When my child was a little girl, I had no idea what my daughter’s future would look like when she was diagnosed with autism. This company would not have existed without my daughter. This company was born from the need for services for my child and so many other children in which access to services was limited. My advocacy in ensuring my child has a future in which she can be in control of her own future and make her own choices became my sole purpose as her mother. Independence and autonomy.

This weekend I’ll be seeing my daughter graduate high school and will be moving onto college to pursue a career as a paramedic.

Today she is being recognized for her art work and positivity. I want to share that her accomplishments are not mine alone but those of a community which includes all of you as you touch the lives of our clients and families. Thank you to her staff which includes Shjon Watlington, Keri Yeager, Carly Boos and to my directors for protecting her services and her privacy as well as mine and all previous staff for being there for her for many years.

Being a parent of a child with autism is not only scary but can be rewarding and I am grateful for every and anyone that has touched her life in the business.

Today, she is being recognized for her amazing art and expression for being her unique self. I am so proud. This is because of many of you and I’m forever grateful.