Executive Director Renée Palacios holds a Master’s degree in Political Science/Criminal Justice from University of Toledo, where she also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminology. Renée is an accomplished advocate for those struggling against adversities such as domestic violence, child abuse, poverty, homelessness, and autism. Prior to joining Avenues for Autism, Renée worked for eight years as executive director at Family House, an emergency homeless shelter for area families.

Kelly Elton is the Executive Director of Venture Bound. Kelly holds a Master’s in Special Education and a graduate certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders from Bowling Green State University. She has overseen the development and implementation of successful Social Living Clubs in Whitehouse and Lima, Ohio, and she participates in the Toledo Regional Autism Network. For nearly a decade, Kelly worked with adolescents and adults with autism, as Director of Educational Services for Bittersweet, Inc., and she saw the roadblocks young people with cognitive disorders face when trying to reach their work potential.