Educators, advocates, parents.

Amy Thornburg

Board Chair

Association Executive Director with 22 years of experience leading member-based and volunteer organizations. Expert in board governance, operational efficiency, and strategic-to-tactical thinking. She has also been a support group facilitator for grieving children and an early-childhood educator. Mother to twin daughters, one of whom is on the autism spectrum.

Katie Kunkel

Board Vice President

Director of Response to Intervention and Special Services at a local private school. 18 years of experience in special education, including ABA therapy. Brings experience in analyzing school performance data and an understanding of best practices within educational leadership.

Michael Gilbert

Board Treasurer

Over 20 years in IT management, ranging from service desk to leadership roles. Brings technological, project management, and organizational experience to the board. He has 2 children on the autism spectrum currently enrolled at DMA.

Amanda Scott

Board Member

Currently an educator at Noblesville Schools and has been a middle-school social studies teacher for 21 years. Experience with neurotypical and neurodivergent students, IEPs, special-education professionals, occupational therapists, and child psychologists. She has four children, two of whom are on the autism spectrum.

Blair Dawson

Board Member

Special-education resource teacher in Franklin Township with 19 years of teaching experience, most of which has been working with students with moderate/severe disabilities and all levels of the autism spectrum.

Erin Fields

Board Member

Waiver Case Manager and Multisystemic Therapy (MST) provider. Brings the personal perspective of being a mother to a son on the autism spectrum, informing her commitment to family-centered, strengths-based, and ethical services.