At Catholic Charities of New York, we believe in empowering every child to reach their fullest potential. This Autism Awareness Month, we are proud to highlight the incredible work of Kennedy Children’s Center (KCC)—one of our federation’s agencies—along with the inspiring journeys of two graduates from their Grow Your Own (GYO) program: Perla M. and Niesha A.
Kennedy Children’s Center provides a nurturing preschool environment for children ages 2.9 to 5 who have been identified as having significant developmental delays. Their mission is to offer specialized education and care that meets each child’s individual needs—laying the foundation for lifelong learning, confidence, and growth.
One of KCC’s most transformative initiatives is the Grow Your Own program, a free 6–7 week in-person course that provides all required screenings, workshops, and exams to help participants earn their New York State Teacher Assistant certification. GYO not only equips individuals with the tools to become educators, but it also cultivates leaders from within the community—often parents whose own children have been touched by autism.
From Parents to Educators: Perla and Niesha’s Stories
Perla M., a GYO graduate and current Teacher Assistant at KCC, was inspired to join the program through her personal experience. As a mother to twins who both have autism, Perla was driven by a deep curiosity and a desire to better understand her children’s world.
“My children’s diagnosis shaped my perspective in a very big way,” Perla shared. “It got me really interested in early childhood education.”
Perla credits KCC for playing a monumental role in her children’s development—and in her own personal journey. Through the support of KCC’s staff, she gained a deeper understanding of autism and how to nurture her children’s strengths. Now, as an educator, she brings compassion, patience, and profound empathy to her classroom.
“Being a mother of two kids with autism helps me understand my students and their families in a deep way. I get to understand their struggles and show different ways of love and compassion,” she said.
Autism Awareness Month means so much to me. Having children on the spectrum opened up a marvelous world that not everyone can see or understand.
Similarly, Niesha A., a GYO graduate and Teacher Assistant, was inspired by her son’s journey at Kennedy Children’s Center. Witnessing the dedication of her son’s teachers—and the transformative impact of a supportive educational environment—motivated Niesha to step into the field herself.
“My son had an awesome teacher who believed in him and pushed him,” Niesha reflected. “A child can feel that, and it drives them to reach their full potential.”
As a mother to a child with autism, Niesha uses her firsthand experiences to connect with families, guide students with empathy, and celebrate every milestone. She emphasizes the critical importance of early education for children on the spectrum.
“Every child is unique and needs help in certain areas. Being in the right school early can expose them to the skills they need to thrive later in life,” she said.
Building a More Inclusive Future
Early education is especially critical for children with autism. As Perla shared, “resources can be so hard to find—early intervention shows children they are important and opens doors for their future.” Niesha added, “every child is unique. Early education helps build the emotional, academic, and social skills they need to thrive later in life.”
Through programs like Grow Your Own, Kennedy Children’s Center not only empowers individuals to become educators but also builds stronger bridges between families, schools, and communities. Both Perla and Niesha exemplify how lived experiences can shape powerful advocates and leaders—creating classrooms where understanding, patience, and joy flourish.
This Autism Awareness Month, Catholic Charities of New York celebrates the courage, resilience, and vibrant potential of children with autism, their families, and the dedicated educators who walk alongside them every step of the way.
