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.

Laurie Cramer is the first Executive Director of the Autism Society of Greater Akron. Laurie started at ASGA in 2011 and was the very first staff member in what had been up to that point an all-volunteer parent organization. Previously, she was a long-time volunteer at ASGA and served as president of the board of directors. Laurie has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Florida State University and a master’s degree in organizational development from George Washington University.

Prior to her role as executive director at ASGA, Laurie worked in the communications field as a spokesperson for the Summit County Prosecutor’s office. She has also served as director and spokesperson for two national energy-related associations, senior vice president for a public affairs firm in Washington, D.C., and press secretary to two congressmen in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Laurie and her family moved to Akron from Washington, D.C. in 2003. At that time, her family learned that their two-and-a-half-year-old son had autism. From that point forward, life changed forever for her and her family. Laurie’s drive and passion to support a better life for individuals on the autism spectrum comes from her family’s personal journey raising a child with autism.

Laurie currently resides in Fairlawn with her husband, Gregg, and their two sons, Philip and Robbie.

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.

Kamelia Fisher is the Director of Development and Engagement for Autism Society of Greater Akron. She joined ASGA in 2023. Kamelia is a graduate of Kent State University and Malone University with degrees in Business and English.

Prior to joining ASGA, Kamelia has served as Executive Director of several Ohio nonprofits where she managed complex initiatives, increased the organizations visibility as well as exceeding financial goals through fund development, corporate partnerships, and community engagement.

Kamelia left her leadership role in for profit to dedicate her skills to improving the lives of those in her community. Her passion is helping people become strong and independent as well as helping them to improve their quality of life. Throughout her career, her focus has been on both the geriatric and youth populations either through her professional career or her volunteer service. Her personal goal is to help build collaborations in our community that strengthen children and families, increase opportunities for inclusion and acceptance of marginalized populations, and to use her voice to advocate for others.

Kamelia grew up in rural southern Ohio where services and opportunities were limited, especially for her younger sister with an intellectual disability. Her personal advocacy for her sister and her resilience to ensure she had access to opportunities, services and experiences that enriched her life became a lifelong passion that has driven her professional experiences and her volunteer work. Kamelia believes that inclusive and genuine relationships and collaborations change communities.

Kamelia moved to Summit County in 2012 and resides in Akron with her partner, Steve Emerick. Her daughter Jerrica, daughter in law Holly and granddaughter Quin reside in Canton.

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.

Thomas Kintz is the Development and Events Coordinator for the Autism Society of Greater Akron. Tom studied architecture and finance at Kent State University before becoming a licensed Realtor. Eventually, Tom brought his skillset to development work in the nonprofit sector. Tom has experience in grant research, application, and reporting at the local, state and federal levels. He currently serves on the board of the Gay Community Endowment Fund of the Akron Community Foundation. Tom’s community focus is the mental well-being of individuals, especially youth, and the unmet needs of the LGBTQ+ population in Akron and Summit County. He regularly attends community events and strives to support local nonprofits.

Tom is an Akron area native. In his free time he enjoys cooking, music, art, history, and classic cars.

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