Board Members

What inspires you to be on the Board for IAW?
I was a supporter of IAW many years before I had children myself or experienced ASD within my own family. I have several friends who have gone down this path before me and all were supporters of IAW so I was happy to support the organization as means of supporting friends and their children. When my stepson was 3 years old we received his diagnosis of ASD. We had seen warning signs that now seem so obvious but at the time the diagnosis felt overwhelming. We didn’t know where to start with interventions and we had no idea what the future would hold for our little guy. He was only 3 and we wondered “would he be ok?”, “would he have friends?”, “would he ever be able to have a conversation with us?”… No one wants to see their child suffer any setback or struggle and we were overwhelmed with not knowing what would work and what wouldn’t. Every decision felt like life or death in the beginning. A few months later we attend the IAW gala and the Mendenhall’s story was featured. They had a Parker and he was just like our Parker. For the first time we felt hope. We saw actual verifiable progress and were so touched by how over time the diagnosis, the interventions, all the acronyms and accommodations effortlessly become part of your daily life. I realized the questions and worry we had were no different than any parent has for any neurotypical child. We all want the same things for our kids: for them to be loved, follow their dreams and love themselves. I felt such hope and acceptance seeing their story but was filled with both gratitude for our situation that we could afford to provide any therapy or intervention necessary and guilt for all the families that can’t do the same. I am inspired to give back through IAW and give families that are just beginning this journey hope and the financial support they need to give their kids the basic interventions they need to succeed.

What do you value most about what IAW provides?
The support and sense of community to families that are experiencing what feels like an overwhelming and insurmountable obstacle. I can’t think of many things worse as a parent than knowing that your child needs help and not being to provide to them based on financial limitations. Finding the right support for your ASD child is hard enough but to find something that is a good fit and could work for your child and to be told no because of insurance or lack of funds is heartbreaking. All kids on the ASD deserve the support and intervention necessary to thrive and succeed and IAW provides just that.

In my professional life, I began working in family law while studying communications and business at the University of Texas in Austin. I love the challenges of working on complex cases and enjoy working closely with clients. I have worked in family law for over 14 years. After many years of working behind the scenes, I transitioned to supporting the partners with overseeing the operations of the firm as Chief Operating Officer and serve as a paralegal on select cases.

What inspires you to be on the Board for IAW?
I have, for many years, been an advocate for children whose parents are involved in family law litigation. When I was approached by a current board member about working with IAW, I realized that I could continue to advocate for children in a different forum. Having personal experience with a nephew diagnosed with ASD, I understand the stress and difficulty in obtaining much needed help for children. IAW offers an amazing opportunity for children who may not otherwise receive the services they need. It's rewarding to help children and see the benefit they receive.

What do you value most about what IAW provides?
IAW helps children. You see it on such a personal level. Early intervention is key and IAW shows great compassion to families and provides them with a real sense of community.

In my professional life, am a lawyer who manages my own family law practice, Kelly L. Fritsch, P.C. where the primary focus is divorce, child custody disputes, adoptions, complex property disputes, and child advocacy. I have been a lawyer for 12 years in the Houston, Texas area.

What inspires you to be on the Board for IAW?
I am inspired by my personal connection to founders Joel and Carolyn Price and their unwavering commitment to helping others in need.

What do you value most about what IAW provides?
Support from Imagine A Way relieves a huge financial burden for families that is life-changing, and provides children with their best chance of reaching their highest potential.

In my professional life, I am the US Regional Vice President for Qualico, an industry-leading integrated real estate company operating in Western Canada and the US. I am responsible for steering operations in Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth, TX as well as managing Qualico's multi-family projects in Texas, California, and Washington State. I am also a CPA with over 25 years of finance and accounting experience mostly in the real estate industry.

What inspires you to be on the Board for IAW? I have seen firsthand in my role as a physician the difficulties families encounter when attempting to connect a child with autism to quality care and intervention. Unfortunately, I also see the gaps in care and how children and families suffer when their needs are not met. I am privileged to be able to assist the efforts of Imagine A Way in supporting children with autism.

What do you value most about what IAW provides? Removing the financial barriers that prevent families from accessing care for their children is life changing. Early intervention from a wrap-around support team at a very young age can be pivotal to a child’s development and overall well-being. All children deserve to reach their potential and IAW is helping to make that happen for children with autism throughout central Texas and beyond.

