Meet the Board
Since 1988, the Autism Society of Florida, Inc., has been working to ensure full participation and self-determination in every aspect of life for people with autism. We will realize this vision by creating opportunities for independence and self-advocacy and advocating on behalf of others in a way that respects and values inclusion, dignity, and diversity in all communities. We work every day to empower people across the spectrum and across the lifespan. The ASF board of directors is comprised entirely of volunteer parents and family members of people with autism and adults with autism.
PRESIDENT
Annette Lizardo
Annette Sanjurjo Lizardo is a native of West Palm Beach, Florida. She attended The King's Academy from elementary through high school, and then went on to earn her undergraduate degree from the University of Miami, followed by graduate school at New York University and law school at Fordham University’s School of Law at the Lincoln Center campus. Annette has been a state certified teacher and taught for a decade, she practices law, is a certified ADA Coordinator, and is currently earning her Ph.D. with a concentration in Educational Leadership. She is a graduate of FL Partners in Policymaking ('19) and served on the initial FL Step up for Students, Gardiner Scholarship Parent Advisory Council for four years. She has written a published article on making Continuing Medical Education on special needs a requirement for physicians (Exceptional Parenting Magazine, August '21).
Annette’s desire to help the special needs community stems from a childhood friendship at church with someone who had Down Syndrome and her motivation to help her middle son Samuel, who is on the autism spectrum, live his best life. Samuel brings light and joy to her life and that of his siblings and extended family and friends. She loves traveling, art and antiques, animals, flowering plants, tropical fruit trees, and has enjoyed living in South and Central Florida over the years.
SECRETARY
Elizabeth Bonker
Maitland, Florida
Elizabeth Bonker is the Executive Director of Communication 4 ALL, a nonprofit with the mission to ensure nonspeakers with autism have access to communication. Elizabeth’s decade of advocacy work includes a book, I Am in Here, and a music album. Her story has been featured in three documentary films: SPELLERS, Understanding Autism, and In Our Own Hands. Elizabeth is a 2022 graduate from Rollins College’s Honors Program and her valedictorian commencement address went viral with 4 billion media impressions propelling her mission onto a global stage. Elizabeth is a member of Autism
Society of America’s Justice Center Task Force and Public Policy Committee.
TREASURER
Carla Mercer
Jacksonville, Florida
Carla served over 11 years of active duty in the United States Army as a dual-serving family and has 4 adult children, the eldest son is a young adult diagnosed with autism. She served as an Equal Opportunity Representative during her military career, and it became part of the foundation of her advocacy.
Carla's background in Human Services Counseling at the graduate level was derived from the countless hours that she has served on a volunteer level for over 20 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Business and Behavioral Sciences.
Her service as a Parent Mentor for special needs families, Parents Who Lead graduate of the National Parent Leadership Institute, a 2020 graduate of the Partners in Policymaking, and as a Guardian Ad Litem and Certified Education Surrogate contribute to her passion to help others. Currently, she is serving on the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council while she continues to advocate for veterans and families affected by autism.
Ann Reynolds
Venice, Florida
Ann Reynolds has served on various autism boards and school advisory councils over the past 20 years. She is the parent of a young adult with autism and currently facilitates the Suncoast Autism Social Group for Young Adults, which is ASF’s group for independently functioning young adults in Sarasota County. Ann is a tireless advocate for adults on the autism spectrum and passionately pursues appropriate funding of adult programs and services focusing on employment and quality of life for all.
BOARD MEMBER
Patty Crist
Hudson, Florida
Patty Crist is a mother of four (4) children, the youngest son having autism with an accompanying language and speech impairment, sensory processing disorder and anxiety. Patty is a graduate of Florida’s Partners in Policymaking and is a passionate advocate for inclusion. She is a member of the Pasco County District ESE Collaborative Network (ESE Advisory Committee) and administers their community Facebook page. She’s also a parent representative on School Advisory Council and PTO.
BOARD MEMBER
Jael Arroyo
Ocala, Florida
Jael Arroyo is a mother to a beautiful 7-year-old girl who has autism, as well as many other medical issues including feeding difficulties. She is a member of the board for OASN
(Outreach Autism Services Network) and an advisor for a self-advocacy group that is part of the
FL SAND Network. She is also a key member of the Marion County Disability Alliance in addition to being a graduate of the Florida Partners in Policymaking program, an advocacy and leadership training program.
BOARD MEMBER
BOARD MEMBER
Lucia Barbeyto
Miami, Florida
Lucía Barbeyto is a Spaniard immigrant and first-generation college graduate who has been living in Miami since 1999. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and an International Behavior Analyst.
Lucia is the mother of a son diagnosed with level 3 autism and intractable epilepsy. She holds a Bachelor in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business and a Master's degree in Project Management. She also obtained a Graduate Certificate in Positive Behavior Support (PBS) and a second Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of South Florida (USF).
