Name
Kristin Wier
Company/Organization
LOGAN, Autism Learning Center SWMI
What Does Your Company/Organization Do?
Our organization serves individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities ages 18 months to adulthood.We primarily provide Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, Speech Therapy, and Family Support and therapy services to individuals diagnosed with Autism.
Age
39
Accomplishments
After graduate school, directed a center in Birmingham MI, expanding Autism services for 30 families. In 2006, assisted LOGAN in starting Autism Services for Northern Indiana and Southwest MI. Expanded services and supports for individuals and families in Southwest Michigan, by opening and center based therapy program in February of 2013. We grew from 3 clients to 30 clients in the first several months. Then worked to create therapeutic opportunities in Southwest Michigan for 158 families. Adding more ABA therapy, speech therapy, social skills therapy, super sibs (sibling supports), and family supports. We have expanded job opportunities/employment in SWMI, adding 85 new employment positions. Have been on Faculty at the University of Notre Dame, in the Psychology Department, since August of 2004. I have taught over 500 students about autism, development disabilities and applied behavior analysis.
What else do you hope to accomplish by the age of 40?
That’s a great question, I have 6 months. I hope to continue to make an impact in the lives of others. I hope to continue to expand knowledge in the community about Autism and Developmental Disability, and expand outreach and services to those in need of more!
Education
Bachelor’s of Science from Aquinas College, Master’s of Arts in Behavior Analysis and Clinical Psychology from Western Michigan University, Board Certification in Behavior Analysis Limited License of Psychology in the State of Michigan
Residence
St. Joseph, MI
Where were you born?
St. Joseph MI
What was your first job?
Clinical Director of the Early Intervention Center in Birmingham Michigan. (unless you count my summer job before college in the mail room at Whirlpool :))
Best advice you ever got?
When there is a problem, think about if it will matter in 10 years, if the answer is NO-take a pause. Think about how to make things better, but don’t overreact. I also still enjoy the book, “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, and It’s All Small Stuff”—it’s quite helpful in problem solving, staff management, and working with individuals in crisis.
Who inspires you most?
My family.
That one thing about you we’d be most surprised to learn.
I’m an open book. 🙂 My maiden name, Grumbine, means “crazy legs”
What do you love to do in your downtime?
I love to be with my family. Pre-work years, I loved to run. I hope to add running into my schedule again one day.
What book are you reading now?
Only research right now, and books to assist clients.
Volunteer activity you love the most.
I love to help in the local schools.
What motivates you to give back to your community?
I grew up in Southwest Michigan. I have seen the great impact of kindness and generosity, and the direct benefit to our community. I believe in the power of giving time and resources to improve schools, community opportunity and services.
What Superpower would you most love to have?
According to the staff, I would benefit from a double, i.e. cloning. I think if there was an ability to have me in three places at one time, that would help.
What does this honor most mean to you?
I am honored that so many staff thought of me, and took the time to submit an application with my name. To me, it demonstrates that I am making an impact and helping the community. It is wonderful to be recognized, when I know that there are so many deserving people helping to make our community strong.
