Meet the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin
ASSEW: Mission and Vision
The Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin creates connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. We exist to serve our local Autism community through advocacy, community programming, and creating a more inclusive world. We do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by persons on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the life span, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy.
Together with our community, we serve as the primary resource for the nine counties in our service area: Dodge, Jefferson, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha.
We believe that each individual with Autism is unique and they — along with their families — should determine the best treatment based on individual needs. This guiding principle is expressed in the national Autism Society’s Options Policy.
Our Team, Your Partners
Rechelle Chaffee | Executive Director
Rechelle has been with the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin for eight years and serves as Executive Director. With a degree in business and family members on the spectrum, she has championed for Autism awareness, education and support by providing programs and services that benefit the Autism community. She brings a passion for advocacy efforts to work every day.
Haydn Flores | Programming Manager
Haydn is finishing a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Cognitive and Developmental Sciences. With a background in informal learning environments and nonprofit organizations, Haydn has consistently worked to create inclusive and engaging educational experiences.
Throughout their career, Haydn has established Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) committees and created Sensory Friendly Programming at her institution. Her experience in developing and facilitating dynamic and interactive programs that resonate with diverse audiences is driven by a desire to make educational activities accessible and impactful for all.
Jodi Didenko, M.Ed. | Development & Event Manager
Jodi has been in education for 28 years and has master’s degrees in professional development and educational leadership. As a mom to a son with Autism, she knows firsthand of the challenges families and caregivers endure getting help for their child. Her passionate mission is to educate those not on the spectrum about the fascinating world of Autism, and to improve policies and systems for all who are affected. Most importantly, she wants to raise awareness of neurodivergence, which is simply thinking differently. She believes all of us think differently and should be thankful that we do.
Michaela Large | Office Manager
Michaela has a master’s degree in psychology and an emphasis in Child and Adolescent Development, and 8 years of experience working with kids/adolescents with special needs, including working in Applied Behavioral Analysis with both Autism Intervention Milwaukee and Wisconsin Early Autism Project, nannying, reception, and most recently being a Program Director at Brain Balance Centers in Mequon. She joined the Autism Society team in May of 2024 and is excited to bring awareness to our surrounding communities!
Adela Villanueva Pérez | Information / Referral and Program Coordinator
Adela is a mother of a child with Autism. She also has spent time in the medical field serving others. She has a passion to help others to overcome language barriers and get the help and support they need. Adela has a real interest in the community and being a source of assistance to others.
Robin Fuchs | Marketing & Volunteer Manager
Robin has worked in digital merchandising and marketing for 12 years with Kohl’s, a longtime corporate volunteer partner of the Autism Society SE WI. Volunteering every week with various non-profits became his passion. He now brings that firsthand perspective to advance our volunteer experience — one that is organized, impactful and fulfilling.
DeAnna Thomas | Information, Referral & Program Coordinator
DeAnna has been a special education teacher for ten years with a degree in English Literature and film studies. After having her two daughters DeAnna returned to school for her special education license. She has years of experience working with children and young adults with Autism, including elementary, middle school, college, and in home teaching and care. DeAnna is continually seeking to learn and connect with individuals, families, schools, and the communities we serve.
Heidi Rasmussen | Community Outreach & Development Specialist
As a single mother of two autistic sons, Heidi considers herself to be a “Poster Parent” for Autism. Heidi’s story has come full circle—from being a parent making calls to the Autism Society to help her navigate solutions for her two sons having ASD to now paying it forward by making calls on behalf of the Autism Society for fundraising, promoting community awareness and acceptance of Autism.
A Marquette University graduate with a BS degree in Business Administration specializing in Marketing, Heidi is well-versed and passionate about outreach. She is the author of If It’s Not Seen, Does It Exist? —a riveting memoir about her challenging journey as a single mother of two sons who, together, were diagnosed with ASD at ages six and three. Previously, Heidi was the Community Outreach & Development Specialist for Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Autism & Related Disabilities.