Kevin Gersh has dedicated his professional life to changing the lives of children on the autism spectrum. He believes that all children, despite their challenges, can learn and thrive in the right educational environment, with the right people guiding them.
In 1991, Mr. Gersh founded West Hills Montessori School, subscribing to Maria Montessori’s purpose to encourage a life-long love of learning. Among the very first class of children enrolled in the program, was one child with special needs. That child’s spirit touched Mr. Gersh and awakened a calling he hadn’t realized until that moment. That child inspired him to redirect his energy toward children with special needs and, so, Gersh Academy was founded. This very successful and much needed program for children K-12, focuses its educational efforts on students on the autism spectrum. Currently, Gersh Academy has two locations on Long Island and two in Puerto Rico.
Over the years, Mr. Gersh recognized the need for a similar program for emerging adults on the autism spectrum. His students were flourishing, but then had nowhere to go once they graduated high school. Heeding the call once again, he opened The Gersh Experience, located in Buffalo, New York. This post-secondary, residential supported living program for students on the spectrum, is designed to assist emerging adults struggling with the skills needed to navigate college life and/or independent living. When they opened their doors in 2007, it was one of only three such programs. The goal of the program continues to be to move students toward independence in the areas of academics, employment, housing, money management and social interactions.
In 2009, Mr. Gersh joined forces with his father in running West Hills Day Camp. Founded by Edward Gersh in 1954, West Hills has been owned and operated by the Gersh Family since its inception. Kevin Gersh literally grew up at the camp, and his joyful memories of those special summer days, inspire him to provide as many youngsters as possible with the West Hills experience. Never straying far from his passion, during the summer of 2009, he designed a camp program within the West Hills Day Camp, directly tailored to children with special needs. This dynamic program has doubled in size each year. Why shouldn’t children with special needs enjoy the camp experience as well? They should, and they do, thanks to Mr. Gersh’s vision and dedication.
In 2012, Mr. Gersh’s efforts went beyond the States to create Gersh International (GI), a private school for children on the autism spectrum in Puerto Rico. Here, he teamed up with Sheila Fridman, M.Ed. Ms. Fridman is the founder and innovator of EduKarte, Inc., an arts-based educational program for children aged 4-12. This partnership between Gersh and Fridman has proven to be a successful collaboration, benefiting the autistic population in Puerto Rico.
The school currently services children aged 6 to 21 and it is the first bilingual school for children with autism in Puerto Rico. The program is customized to each student’s social, emotional and academic needs. Gersh International follows the same behavioral approaches and academic curriculum as the Gersh Academy in New York. Math, English and Science curriculum follow the New York State learning standards.
Located in beautiful Isla Verde, Puerto Rico, strategically chosen for its close proximity to the beach, GI is also able to integrate an outdoor aquatics program into the curriculum. Paddle boarding (taught by professionals at BelaUno), surfing and swimming are all included. Staying on the forefront of technology, students are provided iPads and have access to the latest technology.
In September 2013, Gersh Academy will be opening a second location at the Santa Teresita Academy in San Juan. This program will be tailored towards older children and will offer the same academic and social skills training, in addition to an increased focus on vocational skills. This location provides an opportunity to integrate our students into an already existing typical population.
Gersh Academy’s Isla Verde location accommodates up to 30 students and the Santa Teresita location will accommodate 50+ students. As the demand for this program continues to increase, we anticipate a waiting list for the current two locations, as we scout a third location.
Mr. Gersh is a philanthropist by nature and is committed to his involvement and service to the community. He participates and contributes to various charitable organizations including, Long Island Cares; Salvation Army; Supply Drive for Haiti Earth Quake; Supplies for Troops; Pennies for Patients; Toys for Tots; Patchogue Nursing Center; and Little Neck Nursing Home. He also serves as an advisor on the Board of the Custom Education Foundation. Mr. Gersh is a member of Entrepreneur Organization (EO) and the Young Presidents Organization (YPO), one of the largest executive peer leadership networks in the world.
Diagnosed with ADD and Dyslexia later in life, himself, Mr. Gersh’s personal struggles and his meeting of that one special kid way back when, has motivated Mr. Gersh to dedicate himself to making a difference in the lives of children. His experience and professional commitment continues to provide opportunities, inspiration, and guidance for every child to reach their full potential, regardless of the challenges they face.