| Paula F. Baker, CEO of the Ozark Center, is one of 13 civilians who, subject to Senate confirmation, will join several Missouri government representatives on a 24-member commission that will meet to develop a statewide plan to help Missourians facing the challenges of autism spectrum disorders. The commission was authorized by Gov. Matt Blunt after he signed Senate Bill 768 into law this year. Blunt has championed increased funding for autism treatment and diagnosis.
Baker holds a bachelor's degree in education and master's in clinical psychology from Pittsburg State University. If approved, her term will expire on September 3, 2012.
The Missouri Commission on autism spectrum disorders is designed to provide advice and make recommendations to the governor, General Assembly and relevant state agencies and includes the submission of recommendations for a statewide comprehensive plan to the General Assembly by July 1, 2009.
Others named to the commission include: Dr. David P. Crowe of Cape Girardeau, an orthodontist and president of The Tailor Institute, a nonprofit created to explore giftedness in high functioning austim and Asperger's syndrome; Tiffany L. Daniels of Nixa, state alternate on the Missouri Advisory Committee on Autism; Dr. Janet E. Farmer of Columbia, founding director of the MU Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Sarah A. Feldmiller of Kansas City, coordinator and lead therapist at ABCn'D Autism Center; Connie L. Hebert of Cape Girardeau, interim director of the Southeast Missouri State University Autism Center for Diagnosis and Treatment; Julie R. Keathley of Dexter, a registered nurse; Dr. Michele G. Kilo, chief of the section of developmental & behavioral sciences at Children's Mercy Hospital; Dr. John F. Mantovani of Clayton, vice chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at St. John's Mercy Medical Center; Vicki L. McCarrell of Pilot Grove, executive director of Unlimited Opportunities; Donald J. McCary of St. Peters, director of special education in the St. Louis Special School District; Christopher A. Norton of Jefferson City, an accounts receivable clerk at Scholastic; and Anne M. Roux, an executive director of Missouri Families for Effective Autism Treatment.
Go Back |
