Autism Walks through History
Guest Speakers and STEEL WOOL Band
Sara Gesler
Oregon State Senator, Corvallis
In 2017, Sara was featured as one of Time Magazine's "Person of the Year" Silence Breakers. Her work on disability and youth issues is regularly highlighted in national print, film and radio. In 2021, she was honored with the Carl Levin Award for Effective Oversight from the Levin Institute at the Wayne State School of Law for her work to address abuse of youth in residential programs.
Before serving in the Legislature, Sara was the Children with Disabilities and Family Support Coordinator for the Oregon Department of Human Services. She also worked as a parent education instructor at Linn-Benton Community College and as a regional coordinator for the Oregon Parent Training and Information Center (now FACT Oregon), where she provided training to parents, educators and administrators about special education law and practice.
Molly Elliott
Former KindTree President
Former longtime director of Eugene’s Adaptive Recreation Program, the source of many artists with autism participating in our Art Program, and a great friend and advisor... and our very first Thanks to You award winner! Molly also served as KindTree's Board President for over 7 years, developing our Skill Training Program and doing extensive community outreach... A true supporter of the autism community and Autism Rocks!
STEEL WOOL Band
TR Kelly, Randy Hamme, Lisa Kline, Tim Mueller
Inspired by CSN&Y, the Eagles, the Beatles, and Paul Simon, these 4 players breathe fresh life into deep grooves cut by time and experience, bringing Acoustic Rock into the 21st century.
Genre fluid, spinning on the edges of funk, rock, and folk fusion music.
Family friendly and a bit silly, too. What are you waiting for...?
Their original songs are beautiful, and their harmonies never fail to give those good goosebumps. They always bring their best to a gig with performances that are powerful yet playful, soulful and even silly sometimes, and always, always engaging and captivating.