In Their Own Words…
Read what some of our parents and community members have said about APTS! Want to submit your own experience? Use the form below to tell us about it.
“THANK YOU to APTS for the tremendous work you do with (and for) our children. We are truly thankful for your hard work and dedication, because it takes a very special person to do what you do. You are teaching and molding our kids into the best citizens that they can be, when most have given-up or stopped trying… I have seen a huge difference in James* in just the short period of time that he’s been at APTS. It makes me feel so good to hear him proudly tell me that he got all of his school work done, or that he had a great day! Thank you all for helping my son to be successful!“
–Jackie, Proud Parent
“My daughter started attending APTS a little over 6 months ago. She had been through a very rough time and had endured a difficult hospitalization, in addition to several medication adjustments. So when she started at APTS, not only did the staff have a new student with many challenges, but also a parent, me (!), who was also having a challenge with her child being in a new environment. I was so pleasantly surprised at how well my daughter and I did just in the first week of her starting at APTS!!! Her transition went so well! Since my daughter has been at APTS, she has become a different child. She is happier, her aggression levels have significantly decreased, she is excited to go to school, and she smiles and laughs more than she ever had before! I attribute all of this to her excellent teachers and the environment she now has at APTS! I am grateful every day that my daughter has the opportunity to be a student at Alternative Paths Training School.”
–Cheryl, Proud Parent
“…For Kelton and many others like him, there is a tremendous need for such services including long term housing, transition to work services, and meaningful work opportunities for the disabled. These have never been in greater need. I’m extremely grateful for organizations like APTS that take on these hard tasks in life. Thank you for helping to support such an important cause.”
–Phil, Apple Inc.
“I have had the unique opportunity to work closely with APTS’ Co-Presidents, Sue Gross, and Alan El Tagi, as they were entering the field of behavior analysis and developing their clinical skills. I have witnessed first hand, the passion, commitment, and ultimate clinical expertise that characterize their approach to maximizing the potential of individuals with Developmental Disabilities. In subsequently establishing and growing APTS, Ms. Gross and Mr. El Tagi, have never lost sight of the clinician’s perspective. They have infused the organization with their integrity and zeal for exceptional client services.”
–James, Ph. D., BCBA-D, LBA, Board Member
“I have had the great pleasure of being involved with APTS since 2011. I was invited to join the Board after working with Sue and Al while providing accounting consulting services to the school. Their dedication to the growth and success of the entire school has been extraordinary and under their guidance I look forward to the continued growth of APTS. It has been extremely gratifying for me to work on the Board of APTS as the entire organization truly has the best interest of their students at heart.”
–Drew, CPA, Board Member
“APTS has completely changed the course of my son’s life since he became a student there. He started in 2nd grade, having behavior issues, speech and language barriers, using his behavior to express what he couldn’t articulate and not really benefitting from the general classroom setting. The staff at APTS is so diligent in their service to their students. They make sure every T is crossed and I is dotted when it comes to students successfully being able to navigate their educational environment. My son started out needing an escort in the hallway by his side for every transition he made, as well as taking more time working on behaviors and needing frequent breaks during academic times. Now he’s in 7th grade, and because of the intricate reports and support that was given directly to his specific needs, my son is able to successfully navigate APTS hallways on his own, operate his own locker, he’s learned self-regulating strategies and completes assignments on time as well as successfully participating in standardized testing. Words merely express my gratitude and appreciation for the staff at APTS. While all of his teachers have been wonderful, I’m always impressed to be out in the community and a face I’m not familiar with recognizes my son, and he knows them. They then introduce themselves to me as a staff member at APTS; indicating it is very much a team effort and not just the people in your child’s classroom care about him, they all do!”
–Sheena, Proud Parent
“I’ve worked with APTS for close to 8 years now and it continues to be an honor and a privilege to serve them on their board. The work they do for children with developmental disabilities should be the gold standard for other schools with a similar focus, both in the US and abroad! I’ve been able to meet and interact with many APTS staff and students, and always walk away feeling warmed by the great work they are doing.”
–Colin, Board Member