The Owen Foundation

01/31/2026

We are honored to formally introduce Charlee Laborico as the 2026 Vice President of the Board of Directors for The Owen Foundation.

Charlee has been a steadfast supporter of The Owen Foundation and a trusted leader behind the scenes for several years. She has generously given her time, energy, and expertise by serving on multiple special committees, most notably playing a vital role in the success of our annual Blazing 5K & Fun Run for the past two years.

In addition to her work on the 5K, Charlee has been instrumental in our inclusive sports programming, including our Basketball Camp, Cheer Clinic, and Soccer Camp. Through her leadership on our special committees, she has helped plan, organize, and set up these camps—ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully executed so our children can experience safe, inclusive, and empowering opportunities.

Charlee leads with humility, consistency, and a true servant’s heart—never shying away from any task, big or small. Her dedication to our mission and her willingness to step in wherever needed exemplify the spirit of The Owen Foundation.

We are incredibly grateful for her continued service and leadership and are excited to see the impact she will make as our 2026 Board Vice President.

01/30/2026

🗓️ SAVE THE DATE! 🗓️

We have a brand-new home and we can’t wait to show it to you! Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 26, for the AutismOklahoma Studio Open House! 🏠✨

This is your chance to get a first look at our new space, chat with our staff, and see all the amazing things we have planned for the community this year.

📍 730 W Wilshire Blvd. Suite #106, OKC, OK 73116
🗓️ February 26
🕓 4:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m.

Drop a “HEART” in the comments if you’re planning to come! 💙👇

01/29/2026

We want to thank our previous Board President, Reuben Marris for serving on our Board of Directors for the past 3 years, especially 2025 as he served as President of the Board. Reuben your passion and dedication to local families in our Texoma Communities has been exceptional and invaluable. Thank you for your service during your three year term.

As we move in to a new season, we want to introduce our 2026 Board President, Montserrat Estes.
Montserrat is a bilingual talent development leader with a career spanning education and multinational corporations, guided by a deep faith in God that underpins her love of people and commitment to service.

Passionate about unlocking human potential, she brings extensive experience in leadership development, employee engagement, and organizational transformation, with a proven ability to foster strong, inclusive cultures.

A longtime resident of Sherman, Texas, Montserrat has been an active and dedicated volunteer and member of The Owen Foundation’s Board for the past three years. During her tenure, she has consistently been a part of the athletic camps and special events, working hands-on to enhance the experience for children on the autism spectrum and their families.
Her leadership reflects the Foundation’s core values of inclusivity, empowerment, and education, and her commitment to ensuring every child and family feels supported, informed, and welcomed.

As President of the Board, Montserrat is deeply aligned with The Owen Foundation’s mission to enrich the lives of children on the autism spectrum by encouraging, strengthening, and educating parents and caretakers. She is passionate about advancing the Foundation’s vision to serve as a trusted community resource hub for autism and special needs—promoting awareness, fostering understanding, and equipping families and community members with the tools they need to help every child thrive. A proud mother of four and married for 25 years, Montserrat brings both professional expertise and heartfelt purpose to her leadership, leading with compassion, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the power of faith, service, and community.

01/28/2026

👏🏻 💙

High School and Colleges are invited to register for Coaches for Autism Awareness (formerly known as Coaches Powering Forward) is an annual initiative bringing the NCAA and High School Basketball communities together to champion the mission of Autism Speaks. Since 2014, Autism Speaks has distributed over 11,000 puzzle piece pins to more than 450 colleges and high schools, giving coaches, staff, and broadcasters a way to promote inclusivity at games. Tag your favorite college or high school coach in this post to encourage them to register!

Register by February 10, 2026 to receive your puzzle piece pins and join us in celebrating inclusivity, awareness, and the power of movement for the autism community at https://www.autismspeaks.org/coaches

01/26/2026

This is wonderful news! A bit south, but worth the drive!

01/25/2026

⭐️ HISTORY IS BEING MADE IN DENISON, TX. ⭐️

For the first time in the City of Denison’s history, Profound Autism will be formally recognized and distinguished through an official City Council Proclamation to The Owen Foundation, along with our community of autism families, by Mayor Robert Crawley.

