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< Back Angela Sanchez-Concha Caregiver Coordinator Angela Sanchez-Concha received a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Our Lady of The Lake University (OLLU). She has worked with individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism since 2010. Angela was born in Lima, Peru and enjoys to visiting family every opportunity possible. During her free time, she enjoys making memories with her husband and three children. angela.sanchez@acn-sa.org (210) 435-1000 ext. 5005

< Back Tiffany Fresher Chief Executive Officer Tiffany Fresher has been with Autism Community Network since 2016. Prior to her tenure at ACN, she served as Chief Financial Officer at the Jewish Federation of San Antonio/Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Vice-President of Operations and CFO at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, and worked in public accounting at two San Antonio firms in tax and auditing. Tiffany earned a BBA in Accounting and Finance from The University of Texas at San Antonio. Tiffany, and her husband Mike, live in Fair Oaks Ranch and have five children between the two of them (kind of a Brady Bunch situation); two of whom are undergraduates at Texas Tech University and one in graduate school at the University of Connecticut. In her free time, she enjoys watching sports, especially college football, enjoying her many animals, playing tennis, and spending time at the coast. She is very passionate about serving the children and families of San Antonio and South Texas. She has worked diligently to increase ACN’s reach in the community and enhance quality of life programming for children and their families. tiffany@acn-sa.org (210) 435-1000 ext. 5001

Our Valero Community Center is your next spot . The valero cc offers 986 sqft of Check Availability About the Valero Community Center Amenities Degree University Name Briefly describe your degree and any other highlights about your studies you want to share. Be sure to include relevant skills you gained, accomplishments you achieved or milestones you reached during your education. Scheduling Degree University Name Briefly describe your degree and any other highlights about your studies you want to share. Be sure to include relevant skills you gained, accomplishments you achieved or milestones you reached during your education. Table of Fees Degree University Name Briefly describe your degree and any other highlights about your studies you want to share. Be sure to include relevant skills you gained, accomplishments you achieved or milestones you reached during your education. Rental options. 2 day rental I’m a paragraph. Double click me or click Edit Text, it's easy. Book now 1 day rental I’m a paragraph. Double click me or click Edit Text, it's easy. Book now 4 hr Rental I’m a paragraph. Double click me or click Edit Text, it's easy. Book now Valero supports ACN you can too! As a non-profit, ACN depends on the support of companies like yours. No matter the size, your gift makes a difference. Donate

< Back Lisa Martinez-Jimenez Board Certified Behavior Analyst Lisa M. Martinez-Jimenez holds her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Ball State University, completed her BACB coursework from the University of North Texas and received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Violence Prevention & Intervention Certificate from Our Lady of the Lake University. She has worked within the field of ABA for over 20 years and is dedicated to providing quality applied behavior analytic services. She has experience developing and providing ABA services with children, adolescents and adults within the home, clinic, school, and community settings. Her roles at ACN involve diagnostic assessments, autism screenings, parent/family coaching, behavioral consulting, PACT, and organizational leadership within ACN’s Autism Care Pathway Program. lisa.martinez@acn-sa.org (210) 435-1000

