For Frank Willis, Vocational Coordinator Supervisor at Gersh Autism Academy. Preparing students for life beyond the classroom is about more than building job skills, it’s about creating opportunities for greater independence, confidence, and a meaningful future. From hands-on life skills and community-based experiences to helping students take their first steps into the workforce, Frank has dedicated his career at Gersh to helping each student discover what they’re capable of achieving.
We asked Frank to share more about his journey to Gersh, his passion for vocational education, and how the program is helping students build the skills and confidence they need for what comes next. Here’s what he had to say.
What inspired you to work in vocational education, and what led you to Gersh?
After many years working for various banks, I decided to leave the financial industry and learn about the world of Autism. My nephew is a very low functioning non-verbal young man whose mother was diagnosed with cancer. I looked at the dynamics of our family and realized that he may be our responsibility one day and I knew nothing about children with autism. She unfortunately passed and now that reality is closer. I decided to work at a residence where young men on the autism spectrum lived together. I was able to teach them various skills like cooking, laundry, and play games. This was a rewarding experience. My brother-in-law was working for Gersh and suggested that I apply for a TA position. Celeste was the Principal at the time and took a chance on me. I soon became a substitute teacher and then the next year, I was promoted to a BASE HS teacher.
While working as a BASE High School teacher for Gersh, I saw the potential for our lower functioning students to learn hands on life skill activities such as rolling silverware, sorting and folding socks, and making a bed. Mr. Gersh asked me how I would improve our program, so I asked for an apartment-like setting where students could learn how to live more independently, and he gave us a house to use. Students are able to learn how to cook, clean, wash and fold laundry, bedroom management skills, and even how to spend downtime (games & puzzles).
After a few years of teaching, the natural next step for me was to get involved with the Vocational Department. I wanted to be able to help more students get ready for their next chapter of their life whether it be moving into a residential program, technical school or college.
What is the most rewarding part of helping students prepare for life after school?
Watching the growth of students overcome some of their obstacles which have held them back and blossom into young men and women.
Can you share a memorable student success story that reflects the impact of the vocational program?
Another teacher and I created the Brew Crew which is an on-campus coffee business run by students. One of the students who participated in the Brew Crew actually got a job working at his local Dunkin Donuts. His experience allowed the managers to take a chance on him. He did great at his job.
Another student is currently working at an animal shelter, walking dogs and caring for them. His confidence and understanding of the world of work helped him get and keep this job.
What makes Gersh’s vocational program unique, and how does it prepare students for greater independence?
Our program is unique because we look at the students’ potential and build a program tailored to assisting them build on those skills. We not only work with them on campus, but we give them real life experience in the community. We work with them during workshops on workplace attitudes, building a resume, and assisting them with answering questions during mock interviews.
For our lower functioning students, we build their independent life skills by bringing them to the life skills house where they have the opportunity to strengthen some of their own skills and build on what they will need to live independently. We just opened the marketplace in the school so students have the opportunity to shop for items that they would like to cook and eat at the life skills house.
Our pre-voc program starts in the classroom where students can match and sort items, roll silverware, practice setting a table, and perform daily jobs. This allows us to understand how long a student can stay on task, how much prompting needs to take place, and any behaviors that might come up from working on unfamiliar tasks.
If you could describe what it’s like to work at Gersh, what would you say?
Working at Gersh feels purpose-driven and rewarding because every day is centered on helping students and individuals reach their full potential. It’s a collaborative, mission-driven environment where flexibility, patience, and teamwork make a meaningful difference in families’ lives.
Thank you, Frank, for the dedication, compassion, and commitment you continue to bring to our students and team!