BOARD OF DIRECTORS

KAREN FESSEL
DR PH, FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Karen founded the Autism Health Insurance Project after struggling to secure services for her son, who has Asperger’s.

LAURA LEVANDOWSKI
SECRETARY
Laura has been an advocate and champion of children with autism and learning differences for 12 years.

LISA VALERIO
TREASURER
Lisa is a mom, wife, daughter, sister, and friend – all which gives her drive, inspiration and passion in life.

BETSY BRAZY
DIRECTOR
Betsy is an attorney practicing special education law in the San Francisco Bay Area.

LAJOYCE PORTER
LaJoyce L. Porter is a sole practitioner in Oakland, CA.
STAFF

KAREN FESSEL
DR PH, FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Karen founded the Autism Health Insurance Project after struggling to secure services for her son, who has Asperger’s.

DEBRA NELSON
APPEALS SPECIALIST
Debra Nelson has a background in policy analysis, philanthropic advising, fundraising, and advocacy for mental health and autism issues.

MARCY SMITH
APPEALS ADVOCATE AND NEWSLETTER
Marcy and her family were clients of MHAIP several years ago and she has been eager to help other families in the same way ever since.