Program Teams

If you are interested in joining or chairing a team, please contact Executive Director Melanie Carlos.

BIPOC Outreach Team

The BIPOC Outreach Team was formed in recognition of racial disparities among members of the autistic community, which have been caused by historical and institutional practices. This Team seeks to both cultivate additional resources related to the educational outcomes of BIPOC students and to increase access by families of color to the resources and programming offered by xMind. This Team hosts a monthly parent discussion group called "People of the Global Majority." 

Chair:  Nico Critcher

Educator Support Team

The Educator Support Team promotes understanding among educators of how to successfully support autistic students.  We advance this goal by funding Educator Grants for targeted trainings and classroom supplies, among other activities. 

Chair: Sue Keisler

Events Team

The Events Team organizes xMinds events, including regular speaker events, social events, IEP Clinics, and webinars.

Co-Chairs: Sue Keisler and Melanie Carlos

Fundraising Team

Fundraising organizes xMinds fundraising events, which include the annual Bike to the Beach, as well as other fundraising activities.

Co-Chairs: Jacqueline Renfrow and Sue Keisler

Parent Advocacy Team

The Parent Advocacy Team works to provide free resources and guidance to parents and caregivers, primarily through the xMinds website resources and the xMinds team of Volunteer educational advocates, which we call the Consult Team. We also fund professional educational advocates to represent autistic students in foster care.

Chair: Sue Keisler and Cara Fletcher

Policy Team

The Policy Team follows county, state, and federal policy developments affecting autistic students in Montgomery County. The Team educates families on how to participate in advocacy efforts that impact their children —such as following the budget process — and keeps the xMinds community informed about important policy issues. The Team also represents xMinds in coalitions with other disability advocacy groups at the county and state levels to promote equitable educational opportunities for autistic students.

Chair: Julie Suh

Preschool and Elementary Parent Outreach Team

The Preschool and Elementary Parent Outreach Team works to provide parents and caregivers of preschool-age and elementary school-age autistic children with resources and fellowship. This Team hosts a monthly playground meetup and a monthly parent discussion group. 

Chair:  Melanie Carlos

Spanish Language Outreach Team

The Spanish Language Outreach Team seeks to increase xMinds resources available in Spanish as well as to increase access to those resources by Spanish speaking families.  This Team hosts a monthly parent discussion group in Spanish called "Hablemos Educación Especial."

Chair: (vacant)

Student Transitions to Adulthood Team

The Student Transitions to Adulthood Team seeks to provide xMinds resources and support for parents of autistic students who are planning their transition to life after high school.  This Team hosts a monthly parent discussion group called "Let's Talk Transitions." 

Chair: Emily Nohe