Crime Stoppers NEEDS Program
(Neurodiversity, Educate, Empower, Deliver, Safety)
Mission Statement
The Crime Stoppers NEEDS (Neurodiversity, Educate, Empower, Deliver, Safety) Program’s mission is to champion the safety, well-being, and empowerment of the special needs community by proactively fostering knowledge of risks and safety solutions for individuals and those who live and serve them with the intention of preventing crimes against this vulnerable population.
What is Neurodiversity?
According to Harvard Health, “neurodiversity” describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways of thinking, learning, and behaving. The term is often used to describe autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADD, Tourette’s, and Dyslexia. Social and emotional difficulties associated with these developmental disorders often lead to unforeseen and unintended legal consequences:
Misunderstanding Social Cues: People with autism might act in ways law enforcement misunderstands, like not following verbal commands or avoiding eye contact, which can seem suspicious.
Sensitivity to Overstimulation: Emergencies can be too intense for individuals with autism, causing stress or panic and leading to responses that attract police attention.
Communication Challenges: Communication difficulties in people with autism can cause misunderstandings or conflicts with police, escalating situations.
Lack of Awareness: Police may not be trained in understanding autism, leading to inappropriate interactions with autistic individuals.
Vulnerability: People with autism can be more easily manipulated or exploited, sometimes resulting in their unintended involvement in illegal activities.
Presentations Offered
The following topics are the most requested by our Houston community and are especially relevant for the NEEDS population and those that support them:
- Cyber Safety Awareness
- Be Nice. (Mental Health Awareness), in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan and be nice.®
- Bullying Prevention
- Dating Safety & Sexual Misconduct Awareness
- Juvenile Law Awareness
- Substance Abuse
- Cyber Safety Awareness
- Bullying Prevention
- Gaming Safety Awareness
- Mental Health Awareness
- Online Solicitation Prevention
- Cyber Safety Awareness
- Be Nice. (Mental Health Awareness), in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan and be nice.®
- Bullying Prevention
- Child Abuse Prevention: Recognizing & Reporting
- Human Trafficking Awareness
Resources
For more information about NEEDS and further resources:
Crime Stoppers Resources Available
Autism Brochure
Request a Presentation
The Crime Stoppers Team is available to present to your group. All of the presentations listed on our Menu of Services below can be facilitated virtually or in-person and can be adapted to meet the needs of a specific audience.
Once you have selected your desired presentation, click below:
NEEDS Advisory Board Members
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- Michelle Heinz – Michelle, a mother of three, spearheaded the establishment of Crime Stoppers of Houston’s NEEDS Program in honor of her son, Nicholas. She is a passionate advocate for crime victims, the neurodiverse, and individuals with special needs. Her advocacy efforts have been instrumental in the successful passage of three pieces of legislation – two in Texas and one in Connecticut – expanding protections for these vulnerable communities. Michelle currently serves as the Chairman of the NEEDS Board of Advisors and sits on the boards of both The Center for Pursuit and Crime Stoppers of Houston
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- Dr. Karen Jaggers, LPC, PsyD, CAS -Karen Jaggers, LPC, PsyD, CAS Dr. Karen Jaggers is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Autism Specialist with over 25 years of experience in Houston. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. Dr. Jaggers is a National Board-Certified Counselor, Advanced Family Mediator, Certified Parenting Facilitator, and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. She specializes in high-conflict families and has authored best-selling children’s therapeutic workbooks. Founder and past president of Katy Autism Support, she serves on multiple boards supporting disability and special needs communities. Her personal experience as a parent of a child with autism drives her advocacy and professional work.
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- Leslie Mogil, M.Ed. – Leslie Mogil, M.Ed. Leslie holds a Master of Education degree and is a devoted mother of three, including her oldest son who is on the autism spectrum. As a tireless advocate, she has contributed extensively to special needs schools, autism charities, and numerous nonprofit organizations. Mrs. Mogil co-founded Autism Rescue Angels, a Houston-based organization dedicated to providing financial assistance, medical support, therapy, and respite services to families with loved ones affected by autism.
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- Coach “Colleen” Russo- Colleen “Coach” Russo* Coach Russo is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of The HUB Houston. She has worked with the neurodiverse population in Houston for the past 25 years. Coach is dedicated to educating the world about the incredible gifts that neurodiverse individuals bring to society. With a passion for empowering others and fostering understanding, Coach strives to highlight the unique strengths and perspectives of neurodiverse people, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and celebrated!
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- Sonia Rivera – Sonia Rivera Sonia has over 25 years of experience in project management, program development, staff training & development, writing policies & procedures for new companies. She has also participated in various community needs assessment projects. She worked in the nonprofit sector for 11 years, managing and developing youth programs. She has also worked with at-risk populations, providing Educational and Social Support Programs in the areas of Substance Abuse Prevention, Intervention, and Youth Homelessness before forming her own corporation and nonprofit in 2008 and 2010, respectively.
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- Wendy Dawson -Wendy Dawson* Wendy is the stepmother of a young man diagnosed with autism and the co-founder of Incuentro LLC, whose Spectrum Linx division offers an innovative platform providing online resources for families navigating autism and special needs. Wendy founded Social Motion, a Houston-based nonprofit that provides social skills and vocational training to individuals with autism and similar disabilities. Wendy has been recognized with numerous awards, including the CSoH Safe School Award, the Woman of Substance award, and recognition as a Community Icon. She was also honored with Community Partner Recognition from Harris County, a Harvard Business School scholarship, and a Texas State Senate Proclamation.
