Our Mission
Autism Social Connection seeks to maximize the potential of each child and adult with
autism to learn, develop, function independently and participate in the full range of social, cultural and quality of life
experiences.
Our Vision
Autism Social Connection is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with autism by providing
first-rate services and supports. Autism
Social Connection strives
to create an inclusive, caring community where each individual
is fully appreciated and accepted as a unique and contributing member of
society.
Autism Social Connection is Unique...
 |
First ever inclusive community based center in the San Francisco Bay Area serving children and adults with autism and
their families and friends. |
 |
Blended approach offering state-of-the-art programs, services and specialized training that draw on current theory,
scientific research and evidence based practice. |
|
Collaboration and partnerships with universities, medical centers, schools and other community programs at the local,
national and international level. |
|
Model demonstration and research site for exemplary practices on social inclusion. |
|
Fosters opportunities for meaningful and long-lasting friendships through mutually engaging guided activities. |
|
Embraces a philosophy of inclusion and diversity by bringing together communities of learners from all walks of life,
including those with differing abilities, languages, social and cultural backgrounds. ASC does not discriminate in hiring or admissions to our groups. We welcome people of all backgrounds, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and (dis)abilities. |
ASC Staff
|
Pam LePage, Ph. D.: Executive Director — Associate Professor in Special Education at SFSU. Parent of a child with autism.
|
|
|
Luby Aczel, MA: Center Director. Parent of a child with autism who is now a young adult. |
|
|
Kyle Creason, MA: Instructor (multimedia and film). Kyle has an MA in Educational Technology and undergraduate degree in film and creative arts.
|
|
Julia Conklin: Special Education Substitute Instructor (social skills). Julia is currently earning an Level I credential and an MA in special education.
|
|
Janis Oberman: Instructor, Film and Computers. Janis is now in attending a multimedia program for film and creative arts at Hayward State Univ. |
|
Jason Meyerson: Special Education Substitute Instructor (socialization). Jason has a Level I credential in Special Education and a Level I credential in Elementary Education and is finishing his MA in SPED. |
|
Erin Brightwell, SLP: Speech and Language Therapist. Erin is a licensed SLP with an MS in Speech Pathology and BA in Linguistics. |
|
Kasey Asberry, MA: Girls' Social Groups (drama and video). Kasey has an MA in Educational Technology and an undergraduate degree in film and creative arts. |
ASC Volunteers
|
Autism Social Connection greatly appreciates the help we receive from our team of volunteers:
Andy Aczel, Jamie Aczel, Luby Aczel, Nicholas Aczel, Reginne Ang, Marcy Ballard, Danica Nicole Bautista, Kelley Bautista, Shandra Brown, Anne-Marie Camilleri, Muriel Catam, David D. Crestfield, Jacob Edwards,
Ijah Garfield, Joe R. Goyos, Asha Hassan, Emily Hur, Matthew Innes, Stacey Kennedy,
Soumeya Kerrar, David Lees, Pam LePage, Niani Manigo,
Cristina Mayorga, Mercedes Mendez, Jacob Meyerson, Diana Minton,
Lucy Moreno, Paul Moreno, Courtney Murphy, Vicky Pitner, Mary Qin, Julia Quinlan,
Jared Smith, Kurtis Szu, Lisa Valerio, David B. Villafuerte, Ashley Young |
|
Our Board of Directors
|
Shandra Brown, RN, Nurse practitioner and parent. |
|
|
Susan Courey, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, SPED SFSU. |
|
|
Jazmin Elek, OTR. Occupational Therapist, UCSF.
|
|
Jennifer Katz, MS, CCC/SLP. Speech Language Pathologist.
|
|
David S. Lees, Ph.D. Research Scientist, NASA Ames and parent. |
|
Pamela C. LePage, Ph.D. Associate Professor, SPED SFSU and parent. |
|
Janice A. Oberman. Adult on spectrum. AASCEND Web Site designer. |
|
Francisco Rocco, Ph.D. Clinical psychologist, UCSF. |
|
Lisa Valerio. Legal/Health advocate for children with autism and parent. |
Staff members at Autism Social Connection have learned from the practices and programs offered by a variety of other agencies. Here are a few of them:
|
|
