Meet The Team

Jorise Williams-Edwards

Being the mother of 2 children on the Autism Spectrum has opened up a world full of wonders. In the very beginning of our journey I found myself overwhelmed with information without any understanding. Navigating through so many avenues of not only trying to find understanding but also looking for support in my local community was at times frustrating. This motivated me to create a platform that could be the help that I was so desperately seeking. My hope is that we can come together to support each other in any way we can as a community and make this journey a little easier for all of us.

Loren Edwards

From the beginning of our family Autism journey, it has been my goal to support our children in every way possible. With my background in sales and marketing I am able to contribute strategies to help further our mission of Autism Awareness, Inclusion, Acceptance, & Understanding.

Dyetra Olige

I have been in special education for almost a decade, and Autism Spectrum Disorder is all throughout the school system, from students to teachers. One thing I have found to be helpful for all is a support system to help better understand how to navigate this space. I am so excited to be a part of W.E. Autism Family Support Center, not just for other people, but in hopes I can learn more about Autism and how to better support my son.

Keisha Beckley

I am excited about using my skills to help families who have loved ones with Autism. I’ve watched my family members as they have gone through their journeys from diagnosis to thriving. I have been right along for the ride as they explore different ways to support them. I know that the adults need support too, and with W.E. Autism Family Support Center, I will be able to do just that!

Kayla Blair-Gentry

Volunteering in the community is my passion. Being a parent, sometimes you’re kind of forced into those roles; whether it be fundraising for your kid’s school or working different stations during their sports events. For me, it lead me to extending myself in ways I never thought imaginable.

In previous roles throughout my career in customer service & collections, I have lead & participated in various community services. Such as partnering with the United Way, volunteering at the Second Harvest Food Bank, Project CURE, and a host of others. So it was a no brainer when I was asked what role would you like to service at W.E. AFSC that Community Outreach be my baby!

My goal is to not only help bring awareness to others, but also have fun while doing it!  

Shymene Washington

Service is part of who I am and what I do. I am so excited to expand who I am with this new
labor of LOVE. One of my mottos/mantras for life is “relax and find joy in the journey”. While
sometimes that is easier said than done, so far, I am doing just that. I am a PROUD graduate of
Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science Psychology Degree. I am a current
member of our Alumni Association in Charlotte NC. My career started in retail management
(area management 6 years), then the Dental field (Patient Care Coordinator 10 years), and
finally, in Home Health and back to Dental Management. I moved to Charlotte, for love, and
married my childhood crush in March 2020, during the height of Covid (that was fun… not really
but still one of the happiest days of my life). We currently reside here, in Charlotte, and have 5
(mostly adult) children and 3 grandsons. Life be LIFING! Thank GOD for my village!

Carmen Rucker

My passion has evolved from education to advocate in our world of Autism. I have navigated my Autism journey with my daughter  for over 20 years now. My source of inspiration to pursue my degree in Rehabilitation and American Sign Language was my daughter. My goal is to help advocate for others in a way I knew the gaps weren't being met. I am excited to volunteer my skills, knowledge and abilities within the W.E. Autism Family Support Center. I hope to supply a plethora of resources as well as helping to mold a program that inspires inclusion in all things.