Kelly Dyer Fry
Executive Director, AutismOklahoma
Kelly Dyer Fry retired early 2021 after a 26-year career with The Oklahoman. While at The Oklahoman, Fry served in several capacities. She started as features editor in 1994 and became managing editor and later general manager of The Oklahoman’s digital efforts. She led the team that launched NewsOK which started as a converged website for The Oklahoman and KWTV News 9. Fry was promoted to vice president of multimedia, vice president of news, editor and ultimately editor and publisher.
In 2019 Gannett purchased The Oklahoman and Fry was promoted to regional editor for Gannett’s Sunbelt region of Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. She is a member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame and has been honored for her work with addiction and mental illness within her community.
Her passion for mental health, addiction, homelessness and justice reform continued at Mental Health Association Oklahoma where she served as director of communications.
Fry was named Executive Director of Autism Oklahoma in 2025. Fry and her husband Chris have four adult children.
Karen Wicker
Chairman of the Board, Autism Oklahoma
Karen Wicker is the Founder & CEO of Candor, a fully integrated marketing and communications agency located in Oklahoma City. She is a native Oklahoman and graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a Master’s degree in Human Relations. As a former television reporter, Karen loves the art of video storytelling and is a certified crisis communication coach. She also sits on the board of Salient Global.
Currently, Karen and her husband Jim split their time between OKC and their mountain home in Larkspur, CO. Together they have three adult children, the youngest with high-functioning ASD. Karen was also raised by a parent on the spectrum and has great appreciation for the family dynamics resulting from autism.
Aris Kihara
Board Secretary, AutismOklahoma
With a distinguished 36-year career at Bank of America, including 15 years specializing in program and project management, Aris Kihara brings a wealth of organizational expertise to AutismOklahoma. Her journey with autism advocacy began on a personal level in 2006 when her now adult son was diagnosed on the spectrum. After moving to Oklahoma City from Seattle in 2015, Aris discovered AutismOklahoma while seeking new local support and resources for her son and family. Passionate about empowering families and individuals affected by autism, Aris leverages her professional skills and personal experience to advance the organization’s mission and impact in the community.
Dr. Beth DeGrace
Board Member, Autism Oklahoma
Beth DeGrace is an occupational therapist of over 30 years; 20 years of which she worked in Higher Education. She has extensive scholarship in the area of autism and family life. Beth currently works as a Kids Pastor for Crossings Community Church, partnering with families to support the faith development of their children. Beth provides leadership for AutismOklahoma as a program developer for autistic teens and adults. These programs focus on creating a space where individuals with autism feel comfortable, seen and valued for who they are in order to promote connections and friendships. Beth is married to Derek DeGrace and together they have three young adult children. Beth enjoys running and gardening in her free time.
Sarah Teague
Board Member, Autism Oklahoma
Sarah is the Tulsa manager at the Riata Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at OSU located at 36 Degrees North. Her efforts are spent working with community partners and funders to create impactful projects that lead to economic development for the Tulsa community as well as the state. She is also the co-director of LeadHERship Spears, the first-ever women’s leadership program for the Spears School of Business.
In her spare time, she serves on the board for 36 Degrees North and Stephenson Cancer Center Board of Advocates. Sarah and her husband have been involved with AutismOklahoma’s Drive Fore Autism event since 2022.
Sarah holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Oklahoma. She lives in Broken Arrow with her husband Bryan, and they have one son who was diagnosed with autism in 2020.
Dale Spoonemore
Board Member, Autism Oklahoma
Creator, From Seed to Spoon (www.seedtospoon.net)
Dale Spoonemore is an esteemed advocate for sustainable living and creator of Seed to Spoon, a popular gardening app
Dale and his wife, Carrie, started Seed to Spoon to help people grow food. As an individual on the autism spectrum, he ensures that his work permeates deeply into the community, marrying his personal journey with his mission to make food growing simple for all. His thoughtful approach to mental wellness and sustainable practices emanates from his own experiences and insights, enabling him to guide and inspire others genuinely. Dale plays a crucial role in aiding Autism Oklahoma by providing an invaluable viewpoint—ensuring that initiatives and support are crafted with a keen understanding and embrace of the spectrum’s diverse experiences. His commitment spans from the digital world to tangible outreach, fostering an inclusive community where gardening and sustainability are within everyone’s reach.
Melinda Lauffenburger
Founder and Ex Officio, Autism Oklahoma
Melinda embarked on this transformative journey in 2002 within the walls of the Edmond Public Library. Throughout her dynamic career, she has engaged in a multitude of fulfilling and adventurous endeavors, and has greatly enjoyed the season of giving back to this cherished charity. She is most proud of the heart behind AutismOklahoma and the collective efforts of the dedicated team and esteemed partners who, together, have played an instrumental role in positively impacting lives and enhancing overall quality of life.
Melinda reflects, “It has been truly amazing to have a front-row seat in seeing the difference that connecting can have on the quality of life for everyone!”
Beyond her professional pursuits, Melinda shares a fulfilling family life with her husband Dean and their two remarkable daughters, Joy and Sarah. Joy serves as the inspiration behind the inception of the organization while Sarah has seamlessly transitioned into the role of Multimedia and Communication Specialist.
