Profiles of our Board

Amanda Cooper - President

Before staying at home, Amanda worked as a CPA for several years. In addition to her work with the autism group, she is involved in PTO and Leadership Johnson County. Her son, Jack Abbott, was diagnosed with autism just before he turned 3 years old and is making lots of progress as a result of therapy and the essential skills classroom at his school.

Sheila Benham - Vice-President

Sheila is currently a stay-at-home mom to Jack and Annie.  Before this, she worked in catering and event planning in Atlanta , GA.   Jack was diagnosed with autism right after his third birthday.  He attends Center Grove Elementary and attends occupational therapy and speech therapy.

Michele Cook - Secretary

Currently, Michele is in her 10th year of teaching special education students at Perry Meridian Middle School .  She is a team leader at PMMS and Freshman Volleyball Coach at PMHS.  She received her special education degree in 1997 from Indiana University . Michele and her husband, Doug, live in the historic Old Northside in downtown Indianapolis : where, they are restoring a 1911 Arts & Crafts home.  Currently they do not have any children, but do have 2 German Shepard's, Wallace and Sophie, and 2 cats.

Angela Coy - Treasurer

Angela is a CPA employed by a Greenwood accounting firm.  Besides becoming Treasurer of the group in January of 2007, she has served on the committee for the group's annual golf outing.  She lives in Franklin with her husband Brad and their son Nicholas.  She became involved in the group when Amanda's son, Jack, was diagnosed with autism.

Jason Bilsland - Promotions

Jason has worked in the aerospace field for the last 8 years in both business and engineering functions. He also spent nearly 6 years in the automotive industry as an engineer. His son, Noah, is non-verbal and on the Autism Spectrum. Noah attends Pleasant Grove Elementary School and is making strides in the essential skills program. Noah enjoys the outdoors, music, swimming, Spider Man and dribbling his basketball.

Debbie Miller - Board Member

Debbie is an occupational therapist in private practice.  She has been working as an OT for 12 years and as an early childhood educator for 8 years prior to returning to graduate school.  Debbie is married to Steve and has a daughter, two step children and a grandson.  She lives in Franklin and enjoys gardening and going to races with her husband.