Lucia is a graduate of Partners in Policymaking and formerly a Board Member of the Florida State Advisory Committee for the Education of Exceptional Students (SAC) at the Florida Department of Education (FDOE). Her true passion is helping families in her same situation and raising awareness about the importance of being involved in the educational/therapeutic process so that their loved ones can reach their full potential.
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Alexsis Ferguson
Alexsis a public school teacher and the mother of a young nonspeaking son with autism. She is a fierce advocate for communication rights and meaningful access and belonging for autistic individuals and their families. As a Partner in Policymaking graduate, Alexsis brings informed, family-centered perspectives to systems-level change. She is also spearheading the Volusia Autism Coalition, a growing network of families working together to strengthen local supports and accountability. Alexsis is an avid advocate for family health and wellness and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. She does not shy away from advocating for families and is deeply committed to ensuring every autistic person has access to communication, dignity, and opportunity.
BOARD MEMBER
BOARD MEMBER
Felicia Jehaludi
Sunrise, Florida
Felicia Jehaludi is a mother of two amazing boys. She is a graduate of the Florida Partners in Policymaking program, member of the Broward County District ESE Collaborative Network (ESE Advisory Committee), parent representative on the School Advisory Council, Chair of the School Advisory Forum and President of the PTA at her children’s school. Felicia is the facilitator of the ASF Autism Parent Support Group, where she provides dire support to families in need of guidance. She has a passion to advocate for all children and families and believes in inclusion for all!
BOARD MEMBER
Rachel Arazashvili
Daytona Beach, FL
Rachel Arazashvili is a nurse, nonprofit leader, and homeschool mother whose advocacy is grounded in lived experience and long-standing community service. She is a devoted wife and the mother of two sons—one who has served in the United States military and the other living with autism—which fuels her work in protecting vulnerable populations and strengthening families. Rachel holds the title of Mrs. Corporate America 2018, is a recipient of the Gold Service Award presented by the President of the United States in 2019, and has been recognized by the Governor of Florida for her community impact. She is a speaker at conferences, community forums, press conferences, and podcasts, and is widely regarded as a pioneer in her community for advancing autism awareness and giving voice to individuals with autism and children in foster care. For more than two decades, Rachel has led and supported foster children and families as Executive Director of Kidds Are First Inc.. Through her leadership with the Autism Society of Florida, she supports statewide advocacy efforts that elevate autism safety, educational access, and family protections as critical priorities, advancing policy and initiatives rooted in dignity and accountability across Florida communities.
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BOARD MEMBER
AnnMarie Sossong
Ocala, FL
AnnMarie Sossong, BSN, RN, CCRN, has been a Florida-certified educator for over 30 years, teaching math, science, and Latin in public, private, and homeschool settings. She helped establish Ocala Preparatory Academy, a school for students who learn differently, and founded Prevailing Hope, a Marion County initiative supporting non-speaking students who communicate using letterboards.
In 2022, AnnMarie became a critical care nurse, working in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit before transitioning to High-Risk Obstetrics. As the mother of a nonspeaking son with Dravet Syndrome and profound, non-speaking autism, AnnMarie brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role on the Autism Society of Florida Board of Directors. She is committed to advancing awareness, inclusion, and compassionate care for individuals on the autism spectrum
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Alex J. Kompothecras
Sarasota, Florida
Alex J. Kompothecras is a Sarasota-based attorney, community advocate, and the managing attorney and co-founder of Alpha Law Group. Inspired by his two siblings with autism, Alex’s commitment to advocacy is deeply personal and rooted in a lifelong dedication to supporting individuals and families navigating unique challenges. Following the example of his father, Gary Kompothecras, a longtime supporter of the autism community, Alex proudly continues that mission through both his legal work and community initiatives. He often describes himself not just as an advocate, but as a “big brother” to individuals with autism and the families who love them—an approach grounded in compassion, connection, and reassurance that no family stands alone. Alex is the founder of the annual Alpha Law Group Autism 5K Run, benefiting organizations including the Autism Society of Florida and The Haven, supporting critical programs such as first responder training, community education, and drowning prevention. He is honored to serve as an Honorary Board Member of the Autism Society of Florida and remains committed to expanding awareness, strengthening resources, and building a more inclusive Florida for individuals on the autism spectrum.
HONORARY BOARD MEMBER
Ven Sequenzia
Ven Sequenzia served as the Autism Society of Florida president for 18 years. He was a member of the Governor's Task Force on Autism Spectrum Disorders and president of Autistic Childs Advocate Association. He was instrumental in helping to expand the number of CARD - Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, throughout the state of Florida. He is one of the founding trustees of Parent to Parent of Miami.
PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Stacey Hoaglund
Cooper City, Florida
Stacey Hoaglund is a parent of a young man with autism, mediator, educational advocate with Family Network on Disabilities, past editor of The Autism Notebook Magazine and statewide coordinator for Partners in Policymaking. As a trainer, consultant and interventionist, Stacey provides educational opportunities to parents and organizations on a variety of disability related topics. For more than 25 years she has promoted, enhanced, and advocated for the inclusion of people with ASD from birth to adulthood.
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT