Wayne & Lucina Clarke

Wayne and Lucina Clarke,

Founders, My Time Inc.

One has to read the testimonials about My Time Inc. to understand the magnitude of the importance and impact of this amazing organization.

It is one the most unique, remarkable and inspiring organizations, not just in New York but the world.

My Time Inc. is a non-profit dedicated exclusively to parents, grandparents and advocates of children with autism and developmental disabilities.

The organization assists these individuals to better advocate for their loved ones and provides support and conducts educational and behavioral workshops for parents. Definingly, it provides respite for caregivers from what is one of the hardest tasks facing families, dealing with a child with autism. The “Me Time” includes cinema breaks, attending shows, beauty makeovers and getaways.

It is estimated that 1 in 44 children are autistic. Now in its 15th year, the organization has touched the lives of more than 1000 persons.

The brains behind My Time Inc. are the husband and wife team of Barbadian Wayne Clarke, Director of Operations and his Trinidadian wife, Lucina, Executive Director. They have been married 35 years.

Lucina, a former teacher for 25 years, has a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Long Island University and a Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Penn State University. Wayne holds an MS degree in TV/ Radio from Brooklyn College and an undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts from The College of New Rochelle.

In July 2004, seeing the disconnect between children and parents and the frustration of both, Lucina formed a volunteer group, The Canarsie Parent Support Group for Individuals with Autism and Developmental Disabilities. The group met on a monthly basis to discuss issues, share and exchange information relating to autism and other related developmental disabilities. Building on this success, she and Wayne formed My Time Inc. in 2007, fully devoting themselves to bettering the lives of, in particular, caregivers of those with autism.

Both very passionate about their vocation - Wayne quietly and Lucina exuberant - they attend multiple seminars and conferences to keep abreast of all aspects of autism and handling behavioral challenges. No opportunity is missed to champion support for autism, with Lucina hosting a Facebook conversation, Favored Fridays, each week, and writing numerous articles, including a chapter in a recently published book.

Wayne and his wife have received numerous awards. These include the Autism Organization of the Year, for their work at My Time Inc. from New York Families for Autistic Children; an award from Sesame Flyers and Children of the Light Ministries Inc.; and 2018 Kings and Queens Award from Schneps Communications. The New York Suicide Council also presented Wayne with the “I Am Hope” award for assistance in creating an Emotional Wellness component to the programs at My Time Inc.

In the aftermath of Super Storm Sandy, the couple formed the Canarsie Disaster Relief Committee (CDRC) with Debbie Tiamfook, a community leader, to help the victims of Canarsie. CDRC is a special committee of My Time Inc. Wayne is also the Chairman of the Community Advisory Board at Brookdale Community Hospital and a supporter of Children of the Light Ministries Food Pantry.

Lucina has created another arm of My Time Inc., DIVAS Discovery Journal – Discover and Invest in a Variety of ways to know and become your Authentic Self – that builds selfesteem and expression in all respects among women.

However they can, the Canarsie couple intend to widen the awareness and support for autism and add new dimensions to parent support.

Wayne and Lucina are parents of two, Wayne Jr and Keya, and proud grandparents of six, Eric Jr, Ashton, Charli, Alaina, Aniyah and Jiro.