Learn More about VAST Foundation

The Valley Autism Spectrum Treatments (VAST) Foundation was established to further the medical treatment of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The most effective medical treatments for ASDs have been developed by the Autism Research Institute in San Diego, which started a group project called Defeat Autism Now! in 1995. Since that time, this dedicated group of physicians and parents has held twice-yearly conferences that have evolved into a powerhouse of treatment information bringing hope to millions of affected families around the world.

VAST Foundation’s purpose is to fund medical treatment resources for families affected by Autism in communities in San Francisco’s East Bay area. The goals of the VAST Foundation are to:

Provide financial assistance to individuals in financial need requiring treatment services for their autistic child or family member
Support institutions conducting the most current medical treatments for autism
Raise national awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorders and available treatments
To educate the public about these issues

Who runs VAST Foundation?

VAST's Board of Directors is comprised of parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and concerned members of the community who know the seriousness of the physical and emotional pain of children and families living with ASD. Many of them have seen firsthand how expensive biomedical treatments can be, and also what a positive impact the right treatments can have on the lives of those afflicted with ASD-related illnesses.

Participation in the foundation is their way of giving back to the Tri-Valley community, and attempting to improve the lives of less fortunate Tri-Valley families who are coping everyday with a child with ASD.

The Board of Directors includes:

Paula Avriett, President, Paula Avriett brings over 20 years experience in the clinical and operations fields of healthcare. After working clinically in the area of Communicative Disorders, Paula owned and operated a healthcare consulting and recruiting business and held several senior executive positions for National healthcare organizations. Paula has a Masters Degree from the University of the Pacific and completed her post Graduate training in Communicative Disorders at University of California Los Angeles School of Medicine.

Mary Warga, Vice President, is a certified financial planner with a private practice in Livermore, CA. Mary is experienced in managing efficient, customer focused businesses and has served on other board organizations. As vice president of VAST, Mary establishes contacts with people and other organizations, provides direction and stands in for the president when needed.

Angi Queenan, Chief Financial Officer, has 20 years experience in finance. She has held various positions in mortgage financing including starting and managing a lending branch for a large institutional lender. As the chief financial officer for the VAST foundation, Angi will manage the financial transactions of the foundation, contribute to other decisions that will impact VAST and will assist the president with various fund raising efforts.

Dora Hamilton, Vice President of Fundraising & Public Relations, is Senior Manager of Cisco’s World Wide Briefing Program. Dora leads strategic planning and operations for Cisco’s Executive Briefing Centers. Dora has extensive marketing experience and access to resources for fundraising. As vice president of marketing & public relations, Dora explores and establishes sources for VAST ’s funding.

Margaret Dowling, Secretary, has 20 years experience in a corporate information management career. She has held various technical and management positions in software development, in the telecommunications industry. Margaret also has donated many hours in volunteer positions for various organizations. Margaret has extensive subject matter knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders and the needs of our target families. As secretary of VAST, Margaret will maintain all corporate records and correspondence for the foundation.

Kenneth L. McCartney, CPA, A graduate of St. Mary’s College and Golden Gate University with a Master of Science Degree in Taxation. A licensed Certified Public Accountant in the state of California and a partner in the Livermore, California firm of Weaver, Carlson and McCartney. Employed in the accounting profession since 1969, serving as a corporate Controller from 1969 to 1980 and a sole practitioner from 1980 to 1991. Joined with a long time friend in 1991 to form the current accounting firm of Weaver, Carlson and McCartney. Community service involvement includes service as a member and on the boards of numerous non-profit organizations in the Livermore area, including Past President of the Livermore Rotary Club, Treasurer of the Livermore Chamber of Commerce and Treasurer of the Volunteer Center of Alameda County and current Treasurer of the Tri-Valley Community Foundation.