WHO WE ARE | Alex Angart Fershtma

Our Mission

Enhance the quality of health care given to people with autism and cognitive disabilities through education and promote community awareness of the need for education

Educate medical professionals on how to best provide care for people with autism and other disabilities
Work with providers to ensure adequate knowledge and resources are present for both outpatient and inpatient settings
Spread awareness of our mission to the greater community

History

The Alex Angart Fershtman Foundation was established in 2023 out of a need to better the quality of health services provided to individuals with autism. Started by Alex's family in response to some of his own experiences in the healthcare system, we seek to improve outcomes for all members of the autism community.

Meet The Team

Sandie Fershtman

President/Alex’s Mother

As Alex’s advocate for his entire life, Sandie has fought for Alex to be treated fairly and with dignity. She knows the best and most productive ways to make positive change are to form relationships and to listen, learn, and teach others. As Elementary PTA President and volunteer County Liaison at Alex’s public school and Parent Co-Chair at his autism school, she has met too many people that have faced the same obstacles for their children as she has. She also knows that throughout history most of the positive changes that have occurred for the special needs community have been started by a family member. She is ready and prepared to lead the charge to make sure medical professionals get the training they need to work with their patients in the autism community.

Elliot Angart

Vice President and Secretary

Elliot Angart has worked with Fortune 100 companies over the past 8 years to set strategy and improve profitability. Prior to his current role as a Consultant with Bain & Company in Chicago, Elliot worked in the airline industry in sales, revenue management, and alliance partnerships. He also spent time working with General Motors on its electric vehicle charging strategy. He holds an MBA with Distinction from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and a BA in Economics from Emory University.

Elliot’s commitment to improving the quality of care for individuals with autism stems from many years standing alongside his brother, Alex, as he has navigated life’s challenges.

Terrie Goren

Treasurer

Meet Terrie, a seasoned professional based in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area. With an extensive career devoted to nonprofits spanning over two decades, Terrie boasts a rich tapestry of experience.

Renowned for her mastery in fundraising and grant writing, Terrie’s strategic skills have realized countless projects. Her adept fiscal management ensures robust financial health, while her policy establishment sets the stage for operational excellence.

Terrie’s leadership extends beyond the professional realm, encompassing over 30 years of community organization engagement. A Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), she holds a BA in Labor Relations from Douglass College – Rutgers University, teaching credentials in early childhood and elementary education and has pursued advanced studies in counseling and human services.

Terrie’s legacy is one of unwavering commitment, spanning from fostering teamwork to driving fundraising success.

Dr. Ann Liesen,
Ph.D., LPC, NCC, LBSW, QIDP

Curriculum Specialist

Ann is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Ph.D. in Counseling Education. She started her journey supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities and mental illness over 35 years ago. She has served in various support roles as a direct care worker, home manager, support coordinator, mental health counselor and clinical manager. Dr. Liesen is an adjunct professor at Oakland University specializing in Counseling Practicum and Human Development. She also serves as an international caregiver consultant promoting mental health best practice for individuals with developmental disabilities and co-occurring disorders.