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

Impact

Knowing that children and families affected by autism need a strong and powerful advocate, the Thompson Foundation for Autism & Neurodevelopment leads initiatives to influence policy, improve protections, and garner government support for programs that benefit this community. The policy initiatives are designed to improve access to affordable care and reduce barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment.

The Thompson Foundation for Autism & Neurodevelopment has gained national prominence for its efforts in crafting and shepherding successful legislation through the Missouri Legislature that requires insurance providers to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism, including behavioral therapy.

2010: 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY – HOUSE BILLS 1311 & 1341

Through the advocacy of Board President Ron Ashworth, Missouri became the 21st state to require private insurance companies to cover a variety of care and therapy for autistic children, including Applied Behavior Analysis.

2008: 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY – HOUSE BILL 2023

The Thompson Foundation secured $5 million in funding to purchase the current Thompson Center Clinical Building.

2008: 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY – SENATE BILL 768

With a joint effort of the Thompson Foundation and Thompson Center, this bill established the Missouri Commission of Autism Spectrum Disorders and the Office for Autism Services. In 2022, the Missouri Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders set a goal of developing a “roadmap” for the lifespan of all people with autism in Missouri. Learn more.

Current Initiatives

2022: 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY – HOUSE BILL 3020

Dedicated volunteers, board members, and staff secured a grant from the State of Missouri to construct a new Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment. Plans are already underway to build a new facility to meet the growing demand for services in Missouri.

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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.

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.