Meet those behind the scenes:
OASIS Board Members and Volunteers
Matt & Angel Thompson/Founders, VP & President
Parents of two children, one on the autism spectrum
Angel has her BS is Psychology, MA in Missions and MA in Counseling from Grace College, Grace Theological Seminary and Grace College Graduate School in Counseling & Interpersonal Relations. Angel's 16 years of experience range from counseling those who have lived in domestic violence, those suffering from sexual assault as well as individuals with substance abuse, mental illness, and neurological disorders. She is a published author. Matt is the Senior Minister at Geneva Church of Christ in Geneva, Ohio. (www.genevachurchofchrist.org). He is a graduate of Loudonville High School and attended Johnson Bible College. They founded OASIS (Organization for Autism Spectrum Information & Support, Inc.) after their son was diagnosed with Autism.
Lisa Hendrix/OASIS Board of Director, Secretary/Treasure
Lisa grew up on a farm near Ashland, graduating from Hillsdale High School. She and her husband currently live in Holmes County. Lisa received her bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education from Capital University and also received her Early Childhood Intervention Specialist licensure through Ashland University. Lisa received her master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix. Lisa is a teacher for Tri-County Cooperative Preschool at the Shreve Elementary Site. Lisa shares that she has had the pleasure to work with several children on the autism spectrum in her class and she has enjoyed it very much. She continues to brush up on her skills and attends workshops and seminars on autism spectrum disorders.
Sue Rumburg/Asst. Director of Support, Wooster Chapter
Parent of twins on the autism spectrum
Sue has worked for the past 13 years as an Administrative Assistant for the Worship Department of Grace Brethren Church. She and her husband Glenn have been married for 25 years and they have twin sons, Eric and Brian, who are 24. They both have been diagnosed with low functioning autism.They have attended Ida Sue School and multi- handicapped classes in the public school. Currently they attend the Nick Amster Workshop in Wooster. As well as serving on the OASIS board, Sue is also the President of Parent to Parent, a parent support group for the Wayne County Board of MRDD.
Merry Boothroyd/OASIS Board of Director
Merry is an Occupational Therapist at the Wooster Community Hospital/Health Point for the past 12 years. She graduated from Cleveland State University with certification in Occupational Therapy in 1995. Since the 1970’s Merry has had a long interest in Autism. This interest and her abilities are truly exhibited in the work she does with individuals on the Autism Spectrum.
Stephanie Davis/OASIS Director of Events
Cousin on the autism spectrum
Stephanie Davis is the Health and Wellness Director for the The Shaw JCC of Akron. She received her master’s degree in Exercise Physiology/Adult Fitness form The University of Akron. Stephanie has worked with corporate, pre and post natal, post rehabilitation, sports conditioning, youth and geriatric populations. She has served on multiple state and national committees in regards to programs which include aquatic, community, corporate education, and individual programming in regards to health, wellness and recreation. Stephanie has been teaching group exercise for 12 years and currently holds multiple national certifications. Stephanie is certified by the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America in multiple fitness disciplines including personal training and Pilates, Yoga Fit Instructor, Madd Dog Spinning Instructor, BOSU Master Trainer, Resist-A-Ball and Aquatic Exercise Association water fitness instructor. Stephanie resides in Copley with her fiancé Greg.
Hollie Goines/OASIS graphic design & web manager
Parent of two children, one on the autism spectrum
Hollie is currently the Fiscal Officer for the Village of Perrysville; where she resides. She previously worked at New Hope Community Church (Loudonville) for 4 years where she met and worked with Pastor Matt Thompson. Hollie is a 1994 graduate of Loudonville High School and is currently enrolled at North Central State College where she is pursuing an Associates Degree (at a very slow pace!) She and her husband Steve have been married for 12 years. Steve is a Truck Driver at USF Holland in Mansfield and is also pursuing a degree in Respiratory Therapy and should graduate in 2010. Steve and Hollie have 2 children; Delana and Jonathon. Jonathon was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in 2006 when he was 6 years old.
Frances Porter/Professional Committee & UP Consultant
She received her Bachelor of Science in education from Ohio State University certified in Elementary Education in 1991. Mrs. Porter began 7 years of substitute teaching at all grade levels. During this time she implemented proficiency test intervention programs at the high school and spearheaded intervention programs at the junior high and sixth grade. In 1997, Mrs. Porter entered Ashland University to begin graduate studies in special education, completing a Master degree as an Intervention Specialist—Mild/Moderate this summer. In the fall of ’97 she began teaching in a high school resource room. At the end of her first year in special education she participate in her first Project Support Summer Training creating a Project Support Club at Loudonville High School.
