06/10/2026
Today was a full-circle moment for me.
Years ago, I graduated from Drury University with degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that one day I would be invited back into the law enforcement world—not as an officer or instructor—but as a mom.
A mom who lives autism every single day.
I am incredibly proud to share that the Show Me Romey Foundation will now be providing autism training to new law enforcement recruits through the Drury University Police Academy curriculum!
This is a huge step forward. Autism training is vital not only for the safety and well-being of individuals on the spectrum, but also for the officers who serve our communities. Understanding communication differences, sensory challenges, wandering, meltdowns, and how to build trust can make all the difference in an interaction.
Not only do I experience autism through my own family, but through the Show Me Romey Foundation, I also have the privilege of hearing from countless parents and caregivers across our communities. I hear their concerns, their fears, their successes, and the challenges they face every day. Those real-life experiences and perspectives are invaluable and help paint a broader picture of what autism looks like beyond a textbook.
A heartfelt thank you to Mike Boone, Executive Director of the Drury University Police Academy, for seeing the need and taking action. 👏🏼 Your commitment to making this training part of the curriculum will have a lasting impact on both law enforcement and the autism community.
Today, I am grateful. I am excited. And I am incredibly proud of how far the Show Me Romey Foundation has come.
This is more than a training. It is a seat at the table. It is an opportunity to build understanding, strengthen community relationships, and help create safer interactions for autistic individuals and the officers who serve them.
One class. One conversation. One officer at a time. 💙
