Perfect Connection is a non-profit that exists to assist families through education and outreach.
Liza Lawrence, is the mother of two sons with Autism Spectrum Disorder. After navigating the complexities of identifying the appropriate interventions, educational settings, and health care options she was determined to assist other families similarly impacted. This determination became the catalysts by which Perfect Connection was founded in April of 2017. Perfect Connection is a non-profit that exists to assist families through education and outreach. Our goal is to ensure that stakeholders in the education, business, healthcare and non-profit arenas fully understand the challenges faced by parents and children impacted by autism. Support from generous donors allows Perfect Connection to sponsor workshops for parents, sensory friendly field trips and activities for students, and programs designed to prepare young adults on the spectrum for successfully navigating independent living.
To create opportunities for quality education and connection to appropriate resources that will enhance the lives of children and families impacted by autism.
Perfect connection exists to empower families with resources to assist in the education and overall well- being of their children, to provide quality early educational experiences to children with autism, to assist teenagers with autism and their families with the transition to adulthood, and to empower educational stakeholders and families with relevant learning through outreach and awareness.
Until everyone knows.
Autism is a lifelong developmental condition characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, restricted and repetitive interests and behaviors, and sensory sensitivities.
These behaviors often manifest in an intense and focused interest in a particular subject matter; stereotyped body movements like hand flapping and spinning; and an unusual and heightened sensitivity to everyday sounds or textures.
People on the autism spectrum experience difficulties with social interaction and impaired and unusual verbal and non-verbal communication.
© 2022 Perfect Connection. All Rights Reserved. Designed by Cosmo Creative.
EIN Number: 82-3572499
Her contributions have significantly impacted the community as she has supported and collaborated with various organizations, to include school districts, early learning centers, behavioral health organizations and healthcare facilities to ensure there is awareness and education about autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Liza has received several awards and recognitions for her contributions to the community:
In addition, Liza has volunteered relentless hours raising funds for community programs for the National Kidney Foundation, National MS Society, and the United Negro College Fund. Currently, she has an affiliation with several organizations including Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, IGNITE – Women Leading Innovation of Healthcare, The ARC of Fort Bend, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. to name a few.
Dr. Courtney Jones is a veteran educational administrator with a career spanning 20 years. Throughout her career in education she has served in the capacity of principal and currently serves as a central office leader. Her work in the central office includes providing leadership and oversite to the Special Education, Gifted and Talented, Multilingual and Interventions Departments as well supervising principals and other campus-based leaders. Dr. Jones holds a Bachelor’s degree from Prairie View A & M University, Master’s degrees from both Our Lady of the Lake University and Prairie View A & M University and a Doctorate degree from the University of Houston.
In addition to her professional career, Dr. Jones is the owner of multiple early learning centers. Her community works includes serving as a board member for the Houston Children’s Chorus where her work includes raising funds to provide choral instruction to local schools. She also serves as a member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Black Heritage Committee where she has actively raised funds for scholarships and other educational initiatives.
Additionally, she is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated where she participates in a vast array of community service projects. Dr. Jones is an avid reader and writer and enjoys the arts. In addition to being a mother to her beautiful daughters, Reagan and Morgan Jones, she serves as a mentor to youth and aspiring educational leaders. Dr. Jones is an advocate for children and is committed to using her life and impact to inspire generations to come.
Shawntell McWilliams is a native of Shreveport, Louisiana and have resided in Houston for seven years. Shawntell is CEO of Infinity Cleaning Solutions, a female owned and operated commercial cleaning company. She is also President of SM Global Consulting, a philanthropic branding, community relations, and event production company.
Shawntell holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Wiley College in Marshall, Texas; a Master of Science degree in Human Services Administration: Concentration in Fund Development and Grant Writing from Louisiana State University and a Post Master’s degree as an Education Specialist in Education Leadership from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Shawntell is certified in Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol from The Protocol School of Washington.
An educator at heart, Shawntell believe all students should have the opportunity to pursue and complete a College education regardless of their socioeconomic background. Shawntell has served as a Chemistry Instructor for high school and College students, GED Instructor, Director of Federal and National Programs, College professor, grant writer, academic advisor and mentor. Shawntell enjoys being a part of young females’ growth process, which led her to one of her favorite pleasures of judging and coordinating local, state and national pageants for over fifteen years. Additionally, Shawntell provide pageant coaching and intense etiquette and social graces training.
