IGNITE is a program of the Autism Society of North Carolina, with founding support from the Evernham Family-Racing for a Reason Foundation. Winter 2017 • Volume 4, Issue 1
Meet Our New Director! We are excited to introduce the new director of IGNITE, Mindy Govan. Mindy brings a wealth of experience acquired over her 25-year career. For the past 17 years, she worked at TEACCH, where she was a certified TEACCH clinician, trainer, consultant, program developer, and coach. Prior to that, she worked as a rehabilitation counselor for the NC Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, as well as a substance abuse counselor. Mindy has created and facilitated social
“I enjoy working with both individuals with autism and their parents to identify and clarify their goals for independence and dreams for the future.” skills groups for high school and university students, worked with young adults individually on strategies and skill building, and developed and facilitated parent support groups. She is a perfect fit for IGNITE. Read on for a message from Mindy: My passion is working with adolescents and young adults as they make their transition into adulthood. This is an exciting, yet difficult, time for them, but also for their parents. I believe it is important to recognize and be sensitive to the fact that both the young adult and their parents are transitioning to a new phase of life. I plan to offer parent education nights as well as continuing the parent support groups. I enjoy working with both individuals with autism and their parents to identify and clarify their goals for independence and dreams for the future. My strategy to enhance the services and increase member programs at IGNITE encompasses a two-pronged approach: 1) The whole-person philosophy: An enriched, happy life includes health, wellness, sexuality, positive social interactions, independent leisure skills, and meaningful employment to include either paid or volunteer work. 2) Skills must be successful in the community: For example, selfadvocacy and asking for help, appropriate personal hygiene, ability to follow directions and time limits. I am very excited about my position as the new director of IGNITE and about IGNITE’s continued growth for its members and the families we serve.
IGNITE is a unique ‘peer-to-peer’ community center for young adults with high-functioning autism (HFA) or Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) offering activities, skills training, and educational workshops that foster social, financial, educational, and employment independence for its members. More importantly, IGNITE offers a social environment where members can connect with others and experience a sense of community.
For more information: Mindy Govan, IGNITE Director 704-897-8982 mgovan@autismsociety-nc.org www.ignite-davidson.org www.autismsociety-nc.org You can donate to IGNITE online or send a check made out to the Autism Society of North Carolina: IGNITE • 209 Delburg St., Suite 134 Davidson, NC 28036