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

Events

Cubing competition raises funds and awareness
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 competition raises funds and awareness

We had a great time at Cubing for Autism…

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Video: Mizzou Greek Week raises $25,000

Video: Mizzou Greek Week raises $25,000

Last month, Mizzou Greek Week hosted an incredible sensory-friendly…

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Video: Give STL Day raises $18,000+
A blue backgound shows white logos of the Berges Family Foundation and Give STL Day. A yellow banner reads celebrating 10 years. Yellow text reads thank you St. Louis!

Video: Give STL Day raises $18,000+

Thank you so much to all our generous supporters…

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Happy Mother’s Day!

Happy Mother’s Day!

We greatly appreciate all that autism moms do for…

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Help us meet the critical need for Missouri’s autism community

Help us meet the critical need for Missouri’s autism community

Autism is one of the fastest growing developmental disorders…

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Car show raises $15,000
A white woman stands in the middle of the picture. She is wearing sunglasses, a black jacket, and is smiling. She is standing outside behind a white tablecloth that has the Thompson Foundation logo on the front.

Car show raises $15,000

Wow - what a turnout on Saturday, April 29…

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World Autism Month celebrated with a carnival and Mizzou Baseball

World Autism Month celebrated with a carnival and Mizzou Baseball

Saturday was a day of fun for families from…

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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.