My commitment to the special needs community spans a lifetime of personal and professional service. From an early age, I served as a certified personal care assistant for my younger brother, who has Level 2 autism. I was deeply embedded in his support network, contributing to his Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and volunteering at his group homes, and I remain a constant presence in his life today. My journey continued with the birth of my own son, a recent high school graduate with Level 1 autism. Being a major facilitator in his developmental path provided firsthand expertise in early intervention, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, and the intricate navigational processes of school-based behavioral interventions.

Transitioning from a career as a licensed massage therapist, I translated these life lessons into a new path within the school system as a paraeducator. Working alongside such resilient students and dedicated faculty motivated me to seek a higher level of impact through advanced education. I recently earned a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from UCCS, focusing on sociology, psychology, and the societal structures affecting marginalized groups. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Special Education, I am eager to apply my academic insights to empower high school students as they transition toward fulfilling, independent lives.
~ Chris Wolfe.