Agency Overview
Our Mission
To enhance the lives of people impacted by autism through innovation, exceptional education, and compassionate care.
Our Vision
A world in which people of all abilities live fulfilled lives.
Our Values
· The highest quality of life for our clients
· A qualified, motivated, and happy staff
· A culture of continuous improvement
· A commitment to serve all who can benefit from PACE
Our Story
In December 1989, a group of parents and educators opened the Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE), a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, to meet the critical need for highquality, specialized education and care for children and adults with autism and related developmental disabilities. At the time, many students had been placed in classroom environments that lacked the appropriate accommodations to fit their diverse and unique developmental pathways. And many of our residential clients were housed in unsuitable state hospitals and developmental centers.
Starting with 14 students in 1989 and one group home in 1992, PACE currently serves over 60 students its school program, operates five group homes for children and adults, and provides early childhood and early intervention ABA services for children ages 18 months to 13 years. In an effort to fortify the greater community with highquality resources, PACE offers a free online e-learning platform, Porchlight Autism Education Series, for parents and caregivers of children with autism.
PACE Facilities PACE Programs
The Organization
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PACE provides for the educational, residential, and behavioral therapy needs of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Specialists in speech and language development, occupational therapy, behavior management, and special education instruction work as a team to serve the diverse needs of our students, residents, and clients.
The PACE School
PACE School is a non-profit, non-public school (NPS) certified by the California Department of Education and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). PACE School serves students ages 6-22 with moderate to severe autism, with specific emphasis on students with complex behaviors and communication disorders. In 2023, PACE became the only autism agency in the Bay Area to operate two school campuses dedicated to elementary and high school/postsecondary students.
Sunny Days Preschool
Sunny Days is an NPS and CCL-certified preschool. The inclusive program supports children ages 2.5 to 6 years old who are on the autism spectrum or those needing a little extra support in a responsive and nurturing environment. The program offers a highly trained, energetic staff directed by certified
Faces Behavioral Services
Faces Behavioral Services, a department of PACE, offers 1:1 behavioral therapy for children ages 18 months to 13 years old diagnosed with autism. Faces services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Services are offered in the clinic in West San Jose, as well as in homes, schools, and in the community.
PACE Residential Group Homes
PACE owns and operates five group homes in Santa Clara County, licensed to serve residents from 6 to 59+ years of age. Each group home houses up to six individuals and is managed by an Administrator who is assisted by a team of trained residential staff members 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Each home provides an enriched and family-like environment for our residents.
PACE Facilities PACE Facilities
The Organization
PACE SAN ALESO CAMPUS
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In September 2023, PACE expanded its school program and opened its second campus in Sunnyvale, CA, to serve high school and post-secondary students. Referred to as the PACE San Aleso Campus, the facility can accommodate up to ten classrooms and features an innovative Occupational Therapy gym, a spacious multi-purpose area, a fully equipped kitchen, dedicated vocational training rooms, and outdoor space for physical activities. Additional renovations were made to ensure the facility provided natural light and other elements to support the unique sensory needs of our students.
PACE Facilities PACE Facilities
The Organization
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PACE PRUNERIDGE CAMPUS
In 2008, PACE opened its own privately owned facility in Santa Clara, CA, designed around the unique needs of the autism population. Creating the building from the ground up allowed design elements such as natural lighting and hypoallergenic materials that are consistent with green initiatives and support the sensory needs of PACE students. The facility serves elementary-age students.
EARLY CHILDHOOD AND INTERVENTION
Our children’s programs, Sunny Days Preschool and Faces Behavioral Services, are in west San Jose, near the historic Rose Garden neighborhood. The facility is located within the Cory Educational Center campus and features two classrooms, a newly designed playground, and a state-of-the-art Occupational Therapy gym.
PACE RESIDENTIAL GROUP HOMES
PACE owns and operates five group homes licensed to serve residents from 6 to 59 years of age. PACE offers services and activities that give these individuals opportunities to live productive lives within the community. Programs include personal management, community participation, and recreation/leisure activities.
