Ann and Nick Tillman Project

This unique and cutting-edge project was named for Nick and Ann Tillman whose daughter received services at First Step and for years lent their support to the organization. Ann Tillman chaired the 2008 Designers Vision House, the first fundraising event of the First Step Foundation.

Nick and Ann lost their lives in a plane crash just days after the closing of the Designers Vision House event. Children with autism and the First Step organization were dear to their hearts. We can think of no better way to honor their memory.

Because children with autism and sensory, behavioral, and communication needs are each unique, the Ann and Nick Tillman Project will strive to find the right approach for treating each individual.

Teachers, therapists and other workers will be trained in numerous techniques to meet the individual needs of participants. The ratio of staff to children will be 1:4 as opposed to the required 1:7 in other preschool programs.