Our Mission
Autism Map Maker is a specialized education center dedicated to the dual identity of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Nonspeaking Autistic students. We are not just a resource; we are the foundation of a future K-12 bridge school, opening in the 2026-2027 school year, designed to ensure communication is accessible and every student is understood.
This mission is not just professional; it is deeply personal.
Autism Map Maker was founded by Savy Hester, a Late Life Hard of Hearing individual whose reality is defined 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 a lifetime navigating systems that were simply not built for her family.
Her professional journey—spanning from the dorms and classrooms of the Oklahoma School for the Deaf (OSD) to a Directorship at the Texoma Autism Behavior Intervention (TABI) School—confirmed what her life at home had already taught her: countless children are being left behind.
She saw good people trying their best, but they were working within fractured systems that lacked the framework to support the dual needs of this unique population.
Autism Map Maker was born from this necessity. We are building the resource that didn’t exist when we needed it—a place rooted in lived experience and professional expertise, providing the right map for the students the world often overlooks.
The only way out is through, the only way through is together.
Our Active Board
Savy Hester
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
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 Autism 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+ and autistic community to the board.
Ro Hartman
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.
Ama Glasgow
Ama Glasgow (Treasurer) Ama is a devoted Deaf Autism 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.
Kaylee Ragon
Kaylee Ragon Kaylee is a certified Teacher of the Deaf Blind 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
