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Blogs, articles, advice and more from the minds behind Gersh Autism Academy
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Everyday Heroes: Celebrating the Heart of Gersh
February 24, 2026
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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Spotlight: Dina Kenkes
February 24, 2026
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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Spotlight: Debra Hay
February 24, 2026
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!
December 12, 2025
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
December 4, 2025
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!
November 21, 2025
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
November 7, 2025
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
October 21, 2025
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
October 15, 2025
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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Educational Rights in Washington State: What Parents of Children with Autism Should Know
October 15, 2025
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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Welcome April Stavropoulos, Junior Chief of Staff!
October 15, 2025
We’re thrilled to welcome April Stavropoulos as the new Junior Chief of Staff at Gersh Autism Academy! April brings a strong background in operations, staff development, and organizational planning — all with a focus on building systems that help both students and staff succeed. Throughout her career, April has focused…
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Growing with Gersh: Celeste Gagliardi, Chief Education Officer
October 13, 2025
We’re thrilled to share that Celeste Gagliardi has been promoted to Chief Education Officer at Gersh Autism Academy. Celeste has been a part of Gersh for over a decade, beginning her journey in 2012 as Executive Director and Principal. Under her leadership, Gersh Autism Academy West Hempstead campus grew from…
Jose M.
As a parent of an autistic child, I can say that the care and dedication that teachers and staff give to their students is immeasurable. You can see it in the way my son looks forward to going to school every day, and in the growth and progress he has continuously shown throughout the years. Gersh really knows not only how to educate autistic children, but also acknowledge the personalities of each child, and embraces all facets of the student, showing and providing great care, patience, support and understanding for students and their families.
Brit A.
Every child needs only one person to believe in him. In Gersh, the entire team believes. They will find that one spark through positive reinforcement and this child will have confidence. My daughter entered Gersh when she was 10 years old. She did not know how to read. She now reads chapter books.
Jane R.
“Our daughter did not want to go school before Gersh, she was absent a lot. Within the first few months she developed a nice feeling of trust with the staff where she was very willing to go to school. They don’t reprimand or use a reward system they are all just warm and understanding which is what she needs and I think every child needs. Intellectually I see her flourishing because she is much less anxious so she’s able to concentrate better. We feel very fortunate to have found a nice safe, warm, inviting atmosphere for our daughter.”
Anthony M.
“At Gersh we feel like we are among family, like we are at home. We know that our son is comfortable, it is a very nurturing place. Academically he is flourishing and socially he is much more outgoing; more comfortable in his own skin and his surroundings. Since coming to Gersh he is more verbal. He used to give us one word answers and now he tells us what’s going on.”
Donna B.
“The teachers are great, they are able to customize the lessons towards the students strengths. There’s nothing better than seeing the excitement in the air, the smiles, creativeness and teamwork. Gersh gives the gift that keeps giving, “ENDLESS ADVENTURES.”
Jose R.
“You guys rock! I can’t imagine my son attending any other school. Thank you for everything” – Jose R.