Biography

Lori Ciccarelli has been employed with Mammoth Hospital since 1998 and has been the Community Relations Director since 2004. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in Mass Communications from Walla Walla University, Washington in 1981, continued her education in Cal Poly’s teacher credentialing program, and is currently earning a master’s degree in Leadership and Organizations with a concentration in Human Capital from the University of Denver.

Prior to Mammoth Hospital, Lori has been employed with large corporations such as Bateman, Eichler, Hill Richards, Inc., the City of Hope National Medical Center in various levels of marketing / PR and administration, and has worked as an elementary school teacher for over 11 years. In 1990, she moved to Mammoth with her family to manage Hot Creek Fly Fishing Ranch for nine years.

Lori earned Mammoth Hospital’s Excellence in Management award in 2010, and was named Walla Walla University’s Alumni of the Year in 2011. In 2008, she released a documentary film about her son, “JJ’s Journey, A Journey about Autism,” that has received international recognition featured on NBC & Oprah.com as “Ambassadors of Hope,” named official selection for several international film festivals, and nominated for the Autism Society of America Media Excellence Award in 2009. Lori speaks publicly on the topics of autism and leadership at workshops and conferences.

Lori wants to make a difference and strives to do so in many facets of her life that includes volunteering.  She has volunteered on the Site Council for her local public schools, has volunteered as the PTA president for her local junior high school, has volunteered on the Parents Advisory Team for her local public school district board of directors, has volunteered with her dog on the Animal Assisted Therapy team visiting hospitals and Special Olympics, has volunteered on her local sheriff’s Search & Rescue Team, and has volunteered as the facilitator for Parents of Autism Support Group and Advocates of Students with Disabilities.

Jeremy “JJ” is currently a junior in college earning his bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design with a concentration in Illustration and a minor in Writing. He is a member of Delta Alpha Pi, an international honor society for college students with disabilities, due to academic achievement.  He mentors other students on the spectrum. He enjoys books and movies with a fantasy / science fiction flair or graphic novel focus.  He has enjoyed drawing since the age of six and hopes to write and illustrate his own books.  His work includes designing a logo and t-shirt for various organizations in addition to drawing projects on consignment.  In his spare time, JJ has volunteered at the community library, police department, and several art events.  JJ wants to take the negativity out of the coverage media gives autism and provide hope.  Like others living on the spectrum, his journey has been filled with many struggles and challenges; but he wants to make a difference by providing hope and encouragement to other families.

Lori and JJ speak publicly raising autism awareness and about their journey.  Here are comments from some who have attended their presentations:

For more information, contact Lori at lori.cicc@verizon.net.