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CARTER MAN IS WHY WE CAN!
Carter Kits Sensory Bags were inspired by Carter Severs, a now ten-year-old boy with autism from Frankenmuth, Michigan.
Carter Kits Sensory Bags - About Us
Justin Severs
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO) / VICE PRESIDENT
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 at a scene where a young or special needs child is involved. Contact Justin by email at justin@carterkits.org.
DR. SAMANTHA MISHRA, DO, MPH
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO)
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 before 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.
Brandon Hausbeck
PRESIDENT
Brandon Hausbeck (founder) has been a professional firefighter for more than a decade with his local Michigan department where he was promoted to Chief in 2024. He resides in Saginaw County with his son, Owen. 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.
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 the 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, and playing the piano and is very involved in the 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 the non-profit The First Tee of Eastern Michigan organization, an organization that helps inner-city children 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.
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 bachelor's in business administration from Northwood University. Contact Kelley by email at kelley@carterkits.org.
SECRETARY
Secretary
Currently Vacant
rob rudzki
Training Coordinator
Rob was raised in the northern suburbs of Detroit, has lived in the Upper Peninsula, and currently resides near Ludington. He graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1999. Rob has over 20 years as a volunteer firefighter and paramedic. He has been an American Heart Association and EMS instructor for over 20 years as well. Rob joined Carter Kits in January of 2024 to help provide education on Autism Spectrum Disorder and Carter Kits to first responders. Contact Rob by email, at training@carterkits.org.
Lorisa bellinger
Operations Manager
Lorisa was born and raised in the Thumb area of Michigan, married a native Saginawian, C. Mark Bellinger, and moved to northern California for four years. Lorisa and her growing family moved back to Saginaw to spread joy through Bellinger Entertainment and their comedy magic shows. After Mark’s passing Lorisa focused on raising their three young children and remaining a part of the lives of her bonus daughter and her family. Lorisa volunteered and worked tirelessly for years in the community to learn and help her youngest son, who is differently abled/neurodiverse, to understand his challenges and to be able to navigate life successfully. Lorisa is committed to her church, and her family and to always being the best version of herself. She loves hanging out with her now adult children, jigsaw puzzles, feeding the squirrels, and reading. Contact Lorisa by email, at lorisa@carterkits.org.