Our Story

What happens to individuals with special needs when they grow up?

The Nicholas Center – revolutionizing the way Autistic individuals learn, live and work in the community

The Nicholas Center (TNC) was founded in 2011 by 3 Co-Founders – Stella L. Spanakos, Nicole Ferrara and Patrick Bardsley. Collectively, with over 30 years of experience in Autism education and nonprofit endeavors, the trio were eager to develop solutions to address the challenge of offering programming and jobs for the tsunami of Autistic individuals once school finishes. Considering the lack of meaningful opportunities for young adults after graduation, the vision became to create a community-propelled program model to serve as an alternative to traditional "day habilitation" – a person-centered and community-fueled program. 

With the untimely passing of Stella's husband, Paul Kitsos, conversations turned to action and the idea began to take shape for "The Nicholas Center for Autism" and a social enterprise called "Spectrum Designs".  Stella purchased a second hand DTG (direct-to-garment) printing machine for her son Nicholas and his classmates, all on the Autism Spectrum, to test out. Using easy-to-follow steps in Stella’s backyard barn, they were soon printing t-shirts! With a bit of divine inspiration, the trio decided to give the idea a try and The Nicholas Center & Spectrum Designs Foundation were born.

Today, The Nicholas Center offers 12 months of continuous service per year in 2 NY State locations (having expanded to Westchester in 2021). As a person-centered program focused on using the community “as university,” TNC partners with over 35 non-profits offering meaningful community projects and offers a Supported Employment Program (SEMP), supporting participants at internships and paid jobs. Additionally, TNC provides a safe space for individuals to foster peer connections.