The Center for Autism (CFA), a PHMC subsidiary, honored Sheila Mitchell-Green, CFA Board Member and President, at its second annual Champions of the Community reception. Thank you to our sponsors, speakers, and all who joined us to celebrate CFA’s work to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism and their families.

PHMC Interim President and CEO Christina Hayden opened the award ceremony, and welcomed recently appointed CFA Executive Director Bari Keller to share about the mission and programs of CFA.

“At the center of our work is the belief that every individual is a whole person—not a diagnosis,” said Bari. “We believe in understanding each person’s strengths, needs, preferences, relationships, and goals. We believe families should have a voice in the decisions that affect them. And we believe treatment should be individualized, evidence-based, naturalistic, developmental, and grounded in meaningful relationships.”

Last year’s Champions of the Community honoree and former CFA Board Member Michael O’Mara shared his admiration for Sheila Mitchell-Green as he passed the torch. He lauded Sheila’s efforts as a dedicated autism advocate, parent, community leader, and educator whose advocacy journey began when her son was diagnosed with autism in early childhood.

Introduced by her husband, Derek, and son, Julian, Sheila spoke about her family’s experience navigating the autism service system – an experience that became the foundation for a lifelong commitment to helping other families access information, resources, services, and support.

The audience found Sheila’s insights from her son’s early childhood years particularly impactful. “Denial is the enemy, early intervention is key,” she said, about the importance of communicating openly and seeking support.

Special thank you to Blake Rouen, better known as DJ Blake, who kept the celebration going with a dance party after the ceremony! Blake, who is on the autism spectrum, discovered his passion for DJing at just 8 years old. He’s been entertaining audiences ever since, with a little behind-the-scenes help from his crew, a.k.a. his parents.

View our photos from the event below, and watch a video highlighting the impact of CFA’s programs through the perspectives of Shay, a participant, and Sujeis, the mother of a participant.

The Center for Autism provides a full continuum of specialized assessment and treatment services for children, adults and families. Learn more and support CFA: https://www.thecenterforautism.org/donations/