April 2022
Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month, which highlights the achievements and perspectives of the autism community. While The Summit Center celebrates the children and adults we serve all year long, April is a special month.
As we prepare for The Summit Center 2022 Autism Walk on May 14, we are excited to share that the Maurers will be the featured family at this year's event. Read their story below along with other stories from families who will be walking this year.
You can join families like the Maurers at this year's event by registering at SummitAutismWalk.org today!
"Our son Luke has only been at The Summit Center (preschool) for 6 short months. It has been amazing to watch him master skills that we thought would be a ways out. We saw a huge difference in his behavior, frustrations, and overall communication. Our family is very proud of Luke for all of his accomplishments and excited for what is to come. We are walking in honor of him as well as the staff. From Luke's teacher, aides, and all of his therapists, we know he is getting so much support to help him continue to develop and learn. We would be lost without them.
Luke's diagnosis is still very new to us, but we continue to learn and advocate every day for autism awareness. We chose team Maurer Power for our name because Luke is a very determined child and loves cars! I am sure he will be racing to the finish line!"
- Chris and Lindsay Maurer, Summit Parents
"My name is Melissa and I am the proud mother of this awesome (not so little anymore) 8-year-old boy, Owen Michael Gratien, the reason behind TeamOMG. This boy right here is the strongest kid I've ever met in my life. He has been a student at The Summit Center since he was 3 years old, and every year he shows us all just how incredible he is by hurdling over milestones we didn't think were possible to achieve when we began this journey. My husband Keith and I are always amazed at how far he has come.
We walk for the staff that support him as well. Without their support, he wouldn't be where he is today. And last but not least, we walk for his friends and their families. Special needs families have a strong, unbreakable bond. If we can help just one family feel less alone on this road, then we've done our job." - Melissa Gratien, Summit Parent
“We walk every year for our Matthew because no one understands our challenges and struggles like The Summit Center. Summit was there for us when Matthew was first diagnosed in 2012, and Summit has been there for us ever since. They guided Matthew and us on our journey and gave him the skills to enter our school district's 8-1-1 special ed class. Even though Matthew no longer attends school at Summit, he still participates in Summit's programs, like Summit Adventures, their respite program. It's these very programs that need funding as well, and without them, we'd be lost. We are proud to walk for Summit because Summit has 'walked' with us.” - Kim Brown, Summit Parent
"This is my nephew Gio! He’s 5 and is autistic. Gio is my sunshine on a rainy day. His smile brightens any room and his little laugh touches your heart. He’s the reason I choose to walk this year. To support him and his community."
- Katrina Amoia, Summit Family Member
Former student and "Big Brother" houseguest hosts monthlong fundraiser for Summit
Britini D’Angelo, a former Summit student and recent “Big Brother” houseguest, is hosting a monthlong fundraiser in partnership with The Giving Project to promote Autism Acceptance Month.
Throughout April, D’Angelo will raffle off a variety of prizes, including four Zoom calls with her. Fans and supporters can enter for a chance to win by visiting GivingProject.com and following D’Angelo on Instagram and TikTok.
D’Angelo was diagnosed with autism at 22 months old and enrolled in Summit’s Early Autism Program soon after. D’Angelo received hours of intensive therapy every week, working one-on-one with her teacher to develop social, communication, and independence skills. She went on to graduate from Niagara University with a Master’s in Early Childhood and Childhood Education, with additional certifications in Special Education and Theatre Education.
In July 2021, D’Angelo debuted as a houseguest on the CBS reality competition show “Big Brother.” Since she was 18, it had been her dream to be the first autistic female on the show.
Now D’Angelo is using her extensive following to promote autism acceptance and educate the community about autism spectrum disorder. Proceeds from her monthlong fundraiser will benefit The Summit Center 2022 Autism Walk.
“I chose The Summit Center as my first fundraiser because they taught me, believed in me, and because of them, I’ve soared! I now want to pay it forward and help others have the experience I did,” said D’Angelo.
For more information about D’Angelo’s fundraiser, click here. To learn more about The Summit Center 2022 Autism Walk, visit SummitAutismWalk.org.
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Other ways you can support
The Summit Center 2022 Autism Walk
There are many ways to support this year’s Summit Autism Walk, including registering, fundraising, volunteering, and participating in third party fundraiser events.
