Dear Friends, 

For families who have a child with autism, Alpine Learning Group changes everything — at least it did for our family. We first met with Dr. Bridget Taylor, Alpine’s cofounder and CEO, when our daughter Melanie was just three years old.

Mel always had a remarkable smile and a contagious laugh, but we noticed she had challenges in communicating and understanding language. After receiving an autism diagnosis, we felt lost and unsure where to turn. We were lucky to find early intervention and ABA instruction in Queens, NY, for the first several years. As our family grew, we decided to leave the city for New Jersey. It was then that we officially joined the Alpine family.

Alpine recognized the foundational skills that Melanie had built and understood the importance of setting a clear plan that would provide long-term support to Mel and our family. They provided this and so much more! Once we met with the Alpine team, we felt such a sense of calm. They got to know Mel and our family quickly. They learned about our hobbies, interests, goals, and values. They helped to create a plan. We knew where we were going, and we had a great team of specialists to support us along the way.

It has been a partnership for nearly 20 years! As Mel’s learning accelerated, there was no stopping her! She truly loves learning and, to this day, shows such joy when she accomplishes a task. The Alpine team has been a partner and advocate, always reevaluating Mel’s interests and goals as well as the needs of our family, trying new approaches, and adjusting along the way. Every Alpine staff member has been dedicated, determined, and passionate. The Alpine team is amazing and comes into our home and our lives in the most caring, supportive way. They didn’t just teach Mel, they helped us to raise her.

Last year, Mel earned her first paycheck. This year, she was part of an inaugural cohort of paid interns from Alpine at a global medical technology company. From a child who had limited communication skills to a young woman navigating employment, she has grown a lifetime with Alpine.

Perhaps the most amazing part of working with Alpine is that they know the future! They are 10 steps ahead, thinking of things you wouldn’t have thought about, setting Mel and our family up for success in ways we couldn’t have imagined. For example, they know all the skills your child needs to develop, to grow, to thrive, to take care of themselves as they become more independent as young adults. And they worked with Mel to teach her what she needs to know until she can be successful!

Mel is 22 now and transitioning out of Alpine at the end of this year. It’s hard to believe. As she prepares to graduate in June, with the help and support of Alpine, we are planning her adult life. Change is hard and it can be scary, but because of Alpine’s hard work and dedication, Mel is prepared. (We may not be, but she certainly is!) Alpine has equipped her with the skills she needs to live a meaningful life, with purpose, friendship, and happiness. At the end of the day, that’s what we all want for any of our children. We are grateful to Alpine for helping us raise this smart, capable, and beautiful young lady. We are proud of her and grateful for everything Alpine has done for our family.

Will you join us in supporting Alpine Learning Group this holiday season? Your generosity ensures that every child at Alpine has a chance like Melanie had — to love learning and participate fully in her family and community.

Sincerely, Suzette & Marvin Josif