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2019 Honorary Encourage Leader

Each year at S'Mores and Pours, Camp Encourage honors someone special in our community that exemplifies that which we believe is essential when supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

photo portrait of brunette woman with long hair smiling.

We are delighted to announce that this year's very deserving Honorary Encourage Leader is Dr. Jena Randolph.Β Our community is fortunate to have her knowledge and her heart.

Dr. Jena Randolph is an Assistant Research Professor and the Training and Education Division Director at the University of Missouri’s Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. She has extensive training and experience with individuals with autism throughout the lifespan across home, clinical and school settings. Her experience has a focus on collaborative and coordinated care for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.

Dr. Randolph is co-developer of the Training Experts in Autism for Missouri (TEAM) program, which provides autism training and support to professionals across disciplines.Β  Last year alone, her team provided training to over 2,300 professionals across the state, including educators, applied behavior analysts, early care providers, adult care providers, and first responders.

Additionally, her Autism Friendly Business initiative is helping businesses support customers and employees of all abilities, and STRIVE, a program for young adults with autism that she oversees, is providing direct instruction, job experience, and peer mentorship to young adults with autism on the University of Missouri’s campus.

Prior to her role at the Thompson Center, she worked 15 years in the public schools as a special educator and autism and behavior consultant.Β Β  Her primary areas of focus include preparing communities to embrace all abilities, and empowering children and young adults to live self-determined lives through the development of skills that lead to greater independence and enhanced social-communication.

We look forward to honoring Dr. Randolph at S'Mores and Pours on Friday, October 18, 2019 and hope that you can join us.

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