Meet Our Staff

Meet our Board of Directors

Arts ‘n Autism

The Arts 'n Autism after school and summer camp program was initiated in March 2004. It provides services to children from preschool to young adults with autism in the Tuscaloosa, Alabama area and surrounding counties. Arts 'n Autism was conceived by a veteran teacher of children with autism in the local public schools and a parent of a child with autism. Both founding members are still actively involved in the development and growth of Arts ‘n Autism.

The program was designed to meet four crucial needs:

• Supervised visual and performing arts activities for children who, because of their deficiencies in language and social skills, have difficulty utilizing existing after school or recreation programs offered by public schools, churches, or other institutions in Tuscaloosa County.

• Respite for family members and other caregivers who are responsible for round the clock care of these children.

• Outreach and assistance to low-income families who would otherwise be unable to secure similar after school and summer camp services for their children with autism.

• Like any other after-school program, Arts 'n Autism meets a practical need that working families have - a safe after school environment for their children until the parents can pick them up after work.

Serving preschoolers to young adults:

Preschool through First Grade
Connects children with ASD through music, art, fine motor activities, and sensory integration therapy in a language rich curriculum. Our young students practice socialization and communication skills in all activities. This year our preschoolers have joined the yoga classes.

First grade through Fifth Grade
Provides elementary children social opportunities while engaging in enriching after school arts activities which focus on individual talents, sensitivity to sensory issues, language and social skills development.

Arts ‘n Autism Ambassadors
Group composed of Junior and Senior High Students. These students focus on learning life skills and utilization of social skills in community settings. They also continue specialized classes in their areas of interest and talent.

LIFE
Our LIFE (Learning Independence for Future Education and Employment) students have graduated from high school and are ready for either work or college. The program includes vocational preparation with supervised work experience in the community. The program was piloted in 2010 and currently serves six students. Our goal is to assist students in reaching their full potential and leading happy productive lives in their communities. We want to thank The Alabama Department of Vocational services, Shelton State Community College, Ability Alliance of West Alabama, and many local businesses for embracing the LIFE program.

Arts 'n Autism Staff

Petra Burroughs Assistant Program Director • BS Degree in Early Childhood Education, BSW in Social Work, and Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from The University of Alabama. • She has National Board Certification and is a Clinical Master Teacher for the University of Alabama. • She has 10 years experience as a Licensed Social Worker and 12 years as a special education teacher. Petra has recently opened a group home for individuals with mental retardation and hopes to expand soon to include individuals with ASD.

Instructors

Katie Andoe LIFEE & Job Coaching	Carol Avery Music and Piano	Jennifer Baggett Bibliotherapy, Social Skills & Sign Language
Allison Hetzel Drama	Kaye Houston Art	Harry Lawson Martial Arts & Cardio
Justin Mixon Drumming & Ukulele Trivia & Journalism Assistant	Marsha Roberts Babies	Cara Lynn Smith Leader, Girl Scout Troop #417
Stephen White Art	Pat Wiggins Drumming & Trivia Meds & Snacks Supervisor Journalism Assistant	Pam Woods Babies Instructor

Assistants & Volunteers

Morgan Holmes Babies	Eric Klopack Small Group Facilitator	Sadie Moore Tuition Coordinator
Drue Nelson Babies	Greg Sanders LIFEE and Ambassadors	Nikki Scott Babies
Valerie Strode Music & Drama	Wes Youngson 1-1 Assistant