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- Lindsey Tizzard – Lindsey is a native of New Orleans and was involved with Crime Stoppers of New Orleans and their Teen Ambassadors Against Crime program. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor’s in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology and a minor in Political Science. Lindsey received her juris doctor and Graduate Diploma in Comparative Law from LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Lindsey is a member of the State Bar of Texas and practices criminal law. She currently is an Assistant District Attorney at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
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- Wil Moran, Corporal, Harris County Precinct One – Wil Moran, Corporal, Harris County Precinct One Corporal Moran serves as a full-time Police Officer for Harris County’s Precinct One. He has had various assignments in law enforcement, including the Precinct 1 Crisis Intervention Team and Mental Health Special Operations, and he is currently an instructor within his agency specializing in mental health and de-escalation training. He is a prior US Army Soldier and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Corporal Moran has also developed a TCOLE law enforcement training curriculum for Precinct One, focusing on identifying and communicating with the neurodiverse and special needs community. As someone who lives with Autism, Corporal Moran is an advocate for Neurodiversity education, community policing, and the needs of vulnerable populations.
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- Brandi Timmons, Med, BCBA, LB – Brandi Timmons, Med, BCBA, LBA Brandy has over 2 decades of experience as a special educator, championing the potential in autistic children and adults by fostering environments that spotlight their strengths. Brandy is a writer and researcher, state and national speaker, curriculum designer, and program creator period most recently she has co-founded spectrum leads comma a pivotal resource for families of autistic members that provide support, guidance, and knowledge at every stage of the autism journey period.
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- Bevan Koch, Ed.D. – Bevan Koch has served as Head of School at The Westview School since 2020, leading programs that support students with autism and related learning differences. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Master’s in Special Education from Sam Houston State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education from McNeese State University. With experience in both school leadership and teaching, including roles at Sewickley Academy in Pennsylvania and Klein Independent School District, Dr. Koch is committed to strengthening inclusive educational environments and expanding access to high-quality support services. Her work focuses on building strong partnerships with families and community organizations to better serve neurodiverse students and promote safe, supportive communities.
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- Jasmine Hicks – Jasmine Hicks is a wife and devoted mother to a child with complex special needs, including Autism, Epilepsy, and Hydrocephalus. A former educator with a Master’s in Educational Leadership, she blends professional expertise with lived experience in everything she does. She currently serves as Event Logistics Manager at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Jasmine is the Founder and Executive Director of WIN All Else Fails, a nonprofit empowering parents and caregivers of children with special needs by leveraging generative AI to deliver personalized resources, meaningful support, and community connection. Her impact has earned her the Houston Business Journal Community Leadership Award, the Houston Texans B.O.L.D. Award, and board service with The HUB Houston and S.H.E. Squared where she is leading with heart, vision, and purpose.
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- Patricia King-Ritter – Patricia King-Ritter is a strategic leader who turns vision into reality through sound strategy and operational execution. She intuitively identifies opportunities, aligns stakeholders, and develops solutions that drive measurable results. Respected for her ability to inspire action while managing complex operations, Patricia consistently earns a seat at the decision-making table. She currently serves as Strategy Director at EnVibe Inc., overseeing organizational development and long-term strategy. Previously, she was Board President and Executive Director of Evelyn’s Park Conservancy (2011–2020), where she led a successful $7.2M capital campaign and park development. As a former business co-owner, she grew revenues by 210% and managed $3M in assets. Patricia holds a BBA from the University of Texas. She is married to Tom Ritter and is the proud mother of three children.
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- Elizabeth Elder – Elizabeth Elder is the mother of three children, two of whom were born with a rare genetic mitochondrial condition. She is the Founder of Steel Magnolia Moms, a Houston-based nonprofit serving moms of children with special needs by providing programs to support mental health, personal wellness, family balance, and community. Elizabeth has been recognized for her work in the community as an Angels Among Us Honoree from the Nick Finnegan Counseling Center, a Community Icon, and as a public speaker. Elizabeth is passionate about sharing her personal story of child loss and the joys and challenges of raising children with special needs so moms may walk the journey together with love and light.
Thank you to our NEEDS Program Supporters
- Brigitte Kalai
- Jordan Seff
- Michele Joseph
- Michelle Heinz
- Dena Williams
- Shana Jones
- Leslie Mogil
- Lindsay Aronstein
Crime Stoppers of Houston’s NEEDS Partnerships
Resource Partners
- Autism Speaks https://www.autismspeaks.org
- Autism Rescue Angels https://autismrescueangels.org
- Harris County Precinct One
- Harris County Precinct Two
- Steel Magnolias
- Spectrum Linx https://spectrumlinx.com
- Social Motion Skills https://socialmotionskills.orghttps://socialmotionskills.org
- Special Schools Coalition of Houston https://sschouston.org
- WIN All Else Fails
Collaborative Partners
Texas A&M Juvenile Crime Prevention Center at Prairie View A&M University
Researched statistics and crimes against the autistic community, in addition to creating sample legislation to assist NEEDS in their legislative endeavors.
Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office
Created an 8-hour TCOLE – certified autism training program to train law enforcement agents and first responders on identifying and communicating with autistic individuals to enhance public safety for autistic and neurodiverse individuals.
Precinct One introduced Hussman Autism Kits for First Responders as part of its community support initiatives. These Hussmann Sensory Kits contain items specifically designed to assist officers in effectively interacting and communicating with individuals on the autism spectrum
These partnerships strengthen advocacy and advance public safety for the autism, special needs, and broader neurodiverse community.
In The News
Harris County Pct. 1 Uses New Training when 3-year-old with Autism Found Wandering on Road
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE!
News Source: FOX News 26