ABOUT
US
The Role of Theater in Social Development.
Through the magic of dramatic play, participants have the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings about life’s challenges, forming a close-knit community. Through interactive drama, individuals experience personal success and growth, transforming their reality and gaining a healthier sense of self as they take on the roles of director and change maker in their own lives.
Participants develop essential life skills, from problem-solving and empathy to resilience and creativity. At our center, we celebrate diversity, encourage self-reflection, and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. Here, every individual is encouraged to embrace their uniqueness, voice their opinions, and envision a brighter future.
Our Mission
At Adventures in Social Development, our mission is to empower neurodivergent individuals through performance-based learning to teach social skills.
Unlike traditional clinic models, we provide a space where students can engage meaningfully with their peers. Our programs—whether drama or drumming—are structured, supportive, inclusive, and tailored to meet their individual needs.
ASD Board Members
Our board members are committed and passionate about ASD's mission. We are always on the lookout for more dedicated individuals to join our team. If you share our vision and want to make a difference, we invite you to get involved! Together, we can achieve great things.
Executive Director
A mom of 3, including 2 on the Autism spectrum, she holds a BS in Education from Drake University and an MA in Special Education from Morningside College. At ASD, she provides consultations, creates curriculum, and facilitates drama classes. She’s also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Lead Facilitator
Joe has a BA in Human Services from Grand View University. He completed coursework for BCBA in Applied Behavior Analysis. He created Role-Play Theatre Analysis programs and conducts Social Drumming sessions.
Board President
Jessica has been a board member and facilitator for ASD since 2022. Drawn to its creative, supportive environment, she is passionate about creating accessible, inclusive drama-based programming for all individuals. Jessica has a BA in Theatre from the University of Northern Iowa and currently works as a paralegal specializing in public finance transactions.
Vice President
Ryan Stellner joined the ASD board in early 2024. He and his wife, Amber, have four kids, including a 13-year-old son who attends ASD classes. Ryan is passionate about fundraising and looks forward to helping ASD grow.
Secretary
Tyler is the previous board president at Adventures in Social Development, having been with the nonprofit for three years. He started as a drama troupe facilitator and is currently a special education teacher at Johnston High School. He has a master’s in special education and is working towards a doctorate.
Treasurer
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Board member
Kate is a new member of the ASD board. She is the mother of 3 adult children with her oldest being on the autism spectrum. She has enjoyed assisting her son with his participation in many ASD drumming and drama programs over the years. It has been a blessing to be able to have her son experience the social opportunities provided by the ASD programs while enhancing his communication skills. Kate has an undergraduate degree in Education and a Master of Physical Therapy degree from University of Iowa.
Board member
Kara Sherman lives in Ankeny, and works at Living History Farms serving her 4th year as the event coordinator. Kara is the hostess for all of the events at Living History Farms whether it be weddings, parties or the Easter Egg Hunt and Trick or Treating for Halloween.
Kara grew up in Lake View Iowa and received her bachelor's degree in music from Simpson College. After college she moved to the east coast for 15 years but moved back to Iowa in 2003 with her husband and 3 children.
After 60+ productions, serving front stage, backstage, directing and producing, Kara is thrilled to be sitting on the board of a ASD.
Board member
Miranda Blackford lives in Polk City with her family of 5. She has the heart and passion to be a caregiver on many levels. Miranda has a bachelor's degree in Human Services from Grandview College and a Theatre minor. She loves theater; having acted in several productions in college and actively volunteers for the Des Moines Playhouse. Her children are following her passion and have performed in numerous theater programs around the Des Moines area. Miranda had an 18 year career with ChildServe before deciding to be a stay at home mom where she could homeschool the kids and become the primary caregiver for her adult brother with special needs by taking him out of a group home setting and putting him into a loving home where his family could provide consistency and love. After discovering ASD, her brother quickly followed the family tradition of acting. After watching him grow in confidence through the programs at ASD she joined the board to continue assisting them with their mission.
Peer Liaison
INFO COMING SOON
PEER MENTORS.
Peer mentors play a crucial role in supporting neurodiverse individuals by providing opportunities for collaboration, constructive feedback, effective communication and listening. In this dynamic, both neurodiverse participants and peer mentors ​​gain valuable insights into inclusivity and honing leadership skills.
I love being a mentor because it has given me tons of new opportunities and allowed me to build relationships with both artists and mentors while having fun in class!
-Paige N.