Thought Leadership & Innovation Foundation (TLI) today proudly announces the appointment of Casandra Oldham as the new Director of Autism Programs. Casandra brings to TLI an extensive background in autism advocacy, a relentless and dedicated focus on support and training programs for special needs families and 30+ years of experience in the fitness and health industries as a trained kinesiologist.
“We are thrilled to welcome Casandra to our team and expect that her experience and passion for improving the quality-of-life for families facing the challenges associated with autism will create meaningful change and drive our programs forward,” says Shawn Murphy, vice president, TLI.
A steadfast advocate for the autism community for over 15 years, Casandra’s professional journey into autism advocacy began when her two youngest sons were diagnosed with regressive autism. Her firsthand experience navigating the complexities of special needs parenting has equipped her with a wealth of knowledge in law, education, nutrition, medical tests, research and survival strategies for families facing similar challenges.
Oldham’s career has been marked by her dedication to fighting for applied behavior analysis (ABA) insurance coverage, founding support groups and serving as a parent coach. Her leadership in advocacy and parent support programs at Autism F.I.R.S.T., along with her mentorship through The Autism Community in Action (TACA), showcase her commitment to empowering families and enhancing their quality of life.
“My journey as a special needs parent has taught me the importance of support, advocacy and education, highly valuable preparation for taking on this role at TLI,” says Oldham. “I look forward to leveraging my experiences to help other families navigate their own journeys. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive community for all autistic individuals.”
TLI’s autism spectrum disorder (ASD) programs aim to provide comprehensive support, resources and advocacy for families with ASD children and ASD adults. With Casandra Oldham at the helm, TLI is poised to make significant strides in improving the lives of those within the autism community.
About TLI
The Thought Leadership & Innovation Foundation (TLI) is a not-for-profit organization that works at the nexus of science, technology and public health, innovating for superior prevention, treatment and outcomes for those facing life-altering medical diagnoses.TLI helps patients across the country and around the world find better healthcare outcomes. Visit www.thoughtfoundation.org and follow us on LinkedIn.
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