This month there are several third party fundraisers taking place, all of which help sustain life-changing programs:
April - May 14: Pin ups: The Summit Center will sell autism acceptance pin up pieces for $1 each now through May 14. Pin ups will be available for staff at Summit Central and our Creekside location. Businesses or organizations interested in selling the pin up pieces can contact AutismWalk@TheSummitCenter.org or 716.629.3423 for more information.
April: WNY Beer Trail Pass: Throughout April, beer lovers can purchase a Trail Pass from the WNY Beer Trail or any merchandise and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Autism Walk. The pass can be used at 42 WNY locations to get two half-price beers. WNY Beer Trail will also host an event from 1-4 pm, Sunday, April 24 at Nickel City BrewZ, 5175 Broadway #1, Depew. The event is free to attend and includes a cash bar, raffles and a 50/50 raffle. Visit wnybeertrail.com for more information.
April 21: Dine Out at Blaze Pizza: Dine out for a cause from 4 - 8 pm, Thursday, April 21 at Blaze Pizza, The Boulevard Shopping Center, 1595 Niagara Falls Blvd. Bring in the flyer below or show it on your phone before paying. Blaze Pizza will donate 20% of proceeds from your meal back to the Summit Autism Walk! Ordering online? Use the Blaze Pizza App or blazepizza.com and enter the code: 1263A.
May 1: Beers & Cheers for Autism: Enjoy a fun-filled event on Sunday, May 1 at 2 p.m., at West Shore Brewing Company, 10995 Main Street, Clarence. Your $35 ticket includes food and an open bar from 2 – 4 pm. Enjoy live music, basket raffles, 50/50 raffle, and a door prize. Contact Nicole at 818.625.0486 or NicoleLaMonte@gmail.com for tickets or more information.
Twin boys reach new milestones
with Summit's support
Twins Charlie and Leo began their educational journey at The Summit Center in 2020. Over the past two years, Charles and Mallory Stodolka have watched their boys grow so much in their development and thank the boys' teachers, aides, and administrators who have helped them progress.
Charlie and Leo are fun-loving and energetic boys. They are obsessed with "The Lion King" and are very particular about their specific interests. Because Charlie and Leo are autistic, they’ve struggled with speech, and require extensive support for attention and behavior issues. They lack safety awareness and have a tendency to elope. The Stodolka family is always on guard.
The Summit Center has been instrumental in helping Charlie and Leo learn to communicate. Leo has progressed from being completely unable to communicate to using and exchanging picture cards. Throughout his journey, he’s advanced to using an iPad to communicate in full sentences. Charlie started with basic word approximations and his articulation is now much clearer. The teachers at Summit have guided the family along the way, which has had a tremendously positive impact on their lives.
Charles and Mallory said, "When we look at our boys, we reflect on the words of Dr. Temple Grandin: 'I am different, not less.' The staff at The Summit Center truly understand and respect this philosophy. Their commitment to meeting the unique needs of every child has been life-changing for our family."
You can support children like Charlie and Leo by donating today at www.TheSummitCenter.org.
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Summit wins non-profit category
at the ATHENA Awards
Pictured are Sue Keenan, Summit's Director of Human Resources, and Dr. Stephen R. Anderson, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, Summit's Chief Executive Officer, with the Non-Profit Organizational Award won by The Summit Center at this year's ATHENA Awards.
The Summit Center went home with the Non-Profit Organizational Award at the 31st annual ATHENA Awards hosted by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership on April 5. The award is bestowed on a non-profit organization that supports and develops women leaders, inspiring women to achieve their full potential. Summit was a finalist for the award with Explore & More and the Arc of Erie County.
With women representing 85% of Summit's employees, they are instrumental in every decision and action that impact our families and the community. The Summit Center is honored to be recognized and so proud of the incredible work our staff does every day to help children and adults reach their greatest potential.
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Operating Board helps advance Summit’s mission
Rahsaan DeLain, Project Coordinator for Health Equity at the Community Health Center of Buffalo, has been elected to The Summit Center’s Board of Directors. With an extensive background in healthcare equity, he is committed to improving systems in our community that hinder growth and empowerment. Rahsaan is pursuing his PhD in Counseling and Counselor Education from Syracuse University, work that will certainly benefit the individuals that Summit serves.
Summit’s operating board is comprised of professionals who volunteer their time and talent year-round. From special education to marketing to finance, Summit’s board members possess broad professional expertise that strengthens the organization.
