Please join us for an hour of fun, fellowship and learning at the Ramada Inn, 490 Pleasant Street, Lewiston, from noon to 1 o'clock when our speaker will be Cathy Dionne, Director of Programs and Administration,, of the Autism Society of Maine.
Cathy's bio.........
I am the parent of a 16 year old boy with autism, Ben, and a 18 year old daughter, Ashley. I live in Greene, Maine with my husband of 24 years, Rick. Ben was diagnosed with autism at the age of 18 months, and my family’s interesting journey began at that time. Right away I began my education about the world of autism with all of its therapies, appointments, and family adjustments.
I became involved with the Autism Society of Maine (ASM) in 1996 first as a member of the Board of Directors, and then became Vice President. Eventually I found myself wanting to do more for Maine families having a family member on the autism spectrum. My idea of making a difference was to work for the Autism Society of Maine as a staff member so I could have direct contact every day with families. I have been with ASM for 15 years and am currently the Director of Programs and Administration, and serve as Fundraising Chair person. Over the past 15 years I have been instrumental in expanding the resources and programs which ASM provides for both children and adults with autism, and have been responsible for developing ASM’s fundraising efforts such as the Christmas wreath sales, the Ride for Autism, and the Walk for Autism. In seven years this fundraiser has grown from 200 attendees to over 1200. I was also instrumental in initiating the summer camp program based in Farmington at the University of Farmington. Each year I organize the Annual Autism Family Retreat Weekend held in Biddeford, and I sit on several committees with the Department of Health and Human Services and collaborate with other agencies.