OUR STORY
MISSION:
John's Light is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing neuroinclusive education by supporting neurodiverse learners, their families, and the neuroinclusive private schools, learning programs and the variety of therapy services that serve them. We provide funding for student scholarships, adaptive educational equipment, therapeutic resources, and building improvements to help these schools, programs and therapies foster safe, accessible and neuroinclusive learning environments where all learners can thrive and discover the brilliance within.
WHAT WE DO:
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At John's Light, we believe every neurodiverse learner deserves the chance to shine and to thrive - in school and in life.
Every dollar raised goes directly toward:
Student scholarships for tuition at private neuroinclusive schools/programs for quality education and individualized learning.
Student scholarships for various therapies including speech, occupational, physical & myofunctional.
Adaptive educational equipment and sensory-friendly classroom tools.
Facility improvements for safer, more neuroinclusive private schools and learning environments.​
Family support to bridge financial gaps and strengthen communities.
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We seek out compassionate individuals, families and organizations who want to make a difference. Every contribution - big and small - directly fuels brighter futures for neurodiverse learners. Together, we can light the way forward - one neurodiverse learner, one neuroinclusive classroom and one therapeutic program
at a time.
FOUNDER​:​
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Inspired by my incredible autistic son, John, and the emotional journey of parenting a neurodivergent child, I founded John's Light. Through the profound joys and challenges of our path, my husband and I experienced firsthand the immense financial reality of securing numerous therapies and support our son needed -- from ABA to specialized education and various therapies. This journey opened our eyes to a critical gap faced by so many families like ours -- and it became the spark that ignited John's Light, a nonprofit dedicated to shining hope, light and support to other families on their own autism and neurodivergent journeys.
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With gratitude and light for every child,
Maria J.​
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Maria T. - President
​In pursuit of her passion for teaching and inspiring children, Maria earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from Arizona State University and taught in Arizona public schools for five years. After relocating to Michigan and starting a family, she continued working in education in various roles, including as a Resource Room paraprofessional, where she supported both neurotypical and neurodiverse students one-on-one. Now back in a classroom of her own, Maria is a devoted educator and has a special love for supporting students who think and learn in unique ways. As the proud mom of three daughters, Maria is committed to creating more opportunities for these amazing children.​
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​Lindsay K. - Secretary
To fulfill her lifelong dream of teaching children, Lindsay earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from Texas A&M, an M.Ed. in Gifted and Talented Education, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. She spent ten years teaching elementary students in Texas public and private schools as well as in international schools in China. Teaching and learning have always been her passion, and she has a special love for supporting students who think and learn in unique ways. Now, as the mom of a neurodiverse son, Lindsay is personally committed to creating more opportunities for these amazing children.​
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Panagiota S. - Treasurer
​Panagiota brings over 25 years of teaching experience, working with students from preschool through 5th grade. She currently teaches 5th grade in Arizona's largest public school district. Panagiota holds a B.A. in Mathematics with a minor in Piano Performance from Agnes Scott College and a M.S. in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. She is passionate about supporting the needs of all her students and inspiring a love of learning.