD. This has included searching for those that have wandered or eloped to talking to families about what can be done to make any interaction with Law Enforcement successful for all involved.
Recently he played a part in bringing Michigan Autism Safety Training (M.A.S.T.) to first responders in the area. He makes visits to the ASRC programs in uniform so both individuals on the spectrum and family affected by it can meet and ask questions. He is now involved in creating an emergency contact system to increase the awareness of first responders, via 9-1-1, to the special challenges that being part of the ASD community brings.
Patty Simpson, Treasurer: I am starting the second year of a three year Treasurer term. I live in Grand Blanc with my husband Matt and our son Mason, who is a graduate of Grand Blanc High School. Mason was formally diagnosed with High Functioning Autism when he was 8 years old, but has been receiving therapy since he was 3 years old. I have been working in the Accounting/Finance field for over 20 years and have spent the last 17 years working in the Cost Management department at Williams International. Our family joined Garrett's Place shortly after Mason's ASD diagnosis in 2015 and since then we have participated in support groups, socials, POWER Camp, POWER Sports and other special events at the center. My husband joined the ASRC board in 2016 and has loved being able to give back to this community as part of this organization that has been such a great support for us. We feel lucky to have such a great resource available in our area and I hope to be able to support the center and give back to the community as part of Garrett's Place.
Michelle Papatheodore, Secretary: I am pleased to be completing the second year of my three year Secretary term. My passion to create awareness and opportunities for ASD families has grown with my children’s participation in POWER Camp, as well as seeing the impact Garrett's Place provides with the Life Skills programs, events and social activities. I am a realtor with Keller Williams and reside in Fenton with my husband Jim and 2 children: Keilana (20) and Athan (18). Our oldest son, Kalei (28), is a graduate of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
I currently serve in several capacities with the following organizations:Michigan Board of Realtors, East Central Board of Realtors, Women’s Council of Realtors, Fenton Community Foundation and The Well Christian Center. I am dedicated to serving my community, those in need, as well as finding opportunities to improve the lives of others. I am delighted to be a part of the Garrett's Place board to assist in community education, fundraising, life skills programming, events, social activities, or any other areas to help further the organization.
Heather Giguere, Director: I am pleased to be serving my first year of a two year Director term. I am a proud graduate of Central Michigan University where I completed both my Bachelor and Master’s Degree. I have been a Speech-Language Pathologist for over 30 years. I have spent the last 25 years working for Lapeer Intermediate School District. The first 10 years I worked at the Center Based program with students ages 3-26 with complex communication, behavioral and educational needs. For the last 15 years, I have been the Early Intervention Speech-Language Pathologist working through Early On with children 0-36 months and their families. I have had an interest in autism since I was an undergrad at CMU. I volunteered at a 6 week residential camp called Summer Remedial Clinic (SRC) throughout my undergrad and graduate years. All of the campers had speech and language needs and looking back, I now realize many of them were on the autism spectrum. I completed my Master’s project about autism back when it was considered a “low incidence” disability. I was also lucky enough to receive START (Statewide Autism Resource and Training) intensive training through my employment at the LCISD. I never imagined how much that training would help me when our youngest son was diagnosed with autism shortly after he turned 2. I feel that Garrett's Place is a blessing to the autism community and their families. I have volunteered the last two summers at POWER camp and it’s the greatest week of the entire year for me and my two boys. My boys have also participated in POWER soccer and POWER basketball. This year I also volunteered at the autism walk. I always look forward to continuing my involvement at Garrett's Place as part of the board.
Darcie Cotie, Board Member: My name is Darcie and I'm pleased to be starting a 2 year term as a Board Member. I am a 32-year-old woman who is on the Autism Spectrum. I have been associated with Garrett’s Place (formerly the ASRC) since I was in high school at Grand Blanc. I have overcome many obstacles in my life that I never thought I would achieve. Some examples are independent living, driving a car, and working full time. I currently work at Fernco, I started off in the spark department, and I recently transferred to Enterprise as a second shift machine operator.