The Summit Center Operating Board's longest serving member Liz Schachtner welcomes the newest member Rahsaan DeLain.
Board President Mark Brand, President and CEO of Actuarial Consulting Services, Inc., began his service to The Summit Center 20 years ago. His leadership has guided the organization through many important decisions, including the launch of the Building Hope capital campaign to expand the Pediatric Feeding Clinic and open the Center for Autism Assessment and Treatment.
The board’s longest serving member, Liz Schachtner, joined in 1992. In 1995, she played a role in the transition from founder Nancy Harris’s tenure to current CEO, Dr. Stephen Anderson as well as the rebranding from the Language Development Program to Summit Educational Resources and, eventually, The Summit Center.
The Summit Center welcomes involvement from community members to shape the landscape for people with developmental disabilities. A dedicated operating board has allowed Summit to expand and implement new programs. To learn more about the board, visit www.thesummitcenter.org/staff-governance.
Pro Tips: Autism friendly activities
There are many activities around Western New York that are geared toward children with autism and their families. Some activities are held in April as part of Autism Acceptance Month, while others are provided in the summer or all year long. Be sure to check your local youth and parks and rec departments for adaptive sports and other activities. The list below includes some, but not all, activities available:
Au-Some evenings at Explore & More
Once a month, Explore & More hosts Au-Some Evenings to give children with autism and their families an opportunity to play and learn in a supportive environment. Families have access to the museum, play zones, sensory friendly spaces, and quiet kits. Explore & More features different activities such as a music center, therapy dogs, art projects, and gross motor activities. Explore & More is located at 130 Main St., Buffalo. Learn more about Au-Some Evenings here.
Sensory Friendly movies
Flix Stadium 10 in Lancaster hosts a sensory friendly film series the first Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. Regal Cinemas in Niagara Falls hosts My Way Matinee, which features sensory friendly films on select Tuesdays and Saturdays each month. Films will be shown with the theater lights on and the sound lowered. Learn more about Flix 10's series here or Regal Cinemas' program here.
AuSome Evening at the Niagara Aquarium
On Friday, April 15, The Aquarium of Niagara will be open to families of children with autism from 6 – 8 pm. Guests can enjoy a sea lion presentation, interact with stingrays, participate in a SEAster Egg Hunt, and visit The Summit Center information table all in a supportive environment. Crafts, snacks and sensory stations will also be available. The aquarium is located at 701 Whirlpool St, Niagara Falls. For more information, click here.
Autism Nature Trail Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park features a new Autism Nature Trail designed to meet sensory needs of children and adults with autism. It’s a mile-long loop with sensory stations, including nature-inspired musical instruments, swings, a maze and more. To visit, use the Castile entrance at Letchworth located at 6787 County Rd 38, Castile. The trail is next to the Humphrey Nature Center. Visit autismnaturetrail.com for more information.
A Playground for All at Chestnut Ridge Park
This new playground is fully accessible for children of all needs and abilities. It features adaptive playground equipment, sensory stations, and a safe playground surface. You can visit the playground at 6121 Chestnut Ridge Road, Orchard Park.
Theatre of Youth sensory sensitive performances
The Theatre of Youth will put on a sensory-friendly performance of Beauty and the Beast on Saturday, May 8 at 10 a.m. Children can sit where they’re most comfortable and move around when they need to. The theatre will also have increased lighting throughout the performance, lower sound levels, and less seating capacity to allow guests more space to move around. The theater is located at 203 Allen Street, Buffalo. For more information, click here.
Employee Spotlight - Presented by West Herr
Meet Yulanda McVay!
What is your role at Discovery Kids?
I am the Executive Director of Discovery Kids Learning Center. Discovery Kids operates at Summit's Stahl Road location and provides care for children ages 6 weeks through preschool. Some children in Discovery Kids integrate with students from Summit.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I absolutely love seeing the children daily, one look at those adorable faces automatically makes me smile!
Name someplace on your bucket list.
I would like to travel to Dubai.
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is Coming to America ( Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall)
Where is your favorite place to eat in Western New York?
My favorite place to eat in Western New York is Fat Bob’s Smokehouse.
Fact of the Month
An estimated 25-30% of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder are nonverbal or are minimally verbal. (Cochrane Database, National Library of Medicine, 2018)
Our Mission
Guided by evidence-based practice, we maximize life success for people facing developmental, social and behavioral challenges.
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