Making a difference in the lives of people at the Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment at the University of Missouri

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World Autism Month celebrated with a carnival and Mizzou Baseball

Saturday was a day of fun for families from the Thompson Center! The Thompson Foundation was selected as a beneficiary of Mizzou Greek Week. Their initiative included a sensory-friendly carnival for kids from the Thompson Center. The Greek organizations were trained through the Thompson Center’s Autism Friendly Business program to make the carnival booths inclusive for children with autism.

Watch the video coverage from KRCG.

Next door, children also participated in Autism Day at Mizzou Baseball. Families were on the field when Andy Bal threw out the first pitch, and kids stood next to the Tigers players during the National Anthem. Thanks to Mizzou Baseball and Mizzou Greek Week for a wonderful day of autism inclusion in our community! View photos below:

 A man and a young boy stand in front of a red and white striped carnival booth. The boy is holding a pie and is going to throw it at the face of someone behind a Truman the Tiger cut-out.A mom holds her son as they face the Mizzou Tigers baseball dugout. A Tigers player is high-fiving the boy.Three boys and one girl are smiling and looking at the camera. They are standing on the baseball field in front of the Mizzou dugout. Children stand next to Mizzou Baseball players as they look toward the American flag during the National Anthem. They are standing on the baseball field and are facing away from the camera. It is a sunny day with a blue sky.

2048 1536 Thompson Foundation for Autism & Neurodevelopment
April 2 is World Autism Day
St. Louis car show to benefit the Thompson Foundation
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THOMPSON CENTER FOR AUTISM & NEURODEVELOPMENT

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205 Portland Street | Columbia, MO 65201 | (573) 882-9405
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Myles Hinkel

Executive Director

Myles Hinkel began as Executive Director in June 2020. Myles leads the foundation’s three-pillar mission; fundraising, awareness, and advancing public policy. Prior to this, Myles was Director of Advancement for Gift Planning & Regional covering the West Coast for The University of Missouri. This was Myles’ second time with MU Advancement. He previously worked in the College of Arts & Science before taking advancement positions at Columbia College and the Missouri United Methodist Foundation. Myles, his wife Lora, and their two boys have been involved in the Thompson Center and the Thompson Foundation since their inceptions.

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Melissa Eston

Office Manager

Melissa Eston began her role as Office Manager in August of 2022. In her role, Melissa receives and processes donations, assists in event planning, and manages accounts receivable and payable. Melissa most recently worked in Healthcare Advancement at the University of Missouri. Prior to that, she worked as a Senior Strategic Communications associate in University Relations at the University of Missouri System. Her first experience working with non-profits was at Columbia College, where she served as a Coordinator for the Advancement division. Melissa is a Columbia College graduate with a BA in History. She lives with her husband, Chris, in Columbia. Melissa’s favorite part of working at the Thompson Foundation is seeing the tangible, positive impact its advocacy work has on the Thompson Center and the families it serves.

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Sam Hayes

Director of Development

Sam Hayes joined the Thompson Foundation in December of 2023. During his previous six years with the University of Missouri, Sam raised over $6 million in philanthropic support for many areas across campus, including healthcare, the School of Journalism, Marching Mizzou, campus-wide scholarships, and the College of Arts & Science. Sam has a Bachelor’s in Parks and Recreation from Mizzou. Sam is honored to serve the Thompson Foundation, which has helped many people. He lives in Columbia, where he likes to hike with his wife, Samantha, their two sons, John and Teddy, and their chihuahua Louie.

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Christine Pickett

Director of Donor Relations

Christine Pickett joined the team in September 2024. Previously at Stephens College, she worked closely with senior leadership to revitalize alumni relations and communications. While at The University of Missouri from 2006-2015, Christine planned national continuing education conferences, implemented fundraising initiatives, and coordinated campus-wide events. Christine earned her B.A. in Communications from Wingate University and has experience in commercial real estate and business to business sales as well. In her role as Director of Donor Relations she looks forward to raising support and awareness for the Thompson Center and the Thompson Foundation. Christine lives in Columbia with her husband, Mark, and their two children, Tess and Ford.