Kate Schwartz, Executive Director
Kate is a graduate from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor degree in Business Administration and some post graduate work in Human Resources. She has dedicated her life to making the road easier for families who have received an Autism diagnosis. She has served as a professional volunteer over the course of more than 10 years for many organizations whose focus is championing those with disabilities, until her dream job opened at the Autism Society of NWO (ASNO) as the Program Director in 2018.
Prior to her role at ASNO, Kate held the position as a program coordinator pairing parents with undergraduate and graduate students in the Consultation and Collaboration course through Bowling Green State University. This allowed students to understand the challenges that parents face parenting a child with special needs in both educational and social settings. She is also part of the Chronic Care Connection team, breaking down barriers in the medical profession between patients, parents and professionals.
“Paid or unpaid, I have a very real passion to provide the information and resources families need to make good decisions for their loved one with autism.” Kate has expressed her excitement to be in a position that will allow her to combine her passion and leadership skills gained through her community connections.
Kate is a fierce advocate for her own children and has generalized that knowledge into empowering others to become advocates for themselves and their children. Kate is a great advocate for her children as well as others, providing families with information and contacts. Her passion is supporting other caregivers and connecting them with resources. Kate has been married to her husband, Bryan for 17 years. Together, they have two children, Emily (15) and Michael (13) who are both on the Autism spectrum.