Shawntell work enthusiastically in the community chairing numerous fundraisers for non-profit organizations raising, over $1.5 million dollars. She has chaired the National Kidney Foundation Luncheon and Fashion Show, Men of Style Gala and Fashion Show benefiting Texas Children’s Hospital, Sisters Network Pink Angel Luncheon, Greater Houston Women Chamber of Commerce STEAM Luncheon and Style Show, The Links, Inc Tea and Fashion Show, Childcare Council of Greater Houston Inc. Luncheon, LCA International Mother’s Day Soiree’, The Fifth Ward Enrichment Program Annual Luncheon, National Multiple Sclerosis Society Luncheon, Perfect Connection Autism Gala of Lights Gala, UNCF (United Negro College Fund) Gala and Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America Winter Ball.
Shawntell has received numerous awards and recognitions including for her work in the community and business acumen: Pan Hellenic Council Mover and Shakers Award, 2016 National Women of Achievement Pillar of Strength, 2017 ABC-13 Woman of Distinction by Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, 2017 and 2018 Role Model from Greater Houston Women Chamber of Commerce, 2018 Houston Chronicle Best Dressed benefiting March of Dimes, St Jude’s Cancer and Research Hospital Community Award, Trailblazer Award from Houston League of Business and Professional Women, 2018 Texas Children’s Hospital Community Champion, Legacy Award from Twelve Days of Christmas. In May, Shawntell will be honored by Houston International Trade Development Council as an Outstanding Advocate.
Before transitioning full-time to Bayou City Consultants, Tia served as Client Partner Director with Verizon for 19 years. Her Global team of over 28 managers across the country managed 5G/Fiber roll out strategies for Comcast, Walmart, Coke, Wells Fargo, Exxon, Shell, Samsung, Time Warner, UCLA and LSU. Tia was assigned to the VZW Global Growth Retention Board for at-risk Tech portfolios. Her versatile leadership and high energy work well together to promote and drive Revenue and Relationships.
In addition to being a highly sought after DEI Business Consultant & CRE, Tia has lectured at The University of Houston and Leisure Learning Adult classes in The Art of Entrepreneur Business Branding Scaling 101. Tia has a B.B.A with a minor in MIS.
Tatiana has been with Bank of America since 2005, and during her impressive 19-year tenure, she has held various positions including VP, Client Relationship Manager, Financial Center Manager, Operations Manager and Teller. She has received accolades such as the Pinnacle and Pinnacle Diamond awards, recognizing her as a top performer. Tatiana has also been a key influencer, collaborating closely with partners, and has mentored numerous peers and onboarded multiple teams throughout her career.
Employee development and engagement are important to Tatiana, and she is enthusiastic about fostering growth in her team members. She has successfully completed the Women’s Executive Development Program and the Market Leadership Program, both of which focus on further development and mentorship.
Tatiana holds an MBA from the University of Houston-Downtown. She is committed to talent development and actively participates in mentorship programs such as the Women’s Exchange. She also demonstrates her dedication to leadership, volunteerism, and community engagement through her involvement in various employee organizations.
Tatiana works closely with local universities to deliver financial literacy programs to students. Recognizing the importance of financial education, she actively engages with universities to provide resources, workshops, and seminars to help students develop essential money management skills. By partnering with educational institutions, Tatiana helps to empower the next generation with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed financial decisions and achieve financial success. Her dedication to financial literacy highlights her commitment to the community and her belief in the importance of equipping individuals with the skills they need to navigate the financial world.
In 2023, Tatiana was nominated for the Global Volunteer Award and the Global D&I (Diversity and Inclusion) Award. These nominations recognize her outstanding contributions and commitment to volunteerism and promoting diversity and inclusion within the organization. Tatiana’s dedication to making a positive impact in both the workplace and the community has been acknowledged through these prestigious nominations.
In 2023, Tatiana Peterson attended the Houston Women’s Ready to Lead Conference. This conference is designed to empower and inspire women leaders, providing them with valuable insights, skills, and networking opportunities. Tatiana’s participation in this conference demonstrates her commitment to personal and professional growth, as well as her dedication to promoting and supporting women in leadership roles.
In 2023, Tatiana Peterson received a commemorative Better Money Habits recognition from the Chief Diversity Officer at Bank of America. This recognition acknowledges her efforts and contributions in promoting financial literacy and education through the Better Money Habits program. The Better Money Habits initiative aims to provide individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed financial decisions and improve their financial well-being. Tatiana’s dedication to fostering financial literacy and her commitment to empowering others in their financial journeys have been recognized and celebrated by Bank of America through this commemorative recognition.
