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
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
- 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.
- Dr. Sally-Anne Ashton, MPhil, MSC, PhD – Sally-Ann Ashton, MPhil, MSc, PhD Dr. Ashton is a Research Scientist at the Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center at Prairie View A&M University. Sally-Ann is a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Association and a Member of the American Psychological Association. She has an MPhil in Criminological Research from the University of Cambridge, which explored the impact of cultural heritage programs in prisons. She has an MSc and PhD in Investigative Psychology from the University of Huddersfield, England with a focus on psycho-social risks associated with gang membership. Her current research includes community policing and safety, child criminal exploitation, violent adolescent offending and victimization.
- Lindsay Aronstein – Mrs. Aronstein is the current board chair of Crime Stoppers of Houston, where she has served for 10 years with unwavering dedication to the mission of community safety. Alongside her husband, Scott, she is a proud owner of two Havanese dogs, Holly and Sydney. Notably, Holly serves as a Caring Critter and visits Texas Children’s Hospital as a therapy dog. Lindsay lives by the motto, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world,” and embodies this philosophy through her tireless commitment to helping others.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Dr. Lisa Graham-Garza – Lisa Graham-Garza, DDS Dr. Graham-Garza is an adjunct professor at the Houston dental school, where she teaches students how to treat patients with intellectual disabilities. She is a co-founder of Autism Rescue Angels, a nonprofit organization that supports Houston-area families with teen or adult loved ones on the autism spectrum. Dr. Graham-Garza has two adult sons, including her younger son Tyler, who is 21 years old and has moderately severe autism. In 2021, she was honored as one of Houston Women’s Magazine’s 50 Most Influential Women.
- 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!
- 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.
*Not pictured:
Sherrhonda Adams, MS Lieutenant, Harris County Precinct One
Dr. Anne Ginnett
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
- Spectrum Linx https://spectrumlinx.com
- Social Motion Skills https://socialmotionskills.org
- Special Schools Coalition of Houston https://sschouston.org
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