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

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May is Better Hearing & Speech Month

Early signs of language disorders and early signs of autism can often overlap. Be sure to let your child’s healthcare provider know if you suspect a hearing or language disorder!

A graphic shows a boy reading with his mom on the right side. Text reads Identify the signs: language disorders in children. Signs of a language disorder: does not smile or interact with others (birth and older). Does not babble (4-6 months). Makes only a few sounds or gestures, like reaching (7-9 months). Does not understand what others say (10 months - 2 years). Says only a few words (19 months - 2 years). does not put words together to make sentences (1 months -3 years). Speaks using words that are not easily understood by others (3-4 years). Has trouble with early reading skills, like pretending to read or finding the front of a book (4-5 years). The earlier you seek help for a communication disorder, the better. ASHA America Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Infographic by The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

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THOMPSON CENTER FOR AUTISM & NEURODEVELOPMENT

THOMPSONFOUNDATION.ORG
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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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.

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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.