Our Board of Directors

President
Kelly Backes | Principal and Consulting Actuary, Milliman

Kelly is a Principal and Consulting Actuary at Milliman.  Kelly assists their clients in developing and pricing Medicare Advantage plans. Kelly joined Autism United of Wisconsin’s Board of Directors in January 2019, was elected Co-Vice President in May 2021, and was elected President in May 2023.  They also serve on Autism United of Wisconsin’s Fund Development and Autism Gala committees.  Kelly earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Mathematics – Actuarial Science and Economics, as well as an Honor’s degree, from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.  They are a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries. 

Kelly first became connected with Autism United of Wisconsin when their son was diagnosed autistic in 2014, at the age of two.  Like many parents, Kelly and their husband didn’t know where to go or what to do next – Autism United of Wisconsin provided them with knowledge, resources, and a support system to help their son live his best life.  Kelly began volunteering at Autism United of Wisconsin early on in their son’s journey to give back and support other parents, families, and individuals.  In an interesting turn of events, Kelly was also diagnosed autistic in 2022.   With these two experiences, as both a parent to a young child and an autistic individual themselves, they are passionate about advocating for, and supporting, autistic individuals throughout their entire life.  

Vice President
Andrea Nelson | Agent/Owner, Unisource Insurance Associates

Andrea is the owner and CEO of Unisource Insurance Associates and leads a team of twenty-five insurance agents and staff specializing in home, auto, business and Medicare insurance.  Andrea has been a board member at Autism United of Wisconsin (AU) since July of 2012.  She serves on the Fund Development Committee and has served on the Gala Committee.  Andrea also serves on the Board of Directors for the Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin (IIAW) and is an active volunteer at Trinity Academy in Pewaukee and St. John Vianney in Brookfield.  Andrea earned her BA from St. Norbert College and earned the Senior Professional of Human Resources (SPHR) designation from The Society of Human Resource Management.

Andrea’s daughter was diagnosed with Autism eighteen years ago at the age of four.  Her daughter participated in Autism United of Wisconsin’s bike camp and joyfully learned how to ride her bike by the end of the week-long camp.  Bike camp opened up a whole new world for her daughter and their family along with active participation in many other family friendly programs sponsored by Autism United of Wisconsin.  Joining the board has been a way to give back to the Autism community and continue to contribute through advocacy and resources to the life journey that is Autism.

Treasurer
Rebecca “Riv” Goldman | Rockwell Automation Retiree

Riv has recently retired as General Counsel and SVP of Optimas Solutions, after having retired from Rockwell Automation.  She joined the board of Autism United of Wisconsin shortly after moving to Wisconsin in 2017.  Having previously served on the board of Autism Society of Ohio, she was eager to contribute to the autism community in Wisconsin. Riv has a BA in Economics from Stanford University, an MBA from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University, and a JD from the University of Dayton.

Riv has long been an advocate for the disabled.  She established the right to an inclusive education for those with autism in Ohio through a successful federal court case on behalf of her son with classic autism.  After her victory in court, parents of children with many different disabilities in Centerville, Ohio spoke of the “Goldman effect” in achieving inclusion for their children.  Riv continues to advocate for children and adults who are significantly impacted by autism but who nonetheless deserve full and meaningful lives and friendships.

Secretary

Dr. Jill Rudman | Retired Owner/Psychologist, Autism Treatment for Children

Dr. Jill Rudman | Retired Owner/Psychologist, Autism Treatment for Children.
Bio Coming Soon

Executive Committee Member

Katelyn Miller | Partner, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Katelyn Miller | Partner, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Bio Coming Soon.

Bethann Ambrose | Special Education Teacher, Hartford Union School District

Bethann Ambrose is a special education teacher at Hartford Union High School with a passion for learning, advocacy, and creating inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Much of her journey as an advocate began with her daughter, Kailey, who was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum at an early age. Bethann has continually sought opportunities to help Kailey grow socially and emotionally while empowering her to discover her strengths and reach her full potential.

Together, Bethann and Kailey have participated in Special Olympics, Bike Camp, EasterSeals, and numerous other activities that promote inclusion, independence, and personal growth. They also became pioneers in raising disability awareness within the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Wisconsin, where Kailey earned the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award.

With master’s degrees in both Education and Business, Bethann brings a unique combination of educational experience, leadership, and organizational knowledge to her advocacy work. In 2026, she joined the Autism United of Wisconsin Board of Directors, continuing her lifelong commitment to supporting Kailey and other individuals on the Autism Spectrum and their families.

Bethann believes that every individual deserves the opportunity to be included, valued, and celebrated for who they are. Through her work as an educator, mother, and advocate, she remains dedicated to building a more inclusive community where individuals of all abilities can thrive.

Amy Gaeth | WISN-TV 12 / Hearst Television Inc

Amy Gaeth is executive assistant to Shawn Oswald, President and General Manager at WISN-TV 12, Milwaukee’s no. 1 news station in southeastern Wisconsin. In that role, she plans WISN’s employee events, coordinates travel for the station’s talent and participates in the station’s community service activities. Amy also serves as WISN’s Wellbeing champion, manages the station’s internship program and produces the employee newsletter, WISN 12 Connect.

