Mary Ellen Manno, Director

I live in Braselton, GA with my husband, Frank, and son Frankie who has attended Hi-Hope since 1997. Originally, I taught High School in Ohio and then became involved in all types of programming for the developmentally disabled. The motivation was, of course, my son and others like him. In Ohio, I was actively involved with an Infant Stimulation Program, Easter Seals, and the Bycroft School. In North Carolina, I worked with Metro School, chairing both their Human Rights and School committees. With UNC and the TEACCH Center for Autism, I worked with Dr. Eric Schopler in training teachers from across the United States. I served on the Autistic Group Home Board for many years. In the mid 1980’s, I served on the Governor’s panel for the disabled. At that time, I traveled to UCLA to study the work of Dr. Edward Ritvo and Dr. B.J. Freeman in the field of autism. Since 1998, I have been a member of Hi-Hope’s Board serving on the Executive, Planning, and Facilities Committees. In 2007, I became the chairperson of the Family Advisory Board at Hi-Hope.

When I think of Hi-Hope Center, I think of safe haven of special learning for the developmentally disabled of our area and how lucky we all are to have such a person-centered facility.