Johnny Walker, President

My name is Johnny Walker. I have lived in the White Mountain area since 1976. I was raised in Tucson, AZ. My dad had a love for these mountains and passed that love of the outdoors down to me. I mostly did construction, working on two of the power plants during the construction phases. I helped build school buildings for Blue Ridge, Show Low, Whiteriver and Springerville school districts, along with numerous homes and other commercial buildings. I raised my family here mostly in the Show Low school district, Go Cougars!

I worked several different vocations up here to be able to live here. I worked on Ski Patrol and Ski School at Sunrise; I was a volunteer EMT/Firefighter and became the Captain of Rescue One in the Lakeside Fire District. I also worked for the several ambulance services over the years. I taught at Northland Pioneer College as an EMT, 1st Responder instructor back in the 1990's.

I started working with individuals with special needs in 2005 on a part-time basis as a weekend staff member for a group home. This became a full-time position rather quickly. I realized (coming from a family with a special-needs brother) that this was my true calling. I now am the Operations Supervisor for a company based here in Lakeside that services people with special needs. I thank my boss for letting me have time when needed to serve the Wht. Mts. Autism Foundation. The last 18 years have been very eventful, and I love what I get to do for the individuals here on the mountain.

I joined up with the White Mountains Autism Foundation in 2016 (after several years of the founding father Don McMasters) asking me to be part of this awesome organization. I am very proud to be part of an organization that does events for folks with disabilities and helps where we can. Looking forward to many more years of service.

Tom Barela MD, PhD, FAAP

Dr Barela is a semi-retired pediatrician who has dedicated his entire career to providing care for special needs children. His past medical practice was one of the largest in the country caring for these special children and developed several innovative programs to help parents navigate the medical system intricacies. For his efforts he was named a “TopDoc” by Phoenix magazine and received a the Humanitarian Award from Phoenix St. Joseph’s Hospital. He has received a national award for his teaching courses on efficient medical care management for all ages. His current focus is on helping our rural special needs individuals to receive all needed medical services, supporting families and community to provide as many life experiences as possible. He has published as a book author, research scientist, and medical care for special needs individuals He is father to 3 special needs children and 2 special needs grandkids. Our job as parents is to maximize the potential of our children independent of their life circumstances. Our mission as a foundation is no different: support activities that help our families and community maximize the potential and experiences of our special needs population.

Rance Pullin, EdD Secretary

Dr. Rance Pullin is a Marine Corps veteran. He has served on the White Mountains Autism Foundation board for more than 10 years now holding several offices through the years. A retired school principal serving almost 40 years at the elementary, intermediate and high school levels, he has served and helped all children succeed. He was principal for 24 years in the BLUE RIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT in Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona. In addition he was an adjunct professor for Northern Arizona University for almost 14 years as well as a student teacher supervisor for them from 2012 to 2017. He and his wife Trish have 5 children of their own and they are all married giving them 19 beautiful grandchildren. Our biggest challenge is equal time with each of them but we both try really hard to find that time!!!!!

Brett Halfpop- Dedicated Case Manager, BHPP

For almost a decade, Brett Halfpop worked for Blue Thumb respite services, but most recently has filled his passion for care through his dynamic case management at Change Point Integrated Health, joining forces with the Division of Development Disabilities to help fill a growing need for services by acquiring a new property in the White Mountains.

Brett is a dedicated case manager with particular interest and skill in the area of technology that helps to automate and streamline each of his dynamic cases that includes specialized knowledge of working with the developmentally disabled and juveniles with history of trauma and emotional problems.

Since 2013, Brett has worked with the WMAF as a volunteer and lends his special knowledge of videography and production work to maintain the WMAF social media and charitable events media coverage.

Don McMasters

Don McMasters is the original founder of the White Mountain Autism Foundation, formed in 2008. He served as president of the group until the last few years and is still an active board member. Don’s motivation came from his 33-year-old son, who has autism and mental health challenges. After years of struggling to find appropriate therapies and opportunities for his son, Don felt the need to help other families access resources. “One of the most hurtful aspects of being a parent is feeling that you are not included in everyday events that other families take for granted. Just as we accept young children acting out in everyday situations as normal, it would be so comforting if folks understood that individuals with autism sometimes have behaviors at events or act out in public. Often situations are difficult due to sensory overload or unfamiliarity. An individual with autism needs to experience new situations to learn how to handle them. When the public is critical or judgmental, parents feel isolated. Acceptance and understanding come from knowledge and awareness. These are all part of the Foundation’s mission.”

Don comes from a rich background in sales/marketing and management, including National Director of Sales Training for a Fortune 500 company. He is presently retired and focused on gaining sponsorship for the Foundation and organizing activities such as the annual Fishing and Disc Golf Tournaments.

Sandy Stewart, Member at Large

Sandy Stewart has a diverse background and knowledge in multiple fields, Agriculture, construction, public transportation, Aviation, Education, and Behavioral Health and substance recovery. He has been involved with the Boy Scouts most of his life and he and his wife Janice operated Jefferson Academy for 15 years, a k-12 charter school specialized in providing an educational environment where special needs students thrived along with neural typical students. The Stewarts have several Autistic and special needs children of their own and have a deep empathy, understanding and love for these special and wonderful people. Sandy has a Bachelors in Business and an extensive knowledge in Educational Leadership through operating a k-12 charter school and attending NAU Master Educational Leadership courses. He is excited about the challenges and opportunities in involving the White Mountain Community in learning more about how we can provide meaningful service to our special needs population and including them in many of the opportunities available to everyone here in this beautiful area we all live in.

Anna Merrill

Anna Merrill loves people and gives lifestyle prescriptions (Connectedness ~Resilience~ Movement~Nutrition) to help others’ avoid medications and surgery, activating their bodies to work at their best! -Everyone Happier and Healthier! Graduated from ASU, in Education and Art, has attended several community colleges and BYU, continuing education. Runs the Exploring Art program in her community, published illustrator, continues to teach in the school district. She and her husband, Loren Merrill, Coach sports and head of delegation of Special Olympics Unified in the White Mountains. We love our 6 children. Three of our children have cerebral palsy. We as a family promote health and inclusion!

Denise Stow

Mrs. Stow has been in higher education for 23 years and 6 years in Parks & Recreation. She has a B.S. in Recreation Tourism Management from ASU and a Masters in Educational Leadership from NAU, and a Certificate in Supervision from Glendale Community College. She is currently working for a non-profit organization (Show Low Main Street) as an Event Manager planning events. Mrs. Stow has a brother who is autistic and is now his legal guardian. She has raised money in North Carolina for autism organizations. She is also a volunteer for Darrin Reed Foundation and for the Show Low Chamber of Commerce. She is experienced in fundraising for non-profit organizations. She enjoys networking and building relationships with the community.

White Mountains Autism Foundation