PACT is proud of its Board of Advisors

Andrew Oser is a consultant to non-profit organizations, lending his wisdom gained in 23 years in the non-profit arena.  A tennis and life coach since 1970, Andrew Oser has helped more than 50,000 children and adults to express their highest potential.  As  founder of the Joy of Sports Foundation, he developed and ran programs for at-risk children across the United States. Currently, Andrew offers coaching, consulting, and retreats through Summit Coaching Services, and can be contacted through his website: www.summitcoachingservices.net .

Jesse Rutherford is an award-winning author of parenting and children's books.  Her The Modern Mom's Guide to Dads won the 2008 National Parenting Publications Award.  She is also perhaps one of the greatest mothers of all time, and has two beautiful children.  Jesse has assisted PACT by teaching at the children's workshops and has made herself available as consultant in PACT's script writing ventures.  You can learn more about Jesse at www.jesserutherford.com. 

Glenn Frieder, D.C. with son, David

Glenn Frieder, D.C., is the newest member of our Board of Advisors.  He is a highly skilled and respected chiropractor in the San Diego North County area.  His son, now a young adult, has Aspergers.  Glenn has poured his heart and soul into giving his son a rich and fulfilling life.  He has used the tools of his trade, nutrition and holistic healing, and has helped his son receive training as a massage therapist. 

Glenn understands that the first and most important step in helping someone with a disability be all they can be is to respect and appreciate them as a unique  individual with gifts to share.

Lisa Keller

Lisa is active in state and national advocacy groups, and attended the Autism Legislative Summit in Kansas City. She served for four years on State Area Board 13 representing San Diego and Imperial Counties serving the Office of the State Council On Developmental Disabilities.

In Lisa's words:

I have a son who was diagnosed with autism in 2004 at age four. Soon after, I recognized the unique societal challenges faced by ASD individuals, primarily here in California. The Department of Developmental Services (Fact Book, 11^th Edition, October 2008) recently recognized autism as the only category of developmental disability that showed an overall increase in percentage as a population; growing 321% from December 1997 to December 2007. Burdening an already overloaded system, California State Regional Centers and public schools are recognizing what the future holds as they prepare for the wave of ASD children who will be entering public schools and community programs. 

I am excited to support PACT in an effort to fill the void in arts and recreational programs available to kids on the autism spectrum.  Awareness needs to be heightened through such community programs that promote inclusion of special needs children and the unique strengths they offer. Expressive arts prove a rewarding environment for my son whose confidence and self esteem are boosted taking part in the drama workshops. It promotes social engagement and reinforces expressive communication in a fun setting with peers.