< Back An Interview with an Autistic Police Officer James Ward-Sinclair Oct 12, 2019 A Bit about Ben: Before we go on, one of the interesting things I thought worth mentioning about my interviewee today was how, despite receiving a diagnosis at a young age (in fact, mine and Ben’s mums met at a support group when we were kids), Ben by his own admission doesn’t know much about autism and says that he wouldn’t class himself as being part of the ‘autism community’. To Ben, being autistic just meant a confusing school life, where social struggles caused him to be ‘isolated’ and communication challenges left him being viewed as ‘a complete looney and weirdo’. Ben says that he just ‘didn’t have an awareness’ and he was ‘treated badly by people for it’. Things eventually got so bad that after three incidents in which he was kicked, pushed over and had pins pushed into him, Ben no longer could stomach education and refused to return until he could change school (something which he eventually did). However, despite this leaving him with a somewhat lukewarm impression of the spectrum, his interview turned out to be very inspirational and more positive than I anticipated – but then again, I should probably let you be the judge of that. An Interview with an Autistic Police Officer: James: Question 1: Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Ben: I affirm James: So you say that social struggles are one of the biggest challenges you have. What made you choose a public sector job? Ben: When I was in school I would never have thought about being in the police. I think it was around that time [year 10] I learnt to play the guitar and that was ultimately what kind of changed things, in as much as I suddenly had something I could have a common interest in. Forming bands and stuff meant that I was able to generate this social circle that I never had before and my confidence massively improved. I developed a personality that wanted to be part of a community and I already had experiences which gave me motivation to do something good. Then very, very quickly I knew that I wanted to be in the cops. James: What was the next step after you had made this decision? Ben: Once I knew, I wouldn’t do anything else. Getting into the cops was hard but I wouldn’t be disillusioned. It’s intense and requires you to have some academic skill and there’s a lot of waiting. You have to be patient because you could wait 6 months to join and I think people who struggle under pressure would struggle with the application process because it is intense. There’s a telephone interview which isn’t very natural. They don’t ask you about a business or your past experiences. All the questions are based around competency and values that you must have, and they are very specific and don’t allow much room to present your individuality. One of them is openness to change . You then attend an assessment day at the police college; where you do 4 role plays, two written exams, another interview and it’s like phwar, you’re really pushed and by the time you are on the brink of it, your mind is racing and you’re fatigued. It’s dead tough. James: Most autistic people like their routine. So, when you say they are looking for openness to change, did this or the realization of routine breaking, irregular shifts deter you? Ben: I mean I suppose I do have my routines. I always get dressed the same way, always have the same shower and I suppose that when I’m dealing with a job, there’s a lot of paperwork which I always do in the same order. But all the stuff that I have a routine for, like getting ready, how I park my car, where I put my keys, you repeat on the night shift too. In the day, you get up, go to work, you do your shift, then when you’re on the nightshift you get up, go to work do your shift. The actual work in the nightshift doesn’t make a difference. James: So maybe I’m reading into this, and, correct me if I’m wrong, but it sounds like you have your routine, it’s not a schedule, it’s how you do things, that’s the routine. Ben: Yeah, it doesn’t matter the time of day it’s the order. It’s subconscious. James: So does autism help or hinder in the police? For example, It’s said that autistic people have a strong sense of justice. Do you feel this is true and does it help you? Ben: Interestingly enough, I had a conversation with my inspector the other day. I said I find it hard deciding what I will and won’t investigate. We could get a shoplifting, a pick pocketing, a domestic assault and a burglary and we have to be very critical with what we put to the side to ensure that we do the most critical offences. I find it hard to tell people who have been pickpocketed that we haven’t got the resources to send someone out to look at all the CCTV, locate witnesses, interview people on the street and I imagine that must feel terrible. It makes me sad, but that’s how things are with funding and staff at the moment. So yeah, it does help me to do a good job, to motivate me to catch the criminals but it’s probably more of a hinderance – because telling people I can’t investigate sometimes goes against everything I stand for. It’s an uneasy feeling. James: would you say that the police is a good job for autistic people or would you say… Ben: I think it’s important that autistic people are given the chance to be in the cops in the same way that the police should be a mix of all ethnicities, sexualities and religions, because the fabric of the community is just as diverse and we should represent who we are policing. Also, there are many autistic people who will need support. They are victims of crime so why can’t they be soldiers against crime?… [Editor’s note: although the interview took place over the phone, I imagine that it was at this point Ben put a monocle on, started stroking his chin and his brain turned on the philosophical switch] ….but then, I suppose it would be unfair for me to turn around and say that every autistic person can be a cop – because I don’t think that’s true. You have to be realistic. Some people who are autistic are regimented and you don’t get that in the cops. In a split second they could say you’re working another [shift] and you are going to really struggle. Also, the autistic spectrum opens up difficulties and strengths in all areas but generally those challenges are detrimental in terms of safety and managing workloads and it won’t always be clear-cut…. But I suppose that’s the same for everybody; nobody’s the same, so I guess that it’s unfair to say that every autistic person would be a fantastic cop in the same way that it would be unfair to say everybody would be a fantastic cop. However, when you have a Jewish community, it helps to have a Jewish officer because they will have stronger ties. But, when it’s an autistic person, that person only represents one kind of autism, potentially, in the country. You’re a fantastic representative of yourself but the spectrum is so broad and big you’ve not got the entire target audience…. do you get what I mean? James: I do. So do you think it’s important for autistic people to disclose? Ben: It’s personal choice. I haven’t but that’s not because I’m ashamed or embarrassed but because I manage my own autism. If it’s the case that you find something really really difficult then disclose and the force will support you and utilize you because of your different background for a certain community, or to help with learning. The force is aware that there are autistic people in it and they will provide help if you want it. So, should people disclose? It depends what’s right or wrong for you. James: Finally, and most importantly, who is the best cop in TV and movies? Ben: …all I can think of is Bruce Willis and he did a pretty bang up job in all 7 of his movies but my favorite cop film is End of Watch – except for the last 10 mins which I thought was a bit OTT. Previous Next

