Annual ReportJuly 2015 - June 2016

Interprofessional

Education

SystemsIndividual

Community

Autism is not experienced solely by an individual; it is experienced by a family, and a community as a whole.

We have all heard the phrase “it takes a village to raise a child”. For our community’s network of response and interaction to nurture, educate, and care effectively for those living with autism spectrum disorder, we are invited to re-evaluate our collective approach to con-ventional standards of operating – and to seek a new way of ‘doing things’. Northwest Autism Center service provision and develop-ment is at its core both interactive and evidence based. The services we offer are focused on impacting systems (e.g., education, health-care, mental health, emergency services, etc…) that all of us need in our daily lives, but may often be challenging to effectively access for the individual living with autism. The puzzle image reflects North-west Autism Center’s dedication to an integrated approach to serv-ing the individual, the community in which the individual lives, the competency and capacity across professions, and the improvement in policy across systems locally and within our state.

Dawn

received the

2016 Advocate of the

Year Award from

Sacred Heart Children’s

Hospital!

Message from the Executive Director

I learned a long time ago that securing appropriate ser-vices for my child with autism wasn’t all about money, wasn’t all about insurance coverage, wasn’t all about available services or providers. These can all be criti-cally important pieces, but they aren’t silver bullets on their own; not for meeting my son’s diverse and unique needs, and not for meeting my own or my family’s. Other elements of being part of a larger universe come into play. Children living with autism go to school, get haircuts, go to the dentist, shop, swim, eat out, and get lost. Children with autism become adults who, like all of us, want to be valued, want to contribute, and want to feel a sense of belonging.

Northwest Autism Center understands that ‘securing appropriate services’ is language falling short of what every parent really wants for their son or daughter. Our commitment to developing improved services and supports for individuals with autism and their families is imbedded in our commitment to being a value added support to the other organizations and systems within which we live and navigate. Northwest Autism Center has long been a political advocate in Olympia and in Washington DC for legislative policy to improve equity of education and of care for those with autism and other disabili-ties. Our expertise has led us to be an invited participant in creating Washington State Administrative Codes (WACs) for implementing successful legislation and litigation efforts. As you read our annual report, you will see many of the ways in which we share information in the very places we all go for sustenance - churches, schools, dental clinics, childcare centers, medical practices, and clubs - in an effort to help promote understanding and outreach while delivering evidence based practices.

Northwest Autism Center was born of a collective effort fueled by both empathy and a desire to embrace difference at its core. Embracing difference requires more than lip service, it demands listening and the willingness to understand how someone else experiences the universe, and how they connect to those around them. What does it take to elevate, to enlighten, and to ultimately engage with another human being and with ourselves? What can we bring to the table enabling a true connection? These are questions for guiding direct interaction with another person, but they are also questions for guiding interaction with other organizations and systems. Northwest Autism Center cares about what we can do to enrich the lives and the work of others, and how we can become enlightened by the community as a whole.

Thank you for helping us continue to be a part of your lives.

Sincerely,Dawn Sidell

In September 2015 NAC established a new Early Intensive ABA Day Treatment Clinic on the Whitworth University campus serving children ages two to six and providing supervised paid practicum opportunities for Whitworth University students in WU’s new ABA and related programs.

NAC is licensed with the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) passing its recent licensure visit (September 2016) with a >98% score across all areas. Staff providing treatment services are licensed with the Washington State Department of Health and are employed at NAC in a career track position.

Treatment Services

Click here to view a KXLY

Spokane interview with our

Executive

Director and a parent of

a child receiving our services.

Also in September 2015 we launched our Community Based Treatment program. During the initial 10 months of the program we provided more than

ABA treatment hours across home and community settings to children ages three and older.

800T.E.A.M. Outreach (P-12)

Training Evidence-Based and Applied Models

In our commitment to reach the under served, districts include rural outreach to tribal communities. Services were provided to districts in Ferry, Whitman, and Spokane counties.

We expanded T.E.A.M. Outreach to serve 4 school districts in our region by providing on-site training, coaching, and consultation. Two dis-tricts signed multi-package multi-year contracts and we provided consul-tation and professional development for two additional districts.

6500More than hours of treatment were provided across our three Early Intensive ABA Day Treatment Clinics: two at Schade Tower & one at Whit-worth University during the fiscal year.

“As a small district with limited resources, we went looking for help! They came to our RESCUE! Their knowledge and expertise has given us the resources and confidence we so desperately needed to make this transition work!” -John Bovenkamp, K-12 special education teacher, Palouse S.D.

Over families have sought help from Northwest Autism Center.

NAC provides quarterly free autism screenings, open to all ages.

During the current year we screened

individuals.

Family & Regional Support

200032We received, on average, calls from new families

per month during the ’15-’16 fiscal year.

This is more than double the demand for our support during the previous year.