I have many qualities I could bring to the Board of Director position, but to me the most important one is the fact that I am a woman who lives with Autism. Only 1 in 4 of those who are diagnosed as Autistic are girls/women. Us women live through autism with a different lens, and sometimes it seems hard when your specific form of Autism is not as easily understood. What I truly feel I could bring to the table is some ideas for the girls/women to thrive as well. I plan on trying to come up with group ideas, trips, and more for us. I feel like having women who understand you in a way no one else can
really helps us in the best way possible.
John Baker, Board Member: My name is John Baker, I am 23 years old and have been a member of the board since 2023. I’m pleased to be starting another 2 year term. I am a resident of Grand Blanc, Michigan and graduated from Grand Blanc High School in 2020. I began working at Fernco through a Garrett's Place employment program in March of 2023. It has given me a great sense of purpose and stability that I did not have after graduating high school. I am very passionate about art and creativity and believe very strongly in its ability to enrich people's lives. I also believe that education about disorders such as Autism is crucial for the average person's understanding of the issues that people can potentially face due to the condition. I value my position on this board, and plan to continue to treat it with the professionalism and positive representation that it deserves.
Christel Drew, Appointed Director: My name is Christel Drew and I am pleased to serve again as an Appointed Director. Our immediate family consists of my husband Bernard, son Joshua, and daughter Cara, who has been the single best thing to happen to my son. Cara is seven years older than Joshua but has been his everything. We have been privileged to participate with Garrett's Place since the 2012 Christmas Bowling Party. It was here where we were able to connect with other families on the journey and some of them have become our most amazing friends and sources of strength over the years. I am grateful to contribute to an organization that has contributed so much to us! Part of my purpose is to motivate, encourage, inspire, and push individuals to overcome every obstacle, situation, and circumstance in their lives. I am grateful to have the change to demonstrate and walk out this purpose as a high school Principal. My favorite students are those who have been written off or those who others don’t quite understand or appreciate. I LOVE to find their gifts, celebrate them, and challenge them and those around them to look at the positives. It is a blessing for sure. Through challenging others to look at certain individuals through a different lens, I have witnessed the miraculous impact of perspective.
Garrett's Place has been instrumental through its programming, referrals, and sharing of resources to help shape and change the perspective of others on so many levels. I am proud to be a part of this continued effort of change through my skills, time, experience as an autism mom and educator, ideas, and resources.
Charise Key-Gray, Appointed Director: Charise is the mother of a young adult with autism. She, her husband Charles and son Emari reside in Grand Blanc. Charise joined Comerica Bank following her graduation from Central Michigan University in 1993. She is currently the VP and District Manager for 13 Comerica banking centers and Banker Connect Customer Support Team in Southeast Michigan and recently celebrates 30 years with the company. She is heavily involved it the Comerica Cares program which prides itself on helping others in the community.
Charise’s desire to help educate others began in college when she joined Delta Theta, a community service based sorority and she is actively involved in the Flint Alumnae Chapter. Charise has also served on the leadership council for Comerica’s African American Network (CAAN) for the past 11 years. Charise has been involved with Garrett's Place for several years and has chaired a supply drive for several years where she inspired others to donate hundreds of dollars worth of supplies for our programs. She is proud to be involved with Garrett's Place so that children like Emari are treated with respect in the community.
Janelle Jackson - Appointed Director: For the last ten years, I have administered federal rental assistance programs and managed the daily operations of a 60-unit senior apartment complex as the Housing Manager for the Lapeer Housing Commission. I have a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in marketing in addition to nonprofit experience serving on boards and as a volunteer. My experience with autism and neurodivergence started much earlier than my youngest child’s formal autism diagnosis which was not confirmed until age 16. Throughout his childhood, I was already aware of and supportive of the cause of the former Autism Support & Resource Center because of the involvement of a close friend with a child with autism. I volunteered at several of the annual fundraising walks in the earlier years of the ASRC and my older three children volunteered at POWER Camp in various capacities. I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing and life-giving work of Garrett’s Place through board service for the next term.
