10/08/2026
Learn more about owner Paul and the great things he’s doing in the community!
Meet the Board: Paul
Director of Family Advocacy & Support
Paul brings a lifetime of service, leadership, and a genuine desire to help others to the Next Need Foundation board.
Originally from California, Paul is a 25-year veteran who served 10 years in the Air Force working in atmospheric science and meteorology, including during Desert Storm, followed by 15 years in the Army as a Supply Sergeant, including during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After his military service, Paul worked in corrections before opening Crepe Cafe in 2017.
But his connection to Next Need is much more personal than his professional background.
Paul was introduced to Next Need through Chubbs, who encouraged him to meet Chris, hear more about his family and their experiences, and meet Liam. As Paul learned more about Liam’s journey and the challenges families can face while trying to navigate autism, services, schools, and resources, he knew this was something he wanted to be part of.
Paul is also a father, and his youngest son was eventually diagnosed with autism. That experience gave him firsthand understanding of the meetings, questions, uncertainty, and challenges that can come with navigating this journey as a parent.
For Paul, family advocacy means more than handing someone information and sending them on their way.
He wants to actually be there.
If a parent comes to him feeling overwhelmed, Paul says he would sit down with them, listen to what they are specifically struggling with, and start building trust. He wants families to know that his intentions are good, that he understands what it means to navigate difficult situations as a parent, and that they don’t have to figure everything out alone.
Paul believes in the idea that it takes a village.
He doesn’t expect to make every difference or solve every problem. He simply wants to make a difference wherever he can, just as he did during his years of military service.
As Director of Family Advocacy & Support, Paul hopes to bring families support, resources, options, and most importantly, someone who will continue to show up.
He also believes there is more work to do when it comes to education and understanding. Families deserve information that actually serves their individual needs, not simply a checklist that assumes every autistic person or family fits the same mold. He believes schools, businesses, organizations, and communities can continue growing in their understanding and awareness so families have more places to turn for meaningful support.
What excites Paul most about Next Need is the team itself. He believes everyone has something different to bring to the table, and he is excited to work alongside a group of people with so much passion and drive.
And when it comes to life outside of his work and service, Paul describes himself as someone who likes to pace himself, enjoy life, and let God handle the rest. He is quiet by nature, humble about the experiences life has given him, and believes in finding balance. For Paul, life isn’t about having every answer or simply how long we get. It’s about how we choose to live it.
We are grateful to have Paul bringing that perspective, experience, and heart to Next Need.
We listen. We adapt. We act.
Please join us in getting to know Paul, our Director of Family Advocacy & Support.