Amy joined Autism United of Wisconsin’s Board of Directors in May 2025. Amy serves on the association’s Advocacy and Autism Gala committees. She also assists with Zoofari Stroll, Autism Acceptance Night sporting events, Sensory Friendly Holiday Tree Lighting at Mukwonago Community Library, and other AUW activities.

Amy and her husband, Dave, have an adult son on the Autism Spectrum. Amy began volunteering at Autism United of Wisconsin in 2018 as an opportunity to give back and support other parents, families and individuals. With her experience as a parent and guardian to a son with Autism, Amy is passionate about advocating for, and supporting, Autistic individuals across their life span.

Bridget Grams | Senior Account Executive, Mspark

Bridget is a Senior Account Executive at Mspark and a graduate of University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She is a mother to two children; one is a child on the Autism Spectrum(Creed). Bridget is just beginning to research further the supports and services that accompany Autism diagnosis for her son Creed while he attends AbleLight College at Concordia University. Bridget has volunteered at the Autism Society Gala and Hive Golf outing in the past. She is a passionate advocate and lives by her personal motto to “Help Everyone Live the best possible life!” She loves to meet new people and is personable, kind and cares deeply for marginalized populations.

Dayna Miller | Vice President / Business Lending Officer, Landmark Credit Union

Dayna Miller has been in banking for over 25 years and has been a successful business lender in the Metro Milwaukee area for over 10 years.  She currently works as a Business Lending Officer at Landmark Credit Union.  In 2021, She joined the board of Autism United of Wisconsin.  Dayna holds a Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where she majored in Management.

Dayna was introduced to Autism United of Wisconsin in 2021 after working for many years with kids with various disabilities through the Waukesha County Foster Care Program, and continues to be an advocate for children with disabilities through her work with Autism United of Wisconsin.

Erin Miller | People First Wisconsin, Self-Advocate

Erin Miller is an Advocate Specialist at People First Wisconsin. Advocacy by and for people with disabilities. Additionally, she serves on Alianza Latina Aplicando Soluciones (ALAS) board of directors, and on the Constituent Advisory Committee(CAC). Erin is an autistic woman who advocates for herself and with other disabled people. She is dedicated to passing the microphone to people with 24-hour care needs to communicate *their* wants and needs to their families. She is passionate about housing and long-term care. Particularly for supports that allow people who need 24-hour care, are non-speaking, and/or have complex medical needs to live in their own homes. As an autistic adult daughter, she voices that disabled, autistic offspring may want very different things for our lives than our parents. Erin continues to talk with parents and professionals about implementing supports for people with 24-hour care needs–so they are able to live in their own homes. We may disagree, and relationships with family are sometimes complicated–but we can come to mutually agreeable compromises. She wants parents and professionals to know; it doesn’t take a genius level IQ to want something different than our parents want. People with 24-hour care needs can want something very different from their parents. Non-speaking people, and people with complex medical needs may have *very* different ideas about how they want to live than their parents. Being unable to speak is not the same thing as having nothing to say.

Kelly O’Donnell | School Psychologist, Racine School District

Kelly O’Donnell brings over 25 years of experience in school psychology, special education, and crisis management to the organization. A Tier III Lifetime Licensed and Nationally Certified School Psychologist, Kelly has dedicated her career to supporting students, families, and multidisciplinary teams across public schools. Through her work, she is committed to leveraging her background in educational advocacy, systemic support, and trauma-informed care to help empower individuals and families in the community.

Bill Robarge | Senior Solution Success Executive, symplr

Bill Robarge, Senior Solution Success Executive, symplr, is a father to a child (Susie) on the Autism Spectrum. With an early diagnosis, Bill and Erica (spouse) dove head first into learning everything they could about Autism. Bill concentrated on fundraising and advocacy while Erica tackled early intervention and the crazy world of getting services for their daughter.  Bill loves golf and enjoys all things bourbon. He loves to meet new people and share his story in hopes it helps others through their own journey.

Dr. Alexandria Robers, PhD, BCBA, NCSP, LP | Assistant Professor and Child Psychologist,  Children’s Wisconsin

Dr. Becky Thompson| Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP)

Dr. Becky Thompson is a Clinical Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Doctoral level (BCBA-D) who has been working with individuals on the spectrum since 2000. She is passionate about equitable access to quality Autism services and serves as an appointed member of the Wisconsin Governor's Autism Council.  Dr. Becky currently works with the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) in government affairs, and she leads local advocacy efforts with the Wisconsin Autism Providers Association (WAPA). 

Amy Vaughan Van Hecke, PhD | Professor of Psychology, Marquette University | Past President of AUW

Amy Vaughan Van Hecke, PhD
Professor of Psychology, Marquette University
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Passions: Jane Austen and travel
Past President of AUW

Professor and Assistant Chair, Dept. Of Psychology, Marquette University
Director of Research, Next Step Clinic at Centers for Independence
Director, Marquette Autism Project in the Interdisciplinary Autism Initiative