Mission Statement:

At Spectrum Connection, our mission is to empower and support families impacted by autism spectrum disorders (ASD) through comprehensive resources, practical support, and community advocacy. By providing access to educational programs for families and youth, therapeutic and assessment services, and social initiatives, we aim to promote acceptance, raise awareness, and create opportunities for meaningful connections. Together, we work towards building a more compassionate and supportive society that embraces neurodiversity and celebrates the unique strengths of every individual.  


  • Hi, friends! I'm Jerri Jones, the President of Spectrum Connection and a founding member of this incredible organization. With an MBA from Angelo State and a background in mental health, I'm passionate about making a positive impact in the local Autism community. Beyond my professional and volunteer journey, I find joy in being a mother and wife.

  • My desire to assist families impacted by ASD grew out of my role as a paraprofessional educator after earning my bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University in 2008. After graduation, I worked with children and families in multiple capacities as a paraprofessional in a special needs classroom, director of a special needs ministry, a parent trainer, and graduate student.

    In 2012, I earned my graduate degree from Abilene Christian University as a Specialist in School Psychology and have been working in public schools as a School Psychologist since that time.

    In 2022 I became a Licensed Psychological Associate and own a psychology clinic in Abilene: Grounded Roots Family Development Center where I specialize in assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities.

  • Jenn is a dedicated parent and homeschooler with a strong background in health insurance. As a parent of a son on the Autism Spectrum, she has been actively involved in the autism community since 2020. Joining Spectrum Connection, Jennifer aims to support other parents and caregivers in navigating the complexities of autism, fostering connections among families, and creating networks for autistic adults. She is passionate about ensuring that support and understanding extend beyond childhood, recognizing that autism is a lifelong journey.

  • Hi everyone! I'm Janice Holden, a proud mother and grandmother who has spent 35 years working for the City of Abilene. I am excited to start my volunteering journey and make a difference in the local community now that my children are all adults.

  • Hello, my name is Virdi Crawford, and I am excited to announce that I have recently joined Big Country Spectrum Connection as a Professional Member. As a Pediatric Nurse based in Abilene, I am eager to contribute to our community by raising awareness, promoting inclusion, and providing support to individuals with Autism and their families.

    I am a proud native of Abilene and an alum of Abilene High School and Baylor University.

    With 12 years of marriage to my husband, Daniel Crawford, I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside him in our efforts with the Big Country Spectrum. Together, we are parents to two wonderful children who have Autism, and our personal journey has equipped me with valuable insights that I am passionate about sharing with others.

    As a pediatric nurse, I have seen firsthand the importance of community resources and support for individuals with Autism and their families. I am committed to using my experiences as both a mother of children with Autism and a healthcare professional to aid parents in advocating for their children and navigating the challenges they may face.

    In my leisure time, I enjoy watching television, reading, and spending quality time with my family. I am eager to embark on this new chapter with Big Country Spectrum Connection and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. Thank you for the warm welcome.

  • My name is Jessica Jacob.My husband Craig and I live in Winters, Texas with our three incredible children, two dogs, two cats, two birds, one donkey, a herd of sheep, and one fish. I'm a farm wife, but mostly because I'm married to a farmer and less because I do outdoorsy farm activities. My idea of a perfect day involves a cup of coffee, a book, and a window with a view.

    I am a former educator and current LMFT Associate with a private practice in Abilene. I am passionate about working with couples and women as they transition to parenthood for the first or tenth time, and I love working with moms at every stage of motherhood. I also specialize in infertility and child loss.

    In addition, I work with ACU as an adjunct professor for their Child and Family Services department.

    I believe that Abilene needs more non-profit organizations geared towards supporting mental health and resources for families. I hope to be part of bringing that to life.

  • Danielle Jacobs is a dedicated parent with a career in Administrative healthcare. She has a school-aged son who is on the spectrum. She become recently more involved in the autism community. Joining the Spectrum Connection, she hopes to support and foster connections among families, and creating involvement and awareness with businesses and the local community.

  • I am Jamie Thomas, founding member, and current Community Liaison with Big Country Spectrum Connection. I am hold community positions such as Vice Chair of the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, Vice Chair of the Mayor-appointed Citizens with Disabilities Advisory Board, Vice Chair of Betty Hardwick PNAC- Planning and Networking Advisory Committee, and Vice Present of Joy Project Network. I am also a board member of Kind David's Special Needs ministry, and NAMI Clubhouse.

    As someone who is both a parent and professional, being involved in the Autism community is essential to me to stay involved and aware of things that are going on in and around my community. Having a child on the spectrum and working with families impacted by Autism, I want to provide them with areas of resources and support to connect with others to aid in building a community and awareness of where we live and the areas around us.

  • Dr. Paige LeMasters has been a pediatrician with Abilene Children's Medical Associates since 1995. She is a native of Midland, Texas. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Baylor University and MD at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. Dr. LeMasters completed a pediatric residency at Duke University. She is married to Phillip LeMasters, a professor at McMurry University and they have two daughters.

  • Laura has taken on the role of Parent Advocate at Spectrum Connection because she knows firsthand what it can be like to walk the daunting journey of parenting an autistic child without much support. Her training and professional experience are in Christian ministry, especially teaching, community building, and vocational discernment. But her life took an unexpected turn when her young daughter began exhibiting characteristics of the PDA profile of autism. It remains to be seen where this path will lead Laura and her family. Because of her lived experience, Laura is committed to raising awareness, advocating for affirming care in the Big Country, and providing whatever encouragement and support she can to others who are also on this often challenging journey.

  • I am a recent graduate from Hardin-Simmons University and a current educator at Mann Middle School. My chief interests include reading, writing, history, and learning - all of which are serendipitously well-suited for each other. Through the means of this wonderful organization, I hope to improve the lives of individuals with autism through the invaluable means of support, patience, and understanding - much of which I was scarcely given myself - so we may all have a similar footing in life.

  • Hello I am Caryn Lawrence! I grew up on a ranch near Rising Star, Texas. After graduating from Rising Star High School in 2020, I attended McMurry University. I graduated with my Bachelors in Biomedical Science in May of 2023. I am currently attending Texas Tech University Health Science Center to get my Masters in Biotechnology. I love serving in children’s ministry at my church. I also enjoy playing pickleball with my friends. This will be my first year serving on the Spectrum Connection board. I’m am excited for the opportunity to serve others!

History of Spectrum Connection:

Spectrum Connection was founded in January 2022 to fill a need in the Abilene community. We are a group of advocates who have spent our lives working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum. After COVID, there was a noticeable lack of social support available for families and individuals. We came together with the initial goal of creating a walk to get people together, share informational resources, and create that sense of belonging. We hosted our first Walk for Autism on April 2, 2022! What we came up with during that process was so much more than we initially planned – we found a place to pour our passion into, and found a way to give back more than we expected. Spectrum Connection was founded to bring people together. That has certainly been accomplished and there is no reason to slow down! We will continue to find new ways to grow, provide assistance, create community, and offer support in service of autism families in the local Big Country area.