We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jennifer Strobel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.

24 years ago my daughter, who is now 28, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The initial feeling of her diagnosis was heartbreaking. Not knowing what her future would entail was difficult, the unknown was extremely scary. This led me to the internet and search for local resources and guidance on what to do next. In that search I found an organization called FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment). At that time they were the only agency that answered my call and offered a monthly support meeting. I attended that support meeting each and every month to learn all I could to help my daughter. I eventually started volunteering my time at their events and joined their Board of Directors to help in any way that I could.

Eventually the organization grew and the autism statistics kept growing. FEAT needed an employee to further the mission and help more families. I was that individual they hired. It has now been 16 years as the FEAT Executive Director.

What started with one support meeting has grown to 5 support meetings a month (Newly diagnosed meeting, Adult Support Meeting, Dad Support Meeting, Sibling Support Meeting & Spanish Support Meeting). FEAT also offers Parent Training, Parent Hotlines in English and Spanish, Parents Night Out Program, Spectrum Connects Friendship Program, iPad4U program for non-verbal individuals, Annual Family Events and more!

It was not in my plan to become an Executive Director of an Autism non-profit. My plan was to be a veterinarian. Someone had other plans for me! Looking back I would not change the journey for anything. The FEAT organization has been an integral part of my daughter receiving the help and support she needed and in turn created a passion in me to help others. I have now been with FEAT for 16 years and it has ben the most rewarding experience of my life, Helping others and hopefully making their autism journey a little easier than mine was is the goal.

I love my job and I love this community – Jennifer

Jennifer, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

When my daughter was diagnosed with autism at age 4 it ignited a fire in me to help her first and then help the local autism community of families just like mine.

Creating programs, support services, family events and scholarships all for FREE is what sets us apart from other agencies. The average cost of therapy for an individual with autism each year is $60,000+. FEAT is proud not to be an additional burden financially. Especially when parents are struggling the most.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think the way I connect most with families and the community is them knowing I have a similiar story to theirs.

My daughter has autism and my family has struggled because of autism. Sharing my years of knowledge, my triumphs, my challenges and caring about the kids and families has helped build a reputation of credibility and compassion.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Absolutely! The journey in the autism community and personally with my own family has taught me patience, resilience, hope and above all compassion to help others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://featsonv.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/featsouthernnevada?igsh=MTUwZHMwMTJhb-GY3Zg==
• Facebook: FEAT of Southern Nevada