NEW HOPE
AUTISM CENTER Bringing a Message of Hope, Information, Support & Resources
to the Community Touched by Autism.
New Hope Autism Center
2152 Frontage Road
Waite Park, MN 56387
United States
ph: 320 223 3404
shelly
Board Members
Shelly Rakhshani- CEO/ Founder of NHAC
My name is Shelly. I have two amazing boys, Brock which is 10 and Landon whom is 7. My oldest son is considered severe on the Autism Spectrum. NHAC is my son’s voice and if it wasn’t for him NHAC would not exist. I am a nursing graduate as well as a speaker for victims’ rights, I speak at high schools to young women on how to respect and honor their daily lives and live their best self. I was nominated and graduated from the Starfish program as well as a co-author of “Making a Difference One Star at a Time.”
Photo by Jane Bailey
Jodi Rajkowski-President
“You need to play the cards you’re dealt.” Hello, my name is Jodi . I’m a graduate of the St. Cloud Business College. I also served on other committees while in the workforce. A few years ago, my husband, Ron and I lived a pretty carefree life-- not realizing at the time, what kind of future was in store for us. Little did we know, once our two sons were born, our lives were about to change in every possible way. Blake and Chase have been diagnosed under the Autism Spectrum Disorder. They’re both high functioning and work long hours with services that include Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA Therapy) improving not only their language and social skills, but behaviors as well. I’ve been down the road that many of you are heading. I know what it is like to have to fight for your child in every way including services, insurance companies, and finding the right physician. I am committed to helping families with early intervention and alleviate some of the stress that many of you are enduring. Being a New Hope board member has given me a chance to give back to the community and help educate others going down the same path. “I want families to know that there is hope for our children and not to just give up and accept this is how it’s going to be.” Having a child with a special need is commitment and even the littlest things are progress--even if it includes a few set backs. Jason Heilig-Vice President
Jason is a strong advocate for people with disabilities. He is the NHAC training coordinator as well as a senior staff member for families dealing with Autism in the community. He donates his time for NHAC while attending SCSU majoring in Special Education. As a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) trainer, Jason is a strong active part of NHAC, he also plays a large role in training members of the community on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). As of 2010 Jason will be doing internship in Africa, he will be back in the United States as of April 2010.
Tasha Tamm - Public Coordinator and Event Planner
Cara Ruff- Public Relations Board Member
Cara Ruff is the Founder and Executive Director for Independent Lifestyles, Inc. a Center for Independent Living (ILICIL). ILICIL is a private non profit organization which serves persons of all disabilities throughout a nine county service area. Cara Founded ILICIL in 1997, and has spent the past 19 years working in Centers for Independent Living persons with disabilities. Cara is involved with and Chairs numerous Task Forces, is President of the MN Association of Centers for Independent Living and is known in the community as an Advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities.
Photo by Jane Bailey
Jamie Vogt - Secretary
I am Jamie, a passionate and hardworking woman. I am a Program Counselor at Dungarvin Inc., in St. Cloud Minnesota. Since the age of eighteen I have worked only in group home settings serving individuals with a wide variety of needs and disabilities, including autism. I am currently in the process of completing my Bachelor Degree in both Anthropology and Social Work at St. Cloud State University. With hopes of becoming a future Social Worker and having worked directly with individuals with autism, I am aware of the hardships those touched by autism endure and feel strongly about helping our community through education, advocacy, support and resources.
Nousha Sabet- Financial Advisor
Nousha is founder and CEO of Sabet Financial, an Investment Advisory firm based in Omaha, Nebraska. She began her career with American Express Financial Advisors in Minneapolis back in 1997. She is licensed in Minnesota and continues to represent clients in the Twin Cities area. Her passion for helping children started at the University of Minnesota Medical School, where she worked in the Pediatric Nephrology department while in college. She is currently a Selections Committee member for Heartland Family Services, a non-profit organization aimed at providing parent counseling and financial support to families with children. She has also been an active member of Junior Achievement in Minnesota helping teach children about personal economics. One of her proudest contributions has been as a personal financial coach in several battered women’s shelters run by the Omaha Catholic Charities organization. Nousha Sabet is a current member of the Autism Society of America.
New Hope Autism Center
2152 Frontage Road
Waite Park, MN 56387
United States
ph: 320 223 3404
shelly
