Nadine Wright-Arbubakrr
Providing accessible, affordable programs for inner-city children and families affected by autism
Nadine created Nassan’s Place, named after her son, after experiencing the gap in services and support for families affected by autism in Newark and East Orange. The organization provides educational and recreational programs, social outings, and resources to help maximize each child’s full potential to become more independent and successful in today’s society.
Christian Kane
Leveling the field for inclusive recreational opportunities
After a car accident left his son with traumatic brain injuries, Christian sought accessible recreational spaces to enjoy with his son. Seeing the lack of recreation facilities for special needs families, he launched Field of Dreams, New Jersey’s first-of-its-kind recreational complex. Located in Toms River, it is where special needs individuals of all ages and abilities can engage, explore and socialize together and with their loved ones.
Cathy Carisi
Nurturing well-being through social enrichment and meaningful experiences
Her work with disabled children impelled Cathy to launch Camp Acorn, which offers year-round therapeutic enrichment programs and a summer camp for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Camp Acorn’s therapeutic and instructional programs help campers improve fine and gross motor skills and build confidence and self-esteem in a fun, supportive, and inclusive environment.
Dr. Laura McKirdy & Gail Dunlap Reuben
Dr. Laura McKirdy (Left) & Gail Dunlap Reuben (Right)
Interventions that give hearing impaired babies and young children a sound start
This speech language pathologist and audiologist were determined to institute high academic standards for students with hearing loss. They first founded The Lake Drive Foundation, which provided early intervention programs for infants and young children with hearing loss and was the first non-residential school for deaf children in New Jersey. Eventually they turned their expertise and team to providing babies and young children with the therapeutic and clinical resources they need to thrive in a hearing world. Gail passed away in 2017. Dr. McKirdy continues to serve as President Emeritus.
Chaya Bender
Bringing respite and more to special needs families
Chaya co-founded Special Children’s Place, a respite program for special needs families when she was in high school. The organization has grown into a full- service support agency that offers a daily after-school program, summer camp, weekend and overnight respite for caregivers, case management, and other services, all at no cost, through locations in NJ and NY. Chaya serves as director of its Center for Education.
Dr. Dana Spett
Promoting healing and personal growth through horses, farming, and nature
When one of her daughters was diagnosed with a mild sensory disorder, Dana harnessed her professional expertise as a social worker and her lifelong love of horses to establish Pony Power Therapies in 2000. It is the only center in Bergen County that offers a fully accessible nature and farming program with equine-assisted services. Children and young adults with disabilities, life-threatening or life-limiting diseases, and mental health issues engage in therapeutic horseback riding, horse-assisted and garden-assisted learning, and more as they learn life and social skills.
Dr. Douglas Berrian
Serving students and families affected by autism
A long-time special needs educator, Douglas co-founded Phoenix Center, a nonprofit private school for students ages 5-21 with autism as well as physical, behavioral, or intellectual disabilities. The Phoenix Center offers wrap-around services and support, with activities and personalized programs adapted to serve New Jersey’s growing population of children on the autism spectrum or who thrive with specialized support.
