We are delighted to announce that Living and Learning’s founder, Rachelle Vartanian, has been appointed to the Michigan Autism Council by Governor Whitmer. This appointment recognizes her unwavering commitment to advancing autism support services and her leadership in creating inclusive communities.
Beginning October 24th, Rachelle will bring her expertise and innovative vision to help shape autism services throughout Michigan. The Michigan Autism Council serves as an essential advisory body with several key responsibilities:
- Developing and updating comprehensive state plans for autism services
- Establishing quality standards for resources and professional training
- Collaborating with state agencies to implement evidence-based practices
- Positioning Michigan as a leader in autism support and services
Rachelle’s appointment, which extends through September 2028, reflects her remarkable impact on autism advocacy and support services. As Governor Whitmer noted, this position represents “a great and noble privilege to serve the people of Michigan.” We believe Rachelle’s hands-on experience and passionate advocacy will bring valuable perspectives to the Council’s important work.
This appointment not only honors Rachelle’s dedication but also highlights the growing impact of Living and Learning’s mission. As she takes on this new role, we look forward to seeing how her contributions will help create more opportunities and better support systems for individuals with autism and their families across our state.
Please join us in congratulating Rachelle on this well-deserved recognition and this exciting new chapter in her service to the Michigan autism community.