Who We Are
A community of advocates, educators, and families united by the belief that every child with autism deserves dignity, opportunity, and love.
LEADERSHIP
Our Founder
Therese Kolongo — Founder & Executive Director
My son is the real reason we founded Autism Congo.
Growing up in the DRC and raising a son born in the United States has given me a unique, heartbreaking perspective on the "lottery of birth." In the U.S., my son has access to specialized care and advocacy; in my home country, those same children are often met with silence, stigma, and a total lack of services.
I couldn't ignore this gap. I founded Autism Congo to bring the hope I found in the U.S. back to the families who need it most in the DRC. Our mission is to bridge this divide by educating children, empowering mothers who feel isolated, and elevating community acceptance to a global standard. No matter where we are born, every child deserves a voice and every mother deserves a community that understands.
Our Vision
A world where every child with autism in the Congo has access to diagnosis, education, and acceptance — and every mother raising a child with autism is supported, not stigmatized.
Board of Directors
Board member — dedicated to expanding autism awareness and family support programs.
Carol LaFauci
Board of Directors
Board member — committed to building bridges between communities and creating opportunities for children with autism.
Amy Gerber
Board of Directors
Board member — passionate about advocacy and ensuring no family faces autism alone.
Wendi Bevins
Board of Directors
Board member — focused on fundraising and community engagement to drive real impact.
Val Smith
Board of Directors
Board member — bringing strategic vision and community connections to the mission.
Denise Setzer
Board of Directors
Advisors
Advisor — providing strategic guidance to strengthen our programs and partnerships.
Megan Teall
Advisor
Advisor — supporting the organization with spiritual guidance and community connections.
Rev. Suzanne Steirwelt
Advisor
Our Partners
We are grateful to the organizations, institutions, and communities who partner with us to advance our mission. Together we go further.
Partner logos and descriptions coming soon. Interested in partnering with Autism Congo Initiative? Get in touch.
Join Our Mission
Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word — you make a difference.