A MONTH OF DISCOVERY APRIL 2026
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Dear Friends,
This spring has been a busy and meaningful season across The Center for Discovery. In this edition, we’re sharing highlights from our Evening of Discovery Gala, exciting moments from our programs and campuses, and the continued work happening every day to support the individuals and families we serve. From innovative projects in our Innovation Labs and hands-on learning experiences at Thanksgiving Farm, to national conference presentations and creative arts performances, these stories reflect the impact of our mission in action. Thank you for your continued support of The Center for Discovery and the work we are proud to do together.
A Meaningful Evening in Support of Our Mission
On April 28, we welcomed supporters, partners, staff, and friends to Cipriani 42nd Street for our annual Evening of Discovery Gala – an inspiring evening dedicated to advancing care and opportunity for the individuals and families we serve.
This year’s event honored Brian Harper, TCFD Board Member and parent, for his leadership, advocacy, and commitment to improving outcomes for individuals with autism and complex needs. In a heartfelt speech, Brian reflected on his family’s journey and the impact TCFD has had on their son Caleb and their family as a whole. His words served as a powerful reminder of the life-changing work happening across our campuses every day.
The evening also celebrated the incredible dedication of TCFD staff and the many programs that make our mission possible. Funds raised from the gala help support critical initiatives across the organization, including organic farming, Animal Assisted Intervention and Education, Integrated Arts, assistive technology and innovation, research, and important campus improvements such as paving, renovations, painting, equipment, and more. Gala support also helps strengthen staff-focused resources and benefits, including on-site childcare, subsidized healthy meals, wellness programs, and career development opportunities for our nearly 1,800 employees.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make the evening a success and for their continued belief in the work happening at The Center for Discovery.
Read the full press release here.
Celebrating Susan Sayers
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We are so thrilled to share that Susan Sayers, our Executive Chief of Health Services, was nominated for Hudson Valley Magazine’s 2026 Excellence in Nursing as a Top Nursing Administrator.
Susan began her career at TCFD as a staff nurse and quickly distinguished herself through her clinical expertise, leadership, and deep commitment to those in our care. Today, she leads a multidisciplinary Health Services division that collaborates closely with residential, educational, clinical, and operations teams across the organization.
Known for her warmth and innovative leadership, Susan has helped elevate standards of care throughout TCFD while supporting countless children and adults with complex conditions – and providing peace of mind to their families every day.
Congratulations, Susan, on this well-deserved recognition!
Thanksgiving Farm Welcomes Local 7th Graders
In early May, The Center hosted over 100 7th graders from Monticello Central School District on our Thanksgiving Farm in partnership with local nonprofit, A Single Bite. During the visit, TCFD staff highlighted the many benefits of eating whole foods, while the students learned about all of the different vegetables that we grow here. Brian, who lives at TCFD, participated in the visit as a tour guide, helping lead students through the farm experience and sharing his knowledge along the way.
The 7th graders are participating in the Real Food Education program with A Single Bite, which educates about 700 children every year on the importance of making healthy food choices whenever possible.
Sound Healing Through a Music Therapy Lens
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TCFD recently hosted an immersive day-long conference exploring the power of sound healing. Through engaging lectures, live demonstrations, and hands-on experiences, music therapists from around the tri-state area learned how sound vibrations can support balance and well-being in both body and mind. |
The Dibbler: A Smarter Way to Seed in Seconds
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The Spring weather brings a popular activity back to The Center…gardening! This time, the Innovation Labs explores a modern take on a classic gardening tool called The Dibbler, redesigned through 3D printing to make seed planting faster and more precise. Lightweight and easy to use, it rolls smoothly over soil-filled trays, creating evenly spaced and consistently deep holes in seconds. This rolling action eliminates the need to poke each hole individually, helping gardeners save time while improving planting accuracy and seed germination consistency. |
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One of the Dibbler’s biggest advantages is its versatility. Different versions are available with varying hole depths and spacing, allowing gardeners to match the tool to specific seed types or tray sizes. Because it’s 3D printed, designs can be easily customized or adapted, making the Dibbler a practical, efficient solution for both home gardeners and small-scale growers looking to streamline their planting process. |
Supporting Resilience Through the SynergE6 Model
In April, Cheryl Stenzel, Chief of Psychology and Family Services here at The Center, presented at the Profound Autism Summit in Boston. Her session explored how the SynergE6 Healthspan Model can help reduce stress and support healthier, more fulfilling lives for individuals with profound autism, as well as their parents, caregivers, and professionals in the field. The presentation highlighted the importance of the model’s six interconnected pillars and emphasized how shared stress-reduction activities can strengthen engagement, relationships, and resilience for everyone involved in care. Thank you for spreading the word on our Healthspan model, Cheryl!
A Sneak Peek and an Invitation for Something Colorful
This year’s Discovery Dramatic Arts production – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – a vibrant, collaborative performance – takes place this week!
Our talented performers from both pediatric and adult programs here at The Center will take the stage, appearing live and on screen in specially recorded segments, bringing this colorful story to life in a truly unique way.
Take a sneak peek at the magic behind the scenes in our new trailer.
Stay tuned for more!
DNA Daily Decisions – Go Pro with Protein
The latest installment of DNA Daily Decisions from the Department of Nourishment Arts® (DNA) is here: Go Pro with Protein!
Protein plays an important role in building muscle, maintaining energy, and supporting overall health. Go Pro with Protein explores simple ways to add more high-quality protein into your daily routine through foods like eggs, dairy, beans, nuts, fish, and lean meats. Staff can also find affordable shopping tips, easy snack ideas, balanced meal inspiration, and more in the companion guide found here.
Our DNA team also encourages everyone to try a “Meatless Monday” using eggs, dairy, or plant-based proteins, and to pack a high-protein snack between lunch and dinner.
Around The Center