In my professional life…. I am a board certified child psychiatrist and my patients include young people on the autism spectrum. My scope of practice includes diagnosing and providing care and guidance to children with autism and their families.

What inspires you to be on the Board for IAW? My son, Orin, was diagnosed with Autism at 4 years old. Over the last 10 years, my wife and I have made it one of our life's missions and priorities, to make the world that is built for neurotypical children, more friendly, accessible and most of all, easier to navigate for children with Autism. Now 14 years old, Orin has participated in many programs and projects intended to improve communication for Autistic children, and I am excited to bring my mission forward with what I have learned through my own experience to the families that we serve at IAW.

What do you value most about what IAW provides? I love that IAW provides an opportunity for children with Autism to be seen and heard, when the necessary financial means would otherwise prevent that from happening. Services to improve communication and resources and tools to enhance mobility, all cost money. With IAW, families don't have to worry about the dollars creating a barrier for those services. Everyone wants the best for their children, and IAW can truly make an impact and help where it matters most.

In my professional life…. I am the Chief Growth Officer for an organization in the Outsource Management space, primarily focused in the high end CCRC's.

What inspires you to be on the Board for IAW?
I’ve gotten to know Joel, Carolyn and their family over the years and seen how passionate and effective they and IAW are in helping raise awareness and funds for less fortunate families who have children with autism. Each of the board members I’ve met and gotten to know are genuinely committed people. I hope to contribute to IAW in a similar fashion.

What do you value most about what IAW provides?
I value the results I’ve seen on the videos and in the parent’s testimonies at the galas. I value the Price family and all those associated with IAW and their commitment to helping others so selflessly. I am impressed how well this charity is run and how much of the funds that are raised actually go to the treatment for autism.

In my professional life, I am senior partner of an insurance/financial planning firm Physicians Resource Services. We help young physicians learn about and address their personal insurance and financial needs.

What inspires you to be on the Board for IAW?
I have a deep passion for helping children in need. It began when I became a Shiner (at age 21) helping severely burned and crippled children. I always had a strong belief that you won’t be blessed for what you have (but you may be for what you do with it).....put it to good use.

What do you value most about what IAW provides?
The up close and personal attention given to local children that need our help.

In my professional life, I built and later decommissioned Nuclear Power facilities (along with other energy related projects). I produced records in Nashville for 25 years and have owned Labor Finders for 34 years. Additionally, I have been involved in land development and ranching.

What inspires you to be on the Board for IAW?
Carolyn and Joel were my inspiration to support Imagine a Way. In them I saw business owners creatively exerting their experience and resources to improve their communities and the people's lives within it. The event focused fundraising mechanism they created is an example of what can happen when passionate people apply their skills and experience to create a platform for caring people to wage battle from.

What do you value most about what IAW provides?
Imagine a Way provides hope. Hope for the children, their families, for the like minded supporters who believe a community can and should lift itself up. Imagine a Way weaves a strong rope from the threads of our community - 501C3s, families in need, community supporters and synergistic businesses with the same philosophy of doing what you can with what you've got.

For the majority of my "professional" career, I've been the lead problem solver at ATX Event Systems, a production company specializing in live event technologies for conferences, concerts, & brand activations. We help produce some really amazing events internationally, but there've only been 2 of them who's events have had a spiritual effect on me: Pope Francis' Mass at the U.S Border and my first Imagine a Way Gala. While onsite in Juarez, we were blessed by the Pope for the technology we created for him to deliver a message. While at Imagine a Way's Gala, I saw Carolyn and Joel's example and began seeing my company's abilities as a tool to support causes & ideas I believe in to affect the change in the world I want to see.

What inspires you to be on the Board for IAW?
I have a passion for advocating for children and families, demonstrated by my extensive service and experience in family law litigation, both an advocate and formerly as a judge. Additionally, I formerly volunteered to serve as the presiding judge of the Harris County Family Drug Court known as the Harris County Infant and Toddler Court, which focused on helping reunite children safely with parents and helping parents learn to live a life of sobriety. I also formerly volunteered to serve as an appointee on the Specialty Courts Advisory Committee to help oversee the quality of specialty courts throughout Texas. When I was approached by a current board member about working with IAW, I was excited that I could continue to advocate for children in a different forum. It is an amazing opportunity to help children and families.

