Imagine A Way Staff
Melanie Bowman
Melanie Bowman
Deputy Foundation Manager

What inspires you to work for Imagine A Way? I love kids, always have. The personal story and vision of IAW shares a common love for children and a passion for stepping-up to support families of autism in real and impactful ways.

What do you value most about what Imagine A Way provides? Imagine A Way’s goal of early intervention is foundational to life-long success. It was founded and continues to be supported by individuals with personal experiences supporting children with autism. IAW exists to support families of autism that are experiencing challenges and fund services that would otherwise be out of financial reach to help children thrive.

Prior to working with Imagine A Way, I am a retired elementary teacher and school administrator with 25 years of experience serving the diverse needs of children in Texas. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working alongside special educators and parents to meet the diverse needs of children. I experienced first-hand the importance of early intervention to support students with autism and also the satisfaction of celebrating their growth as a result of differentiated instruction and therapies. I feel truly blessed to be able to continue to support Texas children!

Amy Hamand
Program Director

What inspires you to work for IAW? Imagine A Way sponsored my daughter, Mara, between the ages of 3 and 7. Without Imagine A Way, my family would not have been able to afford the therapies Mara needed. Today, Mara is doing well and our family is in a better position to be able to continue providing for her needs. Imagine A Way gave us the ladder we needed to climb out of what seemed like a desperate situation. I am honored to be able to help other families who find themselves in similar situations.

What do you value most about what IAW provides? Imagine A Way provides hope. Therapy is the most important tool in helping autistic children learn to communicate. Communication is key to functioning in life. When families cannot afford that critical therapy, they are left hopeless. Imagine A Way brings back that hope.

Prior to working for Imagine A Way, I was a middle school math teacher and later a stay at home mom. My role as program director includes connecting families with therapy providers, helping families navigate through those services and connecting families to one another. I also serve as event director, coordinating details for our annual gala and clay shoot fundraisers.

Stefanie Yandell
Stefanie Yandell
Event Director

What inspires you to work for Imagine A Way? Autism touches many people close to me, including members of my own family. I've witnessed firsthand how therapy can positively impact not only the child but the entire family. Sadly, high costs make these essential therapies out of reach for some families. I'm inspired by Imagine A Way's mission to make these vital therapies accessible during the critical early years.

What do you value most about what Imagine A Way provides? Autism may present challenges, but I believe it can also be a person’s superpower—it just takes a little help to uncover what makes them truly unique. Imagine A Way offers support to families, helping them find hope and see the light even in the middle of the storm.

Prior to working with Imagine A Way, I spent 16 years as a wedding planner, working with families from all backgrounds and meeting a wide range of needs. Now, as Imagine A Way’s event director, I’m able to apply the skills I’ve developed over the years to support a cause I’m deeply passionate about.

Together we will help families Imagine A Way!
© 2024 Imagine A Way | Imagine A Way is a 501(c)(3) under federal tax guidelines.
PO Box 1027 | Leander, Texas 78646 | 512-220-4324 | contactus@imagineaway.org