New Vista Annual Giving Campaign 2009
New Vista Leadership New Vista School Foundation Directors Mike Echolds President William Bermingham Vice President Harshad Dharod Vice President Merritt Weiss Vice President/Secretary New Vista School Directors Greg Brashears President Karen Lerner Vice President/Secretary Martin DeKarver, CPA Treasurer Ruth Bass, M.S., CCC-SLP Nancy Donnelly, M.A. Michael Jewell, J.D. Nancy Lin, OTR/L Christine Majors, Psy.D. Kelly McKinnon, M.A., BCBA Jim Reardon, CEO Ihab Soliman, M.D. New Vista School Advisory Board Joseph Donnelly, M.D. Robin Epstein, M.D.. Robin Goldberg, Ph.D. Geeta Grover, M.D. Kristen Iverson, Ph.D. Scott Larson, Ph.D. Andrew McIntosh, M.D. David Monkarsh, M.D. Perry D. Passaro, Ph.D. Kate Stuhr-Mack, Ph.D. Dear New Vista School Friends and Family, I want to share with you the extraordinary impact that New Vista School has had on one of our families. New Vista Parent Story When I pull away from New Vista School and wave goodbye to my son for the day, I am not plagued with worry that when I return I will find him in tears because he was teased and misunderstood. Instead, I am certain that he will be safe, encouraged, and empowered. My son is getting the support he needs; he is learning to be his own advocate and to adapt to changing situations. In addition, he is receiving an excellent education. New Vista School has been the catalyst for improving our son’s life. The changes we see in him because of New Vista have also improved our home life. Getting up and going to school is no longer a battle, and he is taking part in more family activities. At New Vista School we found a place where our son belongs and our family has found a community. - A New Vista Parent Our students have unique needs and unrealized potential. New Vista School provides a safe and structured educational environment for students with Asperger Syndrome, high functioning Autism, and others who may benefit from social and transitional skills programs. Our team of teachers and counselors collaborate to target the specific needs of each student. Together with support from parents, we maximize our students’ capabilities. Our overarching goal is to foster independence through academics, social skills, self-advocacy, and community involvement. Without New Vista, what would happen to our students? We have made a significant improvement in students’ lives through our programs, which combine academics, social skills, and transition skills in an environment and community that encourages students to thrive. We are the only school of our kind in Orange County and have been serving the community since 1976. New Vista School is committed to offering the best social and transitional skills programs for our targeted population. We are a practical and affordable option for families and provide small class sizes, individualized attention, specialized programs and state of the art learning aides. We are equipped as a practical alternative to traditional school settings by offering our students the opportunity to reach their potential in a safe and nurturing environment. New Vista School needs your continued support to help our students and their families. Tuition at New Vista School covers less than half of the operating expenses for the year. With the help of contributors, we have been able to offer life-enhancing academic, social, and transition programs. We utilize all of our resources to ensure that our students become self directed, responsible, and aware of others and their environment. These critical skills are the building blocks for successful transition after graduation and a practical and meaningful adult life. We seek your support for New Vista School and our families. We ask that you invest in New Vista School with an annual gift that will improve the lives of the children and families we serve. With gratitude, Mike Echolds President New Vista School Foundation “I found it! I found it! I found it! I know my child belongs here; We belong here! – New Vista Parent “Our son has finally found acceptance and support. He feels he has a mentor to whom he can turn for help. New Vista School has been a blessing.” - Bill and Sue Kuhns Foundation Office | 10801 National Blvd, Ste. 560 Los Angeles, CA 90064 | 310 441 9635 School Office | 23092 Mill Creek Drive Laguna Hills, CA 92653 | 949 279 2383
