Jo-Ann Turning is a mom to two young adults: Eric (21), who is on the autism spectrum, and Anna (24), a bride-to-be. Known to many as “Mrs. Bacon,” Jo-Ann is one half of the married blogging team behind Bacon and Juice Boxes: Our Life with Autism, where she has spent years sharing honest, hopeful reflections on parenting in both the neurotypical and special-needs
worlds.
Through decades of lived experience, Jo-Ann has become deeply passionate about building bridges of understanding and hope for special needs families. She has worked full-time for a major corporation for 36 years, while also dedicating much of her time to advocacy and community leadership. For 10 years, Jo-Ann led the nonprofit organization Special Wants, which focused on granting holiday wishes for special needs families.
Jo-Ann has been invited to speak at conferences, schools, and community events on a variety of. autism-related topics, offering practical insight, relatable perspective, and encouragement to both parents and professionals. Her approach blends real-life experience with compassion, humor, and an unwavering belief in the value of every individual.
When she can carve out a little free time, Jo-Ann enjoys reading, long walks along the beach, baking, watercolor painting, and spending time with family and friends.
Captain Gerald Turning Jr.
President, Blue Bridge, LLC
Captain Gerald Turning Jr. served 25 years as a police officer in New Jersey, recently retiring from the rank of Captain. He served most of his police career as a decorated K9 Handler, Trainer and Unit Supervisor. He and his K9 partners successfully tracked and located dozens of missing persons and fleeing criminal suspects in their careers and participated in many large scale searches under the most stressful circumstances.
Captain Turning also served as Internal Affairs Commander, Patrol Division Commander, and policy writer for his police department.
In 2012, Jerry began writing about his experiences as an autism dad and established a successful blog: Bacon and Juiceboxes. He earned a following of over 40,000 fans around the world who share his family’s challenges and triumphs.
As a member of two beloved communities: Law Enforcement and Special Needs Families, Jerry found his calling in bridging the gap between these communities, improving communication, and establishing solid relationships between First Responders and the families they serve and protect.
Jerry has lectured nationally, authored articles, and received awards for his efforts in Autism Awareness for First Responders. He recently published his first novel: Desperate Pursuits, centered around a police officer processing the fresh diagnosis of his autistic son.