"You Deserve..." Awards Ceremony
Each year, the “You Deserve…” Awards Brunch uplifts stories of advocacy, community service, and inclusion that too often go unrecognized. It is a moment to say, “You deserve to be seen, heard, and honored.”
Previous Honorees
We are giving the spotlight to previous awardees of our annual ceremony.
2025
Christine Dydzuhn
Advocate and parent leader known for her collaborative spirit and work in
inclusive education.
Gina Liberta
A fierce champion for neurodiverse learners and equitable access to services.
Iman Jones Doxen
Community connector and voice for underserved families navigating
complex systems.
Theresa Reyes
Longtime advocate dedicated to early intervention, cultural inclusion,
and family empowerment.
The Stockton School (P.S. 297)
A Brooklyn-based public school making significant strides in sensory inclusion
and programming for all learners.
2024
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Principal Baptiste
P.S. 132Q Ralph Bunche School
Recognized for his exceptional leadership
and commitment to inclusive education, especially through the SEED program.
Venus Ramos
Celebrated for her advocacy and support within the Rockaway Beach Autism Families
organization, reflecting her dedication as a mother and community member.
Crystal Covington
Honored for her 16 years as an Occupational Therapist, helping adults with developmental disabilities, and her personal commitment driven by family experiences.
Melissa Singh
Commended for her unwavering dedication as a mother and advocate, balancing her family's needs with positivity and strength.
Laura and Kevin Eikevik
Acknowledged for their remarkable teamwork and dedication to their son
Declan, actively participating in community
programs and raising significant funds
for Autism Speaks.
2023
Andrew & Claudia Campbell
Andrew and Claudia Campbell were honored for their powerful advocacy in the autism community and their commitment to inclusion and awareness. As parents to twin daughters with autism, they’ve shared their journey openly, championed early intervention, and supported countless families through education, empathy, and action.
Natasha Scott
Natasha Scott was honored for her leadership in occupational therapy and her advocacy as a parent of twins
with autism.
She oversees OT services for thousands of students and empowers others through her work, passion, and belief in seeing the able, not the label.
Patricia Labossiere
Patricia Labossiere was honored for her advocacy for autistic individuals,
especially adults.
A Rockaway native and mother of five, she is dedicated to ensuring that autism support doesn’t end at 21 and that every person finds acceptance and purpose.
Shari & Kevin Heron
Kevin and Shari were honored for their strength, advocacy, and commitment to embracing their son’s autism journey.
After a premature birth and an autism diagnosis at age 2½, they’ve continued to learn, grow, and share their story — inspiring other families through love, inclusion, and resilience.
P.S. 91 The Richard Arkwright School (Horizon Program)
Principal Gregory Filippi was honored for his inclusive leadership and commitment to
student-centered education.
Since joining the school in 2017, he
has championed an asset-based
approach, bringing the Horizon program to the school and fostering a
community rooted in compassion, collaboration, and inclusion.
2022
Chivaughn McGriff-Clarke
Chivaughn Clarke, “Mrs. Ausome,” was honored for her dedication to autism advocacy and support.
Inspired by her son Kenneth Jr., she created A Day in the Life of Kenny Ausome children’s books. A retired NYPD Sergeant and co-founder of L.E.A.F., she founded The Ausome Angel Network—a judgment-free space for autism families and caregivers to connect and support each other.
Crystal Kearney
Crystal, from Savannah, Georgia, now lives in Enterprise, Alabama, raising two sons on the autism spectrum. She’s a dedicated autism advocate who supports other parents and shares her journey openly. Crystal has hosted interviews with well-known advocates and inspires many with her resilience and passion
Mary Ellen Dejmek
Mary Ellen is an incredible mother of four, including one child with autism. With her spouse often deployed in the military and frequent moves, she raises her children mostly on her own. She prioritizes finding the right care for her kids and dedicates herself fully to their needs. Mary’s strength and devotion are truly inspiring.
Mykell Holloway
Mykell Holloway, a Rhode Island native, moved to New York at 18 and pursued a track scholarship at Monroe College. In 2014, she published her first urban fiction novel under the pen name Kellz Kimberly. Alongside her writing career, she is a devoted mother to two children, one diagnosed with ASD. Despite the challenges, Mykell balances her businesses, writing, and advocacy for her sons with determination and strength.
