The Autism Society of Northwest Ohio, founded in 1968, is an affiliate of the national Autism Society chartered to serve 12 counties in Northwest Ohio. Back then, one in 10,000 were affected by Autism. Today, the numbers are one out of 68. Our mission is to improve the lives of all affected by Autism. We serve individuals, their families, and the professionals who support them across the lifespan and the Autism spectrum.
If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a Board member, please contact our office. You may also download the Board Member application here and mail to our office or email boardofdirectors@asno.org.
Katherine Macek, President
Amelia Stockdale, Vice President
Jackie Jacoby, Secretary
Carla Gilbert, Treasurer
Heidi Nafziger, Fundraising Chair
Katherine Macek, President
Katherine is an experienced attorney and partner in her law practice, with a focus on corporate and employment law, as well as estate planning. Katherine is an experienced leader with a consistent track record of success based on solid problem-solving skills, strong relationship development skills and a proven ability to effectively lead organizations during periods of change. In addition to her law practice, Katherine also serves as a student advisor for Themis Bar Review and prepares students to sit for the Ohio Bar Examination. She also is proud to pass on her legal knowledge as a Professor for undergraduate, graduate, and law students at Concord Law School, Rasmussen College, California Southern University, and the American Public University, teaching in the areas of Employment Law, Evidence, Corporate Law, Legal Ethics, and Civil Litigation. Katherine is an avid reader and Michigan State sports fan. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and trying new cuisines. Katherine and her husband Mike have a son, Blake, and two dogs, Bentley and Layla.
Amelia Stockdale, Vice President
Amelia Stockdale is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has worked at the ProMedica Finnegan Family Autism Center Autism Early Learning Program since November of 2011. She has been on the Autism Society Board of Directors since November of 2014, serving as the Board Secretary from August 2015 to June 2019 and more recently as the Board President from June 2019 until April 2021. “I joined the ASNO board to help continue to make a difference in the lives of those affected by autism. The Autism Society of Northwest Ohio provides individuals and families with the resources and support needed in order to navigate through an Autism diagnosis, and I am proud to be a part of this organization.“ In her free time, Amelia loves spending time with her husband and family. She loves to read and is an avid sports fan, especially baseball. Go Indians!
Jackie Jacoby, Secretary
Jackie Jacoby believes that centering her work in anti-racism and evidence-based language and literacy practices will help to ensure that ALL Learners are able to achieve literacy, a civil right. Jackie started her education career as an intervention specialist in Atlanta, Georgia. Knowing Toledo was always home, she returned 7 years later and took a role as an Assistant School Leader and Student Services Director.
Currently, Jackie is the Urban Literacy Specialist for State Support Team Region 1. In this role, Jackie partners with district, building, and family & community leaders to build leadership capacity to promote system changes intended to provide equitable access for all learners and their families to inclusive evidence-based language and literacy.
Heidi Nafzinger, Fundraising Chair
Heidi Nafziger works in the Public Health field, centering her work around health equity and providing support and interventions to individuals in Ohio with chronic conditions. Heidi has been an experienced leader in the non-profit world for 10 years before transitioning to Public Health.
Heidi joined the ASNO Board of Directors to help support the mission and help grow the local organization. Heidi has four children and two of her children were diagnosed with autism in 2021. The ASNO mission is close to her heart and she is excited to help make an impact in the NWO community. In her free time, Heidi likes to spend time with her husband and children, work out, and watch football.