Your family deserves connection, clarity, and community.
Liza Lawrence
Perfect Connection is a non-profit that exists to assist families through education and outreach.
The Perfect Connection empowers individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, and communities through education, advocacy, and inclusive programming that fosters understanding, acceptance, and opportunity. We provide research-informed training and resources to schools, workplaces, and community partners to promote neuroinclusive and sensory-friendly environments. Through afterschool programs, workplace and community education, family advocacy, and sensory-friendly events designed for individuals on the spectrum and their siblings, we create spaces where connection, growth, and belonging can thrive across the lifespan.
We envision a world where autistic individuals and their families are fully included, understood, and celebrated—in classrooms, workplaces, and community spaces. We strive to transform perceptions of autism through education, strengthen communities through advocacy, and cultivate environments that embrace neurodiversity. By championing inclusive practices, sensory-friendly experiences, and joyful, accessible events for individuals on the spectrum and their siblings, we work toward a future where every person feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Until everyone knows.
Autism is a spectrum of neurodiversity that reflects the many ways people perceive, process, and engage with the world. It influences communication styles, social interaction, sensory experiences, and learning approaches. Autistic individuals have diverse abilities, perspectives, and talents, often bringing unique strengths such as creativity, focus, authenticity, and innovative thinking. They thrive best in environments that honor inclusion, provide understanding and flexibility, and foster meaningful connection and support.
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.
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.
Hailing from Louisville, KY, Tia Allen has been a Houston resident for 10 years. She is a proud three-time graduate of Western Kentucky University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Master of Health Administration, and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. More recently, she proudly graduated from Texas Southern University—Thurgood Marshall School of Law, earning her Juris Doctor and subsequently becoming a member of the State Bar of Texas. Tia is a former healthcare professional turned licensed Attorney, who is extremely passionate about serving her community to the best of her abilities. She is a walking testament of God’s grace, and believes that with Him, anything is possible (Mark 9:23). She is extremely excited to join The Perfect Connection as a Board Member and cannot wait to engage with families and assist in pushing this amazing organizations mission forward.
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.
