Chris Schuster is one of the founding board members of the La Crosse Area Autism Foundation. He became involved in the foundation after his twin boys were diagnosed with autism. A group of parents of children with autism decided that we needed more resources in the community for parents, children, youth and adults. He also work in University Police Services at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse as a detective and the Air National Guard. His three boys and daughter keep him busy with hockey games and sporting events but he enjoys the chaos with his loving and supportive wife, Kara. 

Nick Wenzel has been on the board since 2019. He has worked at Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations for 5 years. Even before he was on the board, he had been putting on a fundraiser for autism that is still growing stronger every year.  

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Diane Block has been on the board since 2019.  In 2021 she retired from the La Crosse School District as a special education teacher where she worked with a wide range of disabilities.  She is now an instructor at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, in the School of Education working with our future special education teachers. She is very passionate about the education field and an advocate for ASD and inclusion within all settings. She and her husband, Rick have two daughters, Kathryn and Sophia.

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Joel Dettwiler is a financial advisor with Schmocker Financial in Onalaska, WI.  Joel is also the founder of the Quantum Group – a firm that focuses on Special Needs, Disability, and Eldercare Planning. Many volunteering hours with people with disabilities led to a sense of gratitude and responsibility to those who were not afforded the same opportunities. Residing in La Crosse, WI with his wife and two daughters, Joel and his family enjoy boating, hiking, volunteering and enjoying all the great businesses and community events that the city of La Crosse has to offer.

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Pam became involved with the foundation in March 2018.  There were others on the board with kids the same age as her son who are on the spectrum. She wanted towork with the other board members to help create awareness. She wanted to feel like she could make a difference in our community to help other families with resources that could help them manage their own struggles and victories. Pam has met many people along the way and have brought on some otherwonderful people that have made a great addition to the foundation.

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Ally Nelson is currently a special education teacher at Northern Hills Elementary in Onalaska. She teaches second and third grade students with a variety of disabilities, including students on the Autism Spectrum.I have been teaching for four years. Prior to teaching she graduated from UW La Crosse. During her time at UWL, she did play therapy with children through the program Beyond Boundaries of Autism. Ally became involved with the LAF board in 2021. She has enjoyed becoming more connected to the community through all of the great events the foundation participates in. She is passionate about our community coming together and increasing awareness.

Ava Krause is a Sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse pursuing her double major in Elementary/Middle and Special Education. Ava has worked for the School District of La Crosse for almost two years and attended the La Crosse School District throughout her K-12 education. She currently serves as the UW-L Student Senate Representative for DREAM (Disability Rights, Education, Activism, and Mentoring) and is the Resident Assistant for Social Justice and Inclusivity in Reuter Hall. Additionally, Ava has worked and volunteered with the Special Recreation Department in La Crosse over the past four years, helping with activities such as Camp Shriver and the Polar Plunge. Ava is passionate about inclusion for all abilities and is excited to join the La Crosse Autism Foundation Board.