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

Awareness

Autism Day at Mizzou Baseball: $2 tickets
Text reads Autism Day with Mizzou Baseball. Saturday, April 20, 2024. 4 PM Taylor Stadium 600 E Stadium Boulevard. Featuring a ceremonial first pitch by a Thompson Center patient and appearance by special guest, Miss Missouri Hayley Leach! $2 tickets. Email melissa.wolf@missouri.edu to purchase

Autism Day at Mizzou Baseball: $2 tickets

Join us April 20 at 4:00 pm for Autism…

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Recognizing Rare Disease Day
A young white boy with brown hair faces to to the left. He is looking down and is reaching into a drawer. The drawer is located in a cabinet with a sink. He is wearing a gray long-sleeved shirt with construction equipment on it.

Recognizing Rare Disease Day

February 29th is

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Thompson Center Conference: Early Bird Registration
Text reads 19th annual Thompson center Autism Conference. September 12-13, 2024, St. Charles, MO. Register now.

Thompson Center Conference: Early Bird Registration

Registration for the 19th Annual Thompson Center Autism Conference…

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Thompson Center researcher shows blood pressure drug can reduce anxiety for people with autism

Thompson Center researcher shows blood pressure drug can reduce anxiety for people with autism

Youth with autism may struggle with anxiety, and Dr.…

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Cubing for a cause on February 3
Two boys sit inside at a table. One is solving a Rubik's cube and the other is watching him, serving as a judge. There is a large stopwatch attached to the table that shows the cuber's time.

Cubing for a cause on February 3

Learn more and register:

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Recap: Autism Day at Mizzou Arena

Recap: Autism Day at Mizzou Arena

Our group had a great time at Autism Day…

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Enjoy winter with these sensory-friendly activities
Text reads sensory friendly winter activities. Activities created by the healing haven. A graphic is shown of a winter scene. A Black child in a green coat throws a smile at a smiling white child in a yellow coat.

Enjoy winter with these sensory-friendly activities

Looking for some fun winter activities? Check out these…

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Recap: Open House with Love Coffee
A man is standing and addressing a room full of people

Recap: Open House with Love Coffee

Our Open House with

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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.

Katie Lynn

Director of Donor Relations

Katie Lynn oversees donor stewardship and marketing for the Thompson Foundation for Autism & Neurodevelopment. Prior to joining the Thompson Foundation in 2020, she worked for Major League Baseball’s nonprofit, the Baseball Assistance Team. Originally from Quincy, Illinois, Katie is a graduate of Tulane University and has also lived in Louisiana, Florida, New York, and now Missouri. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, singing, and playing violin.

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.