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

SMS Terms and Conditions

About our texting service

By joining our text service you can expect to receive messages about raising autism awareness, advancing policy, or support of the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment. We will never share or sell your mobile number or data. You can opt-out anytime by texting the word “STOP” or “QUIT”. Text “HELP” for help. Message & data rates may apply. Up to 4 msgs/month.

SMS Terms & Conditions

The Thompson Foundation for Autism & Neurodevelopment is committed to building user trust and confidence by promoting and complying with the use of business practices that help protect the privacy of the user and their data. For more information you can view a copy of our company’s privacy policy.

The Thompson Foundation offers recurring text message services. By opting-in to any such service, you are confirming your entry into a recurring texting program and you give your consent to the Thompson Foundation to use an automatic system to deliver text messages to the phone number to which you have directed it to transmit text messages. Message frequency varies.

The Thompson Foundation does not charge for our texting service; however, message and data rates may apply from your mobile carrier. Participation in the service is standard rated (no premium content). Subject to the terms and conditions of your mobile carrier, you may receive text messages sent to your mobile phone.

By providing your consent to participate in our texting service, you approve any such charges from your mobile carrier. Charges for text messages may appear on your mobile phone bill or be deducted from your prepaid balance.

The Thompson Foundation reserves the right to terminate the SMS service, in whole or in part, at any time without notice. The information in any message may be subject to certain time lags and/or delays. If you have any questions or need help, text HELP into the text thread.

To stop receiving text messages, text STOP or QUIT. By enrolling in the texting service, you consent that after having submitted a request to opt-out you will receive one (1) final message confirming that you have been removed from the system. Following the opt-out confirmation message, no additional text messages will be sent unless you rejoin the system.

GET THE LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THE THOMPSON FOUNDATION

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.

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.

GET THE LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THE THOMPSON FOUNDATION

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.

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.