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

NAP tax credits available for those with Missouri business income

NAP tax credits available for those with Missouri business income

The Thompson Foundation has NAP tax credits available to…

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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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Register: Groundbreaking Ceremony
A rendering of the new Thompson Center building is shown. Text reads: Groundbreaking ceremony, Thursday, April 25, 3pm, South Providence Medical Park

Register: Groundbreaking Ceremony

Please join us as we celebrate this exciting new…

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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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Celebrating 17 years
Text reads celebrating 17 years of support, awareness, and advancing policy for autism and neurodevelopment.

Celebrating 17 years

It’s our anniversary! We’re celebrating 17 years of support,…

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1600 900 Thompson Foundation for Autism & Neurodevelopment
Happy Valentine’s Day!
An overhead picture of valentines cards spread out on a table. They are handwritten and multicolored, with handmade drawings.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! Patients from the

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KOMU features new Thompson Center building
An overhead view of plans for the new Thompson Center.

KOMU features new Thompson Center building

Watch the latest on the building construction for the…

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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.