From her training at Northwestern University’s prestigious Medill School of Journalism (MSJ ’98) to her years of experience in corporate, healthcare, education, financial, television and non-profit segments, Christina brings to Love, Andrew a rich background in the development and execution of communication strategy, business strategy and fundraising across a variety of industries. As a former preschool director and teacher of young children, Christina witnessed firsthand the difficulties children with autism can face in a classroom setting.

“It is my goal to help the Love, Andrew Autism Foundation celebrate the spirit of children with autism by encouraging the freedom of self-expression, and by helping provide a space where children can thrive as their authentic self. Love, Andrew strives to make a positive impact for children, parents, educators, and their community. It is my ambition to encourage others to look past the disorder, to see a child with autism first as a person with exceptional potential and natural talent that, with love and acceptance, can flourish, and live his or her best life.

With degrees in fine art and graphic design from The University of Mt. Union and the Cleveland Institute of Art coupled with experience creating visual solutions for an incredibly broad range of clients from manufacturing to entertainment, Jayson provides capabilities ranging from marketing strategy through copywriting, art direction and design. The son of lifelong public school educators, Jayson has a deep understanding and empathy for the challenges facing both students with autism and educators operating without the tools they need.

Robert started his career with a boutique investment bank before moving into a recruitment consultant role with a publicly traded recruiting firm. He is currently with a globally recognized bank supporting their capital markets and corporate areas focusing on recruitment strategy and execution.

Robert has been involved with fundraising and supporting autism organizations since 2009 and was originally motivated to support the cause when his cousin, Andrew Schumacher, was diagnosed at a young age. Since then, he has motivated others to embrace the differences and celebrate the positive effects autism has made on his family’s lives. He is dedicated to enhancing the community and social perspective on autism and continues believing we can overcome any obstacle with the help and support of the people around you.

Sarah Howes McIntosh is Business Development Manager for KIKO Auctioneers and Realtors. She is responsible for prospecting to new corporate clients, providing marketing support to the sale agents and managing corporate accounts. Sarah’s knowledge of banking, business development, client relationships, and marketing will be a great benefit to the Love, Andrew team.

“Love, Andrew and the Star Room are needed in schools. My cousin has autism. I have witnessed first hand what happens when he becomes agitated, and because of these outbursts, he was not able to mainstream into normal classrooms. He had nowhere to go to reset when he was having trouble. Through Love, Andrew, I hope we can provide that place where a person can go and reset.”

Before joining KIKO, Sarah was with Huntington Bank for 20 years. She is a graduate of Miami University and a 2001 graduate of Leadership Stark County.

She and her husband Angus live in North Canton, Ohio.

By implementing comprehensive programming that restores synchronizations between the two hemispheres of the brain, she works with children who are struggling academically, behaviorally, and/or socially. Kristel has been a family friend to the Schumachers and involved with Love, Andrew for years. Watching the foundation grow from inception to where it is today, she anticipates even further success to come.

“I share Nicole’s vision for helping children with Autism and I wholeheartedly agree with the mission of Love, Andrew. This foundation fulfills a great need in this community and beyond to create environments, like the Star Room, that will be safe havens for these children so they can receive the most benefit from their school environment.”

Kristel’s work and training though Brain Balance offers a unique perspective; an appreciation, and an understanding about brain development and sensory integration that enriches the board for Love, Andrew.

A Miami graduate, Kristel has been married to her husband Greg for 18 years and has four children in Canton, OH. She enjoys yoga, reading, writing, and cooking and watching her boys play in their sporting events.

Since September 2011, Robert has worked as the creative director of the Autism Asperger’s Digest. He has more than 5 years’ experience in all facets of non-profits. Robert focuses much of his passion talking and evangelizing the holistic approach his family utilizes with his older daughter, age 11, to tackle the day-to-day challenges of autism. It’s his desire to help unite all caregivers within the autism community and to provide life tools for achieving and surpassing all goals. He believes there is no better way to manage anything than with love, a positive attitude, lots of grace, and the belief that all things are possible.

“My passion for Love, Andrew strongly connects to my relationship with Andrew, himself. He is such a remarkable child. Andrew doesn’t know how to be unhappy or unkind. He is so dear to my heart.” Meridith Foster White is a member of the board for the Love, Andrew Team and works with the online merchandise. Meridith’s large networking base and heavy involvement in the community will serve the Love, Andrew Team with great benefits.

Born and raised, Meridith and her husband, Ken, live in Canton, Ohio. They also have four children. Graduated from Kent State in 1993, Meridith owns a business called Paper Couture, which provides custom invitations, stationeries, and announcements. She has been in the paper industry for a total of 15 years. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, golf, and snow skiing, but above all, she enjoys spending time with her family the most.