about Fidgetech

Creating new opportunities for adults experiencing autism

Our Story

Fidgetech is the result of several years of collaboration between a small group of Portland-based individuals interested in the personal and professional success of adults experiencing autism. Dr. Justine Haigh, Fidgetech’s director, is mother to Dan (now an adult) who was diagnosed as experiencing autism at an early age. Since he was very young, Justine noticed her son loved focusing on technology and realized that other young adults experiencing autism share a similar passion. Committed to helping her son and others find their purpose through technology, Justine teamed up with David Karstens, Jeanna Johnson, and other volunteers to create a two-night/week program of computer-based activities for young adults experiencing autism.

During early discussions of program designs, Fidgetech’s founders were involved with the success of two adults experiencing autism as they were accepted into internships at local Portland-based businesses. In both cases, these opportunities were the result of a collaboration between like-minded corporate representatives and advocates for adults experiencing autism. That set the hook for Fidgetech’s founders and the launch of the organization’s four core programs.

Fidgetech was founded in 2016 and is a 501c3 non-profit organization. FIDGETECH’s home base is the Portland Metro area and our mailing address is PO Box 165, West Linn, OR 97068.

Mission and Vision

Fidgetech's mission is to inspire hope and provide dignity for adults on experiencing autism, to lead more meaningful and productive lives.

Fidgetech's vision is to empower organizations to embrace neurodiverse workers, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

Our Team

Our leadership

Justine Haigh, PhD

President / Executive Director & Co-Founder
Responsible for day-to-day operations, fundraising, and partnership development at Fidgetech, Justine was most recently the Director of the Doctor of Business Administration Program at George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon, and previously taught business courses at Leeds Metropolitan University in Leeds, England. Her professional experience includes technical staffing and recruiting, team leadership, industrial and commercial marketing, and sales management.
Justine is the mother of Dan, who was diagnosed as experiencing autism at an early age. She noticed his passion for technology ever since he was little and realized that many other children experiencing autism share the same fascination.
Jeanna Johnson

VP Development & Co-Founder
As Fidgetech’s VP of Development, Jeanna is responsible for program development and oversight, compliance work, team management, fundraising, event production, and Human Resources.
A successful entrepreneur, Jeanna has played a pivotal role in business development for many Portland nonprofits. She also played a key role in event management and fundraising including "An Evening for Autism” which raised funds for Autism-related nonprofits locally.
Jeanna’s passion for the work comes from her oldest of two boys, Rafael, who is experiencing autism.