Board of Directors
Sommer Clayborne - President
Eric Yacks - Vice President
Kimberly Watson - Secretary
Brian McCarty - Member
Howard Quinn - Member
Bridgett Ely - Member
Elizabeth Pasker - Member
2025
July 17th
September 18th
October 23rd (Annual Meeting)
November 20th
2026
January 22nd
March 19th
May 21st
June 18th
Board Meetings are scheduled for the third Thursday of the month at 6:30pm here at the Autism Academy of Learning in the Main Conference Room.
Sommer Clayborne - President
Sommer began her journey with the Autism Academy in 2008 and has been deeply connected to its mission ever since. A Bowling Green State University graduate and Early Intervention Specialist for the Lucas County Board of DD, Sommer is also the CEO of Bigger Than Birth Doula Support. In all roles, she is driven by a passion for Unlocking the Potential of Every Child regardless of developmental differences. Outside of work, she loves spending time with family, traveling, and enjoying music festivals.
Eric Yacks - Vice President
Greetings! I’m Eric, vice president of the AAL Board of Directors since October 2023 and a member since January 2019. Before joining the Board, I worked as an AAL paraprofessional from 2017 to 2019. By day, I’m a special education registrar at Ohio Virtual Academy, a fully online public school serving students statewide. As so many teachers, staff, and families know, once you’re part of the AAL family, you never truly leave. While completing my degree, I chose to stay involved by joining the Board—a role that’s taught me so much about school operations and let me advocate for our students. It’s rewarding to watch students I knew as a paraprofessional grow, thrive, and graduate.
Outside work, I cherish time with family, my church, nature, and serving as a trained SKYWARN weather spotter. In June 2025, I’ll marry my fiancée, Michelle, a 5th-grade teacher. I reside in Toledo.
Kimberly Watson - Secretary
I’m Kim Watson, mom to Brock Johnson in the Purple Room. We have been part of the AAL family for 10 years. I have been on the school board for a 18 months and currently am the School Board Secretary. I choose to sit on the board with the hope that I can share thoughts/opinions from a parent’s perspective while also staying informed of the school’s progression. While AAL has changed over the years it still remains a truly magical place impacting the lives of its students, families, staff and community. Little known fact about myself is that I have won multiple contests/prizes throughout my life. In my spare time (which isn’t much) I enjoy building Lego sets, cooking/baking, scrapbooking, attending concerts, and taking day trips with my new husband and Brock.
Bridgett Ely - Member
Hello, my name is Bridgett Ely. I’m excited to have recently joined the board of directors. I bring several years of experience in the field of Autism, supported by a strong academic background. I earned my bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies and a master's degree in Special Education from Bowling Green State University. From 2018 to 2020, I worked as an Intervention Specialist at the AAL, and I currently serve as a Behavior Support Professional with Wood Lane Residential Services in Bowling Green.
Brian McCarty - Member
We are a special education company dedicated to providing the best education and services to children with special needs. Our team of dedicated professionals has years of experience in special education and is passionate about helping children reach their full potential. At The Autism Academy of Learning, we believe that every child deserves a quality education and the support they need to succeed.
Elizabeth Pasker - Member
My name is Elizabeth Pasker, I am a Licensed Social Worker dedicated to supporting individuals across various stages of life with compassion and care. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Hope College and a Master of Social Work from Case Western Reserve University.
I have gained valuable experience through a variety of roles in both community and residential settings. I currently work with the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, helping individuals with developmental disabilities reach their fullest potential. I have prior experience working with Community Action House in Holland, Michigan, where I supported individuals experiencing homelessness in finding stable housing, and developed strong case management and client engagement skills.
I am passionate about empowering individuals and advocating for inclusive, person-centered care and look forward to providing my knowledge and insight on board related issues.
Howard Quinn- Member
I was recently elected to the board of directors this past March and look forward to being part of the AAL community. Currently, I work as a business manager for a local private school. I have a dual degree in Accounting and Information Systems from the University of Toledo. My youngest daughter, Myah, attended the AAL several years ago where she was placed in the Orange Room under the guidance of Ms. Mandy. When Myah first attended the AAL the building was located on Page St in downtown Toledo. The school has made so much progress from that time. Her mother and I have always been appreciative of the care she received at the AAL, which is what interested me in joining the board. I will use the skills and knowledge obtained from my life experiences to assist school leadership and staff the best way possible.