PACE Leadership
The Organization PACE Facilities
Kurt Ohlfs
Executive Director
Kurt has served as the PACE Executive Director since 2005. In two decades of service to PACE, Kurt has been instrumental in the acquisition and expansion of all three school campuses and the establishment of PACE as a leading autism educational resource in the Bay Area. Kurt holds a B.S. from Santa Clara University and an MBA.
Lori Strickland
School Director
With over 16 years of experience, Lori has contributed to the learning community in numerous roles. She has been a school principal, and special education teacher. She holds a B.A. in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University, a M.Ed from Fresno Pacific University, and a Pupil Personnel Services and Administrative Credential.
Assistant Executive Director
Karen has served as the PACE Assistant Executive Director since 2005. Karen is experienced in nonprofit management, fundraising, program development, strategic planning, and community outreach. She has a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Cornell University and an MBA from the University of California, Haas School of Business.
Director of Human Resources
Karyn has over 20 years serving in Human Resources, both in high-tech and non-profit sectors. Karyn’s background covers a full range of HR functions with an emphasis on recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and reorganization. She is a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) with extensive employee compensation experience. She holds a B.A. from San Jose State University.
Finance Manager Director of Marketing and Development
Nancy has served as PACE’s Finance Manager since 2019. She brings 15 years of experience in finance and accounting in the Tech and Education sectors. She is responsible for the agency’s financial management, including payroll administration, accounts payable/receivable, and audit. She holds a degree in Finance from San Jose State University.
Melissa has served in PACE’s Marketing and Development Department since 2018. She is responsible for the agency’s marketing and development fiscal year strategic plan, budget, and events. She also oversees the agency’s community partnerships and volunteers. Melissa has over ten years of experience in marketing, project management, and outreach. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from UC Davis.
Karen Kennan Karyn Caradonna
Melissa Watkins
Nancy Elghiani
Governance and Support
The Organization PACE Facilities
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors is responsible for all fiduciary decisions, strategic direction, policy, and leadership.
Debbie McCarroll, President Retired Financial Services
Mark Peper, Vice President Director of Operations, LIFE ElderCare
Nancy Brown, Treasurer Retired Education Administrator
Kurt Ohlfs, Secretary Executive Director, PACE
Joe Dermer
Owner Attorney, Dermer Law Firm
SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS
Marina Djordjevic
Senior Corp Technical Recruiter, Carbon Health
Mark Gilfix
Attorney, Gilfix and La Poll Associates LLP
Lisa Grisalin
Broker Associate, Partner
Keller Williams Realty-Silicon Valley Broker, Grisalin Management, Inc.
Dave Setti
Branch Manager, O2 Mortgage
PACE is supported by the California Department of Education (CDE) and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Additional grants and donations from local government agencies, community-based organizations, businesses, and individuals make it possible for PACE to provide exceptional care for clients in our school, early intervention programs, and residential homes. full 10%, $1M, of PACE’s budget is garnered through our fundraising efforts. For a complete listing of the financial support PACE has received from corporations, businesses, and foundations, please visit our website, www.pacificautism.org. If you’d like to join these organizations in support of PACE, please contact 408.625.6174 or email development@pacificautism.org.
About Autism
The Organization PACE Facilities
WHAT IS AUTISM?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neuro-developmental disability that impacts an individual’s ability to regulate sensory input, to communicate, to interact socially, and to learn in conventional ways. Autism is considered a spectrum disorder and so affects each individual differently and to varying degrees. Early intervention is crucial to mitigate the degree of impact. By learning the signs early, a child can begin benefiting from one of the many specialized intervention programs.
