STRIDE
Kids Who Love to Run
STRIDE KIDS
We are a non-profit organization centered around children on the Autism Spectrum. Our mission is to use structured and personalized running activities to develop running performance, social skills, and sensory regulation.
S= Sensory & Social
STRIDE Kids will have opportunities to explore new sensations in a safe environment while learning to play and work within small teams to meet shared running goals.
T= Techniques
Our team is made of parents, occupational and physical therapists who will design age, sensory and socially appropriate techniques to enhance running.
R= Running
We find that our kids LOVE to run. We want to give our kids a way to run off the wiggles and build an exercise habit that will last a lifetime.
I= Independence
As parents, we all want our kids to grow to be independent. Our hope, at STRIDE, is to develop confidence and independence through running, which will translate into other areas of their lives.
D=Development
All kids benefit from team sports to enhance their emotional, physical, and cognitive development. We make sure they can do it in a fun, protective, safe environment.
E= Excellence
STRIDE Kids will be able to strive for individual and group goals of excellence through quarterly and biannual running meets hosted by partnering school systems.
Meet the Board
President
Michelle Leader
Parent Liaison
I am the proud mother of my beautiful son, Cash. As a mother raising a child with special needs, I am on a mission to build a community where he can thrive socially, physically, and emotionally. I am completely honored to be working with this elite group of women that have a heart for children and a spirit to make a difference in their lives. Stride kids is a perfect opportunity for families to come together, celebrate their children, and run toward their goals.
Let's do this!
Ashley Hobson
MOT, R/L
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Vice President
I am an occupational therapist, Director of Business Development at Quest Pediatric Therapy, and an adjunct professor in the Rehabilitation Sciences Department at the OU Health Sciences Center. I am also a LEND Fellow and the Legislative Chair for OKOTA. I live in Piedmont with my husband, two sons, and two dogs. I'm excited about the opportunities STRIDE will offer kids and families in the community!
Recording Secretary
Lorraine Auchter
OTR/L
In my professional and personal experience, I have seen how important it is for all children to have the availability of social activities in their communities. It is a pleasure to be a part of Stride Kids that is focusing on providing a social opportunity for children with autism that love to run! Although I have only ran in one competitive race in my adulthood, my experience as a pediatric occupational therapist for over 20-years has taught me how to modify any activity to make it successful for children of all abilities. I have lots of experience helping children improve their self-regulation through sensory input and working with children in social settings. I look forward to helping Stride Kids become an outstanding organization in the OKC area!
Carrie Ciro
PHD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Development Director
I hold many roles in life but without doubt my favorite is being a grandma. Cash is my grandson and I hate telling him no. I have endlessly stood in the yard while he yelled, “Time me Noni” and “Run with me Noni.” Clearly, he needs to run. As an occupational therapist, I bring both my 31 years of OT knowledge and grandmother expertise to the development of STRIDE Kids. For Cash…and all the other kids I will also love.
Treasurer
Liz Hylton
MOT, OTR/L
As an occupational therapist and business owner, it is my pleasure to participate in developing a program for children that will benefit from a social and sensory focused running group. I had the opportunity to get to know Cash when he was a little younger and loved hearing his stories and pretending to be Spiderman with him! When I heard his family’s desire for a program that would fuel his interest in running and meet his social and sensory regulation needs, I was all in. I hope to use my 15 years’ experience as an occupational therapist working with children to help create an organization that grows and serves many children in the OKC metro area. Serving on this board alongside these incredibly intelligent, kind, and creative people is an honor and privilege.
Volunteer Correspondent
Lynn JeffriesPT, DPT, PhD, PCS
As a physical therapist with over 30 years of experience, my passion has always been working with children. I have sought to help children participate in any activity they want. The Stride Kids program focuses on running and engagement with a group of other children. Helping children find ways to exercise in ways that could become lifelong activities is a joy. I can’t wait to meet other children and families interested in this program.