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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
