Congressman Tim Kennedy connects with Summit students during visit |
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Recently, we welcomed U.S. Rep. Tim Kennedy to the The Summit Center to share how evidence-based programs and individualized supports help children and adults with autism thrive. During his visit, Congressman Kennedy toured Summit Academy Stahl and stopped by several classrooms, where he had the opportunity to meet some of our students and see our team in action. Summit CEO Lisa Foti and President Amy Jablonski shared insights into the vital services Summit provides to families across Western New York. They highlighted the growing need for educational and community integration programs and the important role the government plays in delivering personalized support. We thank Congressman Kennedy and his team for taking the time to tour Summit and learn more about the meaningful work being done to help individuals with autism reach their fullest potential. |
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Registration for the
2026 Autism Walk opens March 1 |
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Join us for the largest autism walk in Western New York!
The Summit Center 2026 Autism Walk will take place on Saturday, May 2 at 150 Stahl Road, Getzville. Registration will open on March 1 and costs $10; children under 18 years old are free and do not need to register.
The summit is not always the highest peak on the mountain. Sometimes it's the moment you surpass your personal limits. Support for the Autism Walk enables us to provide fundamental programs that help people reach new heights.
Additional details will be available closer to registration. Join our Facebook group, The Summit Center 2026 Autism Walk, for updates, special events, and more! |
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Perry's Ice Cream gives back
to Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic |
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Perry’s Ice Cream recently made a generous $2,500 donation to support therapeutic services at The Summit Center’s Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic. Supporting mental health initiatives is one of the key community pillars of Perry’s Ice Cream's philanthropic efforts. This funding will help children and families access critical behavioral and mental health care, particularly children who may be experiencing a co-occurring condition such as autism or ADHD.
In late November, members of Perry’s Community Support team visited the clinic to learn more about its impact and ongoing needs. During their visit, they met with Dr. David Meichenbaum, director of the Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic, and Dr. Amy Jablonski, president of The Summit Center, who shared insights into the valuable services provided to the community. |
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WNYRCASD annual conference
to focus on behavior support |
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The Western New York Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (WNYRCASD) will hold its annual conference, “Advancing Behavior Support: From Prevention to Treatment,” on Friday, March 20. The virtual event is designed for teachers, school administrators, therapists, and parents to improve the lives of children with autism. |
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Registration is now open at TheSummitCenter.org. The cost is $40, and ASHA, BCBA, CTLE, OT/OTA, PT/PTA, PSY, and Social Work CEUs are available. Through a blend of research-informed practices and real-world applications, the conference will provide strategies for managing challenging behaviors in children with autism and other developmental disabilities so they can reach their fullest potential. The conference will feature four professionals with extensive knowledge on effective behavioral interventions. This year’s presenters are: - Jason Robinson, Ph.D., BCBA-D, associate professor at Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL
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Stephanie H. Jones, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA, assistant professor at Salve Regina University, Newport, RI
- Jeffrey H. Tiger, Ph.D., BCBA-D, associate professor at Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
- Sean Smith, Ph.D., BCBA-D, clinical provider and assistant professor at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY
For more information or to register, visit TheSummitCenter.org. |
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Niagara University game to shine light on autism acceptance |
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The Niagara University men’s basketball team will host an Autism Awareness Game at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 15 at Gallagher Center, 6 Varsity Drive, Niagara University, NY 14109.
Cheer on the Purple Eagles as they face Iona University. Tickets are $14.14 and children are free. A percentage of ticket sales will be donated back to The Summit Center.
"Sports bring people together, and this Autism Awareness Game is about more than what happens on the court. It is about inclusion, acceptance, and building a strong community. At Niagara, we believe in valuing people for who they are," said Greg Paulus, head coach of the men’s basketball team. “Through our long partnership with The Summit Center, we have seen firsthand the amazing impact they’ve had on individuals and families on the autism spectrum. This game is a great way to recognize that work and help more people better understand, appreciate, and support the autism community.” |
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Plan for the future with purpose |
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Planned giving is a meaningful way to ensure the causes you care about continue to have a lasting impact. By naming a charity in your will, the values you hold close will live on to help future generations.
If you share our belief that everyone deserves to feel welcome and supported, consider including The Summit Center in your estate plans. A bequest of any size will help expand opportunities, strengthen vital services, and foster a more inclusive community. |
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Making a planned gift is simpler than people realize. After providing for your loved ones, you may choose to allocate a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your estate to The Summit Center. If you already have a will, this can often be accomplished with an update known as a codicil. You can also name Summit as the beneficiary of a retirement account, insurance policy, property, or other asset.
A will is more than a legal document. It’s a tool that allows you to create a legacy of compassion, inclusion, and possibility. Visit TheSummitCenter.org/plannedgiving to learn more. If you’ve already included The Summit Center in your will, let us know so we can properly acknowledge your generosity.
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Dr. Anderson addresses autism and early childhood development in published article
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Dr. Stephen R. Anderson, former Summit CEO, recently had his article “Early Childhood Development and Autism Spectrum Disorders: What Matters the Most?” published by the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT).
The article discusses challenges children with autism face and how early intervention can help autistic individuals learn the skills they need to thrive. To read the full article, visit ASAT’s website.
ASAT is a not-for-profit organization committed to improving the education, treatment, and care of people with autism. It provides comprehensive, researched information and resources for families and professionals. |
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Employee Spotlight - Presented by West Herr |
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Meet Lucy Wagle!
What is your role at Summit? I am a speech-language pathologist working at Summit Academy Creekside and Summit Academy Enhanced. I have been working at The Summit Center since 2016.
Describe what your day might look like.
Though each day at The Summit Center is different, my day typically involves providing speech and language therapy services to students and supporting my fellow clinicians as one of the speech and language senior therapists.
What are you most proud of, personally and professionally?
While at The Summit Center, I have had the privilege of working with a tremendous group of students and colleagues. I am most proud of the relationships that I have built with these individuals and the progress that my students make on a daily basis.
Where is your favorite place to eat in Western New York? My favorite place to eat is Remington Tavern.
Name someplace on your bucket list. A “bucket list” location I would love to visit is Montana to see the wildlife. |
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February 15: Niagara University Autism Awareness Basketball Game
Celebrate autism acceptance and inclusion as the Purple Eagles take on Iona University. Purchase tickets through the link above and 50% will be donated back to The Summit Center.
March 20: WNYRCASD Conference
The WNY Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders will host its annual conference entitled "Advancing Behavior Support: From Prevention to Treatment." Registration is open at Summit's website.
May 2: The Summit Center 2026 Autism Walk
The 2026 Autism Walk will take place on Saturday, May 2. Registration opens March 1 and costs $10; children under 18 are free. Stay tuned for more details. |
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Though the term "autism" first appeared around 1911, very little was known or medically researched about autism spectrum disorder until the late 20th century. New discoveries and advancements continue to be made today to help individuals on the spectrum achieve their full potential. (MassGeneral For Children) |
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Our Mission
Guided by evidence-based practice, we maximize life success for people facing developmental, social, and behavioral challenges. |
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