Kristen Robinson, Director of Development, Autism Society of Greater Akron

Hi! My name is Kristen Robinson and I am the Director of Development here at ASGA. I was hired in early January of 2018 and I am excited to be participating in my 2nd National Autism Awareness Month! My husband Mike and I have two “neuro-typicals” LeighAnna, 14, and Beau, 8 and we reside in Cuyahoga Falls with our family pet Bubba, a bearded dragon.

I often get asked, “Where does ASGA's funding come from?” A good fundraising plan will incorporate very diverse strategies to achieve the same goal; raising money to offset programming expenses to have the ability to continue an organization’s mission. Doesn’t sound very fun, does it? However, the results of my successful grant writing will help 48 individuals receive scholarships and reduce their cost for ASGA’s Swimming with Autism program. This program provides families and caregivers with a sense of comfort that their family member will learn some water safety strategies. When family activities include a nearby lake or a neighborhood pool party, I know the results of my hard work may prevent a drowning, which is a leading cause of death in children with autism. I call that, “rewarding!”