Welcome to Map Maker
Our Mission
Autism Mapmaker is a specialized organization dedicated to providing a practical, language-first education for Deaf and Autistic students. We exist to fill a critical gap in our community, creating a place where communication is accessible, and every student has a clear path to their potential.
Our mission isn't just professional; it's deeply personal.
Autism Mapmaker was founded by Savy Hester, a Late Life Hard of Hearing individual whose life has been shaped by the intersection of Deafness and Autism. As a mother to a Deaf/Autistic daughter and the sister and guardian to her Deaf/Autistic brother, Savy has spent her life navigating systems that were not built for her family.
Her professional journey—serving in roles from dorm staff and teacher at the Oklahoma School for the Deaf (OSD) to a director at the Texoma Autism Behavior Intervention (TABI) School—confirmed what her personal life already taught her: countless children were being left behind. Good people were trying their best within a system that simply lacked the resources and specialized framework to support the dual needs of this unique population.
Autism Mapmaker was born from this reality. It was created to be the resource that doesn't exist yet—a place built on lived experience and professional expertise, designed to finally provide the right map for these incredible kids.
Our Approach
Our work is guided by a set of core, non-negotiable principles. This is how we ensure every student is seen, heard, and supported.
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Language-First American Sign Language (ASL) is the foundation of all learning and communication in our school. We provide a fully immersive environment to ensure 100% language access from day one.
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Practical & Individualized We develop customized educational plans that focus on real-world, functional skills. Our goal is to equip students with the tools they need to navigate their world with confidence.
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Neuro-Affirming & Trauma-Informed We see all behavior as a form of communication. Our staff is trained to respond with empathy, co-regulation, and skill-building techniques rather than punishment.
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Community-Focused Our mission extends beyond our school walls. We are committed to building a more informed community by providing free workshops and resources for families and professionals.
Our Expert Team
Our Board of Directors is a dedicated group of professionals with extensive, relevant experience and a deep personal commitment to our mission.
Savy Hester (Founder & Executive Director) Savy is the founder of Autism Mapmaker. As a Late Life Hard of Hearing individual, a mother to a Deaf/Autistic daughter, and the sister and guardian to her Deaf/Autistic brother, she has dedicated her life to navigating and fixing the systemic gaps she has experienced firsthand. Her professional background includes experience as a director at the Texoma Autism Behavior Intervention (TABI) School, a former Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), and various roles at the Oklahoma School for the Deaf (OSD), including dorm staff, teacher's assistant, coach, and teacher.
Caroline Hartley, MA, BCBA (Board President) Caroline is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and educator with over 30 years of experience in autism education and more than 16 years in Deaf+ support. In her career, which includes over a decade at the Oklahoma School for the Deaf (OSD), she has been dedicated to creating accessible learning environments. As Savy's mother and a fluent ASL user, she brings a lifetime of personal and professional passion for supporting the Deaf+ autistic community to the board.
Ama Glasgow (Treasurer) Ama is a devoted Deaf+ advocate and a trusted former colleague of Savy's from the Oklahoma School for the Deaf (OSD). Her work is deeply rooted in the community, where she and her family are active in promoting language access and equity for Deaf individuals. Ama's direct experience and strong community ties ensure that Autism Mapmaker remains grounded in the real-world needs of the families it serves.
Ro Hartman, BCBA, RN (Secretary) Ro is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), a registered nurse, and the founder of the Texoma Autism Behavior Intervention (TABI) School in Ardmore. She has a proven track record of building successful educational programs and hired Savy into a leadership role at TABI. Ro's extensive expertise in both behavioral science and healthcare provides the board with critical oversight for program development and student well-being.
Kaylee Ragon Kaylee is a certified Teacher of the DeafBlind at Happy Hands. Her professional focus is on supporting students with dual sensory loss. As the board's primary resource for visual impairment (VI), she offers invaluable insight into creating truly accessible and adaptive learning experiences for students with the most complex sensory and communication needs.