Joy Paluska Heaps

Joy Paluska Heaps is a Co-Founder of the National Autism Safety Council. With more than twenty-five years of leadership across the White House, disaster response organizations, civil rights coalitions, and national child protection programs, Joy has devoted her career to strengthening safety, equity, and support for vulnerable communities.

In 2019, through her work at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Joy met Lori McIlwain, who served as her mentor and collaborator for autism safety for children. In 2025, Joy helped launch NASC, building its founding infrastructure, including governance policies, Board and Advisory Board development, and early organizational strategy. She is a strong supporter of NASC's mission of promoting the safety, well-being, and inclusion of autistic individuals and their families.

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