For more than 20 years, Sal Barbieri has been an important part of the Gersh Autism Academy community, growing from a paraprofessional to Vocational Program Coordinator, Intervention Specialist, and now Intervention Supervisor & Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Trainer.
In his current role, Sal supports students through some of their most challenging moments, helping them safely de-escalate, work through what may be triggering a situation, and develop skills to solve problems. He also trains Gersh team members in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Collaborative Problem Solving, helping equip staff with the tools to support students with care, patience, and understanding.
For Sal, the most meaningful part of his work is being there when students need support the most.
“I get to help students navigate through their toughest moments and show them that there are people who care about their well-being and will never give up on them.”
After more than two decades with Gersh, Sal says the experience continues to be incredibly rewarding, especially the opportunity to work with amazing students, recognize their potential, and help them see just how much they can accomplish.
Thank you, Sal, for the dedication, compassion, and commitment you continue to bring to our students and team!