Alumni
The importance of Learning Prep School's alumni lies in their remarkable representation of the school's success and impact on shaping individuals' lives. These graduates, armed with a tailored education that caters to their unique learning needs, emerge as confident, capable, and resilient individuals, ready to face the challenges of the world. Being a Learning Prep alumni means you will always be a part of the LPS Family!
ALUMNI NEWS
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to Jessica Burke (‘17) and Robert “Sonny” Ewanouski (‘17) who got engaged this summer! They met at LPS in 4th grade, started dating in 8th grade, and have been together for 9.5 years. We are so happy for them!
ALUMNI MUSIC BINGO
This summer we were thrilled to host a special Alumni Music Bingo night at Echo Bridge Restaurant in Newton. Thanks to everyone who joined us and congratulations again to the winners!
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
CAMMI MATTHEWS, CLASS OF 2018
What did you do after graduating from Learning Prep?
I joined the ACCEPT Education Collaborative in Natick where they helped me with life skills (budgeting, meal planning and cooking, travel training, job skills). However, when COVID hit, I graduated early to enroll at Lesley University Threshold Program. Even though that didn't end up happening, in 2020 I joined LifeSTART at my district in Dedham had for individuals ages 18-22. Since graduating from LifeSTART, I work two part-time jobs. Two days a week I'm at WORK, Inc. where I assist a staff member who is blind with his paperwork. I’ve been working there since early this year and I am also a client there where I join groups and work with a life skills coach. I also work one day a week at HomeGoods.
What is your favorite memory from your time at Learning Prep?
I loved the Halloween dances at the gym! I loved seeing everyone’s costumes and dancing with my friends.
How did LPS prepare you for life after graduation?
LPS has helped me grow as a person, and I still keep in touch with my friends that I made through the years there. Yes, we still keep in touch! LPS is a very special school.
What are you up to in your free time? What do you like to do for fun?
With support from my parents, I live with a roommate I’ve been friends with for over 10 years now! I currently live in Newton for over two years now and I couldn’t be any more proud of myself. My hobbies include photography, taking long walks, watching YouTube, movies and tv shows, listening to music, shopping, going out to eat, etc. I’m also involved with two organizations called The Common Room and WORK, Inc.
Share a fun fact about yourself!
My birthday is on Valentine's Day.
USEFUL RESOURCES
Support with Transportation
Please see https://www.mass.gov/how-to/
License support
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Please see https://www.mass.gov/info-
details/driving-resources-in- massachusetts for information about driving assessments (if you are not sure if you would be safe to drive) or for adaptive driving program (if you think you may require additional support while learning to drive).
Travel Training
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Massachusetts offers free travel training. Please see https://www.mass.gov/service-
details/learn-to-ride-transit- with-travel-instruction.
The Ride
Some people may qualify for The Ride. Please see https://www.mbta.com/
BILT= Bridging Independent Living Together
Health Care Websites to Help Young Adults
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Tips for making appointments at a doctor’s office: For Autistic Adults: Making Appointments (autismandhealth.org)
Assistive Technology Apps to Help with Executive Functioning
Free Online Training for College Students with Disabilities
Other Organizations
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The ARC of Massachusetts: https://thearcofmass.org/
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Greater Massachusetts Special Needs Events https://www.spedchildmass.com/
Parent Support Group
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PPAL: Parent/Professional Advocacy League: https://ppal.net/
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Support groups for families of transition-aged youth, which are facilitated by parents who have lived experience raising children with all types of social emotional, behavioral or mental health related challenges. Many of the caregivers who attend have children who are diagnosed with ASD, bipolar, Anxiety, depression, etc.
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There are also 1:1 peer to peer support, with assistance provided to families with navigating services etc. Services are free and have no wait list.
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additional supports
- Independent living centers are located all over Massachusetts and are a free service for people diagnosed with disabilities. To find an independent living center near you, visit: https://masilc.org/
cils/. - Easter Seals may offer some supports: https://www.
easterseals.com/ma/. - DDS (Department of Developmental Services) is for adults with Autism, intellectual disabilities, and some other disabilities. They offer individualized services. https://www.mass.
gov/orgs/department-of- developmental-services. - MRC (Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission) is for adults with disabilities to help them obtain and maintain employment. They can help with resume/cover letter writing, preparing for an interview, understanding the paths to employment, job coaching, or tracking down job leads, for people who qualify. https://www.mass.gov/
orgs/massachusetts- rehabilitation-commission.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Check back soon for more information on upcoming alumni events!
Questions? Please contact:
Kerri Cullen
Director of Annual Fund and Special Events
kcullen@learningprep.org
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