Sallie Bernard

Sallie Bernard began Ascendigo, formerly Extreme Sports Camp, in 2004. Her goal was to provide the same outdoor adventure opportunities for children on the autism spectrum that typically developing children enjoy.

Sallie was a Board member of Autism Speaks from 2007 to 2017 and served on its Family Services Committee, Science Committee of the Board, and the Community Advisory Board for science. She was formerly the Board President of Cure Autism Now and a co-founder of the CAN New Jersey Chapter. She helped start SafeMinds, which focuses on treatments, policy changes and the environmental causes of autism and is currently its board president. She led the team which created the Yellow House, a private residence for adults on the autism spectrum where Sallie’s adult son with autism lives. Sallie has an interest in mental health issues and serves on the boards of the Aspen Hope Center and the James Kirk Bernard Foundation. In 2019 she was given the Pitkin County Cares Greg Mace Volunteer Service Award for outstanding service, leadership and civic involvement.

Sallie spent over 20 years in the marketing business before devoting herself full time to non-profit activities in 2005. She graduated with honors from Radcliffe College, Harvard University, in 1979. Sallie has resided in Aspen, Colorado since 2002 and enjoys the Colorado outdoors.