Board of Directors
For more than two decades, the AJ Foundation Board of Directors played a vital role in shaping and advancing our mission: raising funds to support high-quality, ABA-based educational programs for individuals with autism. Through their leadership, generosity, and commitment, the Board helped bring CLC to life and sustained it from its very beginning.
As of August 2024, the AJ Foundation and the Comprehensive Learning Center merged to operate as a single organization under CLC's existing Tax ID, with AJF continuing as a division of CLC. As part of this transition, the AJ Foundation Board of Directors formally concluded its service.
We extend our deepest gratitude to each Board member. The legacy of their leadership continues through the work and impact of the Comprehensive Learning Center.
Honoring Their Service
The AJ Foundation was formed in 1997 to raise funds to support educational programs, based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis, for individuals with autism. Comprehensive Learning Center (CLC) opened 3 years later as a result of the foundation’s fundraising efforts and CLC has been supported by the AJ Foundation since inception.
In August of 2024, AJ Foundation (AJF) and Comprehensive Learning Center (CLC) merged and currently operate as a single entity, under CLC’s existing Tax ID number. Founder and President of the AJ Foundation, Joanne Corless, remains involved with CLC as CLC’s Director of Fundraising, and Joanne continues her work in her capacity as President of AJF (now a division of CLC) in support of the vision and mission that the AJ Foundation and CLC have brought to life. We know that our organizations are better together – and we are excited for this streamlined approach to future fundraising by the AJ Foundation in support of CLC!
Joanne Corless
Chairman / President
Motivated by their desire to ensure that their son, AJ, received quality educational services, Joanne and her family founded The AJ Foundation For Children with Autism and its private school, The Comprehensive Learning Center (CLC).
What started as help for AJ grew into a school serving more than 40 families, including both children and adults on the autism spectrum. Joanne has served as the President of The AJ Foundation since its inception in 1997 and the Director of Development of CLC since its opening in 2000.
Before her role in both entitites, Joanne was a Pediatric Oncology Nurse. She received her BSN from Villanova University in 1982 and began her nursing career at the Children's Hospital in Philadelphia before moving to NYC to work at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital. In 1989 she relocated back to Bucks County and worked as a pool nurse for St. Mary's Hospital before ending her nursing career in 2000 to help develop, manage, and run The AJ Foundation and Comprehensive Learning Center.
Michael Jacobson
Board Member
Michael Jacobson is the Owner/President of Incentive Systems, Inc., an Employee Benefits Consulting firm developing innovative benefits solutions to local, regional, and fortune 1000 companies. He has spent 3 decades changing the way employers buy and manage employee benefits, helping hundreds of companies reduce costs and maximize the value of their Employee Benefits packages. Michael has always been passionate about giving back to the local community, especially when involving people he knows.
It was through Incentive Systems, Inc. that Michael developed a business, then personal relationship with the Corless Family. He was astounded by their story, and the passion that drove them to start The AJ Foundation and Comprehensive Learning Center. Soon thereafter, Michael became involved in the foundation which has turned into a 17 year relationship. Michael has sat as an active member on the board for 15 years, and has continued to be one of the top fundraisers for the Annual AJF Ride 4 Autism.
Michele Meyer
Treasurer
Michele was responsible for the oversite of all of The AJ Foundation's business functions and worked in conjunction with the President to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the organization since its inception. Michele also participated in all fundraising activities and, along with her husband, created two signature events hosted by AJF each year. She has been a board member since 1997 and continues to serve in this role only since her retirement in 2018.
Michele began her career with Neshaminy Constructors Inc. (NCI), a heavy and highway construction company, in 1976. She went from Word Processor Operator to Office Manager to Executive Assistant and in 1990 was promoted to Vice President, CFO and Shareholder. She along with the executive team were responsible for the sustainability of the company until her retirement in 2006.
Christopher Freddo
Board Member
As a Wealth Advisor Chris Freddo helps his clients take a comprehensive, strategic approach to financial planning even in the early stages of asset accumulation. Using an in-depth financial needs assessment and in partnership with BB&T specialists in banking, strategic credit, risk management, investments and trust & estate planning, he develops recommendations tailored to his client's needs, priorities and preferences.
Chris attended Rider University where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. He currently maintains his FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations, and life insurance license. Chris serves on the board of directors for The AJ Foundation supporting children with autism. He has been in the financial service industry for more than 20 years, and currently works for Truist Bank.
We are grateful to have an amazing group of Board Members who come out to support and participate in our events!
