Board & Staff
The Autism Society of Maine Board of Directors consists of up to 15 members, 4 are officers. The Board of Directors includes parents, individuals on the spectrum and professionals. This is a volunteer board.
Join the Board of Directors for the Autism Society
The Autism Society has openings on our Board of Directors. The BOD meets remotely monthly and consists of parents, Autistic adults, professionals, who come together to discuss policies, laws, trends, and committee work etc.
Reach out to Cathy Dionne at asm@asmonline.org or fill out the BOD application and we will be in touch with you.
Cathy E. Dionne, Executive Director for Autism Society of Maine
Cathy has been with the Autism Society of Maine for 28 years, serving the last 12 years as the Executive Director. Cathy is a parent of a 30-year-old Autistic son, Ben, and a 31-year-old daughter, Ashley. She lives in Greene, Maine with her husband of 37 years, Rick. Ben was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 18 months, and her family’s journey began at that time.
Contact Cathy at: asm@asmonline.org
Susan J. Vincent, Communications Director
Since 2004, Susan has held different positions at ASM and as Communications Director for the last ten years. Susan provides website management, social media, and a network of digital communication that delivers Autism resources & information.
Susan lives in Readfield with her husband. They have two adult children and four grandchildren that fill their lives with joy.
Contact Susan at: susan@asmonline.org
Jennifer Frey, Autism Information Specialist Coordinator
Jennifer joined the Autism Society of Maine in 2020. Last year, she advanced to the role of Autism Information Specialist (AIS) Coordinator, overseeing 27 AIS across the state. She is also a proud parent, homeschooling her 10-year-old Autistic daughter in Orono, Maine.
Contact Jennifer at: infospec@asmonline.org
Tara J. Perry, Office Assistant
Tara joined ASM in May of 2016. Before joining ASM, Tara worked in IDD services as a house manager, DSP/CRMA of a residential home for adults with both IDD and physical disabilities. 3 of her 5 residents also had a diagnosis of Autism. Tara’s responsibilities at ASM consist of processing all mail, donations, memberships, sales, library requests and assisting other office staff with various needs. Tara and her family reside in Wayne.
Contact Tara at: offassist@asmonline.org
Board of Directors
Melissa Ponce, President
Melissa Ponce is a licensed social worker for the largest health system in Central Maine. A 2004 graduate of the University of Maine at Augusta, Melissa earned her bachelor’s degree in Mental Health and Human Services. Melissa has worked in the advocacy and support of adults and children who are diagnosed with autism, intellectual disabilities, mental health disorders, and chronic medical needs. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Melissa has worked passionately to advocate for children and families who live with autism, educating parents to aid in meeting the needs of their children, and supporting those in the community to learn more about autism. Melissa is an ardent supporter for those in need, helping people make connections to what they need to promote a high quality of life. Melissa resides in Randolph.
Amber Pingree, Vice President
Amber Pingree is a licensed resource parent, and passionate about making a meaningful difference within Maine’s autism community. She has worn many hats both professionally and as a board member serving on various sub-committees for several organizations. These organizations include The Dorcas Society, Gorham Educational Foundation, Southern New Hampshire University, and the Steering Committee for MSAD 6’s Strategic Plan. She has experience with running successful capital campaigns, fundraising events, and social media ad campaigns. Amber looks forward to utilizing this experience to serve on the ASM Board of Directors. Amber is the parent of a teen with autism living in Southern Maine.
Roy Ulrickson III, Treasurer
After his oldest son was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome in 2003, it has been Roy Ulrickson’s mission to support and educate children with special needs, assist their families and advocate for this vulnerable population. Throughout his professional career, he has worked in positions that provided him with the opportunity to educate families and other professions. This mission led him to join the MSW program at the University of Maine. He graduated from this program in 2015.
Professionally, he worked as an Educational Technician while he attended the MSW program and has years of working in an educational environment. During his work as Clinical Supervisor and HCT (Home and Community Therapy) clinician, he learned, firsthand, the effects of trauma on children and adults. He understands the importance of supporting families and children across environments, through their lifetime and how the coordination of services can improve their lives. Personally, he has seen how the transition to adulthood has greatly restricted the services available to his son.
For decades, he has proactively engaged, supported, and educated individuals of many ages to improve their mental health and address their substance abuse challenges. He has extensive personal and professional experiences working within multiple systems and providing direct services throughout my career. As he learned more from these experiences, so did the breadth of his mission. Roy lives in Newport with his wife and son.
Kathryn Dobos, Secretary
Kathryn Dobos is a parent to three young kids (5, 8, and 10 years old). Kathryn’s two youngest both have Autism. Kathryn is very passionate about connecting families with resources as well as each other and support. Kathryn looks forward to using her experience gained from a variety of organizations to serve on the ASM Board of Directors. Ms. Dobos resides in Readfield.
Chandler Davis
Chandler Davis is recent graduate from the Old Town area, earning both an associate degree in human services from Eastern Maine Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Mental Health and Human Services from the University of Maine Augusta. Chandler has worked many roles in the mental health field in his work experience. Including such as direct support professional, behavioral health professional, peer support, a CRMA and as an ed-tech. Most recently Chandler has worked as a case manager for the greater Bangor area, supporting adults with mental health and physical health diagnosis.
Chandler also comes to us as a father of two boys with autism. Chandler has made it his mission to learn as much as he can so he can not only help educate his children and help them to advocate for themselves. But also, to educate the world on autism and bring new ideas and perspectives to light. As a parent, Chandler has seen the impact of early interventions but has also seen the impact of waitlists for services for individuals in need. Building Legos, building stories, or even building up daily life skills is something you will always find Chandler doing with his family.
