04/23/2026
Today we celebrate Allyson during Autism Acceptance Month! As Lead Educational Technician in the Hemlock classroom, Allyson has spent nearly seven years focused on connection, consistency, and growth. Working one-to-one with five students ages 14–19, she finds progress in everyday moments—from joining a group for the first time to building independence through daily life skills.
For her, that’s the heart of the work. “If we can teach them tiny things over time that build into larger skills, it helps them in the long run,” she said.
She credits strong teamwork and consistency for building trust and momentum. “Nothing has to happen fast—it just needs to happen at their learning speed,” she said. “When the lightbulb comes on—you see it in their eyes—they relax, they smile—that’s everything!”