Meet Our Board of Directors!
The All Aboard for Kids Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated
and passionate leaders in the Ames and Gilbert communities. This group invests much
of its time and energy working toward helping children on the autism spectrum grow and, ultimately, thrive. Learn more about this child-focused team below.

Lisa McCarty
Co-Founder
President
Hometown:
Ames, IA
Education/Background:
BS English (RPC), Iowa State University

Michael McCarty
Co-Founder
Member
Hometown:
Ames, IA
Education/Background:
BS Computer Science, Iowa State University

Missy Sanow
Secretary
Hometown:
Gilbert, IA
Education/Background:
BS Early Childhood Education, Iowa State University
Current Role:
Executive Director at Martha’s House of Hope
Why did I get involved with All Aboard for Kids?
I got involved with All Aboard for Kids because I feel very passionate about the philosophy, program and mission of All Aboard For Kids. My daughter is on the Spectrum for Autism and has participated in the program for several years and has gained SO much from her experiences! She has overcome some fears and found some friends which for her is a big feat. I am so appreciative for what this program has done for her and want to give back in the best way possible.
Lisa Schuelka
Executive Director
Hometown:
Harris, IA
Why did I get involved with All Aboard for Kids?
I was truly fortunate to meet Lisa when her son, Luke, and my daughter, Olivia, were just babies. We have been friends ever since! Over the past 16 years, I have witnessed just how hard the McCartys have worked to bring a team together to help support their children, as well as other children on the autism spectrum. Walking this journey with them has opened my eyes to all the ways this population of kids is under-served in our area. I am really passionate about helping them build a program that meets the needs of these amazing kids!
Connie Hargrave
Member
Hometown:
Ames, IA
Current Role:
Professor of Learning Technologies at Iowa State University
Why did I get involved with All Aboard for Kids?
I became involved in All Aboard for Kids because it is the type of grassroots educational programming that
meets the needs of our young people while making a critical difference in the lives of students and families.

Rozanne Warder
Member
Hometown:
Oskaloosa, IA
Education/Background:
Degrees in Education, General Elementary Education, and Special Education Strat II; Advanced degrees in Educational Administration and Curriculum and Instruction
Current Role:
CEO Owner, Take Action Consulting
Why did I get involved with All Aboard for Kids?
As an advocate for children with differing abilities, AAFK was an additional way for me to increase community access to activities for all kids. Also, I love hard work that is fun!

Jennifer VanRyswyk
Member
Hometown:
Dallas Center, IA
Education/Background:
BS in Child & Family Services from Iowa State University, MBA from Iowa State University, Currently working on Ph.D. in Higher Education from Iowa State University
Current Role:
Internship Coordinator for HDFS and FCEDS Professional Study Programs at Iowa State University and an Associate Teaching Professor at Iowa State University
Why did I get involved with All Aboard for Kids?
It was a fortuitous meeting when Lisa M. reached out to meet regarding HDFS internships at a time when I was looking to get back into community engagement after having been in early childhood for almost 25 years. All Aboard for Kids was new to me, but while talking with Lisa, I quickly understood this was a group of people who, like me, had a passion for supporting children in spaces where they’ve not always had opportunities, such as summer camp. I have always been motivated to support and advocate for all children. By the end of the meeting, I was volunteering myself for the board! I am thrilled to be a part of this growing organization.