Jennifer Belcher – Board Member: Hello, my name is Jennifer Belcher and I'm completing the second year of a 2 year term. I am 50 years old and have 4 children, ages 26, 25, 17, and 15. I have been blessed to be a stay-at-home mom most of their lives. My husband and I own Ideal Transportation and recently sold Rock Bottom Stone Supply.
I have been involved with the Garretts Place since day one. My son Garrett was diagnosed with Autism at age 3 and is now 25 and we are huge supporters of the center and have been so lucky to be a part of something so special. Though I do not have any type of degree in special education, raising 4 children, one with Autism and 3 others who have learned so much from that. In our family we teach inclusion and acceptance to all. We are all lucky to have Garrett in our lives teaching us great life lessons.
Ashley Bower - Appointed Director: I am pleased to be an Appointed Board Member at Garrett’s Place Life Skills Center for Autism. I first started learning about ASD almost 10 years ago when I befriended someone with an autistic son. I watched his struggles and mannerisms and wanted to know more about how his mind worked. Bonding with him and watching him grow into one of the kindest young men I have ever met meant that when a position opened up in Fernco’s SPARK Program, which works to give those with ASD equitable and meaningful employment, I was jumping at the chance to apply. I have worked at Fernco for 11 years, three of which have been in the SPARK program. I started as a team leader and then promoted to a Job Coach as we promoted workers from the program into team leaders, themselves. I find that I can relate to our ASD employees as an individual with ADHD who has adapted to similar struggles throughout my life. Every day, I help employees with ASD, either directly or behind the scenes, and work very closely with Amy and Julia as our program grows. I have also worked to help educate others on neurodiversity in a workplace setting to promote understanding and acceptance, while trying to end stigma and preconceived stereotypes about neurodiverse individuals. I would love to be able to branch out and help Garrett’s Place, not only because they have helped me in my career by helping our program grow, but because this organization does amazing work in providing so many resources to this community.
Matt, who has his Master's Degree in Criminal Justice Leadership & Management, is a School Resource Officer for a local district. He recently retired from his post as Lieutenant with a local police department and was previously a canine handler for over 15 years. His unique perspective on the way that ASD touches ALL OF US comes from not only having a child on the spectrum, but also assisting those in the community that have particular challenges related to ASD. This has included searching for those that have wandered or eloped to talking to families about what can be done to make any interaction with Law Enforcement successful for all involved.
Recently he played a part in bringing Michigan Autism Safety Training (M.A.S.T.) to first responders in the area. He makes visits to the ASRC programs in uniform so both individuals on the spectrum and family affected by it can meet and ask questions. He is now involved in creating an emergency contact system to increase the awareness of first responders, via 9-1-1, to the special challenges that being part of the ASD community brings.
Patty Simpson, Treasurer: I am starting the second year of a three year Treasurer term. I live in Grand Blanc with my husband Matt and our son Mason, who is a graduate of Grand Blanc High School. Mason was formally diagnosed with High Functioning Autism when he was 8 years old, but has been receiving therapy since he was 3 years old. I have been working in the Accounting/Finance field for over 20 years and have spent the last 17 years working in the Cost Management department at Williams International. Our family joined Garrett's Place shortly after Mason's ASD diagnosis in 2015 and since then we have participated in support groups, socials, POWER Camp, POWER Sports and other special events at the center. My husband joined the ASRC board in 2016 and has loved being able to give back to this community as part of this organization that has been such a great support for us. We feel lucky to have such a great resource available in our area and I hope to be able to support the center and give back to the community as part of Garrett's Place.
Michelle Papatheodore, Secretary: I am pleased to be completing the second year of my three year Secretary term. My passion to create awareness and opportunities for ASD families has grown with my children’s participation in POWER Camp, as well as seeing the impact Garrett's Place provides with the Life Skills programs, events and social activities. I am a realtor with Keller Williams and reside in Fenton with my husband Jim and 2 children: Keilana (20) and Athan (18). Our oldest son, Kalei (28), is a graduate of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
I currently serve in several capacities with the following organizations:Michigan Board of Realtors, East Central Board of Realtors, Women’s Council of Realtors, Fenton Community Foundation and The Well Christian Center. I am dedicated to serving my community, those in need, as well as finding opportunities to improve the lives of others. I am delighted to be a part of the Garrett's Place board to assist in community education, fundraising, life skills programming, events, social activities, or any other areas to help further the organization.
