About | Whole Spectrum Autism

OUR FOUNDER

Sherry Singh

“If you light a lamp for someone else, it will also brighten your path.” ~ Buddha

MY STORY:

My son Ravi is 37 years old and has severe autism. Unfortunately, he has long since aged out of the system to receive help. And while we have made incredible strides to create better programs for children and young adults with autism, there is a silent segment of the population that has scarce resources, if any, and a forgotten voice. For families with adult children with moderate to severe autism, help does not exist. For every adult who is higher functioning on the autism spectrum, and who can speak for themselves and lead productive lives, there is an adult with autism who cannot. Who cannot work, speak, make friends, or engage with the outside world because there are no safe environments for them and because people do not understand their needs. Because as a society, we have failed at inclusivity in the most basic form: psychological and physical safety for all.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SHERRY…

My son is the light of my life and my reason for being. But, denying that we often face what seem like insurmountable challenges only keeps us out of the spotlight and out of the thoughts of our community members and leaders. For parents like me, it becomes an emotionally unsustainable responsibility to care for our loved ones while trying to be productive and active members of society because there is no support. There is nowhere to go for our adult loved ones with autism.

MY MISSION

For me, Whole Spectrum Autism is not just an organization. It’s my lifelong mission. We raise autism acceptance by hosting family-friendly, inclusive events throughout the year because autism isn’t just one day or one month – it is everyday-living for so many of us. Advocacy and education are the core of our work; this is how we begin building inclusive communities and how we encourage one another to have conversations about what true inclusivity means. This is also how we begin changing the system so that families can have the support they need with their aged-out adult children with autism.

I envision a world where I can walk outside – in peace – with Ravi; a world where his behaviors don’t scare people, where people are welcoming and loving, and where we all take care of one another so that it becomes the mission of the community – as a whole – to include every single family and individual in community life. It doesn’t have to be so lonely and isolating when you have a child with a disability. But it does take an entire community to make this happen.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

kenneth caulfield — Kenneth Caulfield
Board Member

marietta reynolds — Marietta Reynolds
Board Member

Sherry Singh

Board President

sherry@wholespectrumautism.org

Sherry has been the Owner and Director of Smile Preschool and Nursery in Downtown Jersey City for the past 25 years. She is a loving wife and mother of three, and a staunch advocate for the special needs community. Sherry’s journey began when her son was diagnosed with autism nearly 30 years ago; this inspired her to create Whole Spectrum Autism because she realized that support for families and inclusivity are key components to the health and well-being of families like hers. She is deeply rooted in the Jersey City community and hosts numerous year-round events, partnering with various businesses and organizations to increase autism acceptance. She advocates for inclusivity and acceptance 24-hours a day, 7-days-a-week because she is first, and foremost, a mother who has a son with autism.

Sherry also serves as the Board Secretary of the Historic Downtown Special Improvement District, which works to improve community life in downtown Jersey City.

George Mercado

Board Member

George Mercado is a true Jersey City (born and raised) entrepreneur. At the age of 12, he started helping out at a local flower shop, then grew up to learn and master the art form. After proudly serving in the US Army for many years, at the age of 27, George and Cathy opened their first flower shop named Bouquets & Baskets on Jersey Avenue in 1991. Currently celebrating 30 years in business.

George is a loving and dedicated husband and father of 4 beautiful daughters. His talents and generosity have earned him local and tri-state recognition, admiration, and awards, including “Puerto Rican Business Man of the Year 2015” and labeled “Master Florist” by the international group FTD. In 2017, George opened his second location in Jersey City, “Hudson Florist” on Bergen Avenue. He continuously works hard to provide for his family, community, and customers to the best of his abilities and attention. His stores’ reputations and quality of service have truly become a staple in Jersey City.

Brian Markey

Board Member

Born and raised in Jersey City, I have been a New Jersey resident my entire life. I have owned multiple businesses in Jersey City over the years including body art establishments and custom airbrush shops. I am currently the owner/operator of Jemma Pawn. We are one of the largest pawnbrokers in the state of New Jersey. Jemma Pawn is located right in the heart of Jersey City’s Downtown Historic district. Since the 1950’s, Jemma Pawn has been an essential financial institution to thousands upon thousands of Hudson County residents. Our motto is.........We are just nicer !!

Kenneth Caulfield

Board Member

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Kenny migrated to Boston, Massachusetts in 1996 straight after finishing high school at 18 years old with $1700. He worked construction by day and in bars at night. Kenny moved to NYC to bartend on the west side of Manhattan. In 2001, less than 5 years after arriving in the USA, Kenny opened his first bar with his partner Mario. Kenny feels he was fortunate to have met Mario, who was an important mentor and Kenny attributes this early period putting him on his life path. In the years that followed Kenny developed and opened multiple venues throughout Manhattan, New Jersey and Massachusetts.

Kenny today lives in New Jersey with his family, partner Theresa and their 3 children Kian, Keira, and Treasa. He currently operates The Ashford and Six26 in Jersey City. Six 26 is an LGBTQ lounge and rooftop- named in honor of the date of the federal legislation of same sex marriage, creating a safe place for the LGBTQ community.

A career in hospitality has taught Kenny that life is short. It’s important to celebrate and take stock of the special moments in people’s lives. Kenny believes that we should give back and try to have a positive impact on lives who are less fortunate and also create a community filled with camaraderie and fun.

Marietta Reynolds

Board Member

Marietta Reynolds has lived and worked in Jersey City for over 15 years. Grew up in Brooklyn, New York to immigrant parents from the Philippines and earned a B.S. in Psychology from Brooklyn College. After a successful career in import/export and real estate, Marietta opened Downtown MedSpa in Jersey City in 2013 with her husband Dr. Eric Reynolds, who serves as its medical director. Marietta enjoys learning about the latest aesthetic technologies and helping her clients look and feel their best. Being of service to others is truly her motivating force and the foundation of her spa's success. Aligned with this philosophy of service is being present for her four young children Sydney 10yrs old, Madison, Latham and Berkeley 8yrs old and watching the miracle of their lives unfold. Her family is front and center to every aspect of Marietta's life and informs every personal and business decision.

Marietta is honored to work with Whole Spectrum Autism toward a kinder world where children and adults living with autism are fully supported and cherished for their unique gifts.

Our Team

rachel sieg — Rachel Sieg
Executive Director

jas singh — Jas Singh
Chief Operating Officer

Sherry Singh

Board President

sherry@wholespectrumautism.org

Sherry also serves as the Board Secretary of the Historic Downtown Special Improvement District, which works to improve community life in downtown Jersey City.

Rachel Sieg

Executive Director

rachel@wholespectrumautism.org

Rachel is the Executive Director of the Historic Downtown Special Improvement District (HDSID) in Jersey City. She leads a cadre of talented individuals who have been steadily improving downtown Jersey City since the organization’s inception in 1998 by sponsoring community-wide events, encouraging walkability and providing local business support. Rachel has coordinated more than one hundred ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new businesses, and has been an instrumental leader in developing partnerships with local businesses and government to make downtown Jersey City a safe, clean, and vibrant city.

Jas Singh

Chief Operating Officer

Jas is the Chief Operating Officer of the Whole Spectrum Care and is responsible for ongoing operations and management of the programs and support services.