CARTER MAN IS WHY WE CAN!
Carter Kits Sensory Bags were inspired by Carter Severs, a now eight-year-old boy with autism from Frankenmuth, Michigan.
Carter Kits Sensory Bags - About Us
Brandon Hausbeck
PRESIDENT & CEO
Brandon Hausbeck (founder) has been a professional firefighter for more than a decade with his local Michigan department. He resides in Saginaw County with his wife, Martha, and two dogs, Cali and Pickles. Brandon has responded to dozens of scenes involving young and special needs children, and sees a need for Carter Kits Sensory Bags to be made available to all first responders as an additional tool to improve response outcomes. Contact Brandon by email, at brandon@carterkits.org.
Justin Severs
Chief Information Officer
Justin Severs (founder) is the father of Carter Severs, the inspiration for this project. Justin lives in Frankenmuth with his wife Kelley, sons Cameron, Cayden and Carter, and two dogs, Ace and Addy. His think-forward intuition of having Carter Kits Sensory Bags available to first responders is a direct result of being the father of a child with autism. He believes this added tool will better equip police officers, firefighters and EMS responders when arriving to a scene where a young or special needs child is involved. Contact Justin by email, at justin@carterkits.org.
Dr. Ellen Preen, Clinical Neuropsychologist
Director of Clinical Development
As a clinical neuropsychologist and mother of a daughter with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dr. Preen (founder) brings an especially valuable perspective to Carter Kits Sensory Bags . Dr. Preen has more than 13 years of experience in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of both adults and children with neuropsychological deficits, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, trauma, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and psychiatric disorders. Dr. Preen’s training includes completion of a fellowship at Yale University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, residency with University of Connecticut, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and practica at Yale University, School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery. She obtained her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from University of Hartford, Graduate Institute of Professional Psychology. She holds a clinical associate position at the University of Connecticut, School of Medicine and was an adjunct faculty of Central Connecticut State University and Southern Connecticut State University. Dr. Preen has presented at several conferences nationally and internationally, on a variety of mental health topics, and her doctoral dissertation focuses on Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Dr. Preen currently resides in Avon, Connecticut with her family - a husband of 23 years, a 21-year-old son who is a Junior at NYU, a 19-year-old daughter who loves volunteering at local nature centers and baking dog treats, two rescued dogs and a service dog (for social emotional support). She enjoys traveling, painting, playing the piano and is very involved in advocacy of mental health education and rescued animals. Contact Dr. Preen by email, at ellen@carterkits.org.
Andrew Keller
Director of Community Outreach & Fundraising
Andrew Keller (founder) is a Michigan Realtor who currently resides in Frankenmuth, Michigan with his wife Meg Keller. Andrew is a multi-million dollar producer for Knockout Real Estate, an independently owned real estate company. Andrew has a passion for helping good organizations, also serving on the advisory committee for non-profit The First Tee of Eastern Michigan organization, an organization that helps inner-city children in learn about the game of golf. He coaches 8th grade football with the Frankenmuth Youth Football program (Muth Youth). In his free time, he enjoys exploring new places and playing golf. Contact Andrew by email, at andrew@carterkits.org.
DR. Samantha Mishra, DO, MPH
Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Samantha Mishra graduated from Michigan State University where she earned both post-graduate degrees of Master of Public Health and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. She worked clinically as an Emergency Medicine physician prior to joining MDHHS in 2019. Dr. Mishra now serves as the EMS for Children program coordinator for the State of Michigan. She has dedicated her professional work to public health; specifically advocating for pediatric injury, illness and fatality prevention and the advancement of pediatric readiness across the spectrum of emergency medicine. Contact Dr. Mishra by email, at sam@carterkits.org.
Kelley Severs
Treasurer
Kelley Severs is the mother of Carter Severs, the inspiration for this project. Kelley lives in Frankenmuth with her husband Justin, sons Cameron, Cayden and Carter, and two dogs, Ace and Addy. Kelley is currently the Chief Deputy Treasurer for Saginaw County and obtained her Bachelors in Business Administration from Northwood University. Contact Kelley by email, at kelley@carterkits.org.
Diane Pelts, MA
Secretary
Diane Pelts is the Chief Executive Officer for AuSable Valley Community Mental Health Authority, serving Iosco, Ogemaw, and Oscoda counties in northern lower Michigan. AVCMHA is also one of the five CMHSPs comprising the Northern MI Regional Entity. One of the core beliefs of AV, that Diane also promotes personally, is that we all work together as a team promoting mutual respect, personal dignity, professional development and shared learning and decision making to meet the needs of consumers, families, professionals, and community members. Diane earned her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from Madonna University and her Master of Arts degree in Administration and Leadership from Saginaw Valley State University.