On Monday, March 2 at 6:00 p.m., the City of Denison will proclaim April as Autism Awareness Month and, for the first time ever, designate March 17 as Profound Autism Day.

Profound autism refers to individuals who need ongoing, substantial support in their daily lives. This can include limited or no spoken language, intellectual and developmental disabilities, medical and sensory needs, and a reliance on caregivers for safety, communication, and daily functioning.

Recognizing profound autism is about ensuring that conversations around autism reflect the full spectrum of lived experiences, including those whose needs are complex and lifelong. It affirms that visibility, dignity, and respect belong to every individual, regardless of how they communicate or move through the world.

This historic proclamation represents a meaningful step toward greater understanding, inclusion, and informed support: not only for individuals with profound autism, but for the families, caregivers, educators, and professionals who walk alongside them every day.

We invite our entire community: families, educators, first responders, business leaders, advocates, and neighbors to join us for this important and historic occasion.

📍 Denison City Hall
🗓 Monday, March 2
🕕 6:00 p.m.

Your presence is a statement of unity.

Your support strengthens our community.

With sincere gratitude to the City of Denison for their leadership, compassion, and commitment to inclusive recognition,

The Owen Foundation
Executive Board of Directors

01/22/2026

🎉 Who’s ready to take FREE online ASL classes with the Oklahoma School for the Deaf? 🤟

Registration opens today! https://courses.osd.k12.ok.us/

Choose ASL 1, ASL 2, or both—and start your class immediately after registering. Learn at your own pace from anywhere.

🗓 Registration closes February 12 — don’t miss out!

👉 Sign up today and start learning ASL!

Many thanks to the Oklahoma School for the Deaf Foundation for their generous support in making these FREE online ASL classes possible!

01/22/2026

ABLE account eligibility has expanded. Starting January 1, 2026, people who became disabled before age 46 can open and use an ABLE account to save money for approved expenses.

OK STABLE is also offering a special promotion. Open a new ABLE account with $25, and OK STABLE will add another $25. The promotion end date has not been announced, so sign up soon.

Learn more at one of these online sessions (registration required) provided by the Center for Learning and Leadership and the Disability Law Center!

• Wednesday, January 21 at 6:00 PM
https://oklahoma.zoom.us/.../register/BzYTn5QeSLqQXYOqm_D1yg
• Thursday, January 22 at 12:00 PM
https://oklahoma.zoom.us/.../register/Vtnbi_s6REa2XFvDS0HlmA

01/21/2026

Here’s another Sensory safe Certified stylist!

🔴🟣🔵🟢🟡🟤⚪️⚫️🟠Sensory Haircuts – Now Officially Certified ⚫️⚪️🟤🟣🔵🟢🟡🟠🔴

We have always offered sensory-friendly haircuts, but we are now officially certified, with specialized education and training focused on supporting these amazing children.
This allows us to better understand sensory needs, communication styles, and comfort level.
We can provide an even higher level of care and service.
Our approach is intentional and individualized. Every child is different, and we take the time to tailor each appointment to meet the needs of the child and the family, ensuring a calm experience and the best haircut possible.

Why do we require a consultation before booking a sensory haircut? 👇🏾👇🏾
🚫 This isn’t a barrier it’s a benefit. ‼️🫶🏾👐🏾
The consultation allows us to understand your child’s unique needs, sensitivities, preferences, and your goals as a parent.

Every child is different, and the child and the parents are what matter most to us.
Our goal is to take our time, move at your child’s pace, and create a calm, supportive environment.

Let's make the experience positive and the final haircut is the best it can be for your child. As they deserve.

This is not about rushing.
This is about doing it right, with patience, understanding, and care.

💙 Want to sponsor a sensory haircut and help a parent out?
We offer that option as well.
Gift certificates are available at Gifted Hands for those who would like to bless a family and support a child’s experience.

📅 Consultation required
✂️ Appointments are customized
🤍 Comfort, patience, and care come first!

Message us or stop by to learn more or to schedule a consultation!
580.380.6147

01/20/2026

As we see these salon’s and salon owners who completed the recent Sensory Safe Certification, we will be sharing their info here so our followers know where they can take their kiddos for a sensory safe experience! Thank you, Callie Jo Co.!

01/19/2026