66

24

31

11

18

24

8

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

0-­‐5  Year  Olds 6-­‐17  Year  Olds Adults  (18+)

Free  Screening  Results  FY  2015-­‐2016

|  Total  Screened    | Number Positive  |

“I attended the last autism screening. It really got us on the right track. I just wanted to say how important the jobs you are doing are. Truly appreciated. I live 2.5 hours away...Without people like you, we would truly be a hurting community.” -Rachel Slusser, parent.

The support NAC provides is not limited to the greater Spokane area.

Family & Regional Support

2000+Family Contacts

1000+Non-Family

Contacts

Spokane (1506)

Whatcom

Skagit

Snohomish (1)

King (19)

Okonogan (11)`Ferry (4)

Stevens (40)

Pend Oreille (8)

Lincoln (15)

Whitman (27)

Columbia

Asotin (3)

Walla Walla (5)

Franklin (10)

Adams (6)

Grant (11)

Douglas (1)

Chelan (4)

Clallam

Gray’sHarbor

Lewis (1)

Cowlitz

Clark (4)

Skamania

Klickitat

Wahkiakum

Yakima (10)

Benton (49)

Kittitas

SanJuan

Island

Kitsap (4)

Mason (1)

Pierce (13)

Thurston (4)

Spokane (878)

Whatcom (1)

Skagit (1)

Snohomish (13)

King (68)

Okonogan (3)Ferry (2)

Stevens (15)

Pend Oreille (3)

Lincoln (5)

Whitman (24)

Columbia

Asotin

Walla Walla (2)

Franklin

(1)

Adams (1)

Grant (14)

Douglas (1)

Chelan (3)

Clallam (4)

Gray’sHarbor

Lewis (1)

Cowlitz (1)

Clark (8)

Skamania

Klickitat

Wahkiakum

Yakima (8)

Benton (26)

Kittitas

SanJuan

Island (2)

Kitsap (4)

Mason (2)

Pierce (19)Thurston (84)

Zero1-34 - 67 - 1011 - 1415 - 1920 - 2526 - 5051 - 100101 - 200201 - 500500+

Zero1-34 - 67 - 1011 - 1415 - 1920 - 2526 - 5051 - 100101 - 150151 - 200201+

We have provided service and support to more than physicians and/or pro-vider clinics to help improve family access to insurance coverage for prescribed autism treatment services. Modality of service includes phone support, email, and in-service trainings at provider clinics.Further, we coordinated and hosted two local “Center of Excellence (COE)” trainings for qualified providers pursuing Washington State Health Care Authority “COE” designation for diagnosing and prescribing ABA treatment.

Northwest Autism Center responded to multiple requests for training and presentations on autism in a variety of settings: • Mandatory CIT (crisis intervention training) for Spokane Police Officers • Grand Rounds, Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital • Medical Summit, Seattle Children’s Hospital • Training for court appointed advocates of foster children • IDEA Blueprint for Special Education law and services conference • University class presentations (e.g., social work, nursing, ABA, special education, psychology) • Spokane County PTA • Local churches & clubs • Multiple local, regional, and state level workgroups/advisory boards/committees.

Northwest Autism Center is committed to impacting systems in its efforts to improve care and services for individuals with autism. NAC is a member of the Every Student Counts Alliance and assists in the facilitation of Spokane School’s superintendent’s work group and subcommittees. NAC is a member of the Spokane Police Department’s Mental Health Partner’s committee and the annual conference planning steering committee. NAC is a contracted partner in implementing University of Washington’s (UW) federal National Institute of Mental Health grant; awarded for improving screening, referral, and treatment to children with autism.

Family & Regional Support45

“When I graduate I want to pursue working with children in some field, whether it is in the education system or the social service system, I know I can make a difference. And I would like to thank NAC for giving me those skills.” -Jennifer Erickson, EWU student.

Update as of November 1st 2016: At the printing of this annual report NAC continues to grow …

We moved to our new location at Riverpoint Campus in April of 2015, shortly prior to the beginning of the recent fiscal year. We are excited to be located in our region’s hub for university and medical services. Please contact us to schedule a tour of our beautiful new facility in Schade Tower.

NAC expanded direct services to Whitworth University’s campus in Fall of 2015 and our clinical space is located in Tacoma Hall with WU’s Marriage and Family Therapy program. This location furthers NAC’s commitment to the provision of hands-on expe-rience for university students in a related career field while serving children in another geographic area of Spokane

Facilities & Staff

Since June of 2015 we have added a total of career path jobs to the Spokane area! 30

A majority of our staff hold at least one academic degree.

NAC currently employs people.45That is more than growth!200%

Community Building

Steps for Autism

7182,200

people walked more than

taking

miles,

In 2016,

4.45 Million

Northwest Autism Center partnered with The Autism Society of Washington – Spokane Chapter, and the ISAAC Foundation, in offering Steps for Autism, an annual family and community fun run. Join us for Steps for Autism April 22nd, 2017!