Camp AUsome! Camp AUsome! is a great opportunity for autistic children to connect with others and have fun in a safe and inclusive environment. Our week-long programs are affordable and specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the neurodiverse community. The experienced staff is equipped to handle a variety of needs, ensuring that every child has a fun and successful camp experience. We also offer opportunities for neurotypical siblings. Check out Camp WeGo! 02 Camp We:Code. Camp We:Code is designed to inspire middle and high school students on the autism spectrum to explore the exciting world of computer science. Partnering with Youth Code Jam, we offer a five-day program focused on getting children excited about coding and the endless possibilities it offers, including future career paths. Join us for an innovative experience which will inspire, challenge, and delight your child! But wait ... there's more! We are now partnering with Youth Code Jam to offer coding opportunities to younger autistic children. Third through fifth graders are invited to join us for an hour, once a week, for a series of 26 weeks, in the Valero Community Center annex on our campus, as a part of our new collaborative After School Coding Club. After School Coding Club. This club is a safe space where any young coder can be comfortable having fun and being creative with code. Contact adrienne@acn-sa.org for more information about Club We:Code. 01 Camp We:Play Camp We:Play is dedicated to providing a safe and fun-filled environment for children developmental ages 5-12. Our unique sensory-based activities offer a balance of exploration play and structured activities, ensuring that your child learns while having fun. Join us at our own Valero Community Center and let your child experience a summer camp they'll never forget! Contact adrienne@ 03 Camp We:Go. Camp We:Go offers a special experience for neurotypical siblings to come together and create lasting memories. Our 5-day sleep away camp, held in partnership with Camp Aranzazu in Rockport, Texas, is an opportunity for kids ages 7-10 and 11-16 to bond with each other while experiencing traditional camp activities and nature. Our experienced staff is dedicated to making this a special and memorable experience for every camper. How to start: Apply for Camp AUsome! Autism Community Network is begining to take applications for our summer program and we want you to get in because spaces will be limited. It all starts by filling out the following form... Enroll Cost of Camp Cancellation Policy In the event of a cancellation, ACN asks that you notify us at least a week in advance, so that we may offer the spot to another camper and return your investment. Failure to notify ACN will result in the forfeit of your fee for camp. Late Arrivals We understand that delays can happen however we ask that you notify us if your camper will be more than 10 minutes late to camp, so that, if necessary, we can adjust locations and activities accordingly to receive them. To find out more information about Camp AUsome pricing, please email Katie Benson at: katie@acn-sa.org

< Back Cathy Kersey Accounting Manager Catherine “Cathy” Kersey comes to Autism Community Network with over 18 years of experience in accounting. She moved to San Antonio in 2023 from Lubbock, TX where she worked as an Executive Finance and Account Manager for 13 years for a finance company. She comes to San Antonio with her husband and two dogs and is excited to explore San Antonio’s culture and restaurants. When not working, she loves to travel with her husband and experiencing new adventures. She is an avid animal lover and has been known to pick up a few strays here and there. She is also passionate about rescuing dogs and helping them find their forever homes. cathy@acn-sa.org (210) 435-1000 ext. 5009

< Back Jennifer Cleveland, PhD Licensed Psychologist Dr. Jennifer Cleveland received her degree from the University of North Texas. She has worked in various settings (and states!) throughout her career including community mental health, the pediatrics department at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, and the school health program through Montefiore Hospital. She has always loved to work with children and adolescents and has a special passion for evaluations and neuropsychological testing. In 2015 Dr. Cleveland became a faculty member at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) in New Jersey, where she served as the administrator for a program providing support for autistic college students. After four years at FDU, Jennifer decided it was time to get back to Texas and began working at UTSA’s former Counseling and Mental Health Services from 2019 – 2021. She left in 2021 to begin private practice full time where she particularly enjoyed evaluating and providing treatment for autistic adults. Jennifer served on the executive committee of the Bexar County Psychological Association as their Early Career Psychologist representative and wrote her first book chapter in 2022 in the book titled, Postsecondary Transition for College- or Career-bound Autistic Students. She joined ACN's clinical team in August of 2023 and is excited to contribute to the organization. In her free time, she loves going to music concerts with her husband, relaxing with her two teen children at home, reading, travelling, watching any good Netflix series (more recently The Lincoln Lawyer, Triptych, and Suits), and doing SPENGA workouts! jennifer@acn-sa.org (210) 435-1000

< Back Anna Paola Smith, LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker Anna Paola Smith attended The University of Texas at Austin where she received her BA in Psychology and her Masters degree in Social Work. She has had the opportunity to work with children and families in the school, hospital, and clinical settings. Anna Paola's interests lie in family system and how the development of one child may impact the entire family unit. After living in Austin for 6 years, she relocated to San Antonio with her husband, Daniel. During her free time she enjoys creating recipes for her Paleo-based Instagram account, exploring the culinary scene in San Antonio with her family and friends, and living an active, healthy lifestyle. anna.paola@acn-sa.org (210) 435-1000 ext. 2010

< Back Nicolle Reyna, MS CCC-SLP Speech Language Pathologist Nicolle Reyna holds a Master of Science degree in Communication Disorders from Texas Woman's University, a BA in Psychology from the University of the Incarnate Word, and a special education teaching certificate from Region 20. Nicolle was a special education teacher for 13 years in Edgewood ISD and San Antonio ISD where she developed a passion for helping students reach their maximum potential with the mindset that ALL children can learn. Prior to ACN, Nicolle worked in Early Childhood Intervention ( ECI) for 10 years where she enjoyed meeting and working with so many wonderful children and their families. Nicolle is passionate about empowering parents and caregivers with the tools they need to help their child learn and grow since they know them best! When Nicolle is not devoting her time to her career, she can be found cheering on the Texas Tech Red Raiders (fan by marriage) and the San Antonio Spurs with her husband, daughter, and two dog children, Theo and Bentley. Nicolle is a proud mom of a 21 year old neurodivergent daughter and loves to face time across the miles with her 5 year old neurodivergent niece. nicolle@acn-sa.org (210) 435-1000