New Bellevue Washington Campus Now Open!

Centered Image

who we are

Gersh Autism Academy is more than just a school; it’s a community built on compassion, individualized attention, and a commitment to excellence. We believe that every child, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to excel. We’re here to listen, to guide, and to empower—working hand-in-hand with families to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. We are educators driven by the belief that children do well if they can, and we adapt our methods to best meet each child’s learning style and needs.

who we serve

We serve a diverse range of individuals on the autism spectrum, offering customized learning programs designed to meet the unique needs of each student. With locations in New York, Washington State, New Hampshire, and Puerto Rico, our reach extends across the globe, impacting the lives of hundreds of children and young adults each year. We are dedicated to ensuring that every student receives the right resources and education to succeed, no matter where they come from or what challenges they face.

our legacy

Over the years, Gersh Autism Academy has expanded its programs to meet the growing needs of children on the autism spectrum. From opening additional locations to introducing life skills and vocational training, we continually evolve to ensure that our students receive the most comprehensive and supportive education possible. Every child, every family, and every success story we’ve been a part of has reinforced our mission to provide love, respect, and dignity—values that are at the heart of everything we do.

the gersh difference

What sets Gersh Autism Academy apart is our commitment to customization. We understand that every child is unique, and we strive to develop programs tailored to individual strengths and learning preferences. Our approach goes beyond traditional education, incorporating real-time functional therapy and collaborative efforts between staff and parents to ensure every student receives the support they need—both in the classroom and beyond.

Our mission is to bring education out of the shadows and into the light, helping families navigate the challenges that come with autism. From K-12 education to vocational and life skills training, our programs are designed to prepare students for success in both the academic world and in life.

our founding vision

The vision for Gersh Autism Academy was born in 1991, inspired by one unique child struggling in Kevin Gersh’s educational program. This child’s spirit moved Mr. Gersh to realize that it wasn’t the child who needed to change, but rather the way in which the child was taught. This pivotal moment ignited Mr. Gersh’s lifelong mission to serve children with special needs, and in 1999, Gersh Autism Academy was founded. Since then, it has grown to encompass 11 programs across New York, Washington, New Hampshire, and Puerto Rico.

Timeline Background

our history

1991
1999
2012
2013
2017
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025

West Hills Montessori Academy

In 1991, Mr. Gersh founded West Hills Montessori School. Among the children enrolled in the program was one child with special needs. The lack of diagnosis’ and adequate services designed to assist such children came as a shock to Mr. Gersh and inspired him to redirect his energy toward children with special needs.

Gersh Autism Academy

As a result of his experiences with children with special needs in his schools, Mr. Gersh founded Gersh Autism Academy. This very successful and much-needed program for children ages 5-21 focuses its educational efforts on students on the autism spectrum. Today there are locations in New York, Washington State, and Puerto Rico serving over 500 children on the spectrum.

Gersh Autism Academy International

Upon learning that 1 in 68 children in Puerto Rico are on the autism spectrum, Mr. Gersh saw the pressing need to open their first international Gersh Academy in San Juan. Gersh Autism Academy International is currently the largest and only bilingual school for children with autism in Puerto Rico, and will be opening two additional locations across the island soon.

Therapy Solutions Academy

Mr. Gersh recognized that the educational path of a child on the autism spectrum involves more than just academics. To ensure children who needed critical therapy services were getting the best quality service they could, Mr. Gersh created Therapy Solutions. Therapy Solutions provides occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and behavioral support for children on the autism spectrum.

Gersh Autism Academy Cougar Mountain Campus

Mr. Gersh is proud to bring Gersh Academy’s unique, student-focused approach to the greater Seattle area as an invaluable resource to the many children and young adults in the region who are living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This unique campus is the first school for children with autism in the country that has a zoo on campus! Research has shown that introducing an animal to children with ASD can promote a more relaxed environment and result in a reduction of stress, anxiety and irritation.

Ready Set Connect ABA Centers

To further expand access to high-quality autism services, Gersh acquired Ready Set Connect, a network of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) centers throughout New Hampshire. This strategic acquisition brought Gersh’s experience and expertise in autism education into the clinical therapy space, creating more continuity between academic and therapeutic support for children and their families.

Gersh Autism Academy Queens Campus

Gersh continued to grow its presence in New York with the opening of Gersh Autism Academy Queens in 2022. This campus, serving students from Kindergarten through 5th grade, was designed to meet the growing need for specialized early intervention and academic services for children on the autism spectrum in the NYC area. Queens also allows for a smooth transition to our nearby campuses after grade 5, ensuring a consistent and supportive learning experience as they continue their journey with Gersh.

AYM

In 2023, Academy for Young Minds (AYM) joined the Gersh family as a Powered by Gersh school. Located in Long Island, AYM is a state-of-the-art, NYSED-approved ABA school that provides specialized instruction to students on the autism spectrum. Through this partnership, AYM gained access to Gersh’s extensive resources and network while continuing to uphold its identity, mission, and strong clinical foundation.

Ready Set Connect Academy

In 2024, Ready Set Connect expanded its program offerings with the launch of Ready Set Connect Academy, a K–8 school located at their Concord site. As a Powered by Gersh school, the new academy blends Ready Set Connect’s strong clinical ABA background with Gersh’s expertise in individualized education. This expansion provides New Hampshire families with a full continuum of services under one roof—from early intervention to specialized academics.

Gersh Autism Academy Brooklyn Campus

In 2025, Gersh Autism Academy proudly opened its newest location in Brooklyn, New York, further expanding its footprint across the state. This campus brings Gersh’s individualized academic programs, therapeutic services, and life skills development to families in the heart of the city. Gersh Academy Brooklyn is already supporting students and families with the same commitment to excellence and care that defines every Gersh program.

Our Leadership

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 Dotted Line

Kevin Gersh

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.

Amy Malmquist
Celeste Gagliardi

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.

Katherine Gavritsas
Susan Diamond

Susan Diamond

Chief of Staff

Susan has been with Gersh for 15 years, supporting leadership across multiple departments. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management and a master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. She previously served as Director of West Hills Day Camp and now plays a key role in organizational support and culture.