About Xavier
Xavier DeGroat was diagnosed with autism at age five. Throughout his childhood, outside of his loving home, he experienced the all-too-common treatment by other children and adults.
Xavier faced bullying as a young boy, and as he grew through his teens and into his 20s, he experienced discrimination, employment challenges, and other forms of injustice as a result of being autistic.
But instead of letting his challenges define him, Xavier has channeled his energy to help all “differently abled” people with autism to avoid bullying and discrimination and to achieve their dreams like those without autism.
Our Mission
To create and promote opportunities for people with autism through advocacy, education, economic opportunities, and humanitarian efforts. Our mission extends to cultivating a supportive and inclusive society that embraces neurodiversity.
We aim to empower individuals with autism by fostering a sense of belonging, facilitating access to quality education, championing their economic independence, and actively participating in community initiatives that address their unique needs.
Through collaborative partnerships and community-driven activities, we aspire to break down barriers, challenge stigmas, and create a world where individuals with autism not only thrive but also contribute meaningfully to the broader community.
Our Pillars
All of our 4 core pillars tie into increasing societal changes for children and families with autism to better reach there potential by educating the community (includes our International Autism-History Museum) and raise public awareness, which includes corporate, government, police, firefighters, doctors, schools, the entertainment industry and tourist attractions to be more neurodiverse and friendly to those on the autism spectrum.
Board of Directors
The following individuals have enthusiastically agreed to join the XDAF mission to advocate, educate, promote, and serve those impacted by autism:
Xavier DeGroat - Founder, CEO
Xavier has channeled his energy to help all “differently abled” people with autism to avoid bullying and discrimination and to achieve their dreams like those without autism.
Randy Thompson -Treasurer
Randy Thompson lives in Clio, MI with his wife Kelly and their three children, Hannah (15), Tyler (13), and Harper (8). Randy grew up in Mid-Michigan, and attended college in Southern Illinois at Greenville University. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in 2003 and went to work in the non-profit sector. He furthered his education by completing his Master’s in Business Administration. After 15 years of working with a non-profit organization, Randy took a new position as a Small Business Consultant in 2018 where he continues to work today. As the parent of a special needs child, Randy is dedicated to raising awareness about Autism, and furthering the mission of the Xavier DeGroat Foundation.
Firdous DeGroat - Secretary
Firdous DeGroat is community transportation professional with over 10 years of experience. She’s currently works for Eatran Bus Services located in Eaton County, MI. Prior she has worked for Birch Run Tony’s Restaurant, and enjoys tourism services. As the mother of an Autistic son she understands the need of Neuro-Inclusivity throughout all social-institutions. She has a passion for helping others and takes an interest in community service and disability rights. Firdous aspires to obtain more credentials and further help communities for those with autism.
Jill Shorkey
Jill lives in Frankenmuth and is a transplant to Michigan from North Dakota where she graduated from NDSU (North Dakota State University) She has worked in Senior Living with Independence Village of both Frankenmuth and Midland, MI, then more recently was the Sales Manager of the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth. During her tenure in Frankenmuth, Jill was a member of the Frankenmuth Women’s Club and the noon Frankenmuth Rotary Club, where she assisted with the planning of the Great Taste of Frankenmuth, highway clean up projects, and various other volunteer opportunities with the club.
In February of 2022, Jill joined the Great Lakes Bay Regional CVB as the Midland Travel Expert, and now serves as the Director of Motorcoach & Specialty Markets.
Jill has 2 daughters, Elizabeth (Libby) and Aubrey. Libby is currently a senior attending Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois and Aubrey graduated from the Saginaw Career Complex in Cosmetology. The best promotion Jill has received was the title of mom. These young ladies are the light of her life!
Volunteering has always been a part of Jill's life. She currently volunteers with the "I Support the 1% Veteran Food Pantry" and has accepted a Board of Directors seat with Frankenmuth’s Michigan’s Heroes Museum. She also enjoys singing with the Saginaw Choral Society.
Louisa Wise
Louisa lives in Vassar with her Husband Robert and their son Ashton who is 11. She was born in “Iași, Romania.” and adopted at the age of 3! She then moved to Washington state and helped her parents with missionary work locally and overseas.
Traveling most of her teenage years, Louisa has experienced a wide range of cultural and social dynamics. She started learning piano at the age of 5 and still enjoys playing today. When she was 16 she felt more passion then ever to help the elderly and starting working as a NA. This led to a decade long career in the medical field. From being a traveling Phlebotomist to a Lab technician, she has touched the lives of many. Louisa also has a heart for woman and children in domestic violence situations and has in the past helped several women find a safe place for them and their children.
Louisa met her husband Robert in 2014 and they had their handsome son Ashton later that year. At just 8 months old their son Ashton had to have brain surgery. As they navigated the challenges that came with that, it only created a deeper sense of value in their life for the things they are passionate about. Ashton was then diagnosed at the age of 2 with high functioning autism and ADHD. While some might see that as challenging, they saw it as a opportunity to see world in a new light. They believe autism is something to be embraced and not to be seen as a defining characteristic.
Louisa is passionate about so many things, but her number 1 passion is to help and serve the communities she works or resides in. Working as the assistant manager for Toyberg has been one of the ways she has been able to exercise these values. Working and serving in the frankenmuth community for a little over 2 years has been a true blessing to Louisa and her family.