Since autism is considered a spectrum disorder, there is a wide variety of signs that may vary in severity. Common indicators may include:
Hypo (under) and hyper (over)
sensitivity to senses: sound, sight, taste, touch and smell
Impaired social skills (i.e., limited or no eye contact, no age-appropriate peers, and no emotional sharing)
Stereotypical or rigid repetitive behaviors (i.e., difficulties with change, abnormal preoccupation)
Communication problems and difficulty understanding language (i.e., echolalia, delayed speech, non-responsiveness)
Problems understanding metaphors and prone to literal interpretation only
CURRENT STATISTICS
1 in 36 children has autism today— about 1 in 6 (17%) children aged 3–17 years were diagnosed with a developmental disability, as reported by parents, during a study period of 2009-2017 (cdc.gov)
In California, 1 in 22 8-year-old children were identified with ASD by the CAADDM program in 2020. This makes Autism the fastest-growing diagnosis in the California Special Education system (cdc.gov)
ASD is 4 times more common in boys than girls (autismspeaks.org)
Autism knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries
Early intervention affords the best opportunity to support healthy development and deliver benefits across the lifespan
The Organization PACE Facilities After an Autism Diagnosis
First Step
If you believe your child may have autism, one of the first people to speak with is your child's pediatrician, who can guide an initial assessment and, if necessary, refer you to additional professional resources for further testing and evaluation. Your pediatrician or regional center may offer a list of local service providers.
What Next?
Once your child has been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), you’ll need to get organized. You can expect a lot of paperwork associated with evaluations, educators, therapists, insurance providers, and service providers. You may want to start a binder or e-file system (such as Google Drive) to keep track of the different service providers and schedules.
If your child is younger than three, contact the California Department of Developmental Services (CDDS) to begin Early Intervention services: www.dds.ca.gov. They will direct you to your local Regional Center, a communitybased nonprofit corporation funded by the state to serve people with developmental disabilities. The Regional Center will provide you with more information about services and eligibility. The Regional Center for Santa Clara County is the San Andreas Regional Center (SARC): www.sarc.org. The Peninsula and San Francisco area are served by the Golden Gate Regional Center (GGRC): www.ggrc.org.
If your child is older than 3, currently attends school, or will begin the next school year, you will want to work with your School District to determine the most appropriate educational options for your child. California state law and the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provide your child’s right to a free and appropriate special education.
IDEA states that a child with disabilities is entitled to have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Parents of a child with special needs become part of an IEP team that decides what type of special education program a child will receive.
More information:
Parents Helping Parents: www.php.org
Autism Speaks: www.autismspeaks.org
Children’s Health Council: www.chconline.org
PACE: www.pacificautism.org/resources
PACE Facilities PACE School Model
The Organization
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More than fifty years ago, President Gerald Ford, alongside the United States Congress, enacted The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, known as Public Law (PL) 94142. This legislation ensured that all handicapped children had access to a free and appropriate public education. Building on this foundation, The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was signed into law in 1997, followed by further legislation in 2004 that enhanced the original Acts. In response, public schools nationwide began to welcome many children they had previously not served. Schools nationwide enhanced their special education programs with improved training and created initiatives for students with more severe disabilities.
Significant progress was achieved; however, public schools cannot always provide the intensive intervention and instruction that students with autism and/or related developmental disabilities need. To address this gap, the PACE was established in 1989 by a group of dedicated parents, educators, and community leaders. PACE serves individuals affected by moderate-to-severe Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with a particular focus on non-verbal individuals and individuals with complex communication and behavioral disorders. The PACE School is exceptionally equipped to support students who may not thrive in a traditional public school environment.
The PACE School Model utilizes a multidisciplinary team consisting of a special education teacher, behavior specialist, instructional aide, occupational therapist, and speech and language specialists. This team collaborates with the child's parents to assess each student's unique needs and design a program that integrates therapeutic and educational strategies to maximize progress. We view autism as a challenge of interrelatedness rather than a cognitive disability. Individuals with ASD often face difficulties in social interaction and relatedness, struggle with conventional language and communication, and have challenges regulating sensory input. For these students, the overwhelming stimuli they encounter and the frustrations surrounding ineffective communication impact their learning experience.
A distinctive aspect of PACE School is our ability to provide aides who assist students throughout the day as needed. We believe that having aides who can understand a student's sensory requirements and communication attempts helps reduce frustration and encourages growth in self-regulation and effective communication. Both aides and teaching staff embrace the motto "Connect, Support, Educate."
