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

Celebrate with us as we open the doors to the NEW Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment!

GRAND OPENING EVENTS

Thursday, May 7, 2026

City of Columbia Proclamation as an Autism Friendly City
4:30 pm @ the “Keyhole”
Corner of Broadway and 8th Street, Downtown Columbia

Register for City Proclamation Event Register for City Proclamation Event

Friday, May 8, 2026

GRAND OPENING!

Join us for a full morning of activities at the New Thompson Center!
701 Veterans United Drive, Columbia, MO 65201

9:00 am – 12:30 pm – Open House
10:15 am – Ribbon Cutting
10:30 am – Program

VIEW LIVESTREAM OF PROGRAM

Media Inquiries please email Annie Williams, Thompson Center Marketing and Communications Manager at annie.williams@health.missouri.edu.

Register today to attend the Grand Opening:
Name
Address
940 788 Thompson Foundation for Autism & Neurodevelopment
Legacy Gifting From A Donor’s Perspective
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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 Butler 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. Her 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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GET THE LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THE THOMPSON FOUNDATION

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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

As the Director of Donor Relations, Christine leads fundraising and awareness initiatives and manages communications and events for the foundation. A Wingate University (NC) graduate with a BA in Communications, she began her career in Chicago before moving to Columbia in 2006. She spent over a decade at the University of Missouri in roles including Conference Coordinator with the MU Conference Office and Director of External Relations for CAFNR, she later served as Alumni and Family Connections Specialist at Stephens College. Christine lives in Columbia with her husband, Mark, and their children, Tess and Ford. She enjoys the outdoors, cycling, classic movies, and hosting family gatherings.

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