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

Events

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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Celebrating World Autism Month

Celebrating World Autism Month

Did you know? April is World Autism Month! Celebrate…

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Free carnival hosted by Mizzou Greek Week
A graphic shows a gold pennant with black text that reads "Celebrate neurodiversity". Below that, black text reads "World Autism Month 2023". Behind the pennant there is a group of green, black, blue, and gold balloons.

Free carnival hosted by Mizzou Greek Week

Step right up! The Thompson Foundation has been selected…

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Autism Day at Mizzou Baseball
A Missouri baseball player exits the dugout. He is high-fiving kids from the Thompson Center. The sky is blue and there are clouds.

Autism Day at Mizzou Baseball

Join us for Autism Day at Mizzou Baseball, April…

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Thompson Center patients celebrate Valentine’s Day
Three valentines cards are displayed on a light wooden background. One card is pink with hand-drawn, multicolored hearts. The second card features a drawing of a girl and large flowers, with a blue sky and white clouds above her. The third card shows a hand-drawn heart with a flower sticker and "Happy Day Valentine" written in red.

Thompson Center patients celebrate Valentine’s Day

Children at the Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment…

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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.

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.

Christine Pickett

Director of Donor Relations

Christine Pickett joined the team in September 2024. Previously at Stephens College, she worked closely with senior leadership to revitalize alumni relations and communications. While at The University of Missouri from 2006-2015, Christine planned national continuing education conferences, implemented fundraising initiatives, and coordinated campus-wide events. Christine earned her B.A. in Communications from Wingate University and has experience in commercial real estate and business to business sales as well. In her role as Director of Donor Relations she looks forward to raising support and awareness for the Thompson Center and the Thompson Foundation. Christine lives in Columbia with her husband, Mark, and their two children, Tess and Ford.