Venetra Danford aka Bella
Bella is an autism advocate and founder of Mom Mob: Connecting Mothers Worldwide, a community of 13,000 caregivers. Inspired by her son Gunner’s autism diagnosis, she provides support, resources, and events for families. Based in Atlanta, Bella has been featured in Buzz Magazine Atlanta and Voyage ATL for her impactful work, dedicated to uplifting mothers everywhere.
2021
Caitlin Walsh
Caitlin is a dedicated mom, wife, and NYC IEP teacher. As a parent to two daughters with unique medical and developmental needs, she brings deep personal insight and passion to advocating for children—both at home and in the classroom.
Erika Newsome
Erika is an EMT, educator, financial advisor, and passionate advocate for families of children with special needs. A mother of seven, including two with special needs, she combines her personal experience with professional expertise to guide parents through educational and financial challenges.
Evelyn Cruz
Evelyn Cruz was a fierce, faithful mother and lifelong advocate for her son with special needs. After his early regression due to seizures and a difficult diagnosis, Evelyn fought tirelessly to ensure he had the support, dignity, and opportunities he deserved. While working full-time as a single mom, she cared for him with love, strength, and unshakable faith—her motto always: “God is in control.” Her legacy lives on through her children and the example she set.
Irene Brown
Irene Brown is a devoted mother and founder of I Brag Differently, an online support group for moms of children with special needs. Inspired by her daughter Taliyah, Irene created a space to share tips, resources, and encouragement—from advocacy to daily routines. Her mission is simple: to give moms hope, support, and practical tools as they help their children thrive.
Sherry Algredo
Sherry is a dedicated advocate for children with special needs, serving over a decade in NYC education and community roles. From Community Education Council 27 to 1st Vice Chair of Community Board 9, she champions school equity and family support. Recognized by city leaders, Sherry’s mission is to ensure children and families receive the services
they deserve.
2020
Alice Viamille
Alice, from Chicago, is a devoted mother to Leon, her son on the autism spectrum. After years of seeking answers, she committed herself to securing the best care and support for him. Her message to parents: "the fight for your child’s future is yours, stay strong and never give up."
Ellen McHugh
Ellen has worked with Parent to Parent of NY State since 1995, helping expand its NYC office. A mother of three, including a son with hearing loss, she has been a strong advocate for special education and helped develop NYC’s first fully integrated public schools for students with IEPs.
Ivonne Colon
Ivonne, a dedicated special needs mom from Rockaway, supports her son William, a talented artist and musician on the autism spectrum. Drawing on her early childhood education experience, she manages William’s face painting business, Wonderful Faces, sharing his gifts and bringing joy to Queens communities.
Lori Podvesker
Lori is a former NYC teacher and parent advocate for special needs students. She’s Director of Disability & Education Policy at INCLUDEnyc and holds an M.S.Ed. from Brooklyn College. Lori serves on local disability councils and lives in Brooklyn with her teenage son.
Matthew Wolf
Matt is a devoted father to his son Michael, on the autism spectrum. With patience and a fearless spirit, he leads community events like the Rockaway Beach Autism Families’ pizza/skate parties. Matt embodies what it means to be a “Super Dad”—dedicated, loving, and joyful in the journey.
2019
Kami-Leigh Agard
Kami-Leigh Agard, a Rockaway Beach journalist and autism advocate, began sharing her journey after her daughter’s diagnosis through a local newspaper column. She founded Rockaway Beach Autism Families to support others and raise awareness. Her work gives a voice to special-needs families and promotes inclusion and opportunity for those on the spectrum.
Frederick Rodriguez
Frederick Rodriguez, a New York native and devoted father, became a passionate advocate for children with Down Syndrome after his son Connor's birth and diagnosis. Navigating medical and educational challenges, he and his family turned their journey into action by founding Connor’s Place in 2019—a resource center dedicated to advocacy and raising awareness for individuals with Down Syndrome.
Gloria Corsino
Gloria Corsino is a longtime parent advocate and former President of the Citywide Education Council for District 75. A mother of three, including two sons on the autism spectrum, she became deeply involved in education leadership to support not only her children but families citywide. Gloria uses her experience to empower parents, influence policy, and drive change for students
with disabilities.