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

With your support, we can bring down the waitlist for more than 2,000 children waiting for a diagnostic evaluation and support more than 231,000 Missouri children who stand to benefit from the Thompson Center’s life-changing services and compassionate care.

Join us in our commitment to build a new family-centric, world-class Thompson Center, expanding their national leadership in the field of autism and neurodevelopment services, training, and research.

Give today to support the critical need in Missouri’s autism community.

Your investment will provide these extraordinary life-changing initiatives and so much more.

  • Expand capacity and increase the number of specialists and annual visits by more than two-fold to meet the demand for clinical services.
  • An Intensive Day Treatment Program, the first of its kind in Missouri, filling a large gap between outpatient and inpatient services for the entire state.
  • State-of-the-art facilities that complement and accelerate diverse and evidence-based research by our renowned faculty.

Some of the features of the new space will include:

  • Adaptive and inclusive playground
  • Family waiting room
  • Therapy gym
  • Group therapy rooms
  • Life skills room and training café
  • Training and conference center
  • Discovery and research center
  • Easy-to-navigate entrance and drop-off area
AUTISM CONTINUES TO BE ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS IN THE UNITED STATES,

AFFECTING 1 IN 36 CHILDREN.

Additionally, 1 in 6 children has a developmental disability or delay.

The Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment is strengthening children and families impacted by autism and neurodevelopment disorders from across Missouri and beyond.

THE DEMAND FOR THESE EXTRAORDINARY SERVICES FAR EXCEEDS CURRENT CAPACITY.

View images from our April 25th Groundbreaking Ceremony!

Thompson Center Topping Out Ceremony, August 2024

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.