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Dear Friends,

Do you believe when a door closes, a window opens? 
That one blocked path opens another?
That life's only constant, is change? If so read on...

For twenty years, together with my husband and business partner, we designed and manufactured women's suits under our own label, selling them nationally. We always believed that our only child Nicholas would continue the family business, but Autism intervened.

A concern for all parents is the future of their children. A diagnosis of Autism transforms that concern to genuine fear. Who will take care of my child when I am no longer able? From early age diagnosis the goals were clear; a comfortable level of happiness, independence and self-sufficiency- the clock always ticking.

Our dream was to come up with a business that our son and other individuals with Autism could run. Sadly, on June 7, 2010, my husband suddenly passed away.

Our path was blocked. But such is the nature of balance, another soon opened up. I decided to start a non for profit organization that is supported by a company run by individuals with Autism, and so the decorated apparel concept began. 

Spectrum Designs Foundation, with its support from the Nicholas Center for Autism,  fully engages employees in all phases of operation, teaching a trade while offering those with Autism a place that strives to enhance their well being, autonomy and general quality of life. 

Thank you to those who support our cause and consider making a purchase from our store!  May the products purchased through us be a constant reminder to stop staring at closed doors, use the window instead.

Dream it, Believe it, Be it!

STELLA
Co-Founder, CEO

Get in touch with Stella: stella@spectrumdesigns.org



Nicole Sugrue, Co-Founder & Community Liaison

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Nicole has been making contributions to the Autism Community for over 13 years.  She serves as President Executive Director, of Effective Interventions, an agency that has provided behavioral consultation and services for school aged children with Autism since 2004. She Co-Founded The ELIJA Foundation and The ELIJA School, which have both made a significant impact on the quality of services available to children and families touched by Autism.  Additionally, Nicole currently sits on the Community Advisory Board, for Nassau County, advocating for the betterment of individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Nicole completed her coursework in Behavior Analysis, through Penn State University.

Nicole lives in Long Beach , New York with her 3 beautiful children; her son Adem is diagnosed with Autism. She is thrilled to be part of our Spectrum Designs family and serves as our Director of Development & Community Liaison.

Get in touch with Nicole: nicole@spectrumdesigns.org

Patrick Bardsley, M.S. Co-Founder & Program Director

Patrick received his bachelors degree with honors in Sociology from the University of Birmingham, England. He then attained his MSC, receiving a masters in Special Education with a concentration in Autism from Long Island University CW Post's Graduate School of Education in the Special Needs CASE Program . In addition he has completed his coursework towards his BCBA. For the past 8 years Patrick has worked directly with individuals with autism and related conditions, for 3 of those serving as a supervisory              coordinator at a special needs summer camp program. 

Currently, he is co-founder and program director of Spectrum Designs Foundation and the Nicholas Center for Autism both based in Port Washington, New York. Patrick comes to us from abroad! He is originally from  Wales and currently resides on the North Shore of Long Island New York.  We are honored to have such a talented and dedicated individual in our Spectrum Designs family! Patrick serves as our Program Director.

Get in touch with Patrick: patrick@spectrumdesigns.org


Allison Schear, M.S., BCBA Educational Director

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Allison received her BA in psychology from Stonybrook University and her M.S. in Special Education/Education from Touro College.  She has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2008. Allison currently serves as the Education Director at the Nicholas Center for Autism where she is responsible for overseeing teaching of vocational skills, social skills, ADL skills and behavior plans as well as for training job coaches/staff.  Additionally, she consults and supervises staff and learners who receive and implement in home behavior analytic services as well as provides parent training and consultation to those seeking feedback on current or perspective placements in school, community and home based settings.  Allison is well versed in communicating with School Administrators, School Personnel, Support Staff and Families and has a history of presenting on a variety of topics relating to effective science based teaching strategies and has over 12 years of direct care experience working with individuals with behavioral and communication disorders.

Brent Matthew Lillard is a design student and artist from the east coast with a taste for technology, modification, modern art, photography, typography, sketch and a good challenge. Grew up in of Hampton Roads, Virginia and entered young adulthood in Dexter, Missouri he is now a citizen of New York City area working for Spectrum Designs Foundation and studying at Suffolk County Community College.