Staatsburg, New York…Anderson Center for Autism’s executive leadership team today announced that Bianca Gallagher, resident of the Town of Woodstock, New York, has been appointed Program Specialist for the nonprofi t’s Organic Outcomes initiative.
Gallagher, who earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Jefferson University (previously called Philadelphia University), has for the past year worked at Anderson’s LifeLong Learning℠ location in Saugerties, NY. In her new role, Gallagher will help manage a LifeLong Learning℠ effort called Organic Outcomes, which is based at Anderson’s main campus in Staatsburg, NY. Through this program, individuals with autism grow seedlings, harvest crops, and prepare fresh produce that is later sold in a variety of settings.
Patrick Paul, CEO and Executive Director of Anderson Center for Autism, remarked: “Organic Outcomes gives autistic and neurodivergent children and adults a chance to develop healthy habits and vocational skills while experiencing socialization, time outdoors, and a therapeutic multi-sensory experience. Because we have witnessed so many success stories among participants, we envision expanding this program. I am very confident that Bianca Gallagher’s expertise and dedication will help bring this vision to life.”
Noted Gallagher, “I feel incredibly privileged to be in a position that allows me to help students and residents prepare to make signifi cant contributions to their communities. Not only are they planting and growing, but they’re making products like ‘The Growing Gift’ plantable cards and ‘Buds and Suds’ bath bombs and soap. They are also packaging them and selling these items; it is a wonderful vocational experience that builds self-worth and enriches life for everyone involved. And I get the chance to help cultivate the pathways that lead from Anderson Center for Autism out into the community and the world – I am so grateful.”
Gallagher added that the harvested produce is eaten on campus and at Anderson’s Day Hab programs, along with being used for cooking group activities. She also noted that the group is currently growing a “dye garden to produce eco-friendly dyes that can be used on apparel.”
And, in addition to managing these activities in her new role with Organic Outcomes at Anderson Center for Autism, Gallagher is taking steps to become registered with the American Horticulture Therapy Association as a Therapeutic Horticulture Practician.
She reflected, “The parallels between permaculture and caring for people with special needs have long been obvious to me – at the heart of both is a focus on observation. When we step back and just observe, we can see what something or someone needs in order to grow. My job is to look for ways to support that growth and development; it is both inspiring and rewarding.”
Dr. Tina Marie Covington, Chief Operating Offi cer at Anderson Center for Autism, said “As our agency continues to evolve, key to our ongoing success and impact is continuing to assemble the right team of caring, insightful, top-notch professionals. Bianca is the ideal fi t for this role, and we are all very excited to see what she’ll bring to Organic Outcomes. There is no doubt that she’ll help optimize the quality of life for the hundreds of students and residents who get to participate in this meaningful program; we’re lucky to have her on board.”
For more information, 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.