A STORY FROM OUR FOUNDER
Born from a Moment That Should Never Happen to Any Family
In 2018, a routine encounter between my son and law enforcement changed our lives and launched a mission. What should have been a safe interaction quickly revealed a painful truth: the systems designed to protect us were not always equipped to understand individuals with autism spectrum disorder. My son and I were not alone in that experience. Autism families across the country face this same fear every single day.
That moment did not break me. It built me.
- Christie Belle-
Licensed therapist, autism advocate, and the founder of Autism Rising
We refuse to accept that our children's safety depends on luck. We believe that safety begins with understanding.
We Train From
the Inside Out
Autism Rising is not a curriculum written by someone who read about autism in a textbook. Our training programs are built on lived experience, professional expertise, and years of direct work with individuals on the spectrum and the families who love them. We know what a behavioral episode looks like from the inside of a home. We know what it looks like from the back of a police car.
Founder Christie Belle has gone beyond traditional training by participating in ride-alongs with law enforcement, gaining firsthand insight into how officers respond in real-time situations involving individuals with autism. This hands-on experience allows our training to reflect the realities first responders face, not just theory. We train from both perspectives.
Our first responders autism training is POST-approved and recognized by law enforcement agencies in the region. Our community autism awareness presentations have reached schools, businesses, and organizations throughout coastal Georgia and beyond. Our work alongside partners like Coastal Georgia Comprehensive Academy has given officers the rare opportunity to observe real autism characteristics in action, not from a slide deck, but from individuals on the spectrum themselves.
CREDENTIALS & EXPERTISE
Qualified to Train. Committed to Change.
qualified
Licensed therapist with direct clinical experience serving individuals and families affected by autism and author of Dear Single Mother, a memoir and resource for mothers navigating autism, advocacy, and life.
approved
Founder of a POST-approved autism training for police officers and law enforcement agencies
partnered
Community partner with schools, law enforcement agencies, and businesses in the Savannah, Georgia area.
Creator of the Coffee with a Cop: Autism Community Connection Series, bridging first responders and autism families in Savannah.
In-person Workshops - Seminars - Community Presentations - Online Training -
POST approved training for law enforcement
This course meets Peace Officer Standards and Training requirements. Officers receive continuing education credit upon completion — making it a smart investment of department training time.
OUR VILLAGE
Meet our Board
Autism Rising is guided by a dedicated board of professionals with expertise in education, mental health, leadership, and community advocacy. United by a shared commitment to our mission, they provide strategic direction and help ensure our work creates meaningful, real-world impact for the communities we serve.
Christina Lawrence
Board Chair
Christina Lawrence, M.Ed, is an experienced educator, leader, and mental health professional with over 20 years of service in education and clinical practice. She holds a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and a Master’s in Education with a specialization in Montessori Leadership. Christina expanded her expertise into psychology through post-baccalaureate studies in Clinical Psychology at Fielding Graduate University and is currently pursuing her PsyD in Clinical Psychology at Capella University. Her clinical experience includes work with Heads Up Guidance Services (HUGS), Jennings and Associates, and Shrink Savannah, where she has supported individuals and families through trauma-informed care. She now serves as Clinical Director at Heads Up Guidance Services, Inc. A contributor to the American Psychological Association, Christina has authored 14 publications focused on trauma, along with an article on the importance of self-care in graduate school. Outside of her professional work, she is a devoted mother of four who enjoys volunteering, supporting nonprofits, and traveling with her family.
Dr. Steve Goldberg
Vice Chair
Dr. Steve Goldberg has been a licensed therapist for over 40 years. He is a military veteran, author, and has 4 grandchildren of his own on the autism spectrum, which is the reason he became so passionate about educating our community about individuals on the spectrum.
Micala Fisanick
Treasurer
Micala Fisanick serves as Treasurer and brings a strong academic and clinical foundation to her role. She is completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, building on her undergraduate studies in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Bible. Micala has a diverse background in both veterinary and human medicine, along with experience in the mental health field. A former collegiate athlete, she played basketball throughout all four years of her undergraduate career, demonstrating discipline, teamwork, and leadership. Following graduation, Micala plans to pursue specialized certifications in EMDR and DBT to further support individuals through evidence-based mental health practices.
Support the Mission
Help Us Build Safer, More Understanding Communities
Your tax-deductible support helps Autism Rising continue providing critical autism training, expanding community awareness, and equipping professionals with the tools they need to respond with confidence and care. Every donation directly contributes to safer interactions, stronger families, and more inclusive environments for individuals on the autism spectrum. Together, we can create lasting impact where it matters most.
Make a difference
Your donation is 100% tax-deductible and supports autism awareness training for individuals on the spectrum.
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Every Time to you Shop with Kroger
Your groceries can change lives — at no extra cost to you.
Shopping for your family is something you do anyway. Now it can also fund autism training that protects your community. Autism Rising is proud to be enrolled in the Kroger Community Rewards program, which means every qualifying purchase you make at Kroger can put money directly toward our mission — at absolutely no cost to you.