Hello Everyone,
As the year draws to a close, I want to share a story of transformation and progress at the school now known as Pingree Autism Center of Learning. When I first walked through its doors, I saw a place brimming with potential but in need of modernization.
The school, while beautiful, presented a mix of challenges and promise. The mingling of our diverse student body in the hallways called for thoughtful space planning to ensure safety for all. It was clear that while we were making do, growth and change were on the horizon.
Beyond the physical space, our educational tools also awaited an upgrade. The sight of cassette recorders and stacks of paper signaled a need for a leap into the present with technology and innovation. I was honored to be the one tapped to lead this evolution.
My experience in Texas had provided a solid background in autism and early childhood programming, yet Pingree showed me a community commitment like no other. With some modern touches and strategic planning, I envisioned a future where we could offer comprehensive care for individuals with autism, spanning from preschool to their golden years.
We set our sights high, with the support of the Valley board, to not only be a leader in autism care but to create a full continuum of care that was unparalleled in its depth and research-backed approaches.
The timeline below, which my team and I crafted, showcases the milestones of our journey—a journey made possible by the dedication and vision of so many.
Timeline of Transformation
1970s: The genesis of our story with the founding of Carmen B. Pingree Center, driven by the needs seen by parents like Carmen Pingree herself.
2012: A personal highlight for me was joining forces with John and Carmen Pingree at a fundraiser, igniting a shared passion for autism care that continues to guide us.
1998 & 2012: Visionaries like the Spaffords and many community members helped expand our capacity to serve and innovate, setting the financial groundwork for what was to become a comprehensive care model.
2014: The rebranding to Carmen B. Pingree Autism Center of Learning and the launch of our ‘Do Your Blue’ campaign marked the beginning of a new era of community engagement and technological advancements.
2016: The Carson Smith Adolescent Annex came to life, thanks to relentless efforts and advocacy, providing a bridge for our students towards a more independent future.
Looking Ahead
2020 & 2021: We embraced technology to extend our reach beyond the classroom and are excited about the upcoming launch of Utah’s first Adult Autism Center.
2022 and Beyond: I hope the vision continues to expand, with plans to introduce residential services and replicate our model of care to serve even more families.
Acknowledgments
I must pay tribute to the dedicated team members like Dr. Julia Hood, Tara Ayrton, Spencer Seaquist, Ivanna Taylor, and countless others who have been instrumental in every step of growth, every challenge overcome with laughter and determination.
For those interested in learning more about our work and journey, I invite you to visit our websites:
Pingree Autism Center of Learning
Valley Behavioral Health
As we look back on what we’ve built together, my heart is full of pride yet humbled by the collective effort it has taken to reach this point. Here’s to the continued journey, the lives we touch, and the bright future we build together.
Warmest Regards,