Introducing a New Chapter of Leadership at MAC Midwest By Andrea Vasquez MBA, LICSW | Chief Operating Officer Leadership isn’t just a role. It is a responsibility to listen, adapt, and lead with purpose. As we continue to grow, we are reimagining what leadership looks like and where it happens. We are excited to introduce … Read more
A Legislative Update from Chris Bent By MAC Midwest Dear MAC Midwest Community, This past week has been one of heartbreak and reflection for many of us here at MAC Midwest and across Minnesota. We were deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the serious injuries sustained … Read more
Honoring the Intersection of Autism and LGBTQIA+ Identity at MAC Midwest By Jaime Larry, MSW, LICSW, Director of QSP Services At MAC Midwest, we believe every individual deserves to feel truly seen. For who they are and how they experience the world. That means creating a space where people feel safe, supported, and valued across … Read more
Helping families feel confident, prepared, and supported all summer long. By Jaime Larry, MSW, LICSW, Director of QSP Services As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, many of us look forward to more time spent outdoors. But for families of children with autism and others with increased safety awareness needs, summer also brings … Read more
Exploring the connection between meaningful activity and emotional wellbeing. By MAC MidwestThis piece was developed in collaboration with Clare Koezly Escobar, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, Lead ) Occupational Therapist at MAC Midwest As we reflect on Occupational Therapy Month in April and Mental Health Acceptance Month in May, it is a powerful time to recognize how … Read more
Where Policy Meets Purpose: MAC Midwest’s Spring Advocacy in Action By MAC Midwest At MAC Midwest, we do more than provide services. We work to protect access to them. This spring, that commitment is taking us beyond the therapy room and into the legislative arena, where important decisions are still being made about the future … Read more
Why mental health matters for our clients, our staff, and our community—this month and every month By Jaime Larry, Director of QSP Services, MAC Midwest May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year, we are reminded more than ever that mental health is a global issue. It is not just a Minnesota issue. It … Read more
A Look Back at Autism Acceptance Month and the Community That Shows Up By MAC Midwest At MAC Midwest, Autism Acceptance is not confined to a single month. It is part of everything we do. You will find it in every center, every therapy session, every family conversation, and every step we take alongside the … Read more
A National Snapshot: The CDC’s Latest Autism Prevalence Report By Leslie Chaplin, PhD, MSW, LICSW, Chief Clinical Officer at MAC Midwest In April 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its most recent report through the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. The data reflect ongoing increases in the prevalence of autism … Read more
How NGT Builds Inclusive Teams that Embrace Neurodivergence Autism isn’t one-size-fits-all. For Autism Acceptance Month, MAC Midwest is celebrating the full spectrum — including individuals who may never need therapy services but still benefit from a world that embraces the way they think, work, and communicate. One company doing just that is Next Generation Technologies … Read more
Minnesota Healthcare Leader Brings Over 30 Years of Experience to Region’s Largest Provider of Autism Therapy [Minneapolis, MN] – MAC Midwest, a leading provider of autism services in the Midwest, is proud to announce the appointment of Christine (Chris) Bent as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective February 6, 2025. Bent succeeds Jeff Nichols, who … Read more
The holiday season is filled with bright lights, festive gatherings, and joyful traditions. But for individuals affected by autism, the sensory overload that comes with the holidays can be overwhelming. Sudden changes in routine, unfamiliar foods, loud celebrations, and flashing decorations can create stress and discomfort. At MAC Midwest, we understand the importance of creating … Read more
I want to share a story that beautifully encapsulates the heart of our work here at MAC—a story about the little things that add up to make a big difference in the lives of our learners and their families. Recently, I sat down with Emily Tautges, one of our dedicated Regional Directors, who has been … Read more
As many of you may have saw in the news this past week, investigators are examining potential Medicaid fraud among a small group autism service providers. The Minnesota Department of Human Services currently has 15 active investigations aimed at ensuring every dollar spent on therapy and services for individuals on the autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) … Read more
Adelle Whitefoot recently published an article in the Duluth News Tribune after speaking with parents about their fight to advocate for their children who are autistic. Michelle DeRemer, coordinator of the speech-language pathologist team at MAC, was interviewed for the piece which highlights MAC resources and other programs in the state for children with autism […]
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Shine for MAC, MAC Midwest’s first annual community fundraiser, is all about supporting our learners and their families and making sure they always receive the best quality care.Â
