Staatsburg, New York…Anderson Center for Autism announced today that it will host its 101st annual commencement on Friday, June 20th at 1pm at Anderson Center for Autism in Staatsburg, New York.
Said Patrick Paul, CEO/Executive Director at Anderson Center for Autism, “Graduation is special for everyone – our students, families, and team members; together, they’ve worked tirelessly to make this milestone possible. We are in awe of their collective dedication and perseverance, and we very much look forward to celebrating with everyone on June 20th.”
Since 1924, nearly 1800 students have graduated from Anderson Education Center. The Class of 2025 includes 11 individuals: Shamir C., Sean D., Ruby R., Peter B., Jonathan Y., Christopher F., Michael Z., Johnna M., Olivia M., Jake V., and Matthew C.
The collaborative, interdisciplinary education program at Anderson, which all of these students have completed, incorporates behavioral analytic teaching strategies, interventions, and evaluative data review. Visual, environmental, sensory, and communication supports are also utilized as needed by Anderson’s team of behavior specialists and analysts, speech and occupational therapists, and certified special educators. Classroom content is developed in the context of New York State Learning Standards, and progress is measured against goals set forth in IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) developed and adopted annually for each student.
This year’s graduation speaker will be Jeanne Raichle, a longtime Anderson Center for Autism parent and Anderson Foundation for Autism Trustee. The Town of Hyde Park resident is a former special education teacher who helped establish Anderson Family Partners, a supportive group for parents, caregivers, and siblings of Anderson students and residents. Raichle is also actively involved in advocacy efforts, working to secure better funding for adult homes and direct support professional salaries.
Raichle’s daughter, Katy, maintains residency in one of Anderson Center for Autism’s group homes.
Said Raichle, “Anderson has been part of our family since I first enrolled my daughter there 46 years ago, when she was just 6 years of age. Since that time, Anderson Center for Autism has developed into a groundbreaking organization with a wide range of programs and services that are improving the quality of life for individuals with autism. And their work extends to all of us whose loved ones are residents or students at Anderson. The direct support professionals are deeply dedicated to the wellbeing of everyone they serve, and develop strong ties with us along the way. My fellow parents also connect regularly through Anderson Family Partners, providing support for one another as we all continue to learn, grow, and advocate for our kids as they go through their lives. We are all in this together, and I am grateful for the privilege of being part of it, and for being asked to be the keynote speaker at the 2025 graduation ceremony.”
Paul added, “Having been actively involved with Anderson Center for Autism for nearly 50 years, Jeanne brings a unique and special vantage point. We are so pleased that she accepted our invitation to speak at this year’s commencement; she has inspired so many people to get involved in our cause, and we are incredibly grateful to have her as part of Anderson’s extended family.”
For more information, call 845.889.9208 or visit andersoncenterforautism.org.
About Anderson Center for Autism
Our mission at Anderson Center for Autism is to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.
About Anderson Foundation for Autism
Through grantmaking, fundraising, and marketing initiatives, Anderson Foundation for Autism helps support, sustain, and expand upon Anderson Center for Autism’s efforts to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.