I had the honor of working with Sue for approximately five years when she was Director of Autism Services at Abilis and I did communications and external relations work for the agency. Part of my job was to observe and write about agency programs that were particularly innovative. Sue was at the center of many of them. I became a great admirer and continue to follow her career with interest. Sue is a consummate professional, operating at the very top of her field. She keeps up with the latest research, always looking for a new finding or study that will further her understanding and help individuals or families she supports. Sue is extraordinarily good at boiling down concepts and processes and explaining them — whether verbally or in writing — in an accessible way. During my time at Abilis, Sue wrote successful grants for such funders as Autism Speaks, as well as program guides and curricula for families and laypeople. She was a tremendous collaborator, always willing to problem-solve, even across departments. Good humored and honest, a keen observer and great listener, Sue is the one you want on your team. When I think of Sue's work at Abilis, three characteristics stand out. Sue's creativity helps people achieve. She helps individuals realize the "impossible" by breaking down new and often-daunting skills into bite-sized interim steps that allow individuals to experience success and gain confidence as they learn. Abilis LIFE, a ground-breaking day program for young people with classic autism who are transitioning to the adult world, is a perfect example of this. Sue conceived, developed and implemented this award-winning program. Several young men made great strides toward independence thanks to Sue and Abilis LIFE, and families continue to benefit from Sue's LIFE curriculum. Sue is a well-informed, passionate and strong advocate for people with disabilities. Her years of experience and well-reasoned arguments compel government, school and community leaders to action. Finally, Sue is humble and respectful — always the first to celebrate the accomplishments of others. Working with Sue was one of the great pleasures of my professional life.

I had the pleasure of working with Sue on the launch of a new service for young adults with autism. Sue is a passionate advocate for the autism community, and an expert clinician in the field. Her insights helped me expand my understanding of the needs of this community and their families. Sue's sensitive approach to differently abled people models how we all should live in the world, both professionally and personally.

I had the honor of working with Sue for approximately five years when she was Director of Autism Services at Abilis and I did communications and external relations work for the agency. Part of my job was to observe and write about agency programs that were particularly innovative. Sue was at the center of many of them. I became a great admirer and continue to follow her career with interest. Sue is a consummate professional, operating at the very top of her field. She keeps up with the latest research, always looking for a new finding or study that will further her understanding and help individuals or families she supports. Sue is extraordinarily good at boiling down concepts and processes and explaining them — whether verbally or in writing — in an accessible way. During my time at Abilis, Sue wrote successful grants for such funders as Autism Speaks, as well as program guides and curricula for families and laypeople. She was a tremendous collaborator, always willing to problem-solve, even across departments. Good humored and honest, a keen observer and great listener, Sue is the one you want on your team. When I think of Sue's work at Abilis, three characteristics stand out. Sue's creativity helps people achieve. She helps individuals realize the "impossible" by breaking down new and often-daunting skills into bite-sized interim steps that allow individuals to experience success and gain confidence as they learn. Abilis LIFE, a ground-breaking day program for young people with classic autism who are transitioning to the adult world, is a perfect example of this. Sue conceived, developed and implemented this award-winning program. Several young men made great strides toward independence thanks to Sue and Abilis LIFE, and families continue to benefit from Sue's LIFE curriculum. Sue is a well-informed, passionate and strong advocate for people with disabilities. Her years of experience and well-reasoned arguments compel government, school and community leaders to action. Finally, Sue is humble and respectful — always the first to celebrate the accomplishments of others. Working with Sue was one of the great pleasures of my professional life.

I had the pleasure of working with Sue on the launch of a new service for young adults with autism. Sue is a passionate advocate for the autism community, and an expert clinician in the field. Her insights helped me expand my understanding of the needs of this community and their families. Sue's sensitive approach to differently abled people models how we all should live in the world, both professionally and personally.

I had the honor of working with Sue for approximately five years when she was Director of Autism Services at Abilis and I did communications and external relations work for the agency. Part of my job was to observe and write about agency programs that were particularly innovative. Sue was at the center of many of them. I became a great admirer and continue to follow her career with interest. Sue is a consummate professional, operating at the very top of her field. She keeps up with the latest research, always looking for a new finding or study that will further her understanding and help individuals or families she supports. Sue is extraordinarily good at boiling down concepts and processes and explaining them — whether verbally or in writing — in an accessible way. During my time at Abilis, Sue wrote successful grants for such funders as Autism Speaks, as well as program guides and curricula for families and laypeople. She was a tremendous collaborator, always willing to problem-solve, even across departments. Good humored and honest, a keen observer and great listener, Sue is the one you want on your team. When I think of Sue's work at Abilis, three characteristics stand out. Sue's creativity helps people achieve. She helps individuals realize the "impossible" by breaking down new and often-daunting skills into bite-sized interim steps that allow individuals to experience success and gain confidence as they learn. Abilis LIFE, a ground-breaking day program for young people with classic autism who are transitioning to the adult world, is a perfect example of this. Sue conceived, developed and implemented this award-winning program. Several young men made great strides toward independence thanks to Sue and Abilis LIFE, and families continue to benefit from Sue's LIFE curriculum. Sue is a well-informed, passionate and strong advocate for people with disabilities. Her years of experience and well-reasoned arguments compel government, school and community leaders to action. Finally, Sue is humble and respectful — always the first to celebrate the accomplishments of others. Working with Sue was one of the great pleasures of my professional life.

I had the pleasure of working with Sue on the launch of a new service for young adults with autism. Sue is a passionate advocate for the autism community, and an expert clinician in the field. Her insights helped me expand my understanding of the needs of this community and their families. Sue's sensitive approach to differently abled people models how we all should live in the world, both professionally and personally.