It all started with a class project...
In 2006, Alison Edie and Toni Cassella were working towards their Masters in Education. The class assignment was to " pick something you are passionate about that would further our career". Alison and Toni decided to produce a video for families new to the diagnosis of Autism.
The video would be centered on a young child with Autism, his family, and their journey with Autism from initial signs, through diagnosis, treatment plans and where he is today.
The family selected was special to Alison. It was one of her first students in the "Home Based" program of New England Center for Children (NECC), in Southborough, MA where she worked for three years.
The film was debuted in April, 2007 in front of an audience of peers, college professionals and faculty of NECC. The response was overwhelming and ignited the passion even more to help families new to the diagnosis of Autism.
It is from this class project that HUGE POSSIBILITIES, INC was born!
ALISON EDIE, M.S.Ed has been working and volunteering with children with disabilities from the age of 13. Upon receiving her Bachelor of Science in education with a concentration in mild to moderate disabilities from Bowling Green State University, she moved to Boston, MA to be a part of the world renowned New England Center for Children in Southborough, MA. Alison continued her education at Simmons College where she received a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in moderate to sever disabilities.
Today, Alison is living in Cleveland Ohio and is a special educator in the Solon Public School system. Alison has dedicated her professional career to Huge Possibilities Inc and hopes to become full-time in the near future.
Alison is Huge Possibilities, President and Director of Programs.
LESLIE ST. JEAN is a Mom of two children. Her youngest is a child with Autism. Leslie earned a BSBA with a concentration in Accounting from Bryant University. She has over 15 years of business experience from small business, to non profits to Fortune 500 companies. From the day the signs of Autism began to emerge in her son she has been very active in the special education and Autism Communities. Leslie has held the position of Co-chair in her town Special Education Parent Advisory Council and well as chair of AVID (Accepting, Valuing, Including Differences) program in the local elementary school. Through it all, Leslie has always found herself drawn to families new to the diagnosis of Autism and since her own son's diagnosis wanted to do something to make a difference in the lives of children with Autism and their families.
Today, Leslie has dedicated her professional career to Huge Possibilities Inc. and continues to stay active in the Autism community.
Leslie is Huge Possibilities, Director of Finance.
TONI CASSELLA, M.S. Ed, is a native of Ohio. Toni initially received her degree in criminology with a minor in psychology at The Ohio State University. Toni decided to pursue a career in special education in 2002 due to her love for children. Toni continued her education at Simmons College where she received a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in moderate to sever disabilities.
Today, Toni is the proud mom of two boys and is a classroom teacher for the Accept Collaborative in Hopkinton Massachusetts.
Toni is Huge Possibilities, Director of Operations.