North Shore Autism Circle was inspired by a group of parents on the North Shore of Long Island who were seeking outside activities for their children with Autism spectrum disorders. Our children work so hard at school that at the end of the day they too need social outlets and the opportunity to grow as individuals.
As a parent of a "typical 9 year old boy" who enjoys the hustle and bustle of his everyday day activities of roller hockey, basketball, play dates and more, the same thoughts kept coming back to me that every child is "typical" and deserves the same opportunities to play with peers, develop life skills, lead an active and healthy life style and reach their utmost potential. For children with Autism it is not so easy to pick up an after school program guide and just sign your child up for what classes are out there. You need to develop these programs and put the educators and systems in place to make these types of programs available and successful.
In the Spring of 2005 a dear friend of mine, Jennifer Polansky the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Woodbury Magazine featured an incredible eye opening story entitled Faces of Autism that glimpsed into the lives of three families that have children with Autism. One of the stories was about my 11 year old Autistic daughter Hannah. Like any other 11 year old girl out there Hannah loves her idol Hannah Montana, loves to dance and loves fashion. But at the end of the day she has Autism. The point that hit home for me was that because of the lack of social skills, children with Autism cannot naturally begin making friends. "They want to have friends but they don't know how."
Our incredible board of directors and members have partnered with and developed some amazing programs such as Special Needs sports leagues for tennis, soccer, baseball and basketball, peer mentoring programs and art and cultural arts programs.
I am proud to be part of this supportive community and I look forward to our continued support of children with Autism.
We look forward to your involvement with our wonderful cause.
Amy Greenberg
President
North Shore Autism Circle
Meet the Board
Amy Greenberg, President
Amy Greenberg is the mother of a 9 year old daughter with Autism. Amy has been working on Wall Street for the past 17 years. Amy is a Vice President of Investments at Henley and Company specializing in small company stocks. She also is a franchise owner of a Cold Stone Creamery. Amy has her BA in Communications from SUNY Albany. Amy is actively involved in many Autism causes and is also the Co-Chair of Fundraising for the Harbor Hill Elementary School in Roslyn. She resides in Roslyn with her husband and two children.
Melissa Litman, Vice President
Melissa Litman is the proud mother of two boys on the autistic spectrum. Melissa graduated from Hofstra University with a B.A in Psychology and she earned a Masters degree in Elementary Education from C.W Post College . Melissa taught kindergatren and third grade in Queens before becoming a full-time mom. Melissa is now working hard to make sure her children and others with autism have the services they need to be successful. Melissa lives in Roslyn Heights with her husband and two sons.
Gail Siller, Treasurer
Gail Siller has lived in Roslyn for 10 years. She has a 14 year old daughter Melissa and a 9 year old son Danny, who is in the ABA class at the East Hills Elementary school. Gail has been involved with the North Shore Autism Circle since its inception four years ago, raising awarenees and funds to promote recreational programs for children on the autism spectrum. She is also the CCPA Special Education Representative for the Roslyn Schools. Gail is co-owner of Do Me A Favor Please, Inc., a Roslyn based company specializing in silkcreening and embroidery on clothing.
Michele Chayet-Alberg, Secretary
Michele Chayet-Albeg lives in East Hills with her husband Ron and their 3 children Azaria, Daniel and Jonah. She has a BA in Marketing and has worked in sales and product development in the women's fashion footwear industry. Currently she and her husband own four retail shoe and accessory stores called "Preen".
Michele serves as Secretary on the board of North Shore Autism Circle , is a member of Roslyn SEPTA and serves on the PTO committee for special education in the East Williston School District. She is a Life Member of Hadassah and has been recognized for her outstanding involvement in community service.
Cindy Marks, Member-at-Large
Cindy Marks-Wittels is the mother of a 6 year old boy afflicted with Autism. Prior to the diagnosis of her son Ms Marks-Wittels was a Vice President of Institutional Sales at Barclays Capital and held similar positions at Salomon Brothers and Citigroup over a [15] year career on Wall Street. Ms. Marks-Wittels is a graduate of Newcomb College at Tulane University. She is very active in fundraising for various organizations related to fighting Autism. She lives with her husband and two children in Sands Point, NY.
David S. Miller- Event Coordinator
For over 20 years David has been involved in marketing, sponsorship and event planning for Fortune 100 companies and small businesses. David founded On Target Marketing Promotions and has helped launch start up companies in the areas of telecommunications, technology and new media.
David is actively involved in many charities besides Autism, including Camp Sunrise, United Nations Hospitality Committee, Rema Hort Mann Foundation and the American Museum of Natural History. David lives in Roslyn, NY with his wife Vicki and 2 sons Maxwell and Miles.
