Tamika Lecheé Morales is a teacher, actor, writer, speaker, and entrepreneur—but above all, she is a relentless advocate for the autism community. Her journey into advocacy is deeply personal. In June 2015, Tamika’s youngest son—known affectionately as The Legendary Kid—was diagnosed with autism. Fueled by a mother’s determination to create a better world for him and others like him, she founded The Autism Hero Project (AHP) to break down barriers and ensure that all children, regardless of financial status, can access the therapies they need to thrive. But for Tamika, advocacy goes beyond just awareness—it’s about activating communities to be agents of inclusion and systemic change.

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Her leadership and impact have earned her national recognition, including:
🏆 2025 American Red Cross Hero Award – Community Impact Nominee
🏆 2024 D&I Gamechanger Award
🏆 2024 Extraordinary Latinas Award – Amplifying Voices Category
🏆 2023 Mujer Alpha Award
🏆 2020 Elgin State Bank’s Inaugural Super Hero Award
🏆 2020 Negocios Now – Nonprofit of the Year Award
🏆 2018 Today's Inspired Latina Woman of the Year

Her work has been published in multiple anthologies, including:
📖 For the Love of Autism – An Amazon Best-Selling Anthology (2022)

📖 Inclusion – A WordPOWER Series Coffee Table Book (2021)
📖 Hispanic Stars Rising: The New Face of Power (2020)
📖 Today's Inspired Latina, Volume III – Life Stories of Success in the Face of Adversity (2017)

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Tamika is committed to preparing kids with autism for the world and preparing the world for them. Whether it’s through advocacy, education, or systemic change, she continues to turn her personal passion into a movement.

Madelyn Rodriguez is a wife, mother of three children and professional in property management. Currently a Property Manager at Avison Young – Florida, LLC within the commercial real estate team. She graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy. Background in accounting, property management and business of over twelve (12) years has provided Madelyn with the ability to understand client needs and communicate/present required plans with attention. Knowing firsthand the education others need about autistic individuals as she grew up with a sibling on the spectrum, Madelyn is
excited to join Autism Hero Project. She enjoys yoga, exercising, thrift shopping, time with family and friends and when possible relaxing and watching a great movie.

​Alison is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Clinical Director who works directly with children and adults with autism. She began working in the world of ABA in 2013 and has never looked back!  She knows first-hand how essential individualized care is for autistic people and their families. She stives to do more than just provide ABA therapy, but to be involved in the larger community. She also believes that care should be equitable and accessible to all who need it. Until this is a reality, she is dedicated to helping all who need it. She is so proud of The Autism Hero Project for serving as a bridge to help families get the care they need.

Carmen Santiago-Keenon is a dynamic force in the worlds of technology, finance, and
community advocacy, seamlessly blending technical expertise, entrepreneurial vision, and
heartfelt leadership. Crowned Ms. USA Illinois Universe and proudly serving as the USA
Universe Ambassador, Carmen leverages her influential platform to inspire positive change both
locally and nationally.

With a robust background in information systems and digital infrastructure, Carmen has spent
over a decade at the cutting edge of technological innovation, empowering organizations with
scalable, impactful solutions. As the Founder and CEO of PayGov USA, a fintech company, she
is transforming how people engage with government and civic payments. But PayGov USA is
more than a fintech leader—it embodies Carmen’s commitment to community enrichment
through its Give Back Initiative, which actively donates to impactful organizations such as The
Autism Hero Project.

Carmen's advocacy runs deep, driven by professional dedication and personal passion. As an
esteemed board member of The Autism Hero Project, she is fiercely committed to fostering
inclusive futures for children on the autism spectrum. Her dedication is amplified by her role as a
devoted mother to her three extraordinary children, ensuring her solutions are always rooted in
compassion and genuine understanding.

Grounded by her profound faith and love for Jesus, Carmen’s life and leadership are
characterized by strength, resilience, and unwavering purpose. Beyond the boardroom, she
finds joy and rhythm in playing the congas, bringing music and vibrant energy to all she does.
Carmen Santiago-Keenon is more than an entrepreneur or advocate—she’s a catalyst for
meaningful change. A mother, technologist, believer, leader, and champion for inclusion, she is
passionately building a legacy where innovation consistently meets impact.

Melanie Gayton is a dedicated professional with a deep passion for helping others, particularly individuals with autism. She is currently embarking on an exciting new career in medical device sales, bringing her dedication and people-centered approach into the healthcare industry. Prior to this, Melanie spent over 15 years as a speech-language pathologist, working in both private practice and school settings. Her work focused on supporting children and adults with diverse communication needs, particularly those on the autism spectrum.

Melanie believes that serving individuals with autism extends far beyond the therapy room—it’s about empowering entire families. Her commitment to this holistic approach has shaped her professional philosophy and continues to inspire her involvement in advocacy and education.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Melanie is also the owner and operator of a thriving landscaping company that exclusively hires teens. Through this venture, she empowers young people to develop essential life skills, including negotiating deals, building strong social skills, and cultivating a solid work ethic. This initiative reflects Melanie’s broader passion for helping others grow and succeed in meaningful ways.

For more than 15 years, Melanie has also been a volunteer religious education teacher, guiding students in their spiritual growth and development. She is the proud mother of three: a 22-year-old son, a 20-year-old son, and a 14-year-old daughter, all of whom inspire her to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Despite transitioning to a new field, Melanie remains deeply committed to making a difference in the autism community. Attending the Autism Hero Project gala in 2023 was a profound full-circle moment for her. Seeing a young man she had worked with years ago as a speech-language pathologist receive an award for higher education reminded her of the lasting impact that speech therapy and ongoing support can have on individuals with autism.

Melanie’s unique blend of professional expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and passion for advocacy makes her an invaluable member of the Autism Hero Project board. She is committed to continuing her work to raise awareness, provide resources, and empower individuals and families impacted by autism. 

Carissa Dahik earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Judson University. She currently works full time in the Customer Service of Sensient Technologies Corporation. Carissa believes in giving back to the community through volunteerism, philanthropy and networking. Some but not all of this includes: Currently serving as Chair of Judson University Alumni Board. Previously serving as the Community Engagement Manager for Rahab’s Daughters from May 2021 - December 2024 and as the Global Outreach Ministry Director for Village Church of Bartlett from January 2020 - October 2021. She also volunteered with FCA Endurance as the Chicago Huddle Leader and has had several of her devotionals published by Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She has completed 6 marathons, a triathlon and various other races. In her free time she enjoys to read, host gatherings, listen to podcasts/documentaries and pamper herself with spa time. Carissa has been married to Steve Dahik since 2011.  

Carissa was drawn to serve on the Board of Autism Hero Project for a few reasons. She knows several families impacted, including her own, as distant cousin is autistic. After attending several events she was impressed by the track record of the organization, the strong leadership and collaboration happening with other organizations and Community Leaders. Understanding that everything is connected, she looks forward to supporting their vision to prepare kids with autism for the world and prepare the world for them.