Board of Directors

James B. Adams, Ph.D. is President of the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix.  He is the proud father of an 19-year-old daughter with autism.  He is a professor at Arizona State University, where he directs the ASU Autism/Asperger’s Research Program focused on understanding the biomedical causes of autism and how to treat it.

Trisha Folk-DuBois is the proud mother of twins, a boy and a girl.  Her son was diagnosed with Autism in 2009. After a professional dance career Trisha became the Artistic Director of Arizona Dance Theatre for 14 years. She is currently a performing and fine arts teacher as well as presenter and researcher for the National Arts Education of America. Her focus now is on Autism Spectrum Disorder program development with an emphasis on enrichment programs, first responder’s safety projects and arts based, environmental learning for specials needs education.

Catina Hoffman is co-chair of the Autism Society Insurance Committee. She is the mother of 2 young girls, Gabrielle, autistic and Grace. Before moving to Arizona she was on Active Duty for the Air Force. Her husband is still servicing on active duty. Catina has sent over 2 years appealing and securing funding with the state, private and military insurance for coverage of autism/medical treatment for her daughter, Gabrielle. Catina Hoffman has been successful with all three plans and is an expert at the appeals process.

Seth Lansky has a 13 year old son with autism and has been involved in the autism community for a long time.  He has served on the board of the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix for two years.  Professionally, Seth has worked for Follett Library Resources for 20+ years helping schools with their library, curriculum, reading and technology needs.

Cynthia Macluskie is the mother of a wonderful eleven year old boy who has recovered from autism. She is actively involved in the autism community. She is the Vice-President of the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix and runs the Phoenix Valley Parent’s Autism Group which holds monthly meetings to provide support and information.

Sheryl McClary joined the ASA BOD in 2009. She and her husband, Mike have lived in Scottsdale for 8 years. They have an 11 year old daughter who has Autism and a son who is 6 years old. Sheryl is also a Girl Scout leader and a frequent volunteer at her son’s school.

Desiree Salas, mother of two boys, one whom has autism. She lives in the East valley, and helps inform parents and teachers about Autism at the school and at the AMC Mesa Grand Sensory Friendly Film Booth.  Desiree tries to encourage parents to stay connected and informed about Autism support groups, information, and events for their children.

Susan Sunseri has a nine year old child on the spectrum. She currently chairs the Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Family Advisory Council for the Children’s Neurosciences Institute, and is a board member for the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. She has personal experience in the fair hearing process for both DDD and AHCCCS. She is an active advocate for the national law center known as EBCALA: the Elizabeth Birt Center for Autism Law and Advocacy. Her special interest is in the federal entitlement for disabled children known as EPSDT: Early and Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment. Susan credits her son’s success to a combination of her decision to homeschool; intensive therapies achieved through the program known in Arizona as Habilitation Masters; specific biomedical treatments that have been helpful; and her son’s augmentative and alternative communication device.

Karen Taylor is the mother of three children; 6 year old twin boys with autism and a 3 year old boy.  She is actively involved in volunteering in the autism community and giving support to individuals through online support groups.  In her free time she enjoys playing tennis and being with family.

Melissa Van Hook is the mother of two boys with autism.  She has been an active advocate in the autism community for several years.  In partnership with other parents, she has assisted in the passage of legislation that prohibits insurance companies from denying treatment for those diagnosed with autism.  Additionally, she has worked to pass legislation for the creation of a Senate task force for the recommendation of best practices for behavior management and special education students.  Melissa is also a co-founder of East Valley Autism Network (EVAN).  She is currently working on her Master’s degree in Counseling so that she may better serve families in the autism community.

Katie Wride received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1996 from Brigham Young University. She taught second grade in Utah before returning home to the East Valley with her husband to raise their family. She has four children, her oldest son has Autism. Katie has been active in the Autism community for many years. She is currently a Parent Mentor for the Autism Society of America-Greater Phoenix Chapter Board, on the ACT Today board, and co-founded a parent support group called EVAN (East Valley Autism Network). Katie also volunteers each week in each of her children’s classes at school, for the PTSO, at her church, and helps teach in the Cub Scout program for the Boy Scouts of America.