Chattanooga
Autism Center

Education: BA (Economics & Finance) and MBA

Family: Tom enjoys spending his free time on the field, court, or water with his wife, Lesley, and their two children, Andrew and Emily

Connection with autism: My connection to autism is through several friends who have children on the spectrum.  I have had the opportunity to learn through their experience.

Favorite Quote: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”  - Mark Twain

Occupation: Certified Public Accountant at LBMC, PC

Education: Master of Accountancy from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Family: Married. My wife and I have two wonderful dogs.

Connection with autism: I have a nephew with autism.

Favorite quote: "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone."

Occupation: Co-Owner, The Book & Cover/Vice President of External Affairs, TN Charter School Center

Education: B.S. Social Sciences Education, Auburn University; M.A. Communication, Johns Hopkins University

Family: One small dachshund, Bertie and Dahlia her cat 
Connection with autism: I grew up with a mother who taught special education classes and is now a school psychologist, and my dear friend serves as a behavior therapist. Both have shown me the remarkable qualities members of the autism community possess, as well as the challenges members of this community can face.

Favorite Quote: "O, let America be America again-- The land that never has been yet-- And yet must be-- the land where every man is free." - Langston Hughes

Occupation: Accountant, Henderson, Hutcherson & McCullough

Education: B.S. Business: Accounting from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Family: I have been married to my wife, Kelsey, since 2012 and we have three kids, Blake, Cayden, and Katie.

Connection with autism:  I have a cousin with Aspergers. Seeing everything that my aunt and he have gone through has really opened my eyes to the struggle that it can be finding the right support system. I think what the CAC does is great and my hope is to help folks find their support system.

Favorite quote:  Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”

Occupation: School and community volunteer

Education: BA from Kansas University

Family: Married to Stuart Benkert, and we have two children in high school.
Connection with autism: Our younger child was diagnosed with autism at age 2 1/2, and our older child recently received an autism diagnosis.

Favorite Quote: “People aren’t broken. They’re just interestingly wired.”

Occupation: Educator

Education: Master Degree in Education

Family: Three children, two on the spectrum 

Connection with autism: I am autistic; it is my world. I am a mother, aunt, teacher, and friend of individuals on the spectrum. 

Favorite Quote: "The highest result of education is tolerance" Helen Keller

Occupation: Educator

Education: Bachelor of Science in Education

Family:  I have three adult children.

Connection with autism: Exceptional education teacher and close friend on the spectrum.

Favorite Quote: “Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes.” Buddha 

Occupation: Sr. Manager, Client Enablement - Cigna-Evernorth 

Education: Studied Business Management, University of Phoenix

Family: I have 2 children, Tori & Austin and 3 grandsons. In my spare time you will find me cheering for my 8 year old grandson at his baseball, football & basketball sporting events.

Connection with autism: My 5 yr old grandson was diagnosed with autism at age 2 and I’ve witnessed both the challenges and the beauty that comes with navigating this journey. 

Favorite Quote: “Nothing worth having comes easy.” Theodore Roosevelt 

Occupation: Sr. Customer Success Manager @ Glassdoor

Education: Chattanooga State College

Family: Married to my wife, Stephanie, since 2018

Connection with autism: Multiple family members

Favorite quote: "To avoid situations in which you might make mistakes, might be the biggest mistake of them all." - Unknown

Occupation: Exceptional Education Coordinator & School Psychologist, Hamilton County Schools

Education: Ed.S. School Psychology, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies, Agnes Scott College

Family: Proud aunt to my two nephews and one niece

Connection with autism: I have had the opportunity to know and support family members, friends, and students on the spectrum. Every opportunity has been a blessing that has helped me grow personally and professionally.   

Favorite Quote: "An unexamined life is not worth living." -Socrates

Occupation: Retired from BlueCross BlueShield, past president of CAC board.

Education: MA in English

Family: Married to Dale, 3 daughters, 7 grandchildren.

Connection with autism: One of our grandsons is on the spectrum; I am impressed how the CAC has vast resources to support the autistic individual as well as family and caregivers.

Favorite quote: Enjoy the little things. Make a positive difference everyday. -Susan Lamberth

Occupation:  Manager of Health Promotions, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee

Education: B.S. Human Ecology, The University of Tennessee 

Family: A amazing wife and a wonderful son

Connection with autism: My son, Austin, is on the spectrum; diagnosed at age 3.

Favorite Quote: "Diversity is having a seat at the table. Inclusion is having a voice. And Belonging is having that voice be heard" – Liz Fosslien

Occupation: Branch Leader, Vice President at Truist Bank. Strategic Initiatives Tennessee State Lead for Business Resource Groups

Family:  I’m very close with my family. While they aren’t local to Chattanooga, I still get to visit regularly. I spend a lot of time with my friends/chosen family and my wonderful dog and cat, Loki and Hela.

Favorite quote: “Integrity is choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply professing them.” – Brene Brown

Occupation: Professor of Psychology at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Education:  Ph.D. In Experimental Psychology from the Georgia Institute of Technology

Family:  Husband Randy Cagle and son Andrew (Drew) Cagle and our two very large and very loving rescue dogs Sutter and Emmett

Connection with autism: My son Drew is on the spectrum; through him I have learned and grown so much and met so many wonderful people. 

Favorite quote: " Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ― Margaret Mead"