ASGA Staff

Nathan Briggs will be the next Executive Director for the Autism Society of Greater Akron starting October 21. He is excited to begin as he settles into his new home in northern Ohio. Originally from the Hudson Valley in New York, Nathan has worked professionally in supporting the Autism community for almost 20 years in a variety of roles. He served as a Direct Support Professional, administrator and executive at several organizations in the Northeast focused on providing quality-of-life opportunities for the Autism community. These enlightening and deeply rewarding experiences are Nathan’s north stars in exploring how ASGA will continue to thrive in that mission.

The mission-driven purpose that drives Nathan is also founded on a rich educational background centered on service and values. He graduated with an Executive Master of Business Administration from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University in May, 2024. Nathan has also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education (English) from SUNY New Paltz and a Master of Public Administration and Nonprofit Management (Health Care) from Marist College. This foundation is guided every day by the lessons Nathan learned as a crew chief in the New York State Air National Guard during 9/11 and the War on Terror in the early 2000s.

Nathan is honored and excited to become the second Executive Director of Autism Society Greater Akron. He looks to continue and build on the successes of the organization that serve as a testament to the talents and dedication Laurie Cramer brought to ASGA every day. Nathan is grateful for her support, along with the ASGA Board of Directors and team of Staff, in ensuring we continue to meet our mission of making connections to empower everyone in the Greater Akron Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.

Lisa Thompson is the Senior Director of Programs at the Autism Society of Greater Akron. Lisa has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from Mars Hill College in Asheville, North Carolina. Her involvement in ASGA began as a volunteer camp director for iCan Bike Camp in 2011. She was then hired as ASGA’s second official employee in 2012, and she now coordinates ASGA’s programs as well as training protocols for the understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorders in our community.

Lisa is a mother to twin teenage boys, one of which is on the autism spectrum. She has a passion for helping families spend less time learning how to navigate the world of autism and more time making family memories. Lisa enjoys working with community partners to provide inclusive programs for those impacted by autism.

Lisa currently resides in Copley with her husband, Greg, and their twin sons, Joshua, and Jordan. The Thompson family enjoys ski slopes, snow tubing, water parks, beaches, video games, pinball, movies, and travel.

Theresa Maier is a Support Specialist at Autism Society of Greater Akron. She has a background in Human Resources at Cleveland Clinic and earned her Bachelor of Arts at Baldwin Wallace University. She grew up in Cuyahoga county and enjoys visiting local parks, playgrounds, and beaches with her family. Theresa currently resides in Copley with her husband and son, who was diagnosed with Autism at 23 months old. She currently volunteers as a Support Parent for P2P USA, Parent Advisor through Akron Children’s Hospital, and Parent Match through Connecting for Kids. In her free time, Theresa enjoys cooking and reading.

Kelly Clark is the Community Training Specialist at ASGA. Kelly oversees the Autism Friendly Communities program and the DOJ Kevin and Avonte grant in training police officers about Autism. For 20 years, Kelly’s background was in education and curriculum. She has a BA in Integrated Social Studies Education and two MAs in Administration and Curriculum and Instruction.

Kelly currently resides in Stow with her children: Andrew and Aria. Her personal and professional lives intersected when her daughter was diagnosed with Autism in 2023. Kelly’s passion is making the community more accepting of our loved ones with Autism to improve their experiences. When not at work, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family and her partner Rob, reading, watching movies/shows (especially Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Game of Thrones), and playing the piano.

Suzanne Erb is an Education and Program Coordinator for ASGA. She graduated with a BA in Environmental Studies from Connecticut College, and she received her MA in Education and Leadership from the University of Notre Dame of Maryland.

Suzanne was a middle school science educator for 12 years, and she and her family moved to Akron from Annapolis, Maryland. Her son, James, was diagnosed with Autism when he was 3 and half years old. “The only thing that changed that day was my husband’s and my ability to access services to better serve our son.” She came to ASGA with the desire to serve the community of people with Autism and to find a supportive community.

Suzanne is a Master Gardener in Summit County and enjoys growing vegetables and converting her yard to native plants to encourage beneficial insects. Her husband, Dan, loves to cook and eat the veggies she grows, and her son, James, enjoys watching the bees that visit the flowers. They also like to travel and enjoy the outdoors.

Your contribution helps connect children and adults with Autism, as well as their families to the support they need when they need it.