Our staff and board of directors consists of a variety of professionals who are parents of children with autism. As well, we have an Advisory Panel of community members and Autism Service Providers that we work with. We strongly believe in “Parents Helping Parents”, we highly value our grassroots beginning will continue to operate with no financial gain.

View our Constitution and Bylaws here.

Sissy Lei – Education Coordinator

Sissy Lei has a daughter who was diagnosed as Autism at the age of 4, when her family immigrated to Canada from China in 2016. Sissy, quickly researched the best course of action and now oversees her daughter’s ABA program at home and at school.  Before immigration, she worked for years in an international company in Customer Service, Sales & Marketing and Human Resources. In Canada, she started up a cosmetic e-business.  She began working for the Autism Support Network Society as an Education Coordinator in 2019, where she is always pleased to offer helps to other family with children with autism through sharing resources and experiences.  Sissy works out of the ASN office at the Pacific Family Autism Network Center in Richmond. Email Sissy

 

Nancy Walton – Executive Director

Nancy Walton, a mother of two, has been involved in meetings with MLA’s, MP’s and School administrators regarding ABA services for all children with ASD, since her son was diagnosed in 2000. She facilitated meetings for parents for 7 years first through the Autism Society of BC and later through the Autism Support Network Society, an organization which she founded in 2007. She was also one of the founders of the ABA Advisory in the Surrey School District and was instrumental in the development of the ABA Support Worker program in the district. Nancy currently works part time at the Chilliwack Hub of the Pacific Autism Family Network and as a Teacher on Call.  Email Nancy

 

Stephanie Lawson – President

Stephanie and her husband have one son who was diagnosed with Autism in 2015.  She attended her first Autism Support Network meeting in January 2017 and switched from a center-based to home-based treatment program for her son shortly after. In 2018, Stephanie joined the ASN board of directors as Secretary and became president in September, 2019.  She is thankful for the support of her parents who have allowed her to go back to work where she is Vice President of Operations at Magnum Nutraceuticals.  She enjoys going to the gym, going for nature walks and playground visits with her son and volunteering for the Autism Support Network. Email Stephanie

 

Jason Thorburn – Vice President

Jason T became an activist on a national level when he went to his MP to ask for a National Autism Strategy and Medicare of Autism.  He later joined the Autism Support Network where he is very helpful with advocacy issues and legal documentation for the organization. Email Jason T

 

Jason Philipchuk – Treasurer

Jason is a manager in the software industry.  When not leading his team at work he and his wife spend their time chasing after their three boys.  Their oldest son has autism and is currently in elementary school.  Jason’s older brother is also on the spectrum so Jason has seen first-hand throughout his entire life the importance of advocacy within the autism community and hopes to contribute to that effort through his Board position. Email Jason

 

Dione Costanzo – Media Director

Dione Costanzo is a mother of two teenage boys and was instrumental in founding the Autism Support Network and is currently the president of the organization. Her youngest son was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3. She is most passionate about ensuring every family and individual has access to science-based autism treatment. Dione has a wealth of experience in advocating for autism treatment and services in BC and is continually supporting other families. Dione is a freelance Social Media Director and independent business woman. Email Dione

 

Louise Witt – Director

Louise is a registered social worker and parent of two teenage children. Since her son was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2, she has been actively involved in the autism community and was a founding member of the Autism Support Network. Within the ASN, Louise does a great deal of volunteer outreach work with parents in crisis. Louise was also a member of the Pacific Autism Family Network steering committee.

 

Michelle Auton – Director

Michelle is a mother of 3, and has been involved in the ABA community for since 1999. She and her husband, on behalf of their son, are proud and grateful to have been one of 30 families involved in the Auton case, which resulted in funding for children with autism. Michelle works as a Behaviour Interventionist. More recently she has concentrated on advocating for ABA services for adults. Email Michelle

 

Tom Wiebe- Director

Tom has been an active advocate for his son who was diagnosed with autism.  He started the Vancouver Neighbourhood Network meetings with the Autism Support Network in 2017 and continues to hold monthly meetings and bring in speakers. Tom is now working as a parent liaison for the Children’s Hospital.  Email Tom.