OUR STORY
We started To the Max after our son, Max, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 2022. There’s no easy path to an autism diagnosis but ours was unique as we were living abroad in Australia at the time. We chased answers for months, navigated long wait lists, tried different therapists and therapies not really sure what we were doing, where it was going or what the actual goal was. We were lost, but we knew Max needed extra support so we returned to North America totally jobless with the strong hope that we could get answers, resources and support.
We received an autism diagnosis in Canada (we were both born and raised in P.E.I.) and then moved to Utah shortly after. In the span of 8 months we navigated the autism landscape in 3 different countries. We’ve had no health insurance, great health insurance and everything in between. We know how rewarding and beautiful the autism journey is and feel honored to have been chosen to be Max’s greatest hype squad. But we also know the unique, ever-changing challenges it can bring.
We’re all aiming to be the best version of ourselves and reach our fullest potential - our max. The journey to our max is never linear. We believe in enduring hope, steady growth and celebrating every small win along the way.
OUR MISSION
Helping autistic individuals and their families live life to the max through
meaningful experiences, community connection, and inclusive opportunities.
OUR VISION
A world where autistic individuals and their families have lifelong opportunities to belong, connect and thrive.
OUR APPROACH
Through sports-driven initiatives and community partnerships, we foster autism acceptance, inclusion, and empowerment. Our experiences create meaningful opportunities for autistic individuals and families to connect,
celebrate neurodiversity, and live life to the max.
BOARD MEMBERS
Susanne Morrison
Co-Founder
Prior to launching To the Max Foundation, Susanne worked in marketing and advertising with the Boston Celtics. She previously worked as a management consultant before returning to school to pursue a Master’s degrees in Business and Sport Business Management through the University of Central Florida’s DeVos Sport Business Management Program, a program focused on using sport as a platform for social change and community engagement.
Originally from Prince Edward Island, Canada, Susanne was a varsity basketball player during her university career where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Brent Mandryk
Director
Brent Mandryk currently serves as the Superintendent of Business and Corporate Services with the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board. In this senior leadership role, he provides executive oversight of financial operations, facilities services and corporate functions across the organization
Brent was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He graduated from Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa where he also competed in varsity soccer.
Chet Wydrzynski
Director
Chet is currently the Ontario Managing Partner with DWF – an integrated provider of legal and business services.
Since being called to the Ontario Bar in 2004 Chet has had a successful legal career specializing in insurance defense litigation. He has taken more than 30 jury and non-jury cases to verdict.
Raised in Windsor, Ontario, Chet completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Windsor where he also competed for the varsity basketball program. He completed his LL.B at the University of Ottawa while completing his student-athlete eligibility.
Scott Morrison
Co-Founder
Scott Morrison is a basketball coach currently serving as the lead Assistant coach with the Utah Jazz. Currently in his 4th season with the Jazz organization, he previously spent 8 seasons with the Boston Celtics.
Prior to his time in the NBA, Scott was the Head Coach of Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario where he led the Thunderwolves to four consecutive National tournament appearances.
Scott was born and raised in Morell, Prince Edward Island and was a student-athlete at the University of Prince Edward Island. He started his coaching career at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia where he received a master’s in business administration.
Georges Niang
Director
Georges Niang is a nine-year NBA veteran having played with the Indiana Pacers, Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavs and Atlanta Hawks.
One of the winningest players in the NBA, he has appeared in 600 NBA games including 56 playoff games. Nicknamed “The Mini-Van” he is shooting 40% from the 3pt line in his career. At the collegiate level Georges was a 2000 point scorer and All-American at Iowa State University.
Georges was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts and attended high school at Tilton Prep where he elected Student Body President and recruited as one of the top 50 recruits in the nation.
Marc Elim
Director
Marc Elim is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors with three decades of experience in financial services.
Marc has extensive experience in serving his community including volunteering at the Children’s Museum of Richmond and serving as a board member for both The William and Mary Tribe Club and the Richmond Alumni Chapter of William and Mary.
Raised in Cleveland, Ohio Marc graduated from William and Mary in 1988 where he was a member of the varsity football team. He continues to be a strong supporter of the Tribe in addition to pursuing his out-of-office passions such as biking, running, tennis and skiing.