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

Who we are

The Thompson Foundation for Autism & Neurodevelopment strengthens children and families impacted by autism and neurodevelopmental disorders by raising awareness, advancing public policy, and funding the needs of the Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment at the University of Missouri.

Together with the Thompson Center, we are making a difference in the lives of people affected by autism and neurodevelopmental disorders.

What sets us apart

The Thompson Foundation for Autism & Neurodevelopment supports the comprehensive model and approach of the Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment through its:

Family focus

The Thompson Center provides family-centered care by offering a range of clinical services in one location.

Diverse and evidence-based research

A diverse group of researchers generates highly productive outcomes for the population the Thompson Center serves and clinicians only recommend interventions and approaches proven to be effective through research.

Clinical breadth

The Thompson Center offers a range of health, educational, and behavioral services for individuals with autism and other developmental concerns.

Young girl with The Thompson Foundation for Autism & Neurodevelopment

Training scope and university partnership

The Thompson Center provides an interdisciplinary approach to extensive training for parents, professionals, and communities that is reinforced by the University of Missouri’s resource-rich environment, which also helps to recruit and retain exemplary clinicians and staff.

Culture of excellence

The Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment is 1 of 7 Signature Centers and Institutes housed at the world-class research institution, the University of Missouri, where discovery and interdisciplinary collaboration are fostered in all academic fields. By focusing on real-world problems, MU’s collaborative networks secure external funding, recruit top students, attract prominent scholars and scientists, create jobs, and improve quality of life.

Additionally, the Thompson Center is a stand-out among the Signature Centers and Institutes serving as a clinical site within the MU Health Care system, fully encompassing three Pillars of Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Research, Training, and Clinical Services.

Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment at the University of Missouri

The Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment at the University of Missouri is a national leader in diagnosing, researching, and treating individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Because it is affiliated with the University, it also serves as a training facility for students, practitioners, and businesses who work with this deserving population and their families.

Researchers collaborate with patient care teams to provide comprehensive treatment while training future health professionals. By taking this holistic approach, the Thompson Center offers specialized programs for adults with autism, families, professionals, and organizations. Approximately 127 MU students are trained through programs provided by the Thompson Center per quarter. Autism Friendly Business training supports inclusive communities for both employers and service providers, and families facing a new diagnosis of autism get questions answered through on-demand webinars.

The Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment
500

Training Hours per Quarter

The Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment offers family-centered care that is coordinated, comprehensive, compassionate, culturally sensitive, and accessible for all. The Thompson Center primarily serves patients in Missouri and the midwest.

Staff

Myles Hinkel
Executive Director
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Sam Hayes
Director of Development
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Christine Pickett
Director of Donor Relations
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Melissa Eston
Office Manager
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The Thompson Family

Nancy & Bill Thompson founders of the Thompson Foundation for Autism & Neurodevelopment

Bill and Nancy Thompson first learned about autism spectrum disorder in 2005 from their daughter, Emily, who had received her master’s degree in Special Education from Chapman University and had been practicing as a behavioral therapist with children. She would describe the challenges these children faced, and the lack of resources at the time to manage their condition.

In 2005, the Thompsons donated $8.5 million to start and fund the Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment at the University of Missouri. This extremely successful program, which has gained national recognition, provides top-in-the-nation clinical services to patients and families, world-class, clinical-based collaborative research, and best-in-practice training and education for healthcare professionals in the field. Since its founding, the Thompson Center has conducted 5,611 autism spectrum disorder diagnostic evaluations from 105 Missouri counties and 7 other states.

Bill and Nancy Thompson grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. They met in high school and have been married 54 years. They have been residents of California since 1981. Bill retired from the board of Citi in 2009 and is currently Chairman Emeritus of PIMCO, where he served as CEO for 16 years. They have three adult children and eight grandchildren and reside in Irvine, California.

“Years ago, when I began looking at philanthropy and how I wanted to give back, my first priority was healthcare — hospitals and children,” Bill says. “When I became aware of the need for more services for children and families with autism spectrum disorder, I knew this was where I wanted to invest both my time and funds.” – Bill Thompson, Founder

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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.

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.