What do you value most about what IAW provides?
IAW provides vulnerable children and their loving parents with an opportunity to receive services that these children desperately need, but may not otherwise receive. The services impact children in immeasurable ways. It truly melts my heart to see the quality of life improve for the children. I also treasure the opportunity to serve. I have a heart of service. IAW provides me an opportunity to volunteer my time, knowledge, skills, and experience to positively impact children and families.

In my professional life, I have sought justice for children and families both as a lawyer and as a former judge, specializing in the areas of law of child welfare and family law. I have been a licensed attorney for approximately 19 years. I am double board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in both family law and child welfare. I formerly served as a state district family law judge in Harris County for nearly 5 years and volunteered my time for 4 years serving as the presiding judge of the Harris County Infant and Toddler Court. I now manage my own arbitration and mediation firm, Franklin York Mediations, L.L.C. focusing on helping parties resolve matters amicably outside of the courtroom. I also litigate along the side of my husband, a retired Houston police officer, at the Law Offices of Douglas York, with the primary focus is divorce, child custody disputes, adoptions, complex property disputes, and child advocacy.

What inspires you to be on the Board for IAW?
When Tina and I became financially able, we both wanted to give back, Tina always loved children, and Joel and Carolyn Price inspired her to become one of the first IAW Board members. Tina quickly fell in love with IAW and the work it was doing. Having watched IAW grow over the years and having seen the wonderful blessings it has bestowed upon families of autistic children, I too have grown to love the organization’s purpose and its work. I am delighted to continue to follow Tina’s lead in serving IAW as a Director.

What do you value most about what IAW provides?
The people IAW helps are disadvantaged people who are suffering with limited resources. It is my personal spiritual belief that as God’s creatures we are one. One of our primary purposes in life is to help our fellow man. IAW provides help that would not otherwise be available to its beneficiaries, What greater service can we provide to others?

In my professional life...was spent in the oil pipeline industry. After graduating from UT Austin with a mechanical engineering degree, I worked for a refined products pipeline company in Los Angeles for 20 years. I rose to the level of Senior Vice President before our company was acquired by a similar company. Being too high up on the wrong side of the fence, I found myself standing outside the front door a couple of years later. After doing odd-lot consulting for a few years, I partnered with a former colleague to start a company to design, build, own, and operate jet fuel pipelines into airports. Five years later we started operations on our first project, a jet fuel pipeline into Reno International Airport. Three years following the Reno project we started operations on our second project, a jet fuel pipeline into San Diego International Airport. Our final project prior to my retirement was a jet fuel pipeline into Memphis International Airport for FedEx. When I retired, Tina and I moved back to Austin, the city we loved. Shortly thereafter, Tina met Joel and Carolyn Price.

What inspires you to be on the Board for IAW?
I have previously held positions on various boards for prominent organizations. Upon learning of the beneficial impact that IAW's therapy programs have on children with ASD, I quickly recognized a newfound passion and commitment to this cause. I firmly believe that early intervention programs play a crucial role in fostering the growth and development of children with ASD, helping them to become more independent, improve their communication abilities, and enhance their cognitive skills. I eagerly anticipate witnessing the success of children and families supported by IAW.

What do you value most about what IAW provides?
I have always felt a strong affinity for children who are different. I have been driven to become involved with an organization that facilitates the connection between families and programs aimed at assisting children in developing the necessary skills to foster relationships and achieve their full potential.

I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have found a career that I am passionate about, one that allows me to actively contribute to the betterment of the community in which I live and work. In my role at H-E-B, I have encountered many individuals whose lives have been touched by autism within their families. It is my goal to raise awareness within our workplace and cultivate a more inclusive environment for individuals with ASD in the Leander community.

In my professional life...I started working at H-E-B in 1996 and received a scholarship from the company, which allowed me to obtain my B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Texas at Austin and my M.B.A. from St. Edward University.

During my time at H-E-B, I have held various positions such as Top Store Leader, Regional Director of Productivity, and Regional Director of Curbside and Bakery in the Austin Area. In 2023, I was promoted to the role as the General Manager of the H-E-B Plus store in Leander.

What inspires you to be on the Board for IAW?
I am inspired to be a part of larger group of volunteers committed to dedicating their time, resources and ideas to the greater goal of easing the lives of children with autism. There is truly nothing more rewarding than engaging in selfless acts in an effort to improve another person’s life.

