Award Nominations
Who inspires you?
Milestones recognizes individuals who are making a difference in the autism community.
Nominations are now closed.
Thank you for nominating an exceptional professional, parent, individual with autism, or company who has gone above and beyond to receive a 2019 Milestones achievement award. Honorees will receive their award at the conference.
Professional Excellence Award: For a professional who has extended her or himself to make a difference in the lives of children and families.
Family Tribute Award: For a family member of an individual with ASD who has gone above and beyond their own connection to autism, such as developing resources or services to benefit the special needs community.
Personal Achievement Award: For a person with autism who has achieved individual excellence in accomplishing a personal goal or milestone (no age requirement).
Corporate Innovation Award: For an organization or business that has made a profound impact with the involvement of the special needs community.
Past Honorees
2018
Professional Excellence Award — Chris Filler, Program Director, Lifespan Transitions Center with
Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence
Professional Excellence Award — Brad McGarry, MA, Director of The Autism Initiative, Mercyhurst University
Everyday Hero Award — Jennifer Casamento, Paraprofessional with Field Local Schools
Parent Tribute Award — Amy Belles, Co-Director of KultureCity Ohio & Adapted Physical Education Teacher
with Copley-Fairlawn City Schools and Jeff Belles, Co-Director of KultureCity Ohio & Supervisor with Metro RTA
Personal Achievement Award — Jordyn Zimmerman, Student at Ohio University
2017:
Community Innovator — Nicole Gerami, MA, CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist, Friendship in Teams (F.I.T.) Program
Outstanding Educator — Tabatha Devine, Work Study Coordinator, Westlake High School
Parent Tribute — Saundra Jordan, Parent Mentor at CMSD and Catherine Krammer, PhD, Founder of Lake/Geauga Support Group for Parents
Personal Achievement — Lucas Estafanous
Research & Medicine — Thomas Frazier, PhD, Chief Science Officer, Autism Speaks and Stephen Ruedrich, MD, CWRU School of Medicine
Trailblazer — Tyler Aldrich and Grace Blatt
2016:
Community Innovator — Daniel Hahn & Kelly Florian, Playhouse Square
Parent Tribute — Shari Goldberg, Past President and Founder, Autism Speaks Northeast Ohio Chapter (Outstanding Mom), Keith Bambic (Outstanding Dad)
Personal Achievement — Evan Burg, Adam Freireich, Sari Gonick, Brittany Lieberman, JFSA Transitions
Professional Excellence — Mary Beth Koss, Achievement Centers
Teen Trailblazer — Alexandra Wiskes
2015:
Professional Excellence Award — Lisa Audet, PhD, CCC-SLP
Community Innovator Award — Doug Blecher, Autism Personal Coach
Outstanding Educator Award — Terry Kobetitsch, Intervention Specialist, Revere Local School District
Personal Achievement Award — Timothy Ray Smith, Self-Advocate
Parent Tribute Award — Sandee Winkelman
Teen Trailblazer Award — Michael Whary
2014:
Individual Awards
Community Innovator Award — Dianne DePasquale-Hagerty, Medina Creative Housing
Outstanding Educator Award — Alison Edie-Krohe, Solon City Schools
Parent Tribute Award — Sarah Rintamaki, Connecting for Kids
Professional Excellence Award — Sister Agnesmarie LoPorto, Julie Billiart School
Teen Trailblazer Award — Justin Bachman
Employer Awards
Visionary Employer Award (Large) — Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Visionary Employer Award (Mid-Sized) — Natural Essentials, Inc.
Visionary Employer Award (Small) — Independence Community Center
2013:
Professional Excellence Award — Jim Wotowiec, North Royalton School District
Professional Excellence Award — Lori Wotowiec, Orange School District
Parent Recognition Award — Joy Spencer
Teen Trailblazer Award — Molly Dann
Volunteer Appreciation Award — Josh Eyre
Professional Excellence Award, In Memoriam — Debbie Avner, Beachwood City Schools
2012:
Professional Excellence Award — Karin Hess-Hopkins, Monarch School for Autism
Professional Excellence Award — Aletta Sinoff, Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism
Teen Trailblazer Award — Aaron Danielpour
Volunteer Appreciation Award — Andrew Wasserman
2011:
Professional Excellence Award — Estie Marozov, Friendship Circle of Cleveland
Parent Tribute Award — Deborah Zielinski, former Chairperson of Milestones Board of Directors
Teen Trailblazer Award — Morell Frankel
Volunteer Appreciation Award — Beta Theta Pi Fraternity at John Carroll
2010:
Professional Excellence Award — Kimberly C. English, Solon Recreation Center
Professional Excellence Award — William D. Thomas, Mayfield Village Parks and Recreation
Parent Tribute Award — Ann Regan
Parent Tribute Award — Jeanne Syndenstricker
2009:
Monarch School for Autism Professional Excellence Award — Debra Mandell
2008:
Professional Excellence Award — Kriselle Fox, Cleveland Metropolitan School District
Professional Excellence Award — Stacie Mamula, Revere School District
Parent Tribute Award — Sherri Appleton
Parent Tribute Award — Sarah Taub