Heather Giguere, Director: I am pleased to be serving my first year of a two year Director term. I am a proud graduate of Central Michigan University where I completed both my Bachelor and Master’s Degree. I have been a Speech-Language Pathologist for over 30 years. I have spent the last 25 years working for Lapeer Intermediate School District. The first 10 years I worked at the Center Based program with students ages 3-26 with complex communication, behavioral and educational needs. For the last 15 years, I have been the Early Intervention Speech-Language Pathologist working through Early On with children 0-36 months and their families. I have had an interest in autism since I was an undergrad at CMU. I volunteered at a 6 week residential camp called Summer Remedial Clinic (SRC) throughout my undergrad and graduate years. All of the campers had speech and language needs and looking back, I now realize many of them were on the autism spectrum. I completed my Master’s project about autism back when it was considered a “low incidence” disability. I was also lucky enough to receive START (Statewide Autism Resource and Training) intensive training through my employment at the LCISD. I never imagined how much that training would help me when our youngest son was diagnosed with autism shortly after he turned 2. I feel that Garrett's Place is a blessing to the autism community and their families. I have volunteered the last two summers at POWER camp and it’s the greatest week of the entire year for me and my two boys. My boys have also participated in POWER soccer and POWER basketball. This year I also volunteered at the autism walk. I always look forward to continuing my involvement at Garrett's Place as part of the board.
Darcie Cotie, Board Member: My name is Darcie and I'm pleased to be starting a 2 year term as a Board Member. I am a 32-year-old woman who is on the Autism Spectrum. I have been associated with Garrett’s Place (formerly the ASRC) since I was in high school at Grand Blanc. I have overcome many obstacles in my life that I never thought I would achieve. Some examples are independent living, driving a car, and working full time. I currently work at Fernco, I started off in the spark department, and I recently transferred to Enterprise as a second shift machine operator.
I have many qualities I could bring to the Board of Director position, but to me the most important one is the fact that I am a woman who lives with Autism. Only 1 in 4 of those who are diagnosed as Autistic are girls/women. Us women live through autism with a different lens, and sometimes it seems hard when your specific form of Autism is not as easily understood. What I truly feel I could bring to the table is some ideas for the girls/women to thrive as well. I plan on trying to come up with group ideas, trips, and more for us. I feel like having women who understand you in a way no one else can
really helps us in the best way possible.
John Baker, Board Member: My name is John Baker, I am 23 years old and have been a member of the board since 2023. I’m pleased to be starting another 2 year term. I am a resident of Grand Blanc, Michigan and graduated from Grand Blanc High School in 2020. I began working at Fernco through a Garrett's Place employment program in March of 2023. It has given me a great sense of purpose and stability that I did not have after graduating high school. I am very passionate about art and creativity and believe very strongly in its ability to enrich people's lives. I also believe that education about disorders such as Autism is crucial for the average person's understanding of the issues that people can potentially face due to the condition. I value my position on this board, and plan to continue to treat it with the professionalism and positive representation that it deserves.
Christel Drew, Appointed Director: My name is Christel Drew and I am pleased to serve again as an Appointed Director. Our immediate family consists of my husband Bernard, son Joshua, and daughter Cara, who has been the single best thing to happen to my son. Cara is seven years older than Joshua but has been his everything. We have been privileged to participate with Garrett's Place since the 2012 Christmas Bowling Party. It was here where we were able to connect with other families on the journey and some of them have become our most amazing friends and sources of strength over the years. I am grateful to contribute to an organization that has contributed so much to us! Part of my purpose is to motivate, encourage, inspire, and push individuals to overcome every obstacle, situation, and circumstance in their lives. I am grateful to have the change to demonstrate and walk out this purpose as a high school Principal. My favorite students are those who have been written off or those who others don’t quite understand or appreciate. I LOVE to find their gifts, celebrate them, and challenge them and those around them to look at the positives. It is a blessing for sure. Through challenging others to look at certain individuals through a different lens, I have witnessed the miraculous impact of perspective.