Central to the PACE Model is our aspiration for every student to learn to relate, communicate, and selfregulate. Building upon these foundational skills, PACE's multidisciplinary, multi-method educational program aims to help our students acquire age-appropriate occupational, language, academic, and vocational skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. With this commitment, PACE School strives to empower all autistic individuals to achieve their fullest potential.
The Organization PACE Facilities Sunny Days Preschool
About Our Program
Serving San Jose since 2005, Sunny Days
Preschool is a California-licensed child care center (CCL) ideal for children ages 2.5-6 on the autism spectrum or for those needing a little extra support in a responsive, developmentally appropriate setting. We combine methodologies that provide for each child’s unique needs and learning styles. Children work on communication, sensory integration, social-relatedness, gross and fine motor development, and play and self-help skills.
Minimum 1:3 adult-to-student ratio
Class facilitated by credentialed Early
Childhood Special Education Teacher
Classroom size of 8-12 students
Emphasis on play and social development
Responsive teacher/child relationships
Ongoing assessments of your child’s progress
1:1 aide available for an additional fee
Inclusive preschool for children of all abilities
Schedule
Children may enroll for two, three, or five days per week. Classes meet Monday through Friday, 9 AM - 12 PM for ages 2.53.9, and 9 AM - 2:15 PM for ages 4 - 5.9. Families interested in our program can learn more about the intake process at www.pacificautism.org/programs/sunnydays-preschool.
Therapy Integration
Sunny Days Preschool is supported by speech and occupational therapists and Behavior Therapists.
Speech Therapy is provided by a licensed Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) to develop:
speech, articulation, and language skills cognitive and social communication oral motor and feeding skills
Occupational Therapy is provided by a licensed Occupational Therapist to address: fine and gross motor skills sensory integration sensory processing disorders attention and regulation
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is provided by behavior therapists to improve: challenging behaviors appropriate play skills
897 Broadleaf Lane, San Jose, CA 95128
T: 408.625.6198 | F: 408.716.2192 preschool@pacificautism.org CCL Facility #434414613
Faces ABA Behavioral Services
The Organization PACE Facilities
About Our Program
Founded in 1995 and acquired by PACE in 2011, Faces Behavioral Services supports children ages 18 months to 13 years old with autism to reach their full potential utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Under the direction of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), services include intensive early intervention, elementary-aged intervention, school and parent consultation, and social development.
Behavior Intervention Services
Behavior therapy services include 1:1 intensive early intervention, elementary-aged intervention, school and caregiver coaching, and social development. Therapy can take place in our Faces clinic, the home, the community (daycare, after-school programs, scheduled play dates), and at school (with permission).
The Faces clinic is offered at the Sunny Days Preschool site and is open from 9 am to 5 pm. The clinic provides socialization and school readiness opportunities that may not otherwise occur during home sessions. A clinical supervisor provides ongoing supervision to facilitate activities and routines. Individual ABA goals are developed and targeted throughout the clinic session to include independent skills, social opportunities, appropriate play skills, and management of challenging behaviors.
Caregiver Coaching
Caregiver coaching is an integral part of Faces Behavior Services. In order to enhance independence and quality of life for your child, a minimum of one hour per month commitment to collaboration is required by caregivers.
What is ABA?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is based on empirical research. It is considered by the FDA to be the most effective treatment for children with autism and related disorders that is currently recognized by insurance companies. Faces behavior therapists work with children using multiple ABA-based teaching methods to address all significant areas of functioning, including:
Communication and language
Behavior management
School readiness
Peer socialization
Play skills
Faces accept payment through health insurance providers. For out-of-network providers, we will provide billing statements and insurance forms for your submission. We can also coordinate services with Regional Centers and school districts. Private pay options are available.
