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.

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.

TREASURER

SECRETARY

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. 

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.

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.

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.