Cher Hayes is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, a Licensed Behavior Analyst in the State of Texas and a former Special Education teacher. She brings over 16 years of experience working with students who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other challenges. Currently, Cher serves as a Sr. Professional Services Manager at RethinkEd, a company dedicated to supporting individuals and families dealing with autism. One of her primary responsibilities at RethinkEd involves teaching professional learning cohorts based on applied behavior analysis in school districts across the nation. When teaching, Cher excels at simplifying complex topics and helping audiences see how those concepts can be practically applied to everyday life. Cher holds a Bachelor’s degree from Cedarville University and a Master’s degree from the University of Houston – Victoria.
Beyond her professional role, Cher is a mother of six and a grandmother to 11 amazing grandchildren, two of whom have been diagnosed with ASD. Drawing from her classroom experience and family life, she is passionate about educating and empowering caregivers and educators to enhance student success. Her advocacy extends to promoting student inclusion and providing trauma-informed care for both students and their families.
Cher’s commitment to humanitarian causes is evident through her involvement with various non-profit organizations. Over the past 28 years, she has co-led initiatives that provided hands-on support and humanitarian aid to orphanages in Ukraine and Mexico. Cher also enjoys volunteering in community service events with her family. When she’s not working, this West Virginia native embraces country life with her husband, Ron, and cherishes moments spent with her children and grandchildren. Her hobbies include traveling, hiking, and cast-iron cooking.
Her passion to continue to serve children in underserved communities nationally is reflected in her mission trips to other countries such as Haiti and Guatemala where she treated children in rural areas that had limited access to oral health care. As a pediatric dentist, Dr. Hardy’s personal mission is to care for each of her patient’s unique needs while inspiring them to have fun and enjoy their oral health care. Encouraging children and youth to not only value their oral health but fearlessly pursue their dreams is something Dr. Hardy hopes is the lasting impression she has on all her patients. It is with this mission in mind that Dr. Hardy and her colleague Dr. Phylicia Combest opened their own dental office, Aliana Pediatric Dentistry. As one of the few black women owned dental practices in the Greater Houston Area, they continue to inspire the next generation of healthcare providers. This is demonstrated in their participation in local career days and school presentations on dental education. One of the greatest achievements thus far as a business has been establishing the charitable divisions of their practice called Aliana Cares. It was through this division that Dr. Hardy provided free dental services for a year to a local underserved child in need. Dr. Hardy’s community involvement also stretched to her church home where she served as interim Director of the Higher Kids and Youth Department at Higher Dimension Church.
As the outgoing middle daughter of her two loving parents, Drs. James and Felecia Hardy, she continues to see the value of establishing a flourishing legacy and helping other families to do so. This is one of the reasons that oral health prevention and education for those impacted with Autism is an integral part of her personal and professional life. Dr. Hardy strives to have all children grow to have happy healthy smiles.
Dr. Hulett is a leading special education advocate and educational consultant based in Central Texas. He currently serves as the National Director of Special Education Services for Let’s Go Learn and is the Executive Director for the Center for Special Education Advocacy. He works extensively on behalf of children and families engaged in the IEP and Section 504 process. He is well-known for his ability to navigate difficult situations and secure the educational services, goals and desired outcomes for the parents and students he serves. In addition, he trains principals and administrators in the utilization of both best practices and legal approaches to special education management. Dr. Hulett is the author of the best-selling text “Legal Aspects of Special Education.” He is committed to helping all stakeholders meet the needs of students with disabilities.
He has extensive experience in many aspects of school administration including over ten years as a school principal, work in assessment as vice president for Triumph Learning in New York, head of research and development for Pearson Assessment in San Antonio, legal issues and compliance specialist for Henrico County Public Schools in Virginia, and grants and budget analyst for the Office of the Secretary of Education in Virginia.
Dr. Hulett has a bachelor’s degree in public administration from James Madison University, a master’s in special education from the University of Virginia, and a doctorate in education administration and supervision also from the University of Virginia. Dr. Hulett is the proud of father of two children currently attending South Bosque Elementary School and the spouse of a Baylor University professor.
For over 13 years, Jennifer has led the deployment of research-based educational resources, best-in-class professional development and technology-driven solutions for dozens of education institutions across the country. As Vice President of Sales for Rethink Ed, a company founded in working with individuals and families with autism, Jennifer is committed to the success of all learners. Throughout her 20+ year career in business development and education, including client-facing roles with Pearson, McGraw-Hill Education and Fortune 500 companies, she has been involved in programs centered on student achievement and post-secondary attainment. Residing in Austin, Texas and raised in Western New York, Jen is passionate about lifelong learning and helping others to succeed. Having attended Drexel University in Philadelphia, Jennifer went on to earn her Bachelors of English with a concentration in Marketing and Public Relations from Daemen College in Amherst, New York and completed her MBA at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
