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At Gersh Autism Academy, leadership is more than just titles—it’s a commitment to excellence, compassion, and lifelong impact. Our executive team brings together decades of experience in education, operations, clinical care, and community building. Each member of our leadership team plays a vital role in shaping our programs, supporting our staff, and most importantly—creating opportunities for students on the autism spectrum to thrive. Together, we’re proud to lead a community where students are seen, supported, and empowered every day.
meet the team
kevin gersh
Founder
Founder of Gersh Autism Academy, Kevin has dedicated his life to creating environments where individuals on the autism spectrum can thrive. With a mission rooted in empowerment, compassion, and excellence, Kevin’s vision has shaped Gersh into a leader in autism education and services across the U.S. and beyond.
amy malmquist
Chief Executive Officer
Amy brings over 20 years of leadership experience in operations, business development, professional services, and international consulting. Her background spans wholesale distribution, SaaS sales, and training across the U.S. and Asia. As CEO, Amy leads the strategic vision for Gersh Autism Academy, focused on innovation, growth, and impact.
shiela fridman
Co-Founder of Gersh Autism Academy Puerto Rico
As Managing Partner of Gersh Academy Puerto Rico, Sheila Fridman has led the growth of the first bilingual autism school in the Caribbean into two thriving campuses serving over 200 students. With a master’s degree in education and a career dedicated to inclusion, she has spent more than a decade developing programs that empower students, families, and communities.
celeste gagliardi
Chief Education Officer
With a master’s degree in educational leadership and over 25 years in school administration, Celeste has been a driving force behind Gersh’s growth since joining in 2012. She led the expansion of the New York program from 59 to over 200 students and played a key role in opening campuses in Puerto Rico and Washington State. Celeste now oversees educational operations, mentors school leaders, and supports families through every step of the student journey.
katherine gavritsas
Chief Human Resources Officer
Katherine brings over two decades of HR leadership experience, primarily in fintech and financial services. She holds a degree in Sociology from Hofstra University and has studied International Employment Law at Cornell. At Gersh, she leads people operations with a focus on culture, compliance, and team development.