Connecting Families to Answers that Matter.
Through active engagement with our community, Autism Pensacola aims to:
- Educate the general public about autism
- Serve as a support group and network for parents and professionals
- Provide information to parents and professionals regarding the diagnosis, education and treatment of persons with autism
- Advocate for, and obtain, better services for the citizens of the Pensacola area who are affected by autism
- Provide social opportunities for people with autism through camps, activities and enriching programs
As a community connector, we are a beacon of light in the darkness, and a source of answers in all the uncertainty. Along with our partners, members and supporters, we are connecting people to answers that matter, working to improve lives and livelihoods, one family at a time.
We want to change the way our community thinks and feels about autism. Relationships drive our mission to maximize access to the best care and support for individuals and families affected by autism. As the largest network of parents, physicians and supporters in the community, we are helping families maximize and realize their potential to prosper, shifting the conversation from mission impossible, to mission achievable. Together, we help families connect the pieces.
Principles that Guide Us —
Mission.
We are hope, love, compassion and a voice of empowerment. As navigators, advocates and educators, we demystify the autism diagnosis and connect those impacted by autism to a full circle of resources—from early diagnosis and education to support for the quality of life of adults—who then contribute back to our mission.
Hope.
Acceptance.
Commitment to Education.
The Power of Advocacy.
Empathy.
Professionalism.
Tenacity.
Inclusivity.
Leadership.
We invite you to meet our Board of Directors.
Meet the Board.
The Autism Pensacola board is divided into three classes. Each Fall, Autism Pensacola members elect a class of directors to serve for three years. The board then elects officers and the executive committee at the first full board meeting following the general election in October.
Executive Committee for 2021
Officers
Mallory Studer, Chair
Community Volunteer
Kat Lea, Vice Chair
VP of Sales and Marketing, JELCO
Candy McGuyre, Secretary
Corporate Director of Marketing, Baptist Health Care
Rocky Parra, Treasurer
Autism Parent and Community Volunteer
At-large members
Sergio Peñaloza
Vice President, Cox Communications Engineering and Operations Southeast Region
Joe Webb
Vice President Sales Marketing, FSI Group
Becca Boles, Past Chair
Corporate Communications Director, Gulf Power Company
Jodi Bell, Past Chair
Director of Advertising, Pensacola News Journal
Class of 2021
Becca Boles
Candy McGuyre
Ryan O’Connell
Lauren Williams
Jacqui O’Connell
Stephanie Goodman
Aileen Ilano
Council Representative
Class of 2022
Mallory Studer
Kat Lea
Rocky Parra
Harriett Wyer
Laverne Baker
Amie Remington
Class of 2023
Nora Emling
Emily Kennedy
Kevin Nelson
Kristen Sitton
Sue Straughn
Emeritus Members
Judy Burns
Logan Fink
Rishy Studer
Quint Studer
2021 Board Meeting schedule
Executive Committee
Virtual Meetings Until Further Notice
5/04/2021 3:00 pm
6/08/2021 3:00 pm
9/14/2021 3:00 pm
11/09/2021 3:00 pm
Full Board
Virtual Meetings Until Further Notice
5/13/2021 12:00 pm
6/03/2021 3:00 pm
8/19/2021 12:00 pm
9/23/2021 3:00 pm
10/21/2021 12:00 pm
11/18/2021 3:00 pm
Our History: Susan’s Story
Susan’s adventures in autism first began in 1994, when her eldest son, David, was diagnosed at the age of four. Like many parents, Susan found herself thrust into a strange new world filled with questions and uncertainties but also a strong desire to connect with others.
Susan began to learn about autism and to reach out to others living with autism to share that knowledge. Joining together, they discovered answers to those questions, and the initial weight of uncertainty was lifted; replaced with hope, determination and a feeling of promise and potential.
With the help of friends, colleagues and a growing connection to families and resources, Susan soon found herself at the center of a growing passion for autism education, advocacy, and networking. Applying her experience in elementary education, Susan was an instrumental figure in the development of programs to help her son, David—and others like him—in the community and beyond. Shortly after moving to Pensacola in 2001, Susan worked with community members Jacqui O’Connell, Marilyn Irby, Dr. Ben Renfroe as well as local agencies, FSU-Center for Autism and Related Disabilities and ARC Gateway, to establish Autism Pensacola in 2002, and was part of the organization until her retirement in 2018.
