about us
meet the mammas

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AmyLou Fawell, Co-Founder
Executive Director

Amy's middle son, Jack, age 17, has moderate functioning autism with severe aggressive and self-injurious behaviors.  Despite an early diagnosis and 14 years of intense behavioral, dietary, alternative and medical interventions, Jack continues to struggle. 

Thalia Michelle, Co-Founder
Director of Advocacy & Policy

Thalia is mother to her 10 year old twins, Lance and Trinity.  Lance has moderate autism with low verbal skills, lack of impulse control, and behavioral issues.  

Christy Zartler, RN, MSN, CPNP
​Director of Family Relations

Christy is the mother of 17 year old twin daughters. One of the twins, Kara, has severe disabilities including autism, self injurious behaviors and aggression.  Kara has been on every medicine available to provide relief for her symptoms. Most of these medicines caused more of the self injury.  

Michelle Walker
​Director of State Chapters

Michelle is mom to Vincent who is 9 years old.  Diagnosed first with autism, and then years later with epilepsy, finding appropriate meds to calm his seizures but not exacerbate his autism symptoms has been incredibly challenging.

Rose Teralje
​​Director of Research Operations

Rose and her family are the first MAMMA's who are also medical refugees.  Her son Tonio is severely autistic and severely self-injurious.  Cannabis with a high component of THC has changed his (and the entire family) life.  

Wanita Kaupert
​​Director of Outreach Operations

Wanita is mom to 3 children.  Her oldest, Luke, is 9 years old and has been diagnosed with moderate autism. he struggles to stay connected to the world and has low verbal skills.