Lauren Ringle, Special Education Coordinator with the Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District, has been named to the Michigan Autism Council by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
“In my role as both a teacher and special education coordinator, I have always been passionate about serving individuals with autism and their families. Serving on this committee will give me the opportunity to work with other professionals at the state level to communicate best practices and connections so that individuals with autism can have quality lives,” said Ringle, who has worked for Char-Em ISD for 11 years – eight as a teacher and three in the coordinator role.
The Michigan Autism Council was created in 2012 by then Gov. Rick Snyder as an advisory body to review, adopt and implement the Michigan Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) State Plan. The Autism Council identified priorities to address the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder across the lifespan and developed committees to support state implementation efforts.
As a member of the board, Ringle will join her colleagues in Lansing at regular meetings to work toward the ASD State Plan development, as well as other initiatives.
“I am very excited and humbled by this opportunity, and I look forward to learning and collaborating with other individuals from different disciplines to promote and support the Autism Spectrum Disorder State Plan,” Ringle said.
Ben Hicks, Director of Special Education for Char-Em ISD, said Ringle is an ideal candidate for the Michigan Autism Council.“She is a dedicated and compassionate educator who genuinely connects with children and families and continually seeks to expand her impact for students with disabilities,” said Hicks. “She consistently works to ensure opportunities for all, throughout Northern Michigan and our state. Char-Em ISD is proud to have Lauren representing our region at this level.”
Ringle was also recently elected to the Michigan Council for Exceptional Children Board of Directors, with a term beginning July 1, 2019.