About Us
A personal note from Wendy Dawson, Founder of Social Motion, Inc.
My stepson, Cameron, was diagnosed with PDD-NOS at the age of two. After he came into my life at age four, his Dad and I spent the next decade scouting the Houston area for social skills classes geared toward children on the spectrum and similar special needs. A program that offered 100% social skills concentration... a stable and sustainable program that would grow with him, offering precursory training for the situations he would face and the future he dreamed of. Nothing clinical, nothing temporary. Just pure social skills training focused on personal development, judgement, decision making and the opportunity to practice those skills in a safe environment with peers.
When we couldn’t find what we were looking for, we decided to create it ourselves. In early 2010, we founded Social Motion Inc., with the mission to inspire and empower individuals with autism and similar special needs to achieve their full potential. What began as a vision for a single program has flourished into a thriving organization offering a wide range of services. Today, Social Motion provides social skills classes, young adult peer groups, job training, and much more, all designed to help individuals build the skills they need for success. We are proud to serve communities across the Houston area, including Katy, Spring, Clear Lake, and beyond, fulfilling our mission and making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.
Cameron graduated from college, drives, has a full-time job, and is now married! His personal motivation and desire to achieve continues to inspire us. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that have come our way and for the chance to meet so many wonderful children and families along this journey. Now more than ever, I truly believe that together, we can achieve an inclusive society where individuals with autism and special needs are genuinely appreciated and valued.
Warmly,
Wendy Dawson
Founder
Social Motion Skills
Social Motion is a program of the Spectrum Linx Foundation
The Spectrum Linx Foundation™ is a recognized 501(c)(3) Public Charity dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with autism and similar special needs. Through the Social Motion program, the foundation strives to inspire and empower these individuals, providing them with the skills, support, and opportunities they need to achieve their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
Meet The Board
Stacy Anderson
Stacy Anderson is an experienced educator and consultant with over 30 years of expertise in both public and private school settings. As the owner of Premier Academic Solutions, she works closely with psychologists and therapists to create customized educational programs for children facing medical or psychological challenges. Previously, Stacy served as the Transition Director at Social Motion Skills, where she led job training initiatives and managed a team of coaches to place adults with autism in meaningful employment. In addition to her consulting work, Stacy plays a role in several community organizations, including the Junior League of Houston and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where she has held numerous leadership positions. Her dedication to supporting children with special needs and commitment to community service define her professional and personal journey.
Dr. Katie Eick
Dr. Katie Eick is the Founder and CEO of Rockin’ Pets, Rollin’ Vets, with over 25 years of experience in veterinary medicine. A 1998 graduate of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, she was awarded the Gentle Doctor Award for exceptional and compassionate patient care. Dr. Eick has practiced in multiple states, starting with a brick-and-mortar veterinary clinic in Virginia, followed by relief work in Alabama, and working at a no-kill shelter in Austin, Texas, before settling in Houston in 2013. Recognizing a growing need for in-home veterinary services, she launched her mobile veterinary practice in 2016, which has since evolved into Rockin’ Pets, Rollin’ Vets, offering full-service care. Dr. Eick resides in Houston with her pets, Cooper, Raoul, Flower, Gladys, Rocky, Felipe, Pax, Polly, and Petunia.
Brandi Harleaux
Brandi Harleaux is the award-winning CEO of South Post Oak Recycling Center (SPORC) and a recognized leader in sustainability, organizational transformation, and leadership. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she is an innovative speaker on topics that include engaged leadership, resilience, women’s empowerment, diversity, and building successful family-owned businesses. Before becoming CEO of SPORC, Brandi held key roles in strategy and organizational development and talent management for Fortune 500 companies. As a second-generation owner of SPORC, she helps businesses responsibly manage and profit from their recyclable materials. In addition to her role on the board of Social Motion, Brandi serves on several other boards, including the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) and the City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity. She takes great pride in her advocacy for autism awareness, working to create inclusive spaces for individuals with special needs, and is also committed to combating human trafficking.
Wendy Dawson
Wendy is an award-winning leader and entrepreneur with a distinguished career in business development, strategic planning, and emerging market management that has spanned Paris, New York, and Houston. She adeptly transfers strategic insights across diverse markets to drive innovation and pioneer new companies. Wendy’s expertise in strategic planning, financial analysis, marketing, project management, and team leadership has defined her professional path. On a personal level, Wendy’s life was transformed 26 years ago when her stepson was diagnosed with autism, inspiring her to address the challenges faced by individuals with autism. This led her to establish Social Motion Skills, a successful nonprofit dedicated to social and vocational training for children and young adults with autism, which she led for 12 years. Continuing her passion for this cause, in 2018, Wendy co- founded Incuentro, LLC, including the Spectrum Linx Division, focusing on developing practical, affordable, and effective trainings for individuals with autism, blending her professional acumen with a deeply personal mission.