Meet Autism United of Wisconsin

Rechelle Chaffee | Executive Director

Rechelle has been with Autism United of Wisconsin for eight years and serves as Executive Director. With a degree in business and family members on the spectrum, she has championed for Autism awareness, education and support by providing programs and services that benefit the Autism community. She brings a  passion for advocacy efforts to work every day.

Haydn Flores | Programming Manager

Haydn is finishing a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Cognitive and Developmental Sciences. With a background in informal learning environments and nonprofit organizations, Haydn has consistently worked to create inclusive and engaging educational experiences. 

Throughout their career, Haydn has established Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) committees and created Sensory Friendly Programming at her institution. Her experience in developing and facilitating dynamic and interactive programs that resonate with diverse audiences is driven by a desire to make educational activities accessible and impactful for all. 

Beth Pirkey | Development and Events Manager

Beth Pirkey is a mission-driven leader with experience in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. A connector at heart, Beth excels at bringing people and resources together for the common good. As a development leader with St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Holy Apostles Parish and School, she reimagined giving campaigns, strengthened donor relationships, and led program rebranding efforts to connect people with mission.

Beth earned a Master’s degree in Management from Cardinal Stritch University and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.  Beth’s energy and natural curiosity fuel her passion for creating meaningful connections and inspiring collective action.

Jodi Didenko, M.Ed. | Information & Referral Coordinator

Jodi has been in education for 28 years and has master’s degrees in professional development and educational leadership. As a mom to a son with Autism, she knows firsthand of the challenges families and caregivers endure getting help for their child.  Her passionate mission is to educate those not on the spectrum about the fascinating world of Autism, and to improve policies and systems for all who are affected. Most importantly, she wants to raise awareness of neurodivergence, which is simply thinking differently. She believes all of us think differently and should be thankful that we do.

Adela Villanueva Pérez | Information / Referral and Program Coordinator

Adela is a mother of a child with Autism. She also has spent time in the medical field serving others. She has a passion to help others to overcome language barriers and get the help and support they need. Adela has a real interest in the community and being a source of assistance to others.

Robin Fuchs | Marketing & Volunteer Manager

Robin has worked in digital merchandising and marketing for 12 years with Kohl’s, a longtime corporate volunteer partner of Autism United of Wisconsin.  Volunteering every week with various non-profits became his passion.  He now brings that firsthand perspective to advance our volunteer experience — one that is organized, impactful and fulfilling.

DeAnna Thomas | Information, Referral & Program Coordinator

DeAnna has been a special education teacher for ten years with a degree in English Literature and film studies. After having her two daughters DeAnna returned to school for her special education license. She has years of experience working with children and young adults with Autism, including elementary, middle school, college, and in home teaching and care. DeAnna is continually seeking to learn and connect with individuals, families, schools, and the communities we serve.

Heidi Rasmussen | Community Outreach & Development Specialist

As a single mother of two autistic sons, Heidi considers herself to be a “Poster Parent” for Autism. Heidi’s story has come full circle—from being a parent making calls to Autism United of Wisconsin to help her navigate solutions for her two sons having ASD to now paying it forward by making calls on behalf of Autism United of Wisconsin for fundraising, promoting community awareness and acceptance of Autism.

A Marquette University graduate with a BS degree in Business Administration specializing in Marketing, Heidi is well-versed and passionate about outreach. She is the author of If It’s Not Seen, Does It Exist? — a riveting memoir about her challenging journey as a single mother of two sons who, together, were diagnosed with ASD at ages six and three. Previously, Heidi was the Community Outreach & Development Specialist for Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Autism & Related Disabilities.