Blogs, articles, advice and more from the minds behind Gersh Autism Academy
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…
Sometimes it’s a classroom full of activity. Sometimes it’s a quiet conversation at a desk. And sometimes it’s one person taking the time to connect, explain, encourage, and try something a different way. At Gersh Autism Academy our teams get to know the student, their strengths, challenges, interests, and goals,…
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…
At Gersh Autism Academy, we prepare students to thrive in an ever-evolving world by recognizing that every student learns differently, and their education should reflect that. Our individualized, evidence-based approach brings together academics, social skills, life skills, vocational experiences, and clinical support. Through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Collaborative Problem Solving…
And just like that, the first week of the school year is complete! The backpacks are back, the hallways are buzzing, classrooms are full of energy, and our students and teams are already creating so many moments worth celebrating. As we celebrated a successful first week, our Chief Executive Officer,…
Emma began her career as a Speech-Language Pathologist before stepping into school leadership as a School Related Services Supervisor and Assistant Principal at our Academy for Young Minds campus. Those experiences taught her the value of communication and collaboration. She believes strong collaboration between educators, related service providers, BCBAs, families,…
There’s something special about the first day of school, the excitement of welcoming students back, reconnecting with familiar faces, meeting new ones, and seeing our classrooms come to life again. Across Gersh Autism Academy, our teams have put tremendous care and preparation into creating spaces where our students can learn,…
There’s no better way to celebrate the final days of summer than with a little creativity, connection, and a whole lot of color! Our West Hempstead campus recently hosted its Color Palooza Festival, giving students and teammates the opportunity to step outside, have fun, and enjoy time together before the…
Our students at AYM, powered by Gersh Autism Academy, enjoyed a beautiful day outdoors, spending time with their classmates, and making memories together. With a new school year right around the corner, moments like these are a meaningful reminder of the friendships, connections, and sense of belonging our students build…
We’re excited to welcome Stephaine Cole to Gersh Autism Academy as our Regional Vice President for New York. Stephanie will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for multiple school campuses. She is passionate about building high-performing teams, developing exceptional leaders, and ensuring every student receives an educational experience that prepares…
Some of the most meaningful moments at school happen between the lessons, the friendships formed, the smiles shared, and the feeling of knowing you belong. At Gersh Autism Academy, we believe growth goes beyond academics. Every day is an opportunity for our students to build confidence, strengthen social connections, celebrate…
At Gersh Autism Academy’s Brooklyn campus, every space is thoughtfully designed to support our students’ growth, and our new soft play and sensory gym is no exception. This engaging environment gives students opportunities to build strength, coordination, balance, motor planning, and confidence through purposeful movement. From suspended sensory swings and…
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.
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.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“You guys rock! I can’t imagine my son attending any other school. Thank you for everything” – Jose R.