Board of Directors

Ken and Colette Evangelista

Ken and Colette founded Ascending Above Autism in honor of their son Everett. When Everett was diagnosed, they initially thought it was a tragedy.  Now they see it as one of the most beautiful gifts a parent can be given. Everett has taught them so much, the power of unconditional love and the power of knowledge.  Ken and Colette feel blessed every day because of the constant improvements they see in Everett. They want other families to have this gift as well.

Ken works in finance with the Wealth Advisory Group. Colette sells health, beauty, nutrition, baby, and home Miessence products at Health and Hope Organics, 20% of which comes right to Ascending Above Autism. Their family is completed by Luc, their other special little boy.

Shelley Davis Mielock

Shelley Davis Mielock is the founder of Mieshel Image Consulting, a Lansing, Michigan based consulting firm specializing in image development for individuals and businesses.  She is an active runner and community volunteer. Shelley has three children and lives in East Lansing, Michigan with her husband, Doug.

Greg Dingens

Greg is a partner at Monroe Securities,Inc., a leading securities firm that services community banks. He has over 18 years of investment banking experience, including at Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch. Greg graduated magna cum laude from the University of Notre Dame in 1986, and cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1992. 

Renee Knake

Renee Newman Knake is a law professor at Michigan State University College of Law.  Her research interests include legal ethics and regulation of the legal profession.  She has presented internationally and published articles on topics related to these issues. Renee graduated from the University of Chicago Law School and North Park College.  She lives in East Lansing, Michigan, with her husband, two young children, and yellow lab.  Renee also is involved in the community.  She has served as a board member for other nonprofit organizations and currently is a commissioner on the East Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals.

Matthew M. Dingens

Mr. Dingens has over 15 years experience in the environmental remediation field.  His field experience is extensive, with particular expertise in all phases of in situ chemical oxidation for site remediation and closure.  His project management work at over 80 in situ chemical oxidation projects has included site evaluations, cost proposals, full project design, and field application using both traditional and innovative in situ and ex situ site remediation application techniques in the United States and Europe. His experience with private industry, coupled with his extensive work with governmental clients from the field services/application side, augments the Carus Hazardous Remediation team and enables Carus to better serve and understand the unique client needs and requirements prevalent in today’s remediation market. 

 

Currently, Mr. Dingens is the Global Manager for the Hazardous Remediation Group at Carus Chemical Co.  Mr. Dingens oversees the products, equipment, and research that support the Hazardous Remediation Group.  Carus supplies technical support, laboratory analysis, and equipment that are critical to the safe and successful application of permanganate for in‑situ and ex‑situ remediation projects. Mr. Dingens is a frequent speaker at environmental conferences and technology presentations in North America and Europe. 

Amy Lothamer

Amy Lothamer balances two careers.  Her professional career is that of Vice President of Lothamer Tax Resolution.  Her second career is being mom to two children, one with special needs and one who is special in other ways.  She enjoys boating, working out, nutrition, cooking, and shopping.  She is passionate about helping families with special needs.

© 2009-2010 Ascending Above Autism • 517.803.3576 • info@AscendingAboveAutism.com