Our Story

In the fall of 2015, three public school educators were discussing the need for a better quality of education for non-neurotypical children. With the increasing number of children with autism in public schools, the three of them recognized the immediate need for a change in how children with autism are being educated within the public school system.

As they began their research into the world of educating children with autism, they realized quickly, that there were limited options for educating children with autism in the Houston area. So began their journey of forming ASD Hope, Inc., a non-profit, 501c3, dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for children with autism and their families.

ASD Hope, Inc recognizes the challenges children with autism and their families face each and every day. Children with autism are unique individuals that deserve a quality education developed using research-based curriculum along with a scientifically proven behavior model, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Texas Autism Academy will create an innovative environment that is engaging and responsive to each child at each stage of their development. As a charity, ASD Hope will reach out to the North Houston communities to create awareness of and the need for more educational opportunities for children with autism and their families.

Our Mission

Our mission is to raise awareness of and expand access to educational opportunities for children with autism and their families. We want to provide families educational choices that are currently unavailable to them.

Our Vision

At Texas Autism Academy, we believe that every child with autism deserves the opportunity to succeed. We are committed to creating an innovative environment that is engaging and responsive to each child at each stage of their development. We are dedicated to unlocking the potential of each child, nurturing their talents, and overcoming their challenges.

Cary Mollinedo, M. Ed

President/COO and TAA Director

Cary Mollinedo grew up in Dallas, attending Texas public schools in the Richardson Independent School District (RISD). She graduated from The University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education. After receiving her B.S., she returned to Dallas where she worked as an elementary school teacher for RISD and Dallas Independent School District. She moved to The Woodlands area in 2001 working for Spring ISD. She received her Master’s in Administration from The University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas, in 2006. She has been an assistant principal and an administrator responsible for overseeing/ implementing state programs at the campus level for Spring ISD. She has 16 years of experience in Texas public schools.

Cary Mollinedo is married and a mother of two precious and silly children. She is a devoted and loving aunt to many nieces and nephews all of whom encourage and inspire her love of childhood development and the unique gifts each child brings to the world. Cary is a dedicated supporter of providing a quality education for ALL children. Cary recognizes that children with atypical patterns of development are often shortchanged in public schools. She takes a particular interest in the educational challenges and strengths of each individual child. She has a heart for the child who struggles and for the child who is under-served and unseen.

Shelinta Perez- EdD

Secretary/Curriculum Director/Teacher

Shelinta Perez is a native of Spring, Texas. She currently resides in Spring with her supportive husband and four beautiful daughters. Shelinta has been in the education field for over 8 years but her love for teaching and helping children started well before becoming a teacher. She has always had a passion to help children through education and encouragement. Her belief that all children deserve a fair chance at life brought her to do volunteer work with Child’s Advocate in Houston, TX. Shelinta later received her Bachelors’ Degree in Psychology with a focus in Child Development and Autism from Kaplan University as well receiving her Master’s Degree in Education from University of St. Thomas. Shelinta has experienced several roles under the Special Education umbrella including Structured Learning and In-Class Support/Resource Teacher.

Shelinta is a dedicated teacher that stands firm on providing students with a quality educational experience. Her dedication and knowledge of what it takes to be an effective educator have not gone unnoticed. Shelinta received the honor of representing her campus as Rookie Teacher of the Year. Shelinta believes that all children deserve the opportunity to learn and achieve their potential on the level of instruction that will benefit their growth no matter the pace of their learning style. She makes sure that she creates a safe learning environment, sets high expectations, and implements rigorous instruction that challenges her students.

Annett Allen BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Every child deserves an education that meets their individual needs, including children with ASD. Given the unique nature and varied needs of students on the Spectrum, this can be difficult to find in a traditional school setting. Students and their families deserve to have other options when these settings don’t work for their child.

Annett lives in the Magnolia area with her husband, two tiny humans and a herd of four-legged friends. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst that has been in the field since 2005. She received her Bachelors in Child Development and Family Studies from Stephen F. Austin and utilized her skills in working with individuals with special needs in an Applied Behavior Analysis Clinic.  After realizing she had found her heart she continued to earn her Master’s in Special Education with an emphasis in Low incident Disabilities from Sam Houston.

She has had the pleasure of providing therapy, parent training and support and staff development to families with a wide variety of needs. Each sharing a little something with her and fueling her drive to help others transition across settings and to find the best fit possible.  Providing information, education, and Supervision to others in the area of Applied Behavior Analysis for therapists, clinicians, and family is key. 

ASD Hope, Inc.

ASD Hope, Inc is the organization that makes Texas Autism Academy possible. Together, we believe that every child with autism deserves the opportunity to succeed.

We need your help to keep expanding our reach and help more and more families every day. Please donate today!