Chandler has collaborated with other agencies and autism advocates across the country and internationally. Over the years, Chandler has traveled the east coast of the US, traveling and meeting many individuals and their families. Taking a different route for advocating, he has been able to meet hundreds and hear their stories. Chandler resides in Old Town.
Michelle Gonya
Michelle Gonya is a parent/guardian, she has twenty-one years of parental experience and am ongoing in reaching out for resources and continuing to advocate for her children. Michelle’s oldest son Philip is 21 and was diagnosed at 1.5 years old with PDDNOS and then with Autism years later, she has learned over the years to use her voice to advocate. Michelle strongly believes in Parent voices. As parents we should be listened to and to be lifted to be able to support our whole family to be successful. With this support from community and within, she believes that positive change can happen for our future and for our children. In the Fall 2024, Michelle will finish her associate’s degree in Mental health and Human services, she is a first generation to attend college and High school (97). When she’s not working, she is sure to be found humming and singing to songs. Michelle is outgoing, crafty, and at the last session at the State house in Augusta she sang the National Anthem four times. Parents’ voices do matter and should never be kept quiet. Parenting is hard work and extremely rewarding. Michele resides in Winslow, Maine with her three special needs sons.
Victoria Fisher
Victoria Fisher has a background in mental health working with adults and children and currently owns and operates a daycare in Lewiston. Victoria has 3 grown children, a stepchild, 2 grandchildren and is guardian of her Autistic, non verbal grandson.
Kristen King
Kristen King has an associate degree in Mental Health and Human Services and currently works for the State of Maine, Office of Behavioral Health. Kristen has been employed by the State of Maine since 2007 working for various Departments and offices within the Department of Health and Human Services. She has three sons, her youngest, Jaxson was recently diagnosed with Autism at age 2. She is a single mom, determined to learn as much as she can about Autism so she can be the best advocate not only her son but for other individuals as well. Kristen resides in Windsor.
Jessica Molloy
Jessica Molloy is a trailblazer in the field of holistic education and student well-being. As the founder of WHILDE, Jessica has revolutionized educational strategies with the WHILDE Method. This innovative approach integrates the B·A·I·N·E·S framework to nurture resilient, adaptable, and confident learners. Jessica’s journey began in public and private school settings, where she realized the limitations of traditional education making a significant impact. Her desire to create long-term positive change for students with learning challenges led her to establish her own educational practice. This venture expanded into a school and private practice in Maine, dedicated to serving students with varying cognitive abilities and their families. Jessica’s academic credentials include a master’s degree in special education from St. Joseph’s College and a BA in Social Work from the University of Maine. She is currently completing her Doctorate in Education Leadership (EdD) at the University of New England, with graduation anticipated in June 2025. Alongside her founding role at WHILDE, she is the Clinical Training Director for Maine LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities). A mother of four daughters, two of whom are on the autism spectrum, Jessica’s personal experiences fuel her dedication to building supportive communities for Maine families. Her work emphasizes the integration of Holistic Education and student well-being through WHILDE’s B·A·I·N·E·S framework, nurturing resilient, adaptable, and confident learners ready to thrive in an ever-changing world. With her recent appointment to the Board of Directors of the Autism Society of Maine, Jessica aims to further her mission of empowering Maine families and fostering educational excellence for all students. Jessica resides on Orrs Island with her family.
Jon Palmer
Jon Palmer is an Operational Meteorologist and was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (High-functioning Autism) at 2 years old and received countless accommodations and services growing up. As a result of early intervention, a hard work ethic, and a thirst to learn and lead, Jon managed to get almost straight A’s in high school, become the President of his high school Student Government, complete a Bachelor’s of Science in Meteorology from Plymouth State University and get exactly the position he desired at his current place of employment – all without declaring his disability nor using accommodations that he was entitled to. Since Jon moved to Maine, he swiftly put himself out there and as a result made friends quickly. Jon is also an avid skier, a skilled cook and values time spent with his friends and family. Jon looks forward to sharing his perspective to help form better fit accommodations for neurodiverse individuals and to inspire the next generation of Autistic people that they too, can achieve anything they put their mind to. Jon resides in Auburn, Maine.
David Sharp
David Sharp is currently a special education teacher in Kennebunk serving elementary students with a wide scope of abilities. In 2012, He graduated from the USM ETEP Program and earned his master’s degree in Education with dual certification in Special and General Education. David is a certified Safety Care trainer and a certified Compassion Fatigue Professional. David has always enjoyed being active in his community and has served as a faith formation teacher at his church, has been a den leader and Cubmaster for the Cub Scouts and has helped coached his son’s sports teams.
David lives in Lyman along with his wife, two children and two cats. His son is on the Autism Spectrum and he and his wife have worked with his IEP team and outside counseling to ensure that we are doing the best we can for him. Both at home and at school, David does the work he does because it has always come naturally to and feels that it is not really a job but a calling. He hopes to use his experience and passion to help make Maine a better place for those on the Autism Spectrum.
Meghan Wilson Duff
Meghan Wilson Duff, PsyD is an associate professor of psychology in the Psychology and Community Studies Program at University of Maine at Machias. In addition to working with students, they coordinate and teach courses for the Mental Health and Rehabilitation Minor. Previously, they worked as a child and family therapist and adolescent addiction treatment provider. They are a member of the Narratives of Neurodiversity Network. Meghan is also a children’s book author who writes autistic affirming stories. How Are You, Verity?, illustrated by Taylor Barron and released by Magination/APA, features a nonbinary neurodivergent (autistic/AuDHD coded) main character who loves marine life. Meghan is one of the autistic members in their family. Meghan resides in Bangor.