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Everyday Heroes: Celebrating the Heart of Gersh

Everyday Heroes: Celebrating the Heart of Gersh

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This year, our Everyday Heroes event in Florida brought together team members to celebrate the incredible individuals who make Gersh what it is. While hosted in Florida, this celebration honored heroes across all of our campuses, the teachers, therapists, administrators, and staff who show up every day with patience, compassion,…

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Dina Kenkes is the Principal, Gersh Autism Academy.

Spotlight: Dina Kenkes

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Dina Kenkes is the Principal, Gersh Autism Academy. “I am a multilingual educator and school leader with a deep passion for special education and inclusive practices. With certifications in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, and TESOL, I bring a multifaceted perspective to supporting students with autism and developmental disabilities. I…

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Meet Debra Hay

Spotlight: Debra Hay

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With 27 years of experience in public education, Debra Hay brings a deep background in Special Education and Educational Leadership to her work. A graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, where she earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees, Debra has dedicated her career to supporting students with complex needs—teaching learners…

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Spotlight: Nicole Fitch, SBL of Cougar Mountain & Bellevue!

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We’re proud to spotlight Nicole Fitch, a dedicated educational leader whose career has been shaped by a deep commitment to students, families, and school communities. With more than 25 years of experience in education, Nicole has served in a wide range of roles, including teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, principal,…

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Thanksgiving Feast 2025: A Photo Recap

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We celebrated one of our favorite traditions this month, the annual Thanksgiving Feast! Students helped serve lunch, and everyone — teachers, staff, and students alike — gathered around decorated tables to share a meal together. The day was filled with crafts, music, dancing, and the kind of joy that reminds…

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Welcome Dan McKeon,  NY Regional Director!

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We’re excited to formally welcome Daniel J. McKeon, Regional Director of Gersh Autism Academy’s New York campuses, who joined us at the start of this school year. With more than two decades of experience in school and district leadership, higher education, and public service, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge…

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Growing with Gersh: Maureen Miller, Director of Educational Operations

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We’re thrilled to celebrate Maureen Miller, Director of Educational Operations at Gersh Autism Academy! Maureen’s journey is a true Gersh story, one rooted in growth, dedication, and heart. She began her teaching career at Gersh in 2014 and has called it home ever since, growing from classroom teacher to Curriculum…

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Growing with Gersh: Nadege Innocent, Manager of Admissions

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At Gersh Autism Academy, we believe that growth is something we all share—our students, our programs, and our people. Few stories reflect that spirit more than Nadege Innocent’s. Nadege began with Gersh more than 10 years ago as an agency para, quickly moving into a Gersh para role and then…

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Bringing Movement to Life: How Didim Is Changing the Way Our Students Learn and Play

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At Gersh Autism Academy and our Powered by Gersh schools, we are always seeking tools that engage our students while helping them grow, in mind, body, and confidence. This year, we’ve introduced Didim, an innovative, interactive movement system, to multiple campuses, including our AYM in Queens—a Powered by Gersh school—and…

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Students and teachers engaged in a classroom lesson at Gersh Autism Academy. Children sit at desks and on chairs while a teacher leads an interactive activity on a smartboard. The autism-specific learning environment fosters focus, communication, and social skills in a supportive classroom setting.

Educational Rights in Washington State: What Parents of Children with Autism Should Know

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Navigating the special education system can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to understand the laws, timelines, and processes that affect your child’s education. As a parent of a child with autism in Washington State, you have powerful legal protections under both federal and state law. But knowing those rights…

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