Garrett's Place has been instrumental through its programming, referrals, and sharing of resources to help shape and change the perspective of others on so many levels. I am proud to be a part of this continued effort of change through my skills, time, experience as an autism mom and educator, ideas, and resources.
Charise Key-Gray, Appointed Director: Charise is the mother of a young adult with autism. She, her husband Charles and son Emari reside in Grand Blanc. Charise joined Comerica Bank following her graduation from Central Michigan University in 1993. She is currently the VP and District Manager for 13 Comerica banking centers and Banker Connect Customer Support Team in Southeast Michigan and recently celebrates 30 years with the company. She is heavily involved it the Comerica Cares program which prides itself on helping others in the community.
Charise’s desire to help educate others began in college when she joined Delta Theta, a community service based sorority and she is actively involved in the Flint Alumnae Chapter. Charise has also served on the leadership council for Comerica’s African American Network (CAAN) for the past 11 years. Charise has been involved with Garrett's Place for several years and has chaired a supply drive for several years where she inspired others to donate hundreds of dollars worth of supplies for our programs. She is proud to be involved with Garrett's Place so that children like Emari are treated with respect in the community.
Janelle Jackson - Appointed Director: For the last ten years, I have administered federal rental assistance programs and managed the daily operations of a 60-unit senior apartment complex as the Housing Manager for the Lapeer Housing Commission. I have a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in marketing in addition to nonprofit experience serving on boards and as a volunteer. My experience with autism and neurodivergence started much earlier than my youngest child’s formal autism diagnosis which was not confirmed until age 16. Throughout his childhood, I was already aware of and supportive of the cause of the former Autism Support & Resource Center because of the involvement of a close friend with a child with autism. I volunteered at several of the annual fundraising walks in the earlier years of the ASRC and my older three children volunteered at POWER Camp in various capacities. I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing and life-giving work of Garrett’s Place through board service for the next term.
Jennifer Belcher – Board Member: Hello, my name is Jennifer Belcher and I'm completing the second year of a 2 year term. I am 50 years old and have 4 children, ages 26, 25, 17, and 15. I have been blessed to be a stay-at-home mom most of their lives. My husband and I own Ideal Transportation and recently sold Rock Bottom Stone Supply.
I have been involved with the Garretts Place since day one. My son Garrett was diagnosed with Autism at age 3 and is now 25 and we are huge supporters of the center and have been so lucky to be a part of something so special. Though I do not have any type of degree in special education, raising 4 children, one with Autism and 3 others who have learned so much from that. In our family we teach inclusion and acceptance to all. We are all lucky to have Garrett in our lives teaching us great life lessons.
Ashley Bower - Appointed Director: I am pleased to be an Appointed Board Member at Garrett’s Place Life Skills Center for Autism. I first started learning about ASD almost 10 years ago when I befriended someone with an autistic son. I watched his struggles and mannerisms and wanted to know more about how his mind worked. Bonding with him and watching him grow into one of the kindest young men I have ever met meant that when a position opened up in Fernco’s SPARK Program, which works to give those with ASD equitable and meaningful employment, I was jumping at the chance to apply. I have worked at Fernco for 11 years, three of which have been in the SPARK program. I started as a team leader and then promoted to a Job Coach as we promoted workers from the program into team leaders, themselves. I find that I can relate to our ASD employees as an individual with ADHD who has adapted to similar struggles throughout my life. Every day, I help employees with ASD, either directly or behind the scenes, and work very closely with Amy and Julia as our program grows. I have also worked to help educate others on neurodiversity in a workplace setting to promote understanding and acceptance, while trying to end stigma and preconceived stereotypes about neurodiverse individuals. I would love to be able to branch out and help Garrett’s Place, not only because they have helped me in my career by helping our program grow, but because this organization does amazing work in providing so many resources to this community.