“I can’t get over the overwhelming feelings that come from attending the Mayoral Proclamation last night. A combination of “do we really belong here?” to “God, we REALLY belong here.” I caught myself checking the room at first for reactions of how my son was acting and then as I looked up I would see other children doing as he does. It was a surreal evening filled with anxiety but mostly of all hope and a sense of belonging. Plus it was a good reminder to my parents of the bigger picture we belong in. Thank you again, it was great to see you in person and hug the shoulder I have leaded on.” - Rena Perez, NAC parent.

FinancialsRevenue Expenses

Insurance & Copays $1,120,692 Total Wages and Benefits $1,126,047Programs $97,519 Direct Service Expenses $84,052Contributions & Grants $238,877 Overhead $151,716

Contracted Expenses $85,787

Total $1,457,088 Total $1,449,602Profit $7,486

77%

7%

16%

Revenue

Insurance and Copays Programs Contributions and Grants

78%

6%

10%

6%Expenses

Total  Wages  and  Benefits Direct  Service  ExpensesOverhead Contracted  Services

Our StaffDawn Sidell, RNFounder, Executive Director

Dana Stevens, ABD., BCBADirector, Outreach & Program Development

Suzanne Robinson, Ph.D., BCBAClinical Director

Adam Kogler, MBAOperations and Finance Officer

Ryan Sain, Ph.D.Market and Research Analyst

Jill IdeCommunity Connections Director

Audra KorlingAdministrative Assistant

Gillian Brundage, BCBAT.E.A.M. Outreach

Mollie Weber, BCBACommunity Based Treatment Coordinator

Lauren Worcester, BCBAClinic Coordinator & Lead Behavior Analyst Therapist

Savannah Warrington, BCBALead Behavior Analyst Therapist

Brittney Bauerle, BCBALead Behavior Analyst Therapist

Jessica Dempsey, BCBALead Behavior Analyst Therapist

Brad Bishop, BCBALead Behavior Analyst Therapist

Catherine TheoboldLead Behavior Analyst Therapist

Charlotte TomeviClinical Support Specialist

Shelbie Nyman, BCaBAClinic Coordinator Assistant

Amanda Agen Therapy Assistant

Dru BibleTherapy Assistant

Deann Capaul Therapy Assistant

Gabby CrowellTherapy Assistant

Naomi DullTherapy Assistant

Kyle GlockerTherapy Assistant

Breanna GroverTherapy Assistant

Katie HastingsTherapy Assistant

Kaila Inbody Therapy Assistant

Amanda MackinTherapy Assistant

Colleen MeyersTherapy Assistant

Lauren MooreTherapy Assistant

Kelly NicholsTherapy Assistant

Katie O’BrienTherapy Assistant

Elizabeth Otis Therapy Assistant

Mary RoseTherapy Assistant

“Being a parent of a child with special needs is the hardest and most challenging thing I’ve ever done. It’s so nice to have people like all of you at NW Autism that are willing to help whenever possible. I’m very humbled by the kindness and extra support you have provided my son and really, to all my family. Thank you so much.” - Veronica Salas, NAC Parent

“If I can relay one statement with sincerity and conviction, it is this: connect-ing with others who share your unique commitments and trials, while being provided resources usually limited in nature and number is life-altering.” -Jauna Reed, NAC parent

Shannon SeverinoTherapy Assistant

Sherry St. ClaireTherapy Assistant

Joel StrasserTherapy Assistant

Jordan TakasugiTherapy Assistant

Charlene TinkerTherapy Assistant

Lauren ThomasTherapy Assistant

Joshua WilkinsonTherapy Assistant

Our Board

Founder & Executive Director

Dawn Sidell, RNNorthwest Autism Center

Treasurer

Scott Opperud, CPASchoedel & SchoedelOriginal Board Member

Stephanie Covel, M.Ed.

Teacher Mead School District

President

Lara Hemingway, LLM, JDFoster PepperOriginal Board Member

Secretary

Kim Kamel, JDWitherspoon, Kelley,Davenport & Toole, P.S.

Siri Ashworth, P.E.; S.E.

Coffman Engineers, Inc.

Vice President

Kristin SchimmelsBasin InsurnacePast President

Ken Issrelis, JD

Original Board MemberPast President

Capt. Keith Cummings

Spokane Police Department

Angels

An army of angels, that’s what you are;Heavenly helpers and bright shining stars.Your unselfish devotion we proudly hail...With your commitment and loyalty, to every detail.

We applaud your compassion,Your genorosity sublime,Your most precious gift...Is giving your time.

Your spirits all shine, with amazing grace...You are making a difference for the whole human race.

“This poem is for you & all the dedicated ANGELS you work with!”

- Betsy Conrath, NAC parent