What do you value most about what IAW provides?
The focus and acknowledgment that there are children with autism in our community that are unable to receive the early interventions necessary to help overcome the challenges of every day tasks, simply because the family does not possess the financial resources for those services. Every child deserves to live their best life and IAW has been, and will continue to be, instrumental toward that goal.

In my professional life, I am a lawyer and partner at Maples | Jones, PLLC where we focus on family law matters ranging from adoptions, marital property agreements, divorces, custody disputes, and complex marital property disputes. I have been in the family law arena since I was 21 years old and, while the field often presents emotional and stressful challenges, it is work that I truly believe makes a difference to the lives of individuals and families.

Joel Price is the co-founder of Imagine A Way and served as the first President of our organization.

From the moment he realized there were children with autism who would be deprived of the interventions most promising for their success, he committed to do all he could to provide those families with the services and therapies their child needed.

Joel’s compassionate heart and willingness to take the first step was the catalyst that drove the creation of Imagine A Way. Under Joel’s leadership, Imagine A Way has stepped up to become the only organization fully funding children who would otherwise be lost in the gap.

By sharing his passion and enthusiasm, Joel has inspired many to get involved with and support Imagine A Way. We wouldn’t be who or what we are without him.

What inspires you to be on the Board for IAW?
Listening to parents with children on the spectrum describe how life changing ABA therapy has been for their children and how distraught they were when faced with the overwhelming task of figuring out how to pay for that therapy before they found Imagine A Way. As parents, our role is to provide for our children and to guide them to be the best version of themselves. To be prevented from doing that because of financial constraints is heartbreaking. I'm inspired by these parents that kept looking for another way, searching for other options to ensure their child received the therapy he or she needs. That's inspiring.

What do you value most about what IAW provides?
The ability to provide life altering therapy for children in need that is so astronomically expensive it is out of reach for most families. In helping pay for this therapy that's one way we can help lighten the load for a family and change a child's life forever. That's how significant Imagine A Way is in the lives of these children and families.

In my professional life, I am a family law attorney in the Houston area. I am exposed to all types of families, including those with children on the spectrum. I have seen first hand what a difference ABA therapy can make for children on the spectrum.

What inspires you to be on the Board for IAW?
I’ve taken a break from charity or board work to get my business established. Now that I am ready to jump back into it, I want to contribute my skills and passion toward a charity that is close to my heart. I have seen how autism affects families in my office and my clients and I want to help. Educating the public, schools, and workplaces about autism will help reduce stigma and create a more inclusive environment for individuals on the autism spectrum.

What do you value most about what IAW provides?
I love that IAW promotes accessibility and inclusivity. People that are not directly involved would have no idea how intense and costly the various therapies are and the limitations on insurance to pay for them. Not only is it a financial burden, but a stress that families did not prepare for. I love that Imagine a Way can become a community support and foster long-term care for families and children.

In my professional life, I am a family law attorney that has been practicing for over 10 years. I have seen impact that autism has on my clients and my support staff. I look forward to joining a cause that truly makes a difference.

What inspires you to be on the Board for IAW?
Personally, I have an older sister with Autism and I understand the financial burden that comes with caring for someone with special needs. I am happy to be part of an organization that can provide coverage for medically necessary therapy to deserving families!

What do you value most about what IAW provides?
Imagine a Way provides a life changing opportunity for kids on the Autism Spectrum! I value the time and commitment that each board member gives to raise funds for families. I am proud to serve alongside them and contribute to this amazing cause!

In my professional life... as a child psychiatrist, I have the privilege of caring for children on the Autism spectrum and providing guidance to their families. Early intervention is pivotal in a child's development and key therapies are costly and not always covered by insurance. I am thankful that IAW exists!

What inspires you to be on the Board for IAW?
I would have to say my inspiration for being on the IAW board is being able to give back to the community while helping children and their families have a better quality of life. Giving the parents the ability to help their children with communication is what I love most about IAW.

What do you value most about what IAW provides?
I value that IAW is just like the people we help. Compassionate people dedicated to helping families dealing with autism by bringing the community coming together to help children with autism get the help they need during the years they need it most.

In my professional life, I started my career working as a Human Resource Manger for The Hewlett Packer company. As the HR manager I did organizational planning, recruitment, organization development, employee relations, and employee engagement. That is where I really got involved in charity work. I was on the startup committee for the United Way organization for my company. I enjoyed getting the company involved in supporting important local organizations and truly making a difference.