CONTACT
Intake: 408.785.0102 | intake@facesforkids.org Maureen McNeil, Administrative Manager 650.622.9601 | facesschedules@facesforkids.org
www.porchlighteducation.org
The Organization PACE FacilitiesPorchlight Autism Education Series
The Porchlight Education Series is a free eLearning program with over 50 Modules designed to offer behavioral solutions to common daily challenges parents or caregivers may confront in the world of developmental disabilities.
Eachmoduleisashort3-15minutedemonstrationcourse, created by highly trained staff, including Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists, and Board Certified Behavior Analysts. Each module gives parents theory, hands-on instructions, and specific examples of behavior modifications they can make in their own homes to help their child living with a developmental disability.
Children with autism very often have deficits in language, social, and behavioral development. These modules can helpyouteachyourchildtodeveloplifeskills.
Wherecanyoubegintogathertheresourcesnecessaryto teach your child? Porchlight Education Series will give you someideasonhowtoembarkonthisjourney.
Support Our Program
Porchlight is a project of the Pacific Autism Center for Education and was originally made possible with a grant from the United Way Silicon Valley. Currently, we rely on donations and grants to fund future Porchlight developments. To support our efforts, visit www.pacificautism.org/donate.
www.porchlighteducation.org
Porchlight University Series
www.porchlighteducation.org
The Organization PACE Facilities
Porchlight University is a four-course eLearning series developed by the Pacific Autism Center for Education. It is designed for general education teachers and paraeducators who work with elementary—and middle-school-age students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in their mainstream classrooms.
Recognizing the limited training many general education teachers and paraeducators receive on ASD, the program will equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary to ensure the success of students of all abilities in the classroom. The strategies, tools, and resources can also be applied to online distance learning.
Porchlight University is self-paced and designed with educators' busy schedules in mind. Each course consists of four 15-minute lessons, totaling an hour of learning. Courses include interactive activities and visuals to increase learning in real-world scenarios and help teachers quickly apply the knowledge, tools, and strategies in their classrooms.
Support Our Program
Porchlight is a project of the Pacific Autism Center for Education, made possible with grants from Autism Speaks, Heffernan Foundation, and NBCUniversal. We rely on donations and grants to fund future Porchlight University developments. To support our efforts, visit www.pacificautism.org/donate.
www.porchlighteducation.org
Support Our Mission
Together, we can do so much!
We’re working to provide high-quality programs for individuals with autism and associated developmental disabilities in our community. While PACE receives fees for service from the California Department of Education and the Department of Developmental Services, your donation allows PACE to fulfill its mission of offering exceptional care for clients in all of our programs.
PACE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our Tax EIN is 77-0259858. Gifts to PACE are tax-deductible as specified by current tax law.
Ways to support PACE
Make a secure online donation
Donate online through secure online processing provided by iATS Payments, a leading payment processor service for nonprofits. Scan our QR code or visit www.pacificautism.org/donate
Donate by mail to:
PACE Development Department 1880 Pruneridge Avenue Santa Clara, CA 95050
To make a credit card donation by phone, please call 408.625.6193 during office hours M-F, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST
Leave a Legacy:
One of the simplest ways to leave a lasting legacy benefiting PACE is to include language in your will or living trust naming PACE as a beneficiary. Donors interested in planned giving can contact our Development Department at development@pacificautism.org
Contact Us
PACE Admin Offices
PACE Pruneridge Campus 1880 Pruneridge Avenue
Santa Clara, CA 95050
408.245.3400 info@pacificautism.org
PACE San Aleso Campus
824 San Aleso Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94085 408.625.6199 paceschool@pacificautism.org
Sunny Days Preschool 897 Broadleaf Lane
San Jose, CA 95128
408.625.6198 preschool@pacificautism.org
Faces Behavioral Services
Main: 650.622.9601
Intake: 408.785.0102 info@facesforkids.org
Marketing and Development
408.625.6174 marketing@pacificautism.org development@pacificautism.org
Volunteers volunteer@pacificautism.org
Request a Presentation
Please let us know if your group would like to learn more about autism and the unique services that we provide. PACE staff can work with you to design an educational presentation for a variety of audiences. Feel free to contact us at: development@pacificautism.org.
