Staff
Sam Cook, Development and Office Assistant
sam.cook@asaheartland.org
Sam Cook is a nonprofit development and administrative leader dedicated to advancing the mission of the Autism Society of the Heartland. With a background in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and organizational management, Sam has helped schools and community organizations strengthen their financial stability and expand their impact.
He has led successful annual campaigns, alumni giving programs, and grant initiatives while implementing systems that improve efficiency and collaboration across teams. Sam’s passion lies in building inclusive, well-supported communities and creating the structure that allows missions to thrive.
Board of Directors 2025
Officers
President/Treasurer
Aaron Kirby
Proud Autism Dad | Community Builder | Commercial BankerAaron Kirby brings a unique blend of professional expertise and personal passion to our board. He earned both his Bachelor of Science and MBA from the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk!). His career began in digital media at Andrews McMeel Universal, before a westward move to California in 2012 launched his banking career with JPMorgan Chase. Now a VP-Commercial Banker, Aaron partners with local businesses to help them achieve their financial goals.In 2020, Aaron and his family returned to the Kansas City area—closer to extended family and Midwest roots. He and his wife are the proud (and busy!) parents of two incredible Autistic sons, who continually inspire their advocacy and involvement in the autism community.
Aaron has a strong track record of service, having mentored two Little Brothers through Big Brothers Big Sisters in both Kansas City and Ventura, CA. He also served on the Board of Directors for BBBS of Ventura County and has volunteered with the Kansas City ALS Chapter.
Once an avid golfer and outdoorsman, Aaron now channels his energy into supporting his sons’ many interests—whether it’s coding adventures at Code Ninjas, swimming, scaling walls at Urban Air, or exploring any playground they can discover. Life may be busier, but according to Aaron, it’s never been more meaningful or fun.
Vice President
Wesley Phillips
Wes earned his Horticulture degree from the University of Arkansas. He has been married to his wife, Amanda, for ten years. Their twins, Aiden & Eliana, turned six in December and both have been diagnosed with ASD. Raising two children who are on different parts of the spectrum has been both challenging and rewarding, and he enjoys the opportunity to give back to the Autism community. Wes has owned his insurance agency for about five years. Prior to that, he was a Golf Course Superintendent. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf and riding motorcycles. He also enjoys taking part in many local charities, including the Rattlesnake’s Ride for Autism for the last four years.
Secretary
Andrew Glover
Andrew has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri and a Master of Engineering in Mechanical/Systems Engineering from Colorado State University. He has worked at Parker Hannifin since 2012 and today acts as the Leader of Digital Operations & Products for the Engineered Materials Group specializing in; Embedded Electronics, Factory Automation/Manufacturing, Networking/Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing. He has lived much if his life in the Kansas City Metro Area and has 2 children: Isabella (9), and Elias (7). He was formally diagnosed with ASD at age 31 in July of 2020 and has since chosen to dedicate his life to helping teenagers and young adults, and their families, better understand their ASD diagnosis and prepare for adult life. In his spare time, he enjoys visiting museums (especially those related to Space Travel) with his children as well as many outdoor activities.
Board Members
Kelly Summers
Kelly Summers serves as Vice President and Chief People & Culture Officer at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, where she leads all aspects of human resources for the private, nonprofit institution. With more than 35 years of experience across industries including publishing, retail, and construction management, she brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to talent strategy, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and organizational effectiveness. In her current role, Kelly partners closely with executive leadership and the board on governance, risk management, and long-term people strategy to support the museum’s mission and continued growth. Kelly brings both professional expertise and personal passion to her work with the Autism Society of the Heartland. As the parent of two adult sons on the autism spectrum, as well as a neurotypical daughter, her connection to the organization’s mission is deeply personal. She understands firsthand the complexities, challenges, and meaningful moments that shape the lives of individuals on the spectrum and their families, and is committed to advancing awareness, support, and more inclusive communities. Kelly lives in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, with her long-time partner, Jeff. Together, they share a love of animals (three dogs and two cats), gardening, travel, and spending time with their shared families.
Nan Perrin
Nan is a Doctoral level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) and has graduate degrees in Human Development and Special Education from the University of Kansas. She has worked with individuals with autism since 1990. Nan currently works for an insurance company as a director of a program to support members with IDD and Autism to achieve their highest quality of life. Nan’s passion continues to be working with children, families, schools and providers to reach the best outcome for individuals on the spectrum. Her primary areas of focus are autism, positive behavior support for individuals and families, as well as policy and systems change. Nan was also appointed to the Kansas Governor’s Commission on Autism as the BCBA member.
Tammy Scherer
Tammy is the mother of 3 children; the youngest is diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. She was a Foster Parent from 2000 to 2013. She volunteers as an Education Advocate for the state of Kansas through Families Together, Inc., serving children currently in the State’s custody in Johnson and Wyandotte County. She is an active Member in the PTA and in ABATE. (ABATE is a motorcycle rights organization that brings attention to issues affecting riders. They are also involved in safety training and charity work. The acronym ABATE stands for American Bikers Aimed Toward Education.) Tammy is also instrumental in organizing several fundraisers a year for Autism Society – The Heartland. Her family has two mottos they try to follow. “Be Silly – Be Honest – Be Kind” and “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”.
Hali Rauer
As a former hospice nurse and current stay-at-home mother of three, Hali brings both professional experience and personal insight to her advocacy work. As the parent of a son with level three autism and two neurotypical daughters, Hali is passionate about supporting caregivers and siblings, promoting inclusion, and advancing awareness within her community. She also serves as part of the Social Enrichment Team at The Farmer’s House, where she helps create meaningful opportunities that foster connection, independence, and quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities. Hali is committed to empowering individuals on the autism spectrum and strengthening resources and support systems for the families who love them.