Monthly Milestones | APRIL 2022
April has a long history of significance in the autism community as a month to focus on autism awareness and acceptance. Milestones is taking this recognition one step further, in a greater act of inclusion and appreciation of the value autistic individuals bring to our society.

That is why Milestones is proud to recognize the month of April as Autism Appreciation Month. May we all take time this month to truly appreciate the unique perspectives, accomplishments, and contributions autistic individuals bring to our communities and our lives, each and every day.
Milestones Free Autism Helpdesk

Need a specific resource? Want to learn more about our services? Contact the Milestones free Helpdesk today.
Milestones Community Calendar


Visit our community calendar to connect with local event organizers and learn about upcoming events and supports in your area.
June is approaching! We can't wait for you to see this year's lineup of experts and advocates.

Join us this summer to gain new, powerful practical strategies, connect with new autism resources, and improve outcomes at work, school and home.

Attendees can look forward to:
- 80+ virtual sessions for professionals, family members and autistic individuals
- On-demand access to sessions and professional development through August 15
- Select LIVE sessions – engage with experts in real time
- Continuing Education in multiple disciplines for all autism professionals
- Select sessions in Spanish
- Opportunities to network with attendees and speakers
- A virtual Sponsor and Exhibitor Expo with giveaways!
- A virtual art exhibit featuring the work of autistic artists from across the globe

Need-based scholarships available! Full session schedule coming soon
Register before May 15th to save with our Spring Special rates.
Get unlimited, comprehensive autism training for your entire staff at the Milestones Conference with our special 20th anniversary deal, exclusively for school districts at the cost-effective rate of $2000. 

CEUs in Education and 11 other disciplines included!
Milestones Self-Advocate Group April Schedule
An online network for individuals with a formal or self-diagnosis of ASD or other disabilities. Ages 16+

New members welcome! To join the group or RSVP to an event below, please email nmorgan@milestones.org

Monthly: Magic the Gathering (in-person)
Thursday, April 21st, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Parma-Snow Public Library, Meeting Room B
2121 Snow Rd, 
Parma, OH 44134
Come play with us! Join the group in-person for a night of fun, snacks and conversation. New and experienced players welcome. Don't play? Feel free to come and just hang out! The Cuyahoga County Public Library requires all visitors to wear a mask. RSVP and proof of vaccination strongly recommended.

Additional activities are in the process of being scheduled. Visit milestones.org throughout the month for up-to-date information.
Thank you to everyone who helped us
Strike It Big this year!

After many months of being apart, Sunday's event at Spins Bowl was a special reminder of how important community and connection truly are. It was a pleasure to see all of you!

Everyone who participated played an important role in helping raise critical funds for the
Milestones free autism Helpdesk. It's not too late to donate and make a difference today!
Board Member Tanzie Daniels and Family
Event Co-Chair Tabatha Devine and the Best Buddies/Westlake Team
Staff Members Veronica Miller, Estee Ezinski and Swifty the Clown
Thank you to all our sponsors, partners and volunteers for all you did to make Strike It Big a success and ensure the Milestones free autism Helpdesk is available for our community!
Partner Organizations
Best Buddies/Westlake City Schools
Cleveland Bridge Builders
Collegiate Neuroscience Association Group - Cleveland State
Funke Hair Body Soul
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. (Kent State Chapter)
MetroHealth
Orange High School
Tease Hair & Body Parlor
Ursuline College
Come grow with us! Milestones is currently seeking a

At Milestones, staff members get to be a part of a mission-driven organization and help change the trajectory for autistic individuals by helping them reach their unique potential every day. Our organization provides a competitive salary, paid time off that increases with tenure and a generous company holiday schedule.
Milestones is proud to be an annual partner of the
A Better Understanding of the Spectrum of Autism and Practical Interventions
Improve understanding of the medical, behavioral, social, sensory and educational issues related to ASD with University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Autism Seminar Series, presented virtually by local and national experts in the field.

UPCOMING SEMINARS:
Transition to Adulthood
Wednesday, May 1, 2022 | 5:30 - 6:30pm
Beth Thompson, MSSA, LSW, Program Director, Milestones Autism Resources

Due to the ongoing issues of the pandemic and surge in COVID cases, this series is being offered online using the Zoom platform. There is no fee for the series. A certificate of attendance will be emailed to all registrants along with a copy of the recorded session for post event viewing.

To register or see the full 2022 seminar schedule, please click the button below or call 216.998.1230
Please join us in welcoming Milestones' newest staff members
Michelle Mejia
Spanish Helpdesk Support
Michelle has had experience working with the Hispanic community since 2017 by advocating for their needs and providing Spanish interpretation and translation services. She has also worked with families in the school environment as an interpreter during IEP meetings. She is very proud to be Hispanic and is looking forward to using that passion as she helps the autistic community find the resources and assistance that families need.
Autumn Ziemba
Communications and Content Manager
Autumn Ziemba McKenzie brings more than 20 years of journalism and media relations experience to the Milestones team. She has won regional Emmy and Associated Press awards for her work in television reporting and anchoring across the state of Ohio. Autumn is the proud mom of two kids, including an autistic son who is also a leukemia survivor. It was her son's diagnoses that spawned her advocacy for children with special and medical needs. Autumn serves on the advisory board for the Akron Municipal Court’s Connect Program, which helps people with developmental disabilities navigate the criminal justice system. She and her husband also founded and run the Operation SiFi holiday toy drive for patients at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital. Autumn received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University. 
Christa Mullis
Training Coordinator
Christa comes to Milestones as the founder of Spectrumize, an autism accessibility and advocacy company. She has also served in the developmental disability field as a researcher, advocate, educator, mentor, and consultant. Christa received her Master’s degree in Education with a focus in Special Needs and Inclusive Education from Hiroshima University’s Graduate School of International Development and Cooperation. She has worked with autism communities around the world and hopes to continue making positive changes in recognizing the strengths of autistic children and creating a more welcoming world for them to thrive.