Board of Directors

  • Anne Hindrichs, LCSW

    CHAIR

    Anne has a background in special education and social work; and has served as the executive director of the McMains Children's Developmental Center. In 2022, the Center joined Our Lady of the Lake Children's Health where Anne has been the director of 6 pediatric clinics including McMains (now called OLOL Pediatric Developmental and Therapy Center at College). After 37 amazing years, Anne retired in March. However she continues to be an avid supporter of neurodiversity including through her role with CAAN.

  • Tanja Foil

    VICE-CHAIR

    Tanja Van Hook Foil is the Foundation Initiatives Coordinator at the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation. She holds a B.A. in Journalism from LSU’s Manship School.

    An avid volunteer, Tanja has served on many non-profit boards. In 2015, she received the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Blue Angel Award for her work with various non-profit groups serving children with disabilities. The Junior League of Baton Rouge also named her the 2017 Sustainer of the Year.

    She has been married to Franklin Foil since 1991 and they have three grown children. Their youngest, Andy, is on the autism spectrum. He is currently a Sophomore in the LIFE Program at UL Lafayette.

  • Karen Young

    TREASURER

  • Eric Guerin

    SECRETARY

  • Maureen "Beanie" Edwards

    Maureen “Beanie” Edwards is a native Baton Rougean who is married with 4 children and 3 fantabulous grandchildren! The last two children, Chase and Jack Ryan are both on the spectrum. She is a retired Special Education teacher and is currently enjoying helping her husband, Mayor-President Sid Edwards, in her supporting role as First Lady. 

  • Sonia Girod

  • Catherine Heard, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA

    Cat is the owner and clinical director of Mercy Autism Center and a distinguished professor at both Pepperdine University and Franciscan University, where she teaches courses on applied behavior analysis, autism spectrum disorders, and related subjects. Her work at the center has focused on empowering individuals with autism and other exceptionalities to achieve their full potential, while also providing support to families and caregivers.

  • Devin Jones

    Devin Jones is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of elder law and estate planning. A graduate of LSU’s Class of 2021, Devin holds a Juris Doctor and a Diploma in Comparative Law (D.C.L.). He offers comprehensive Estate Plan packages for essential documents such as Wills, Financial Power of Attorney, Living Will, Healthcare Directives and several types of Trusts, including Special Needs Planning. With the cost of nursing home care in Louisiana averaging over $7,000 per month, Devin understands the critical need for a long-term care strategy that protects both your health and your savings. He works closely with clients to design estate plans that not only secure their assets but also prepare them to qualify for Extended Care Benefits (Long-Term Care).

  • Jan Ross

    Jan is the Executive Vice President of Philanthropy for the Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation. Jan was instrumental in the creation of the original 2016 study, which the work of CAAN is based upon.

  • Drew Walker

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Drew is the Executive Director of CAAN. He previously worked in marketing at McMains Children’s Developmental Center and Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health Developmental Medicine & Therapy. He also previously served on the DE&I Council at Our Lady of the Lake and as President of Bike Baton Rouge.