Our current leadership team all started as SEG’s and worked their way into a leadership role. They jumped (and continue to jump) on opportunities offered for growth, they happily and willingly stayed (and still stay) for hours after work to discuss youth and programs, they answered (and still answer) phone calls at all hours of the night and they are always willing to do whatever it takes to support our youth and families.
I am so grateful for the AAFS Lead Team. I don’t think anyone ever knows how much our leaders do; the endless hours, the difficult conversations, the keeping of confidentiality and at times, the lack of appreciation and the expectations put on them. Our current lead team is stronger than its ever been, spans more generations than it ever has and enables the growth and success of AAFS like never before.
It is important to me that we take chances on new leaders (new to leadership, new to the Autism world, new to our region, new to non-profit) because once upon a time; the principal at St. Helena school took a chance on a guy in his late 20’s who had no experience with disability or autism. A few years later; a group of families believed in a simple idea for a summer program and a guy nearing 30 was worth supporting and investing in