Who Are We?
The Autism Society of Ventura County was founded in 1994 by local parents, educators and professionals to help support newly-diagnosed families and develop needed local resources. First known as the Ventura County Autism Society (VCAS), the organization is a non-profit chapter of the Autism Society of America.
Our Mission
The mission of the Autism Society Ventura County is to improve the lives of all affected by Autism. We work to promote lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals within the autism spectrum and their families to be fully included members of the community. We achieve this through education, advocacy, the promotion of research, increasing public awareness, and collaboration with other agencies.
ASVC members are mostly individuals and families who have children with autism of all ages. Our membership also includes service providers, agency staff, educators and teachers, and professionals who are interested in furthering the mission of ASVC. Our membership is open to any individual, family, or community member. Our board and the people who invest their time in ASVC are all volunteers.
Dedicated Board of Volunteer Directors
- Joe Márquez, President - Parent of four children; two sons with Autism
- Sharon M. Francis, Vice President – Parent of two; provider of Respite (CISS)
- Bill Burke, Treasurer - Parent of two children; teenage son with Autism
- Allison Purdy, Secretary - Center Manager, Lindamood Bell Learning Processes
- Aaron Kitman, LMFT - Vice-President of Adult Programs, Villa Esperanza Services
- Grant LaVigna, LMFT - Licensed family therapist with New Beginnings Counseling Center
- Tiffany Mandelbaum, BCBA - Parent of a young son; provider of Social & Adaptive Skills (PAL)
- Jenipher Swanson, BCBA - ASD Program Manager for Holdsambeck & Assoc.
- Eli Gluzman, MD – Parent of four children; daughter with ASD
- Corina Lozano, Grandparent of child with ASD, VC Sheriff’s Dept.
- 2 OPEN* for Parents, Relatives, or Adults with Autism
