Our Story
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About our Foundation
The Autism on the Seas Foundation was born from the understanding of the tremendous financial impact that having a child with a disability has on families. Statistics show that caregivers of children and adults with disabilities spend on average $20,000 more per year caring for their loved ones than families with typically developing members. Based on the feedback from families that we have supported, we know the value and benefit that taking vacations has for these families, both individually and collectively. Unfortunately, due to the financial strains on so many families, a vacation is not a realistic consideration and in some cases is impossible without additional resources.
Our Mission & Vision
The mission of the Foundation is to provide financial assistance to families so they can access supported and inclusive vacation experiences. We accomplish this through generous donations from individuals, corporations, and private trusts. These contributions allow us to extend life-changing opportunities to as many families as possible, offering them not only a chance to travel but also to heal, connect, and create joyful, lasting memories together.
Our vision is for all families with neurodivergent individuals or other disabilities to have access to travel opportunities that enhance their overall quality of life. We believe that, with the right support and accommodations tailored to each individual’s needs, families can enjoy inclusive and enriching vacation experiences. Through these efforts, we aim to foster connection, understanding, and meaningful memories that uplift and empower every member of the family.
Since the first Autism on the Seas cruise onboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Line in July of 2007, the families that have joined us have formed a natural bond we like to call the Autism on the Seas Community. Together with the energy, effort and love from this community, it was only a matter of time before we addressed the need to share the opportunity and grant the dreams of families in severe need to have a vacation by creating the Autism on the Seas Foundation.
I graduated from The College of New Jersey in 2013 with my Masters in Special Education and worked as a special Ed teacher for many years before pursing my PhD in Autism and Intellectual Disability at Columbia University, graduating in 2019. I have worked as an Assistant Professor at St. Joseph’s University in Patchogue and now Adelphi University in Garden City, teaching primarily aspiring elementary or special education teachers. I currently perform research in the areas of family well-being and special needs, and teacher preparation programs.
I graduated from Nova Southeastern Law School in 1996 and subsequently worked at the Broward County Clerk’s Office for 6 years. I have been in private practice since 2003 and continue to practice primarily in criminal defense. I’ve been happily married to my wife, Channon, for 28 years and we are the proud parents of adult twin sons, one of whom is on the autism spectrum. Our family has been sailing with AotS for more than a decade. Furthermore, I am honored to be a member of the Royal Caribbean Autism Advisory Board.
Dream Team
Our Operations Team reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Foundation, including fundraising, building family's vacations, forging alliances and supporting families to raise their own money through GoCruiseMe.
I grew up in England, and after completing college I qualified as a Chartered Accountant and worked for several blue-chip companies. Our family moved to the United States with IBM in 2011. After my son Dylan, who had autism, died in 2012 I started a family foundation in his memory - Dylan's Wings of Change. I left DWC in June 2024 and began volunteering for Autism on the Seas Foundation as Program Director.
I am a lifelong resident of Shelton, CT. I have a degree in Small Business Management. In February 2014, I started working with Autism on the Seas and moved over to working with the Foundation in 2019. My husband and I have two daughters, our oldest was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. We have enjoyed five cruises with AotS as a family over the years. I also work as a realtor for a small agency in Shelton.