Opening of Adaptive Kitchen  

One of the most exciting initiatives at the Elizabeth Lee Black School in 2025 was the opening of the new adaptive kitchen—a fully accessible culinary learning space designed to empower students of all abilities. Funded through a grant from the Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust and proceeds from the 2024 Ladies Only Luncheon, many of the appliances have a large, topple-free base, allowing students to pull on them without moving the appliance or risking injury. All touchpoints are highlighted in gold, guiding them to learn about appliance safety. It’s not just a kitchen—it’s a gateway to independence, confidence, and community inclusion. The adaptive kitchen has received much use since its opening, allowing students to diversify their skills and enjoy a variety of foods, including a full course Thanksgiving dinner that was guided by our speech, occupational, and physical therapy teams.  

Teacher Brianne Egelston poses with two of her students in the new adaptive kitchen. 

AI’s Impact on Early Childhood Development & Growth  

In mid-October, I had the privilege of attending the Fall 2025 Grow Up Great Council Meeting in Pittsburg, and I left inspired and informed. A key focus of our recent meeting was the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the lives of young children. While AI’s impact on the workforce and older students is widely discussed, its influence on early childhood development is just beginning to surface.  

Dr. Dana Suskind led a thought-provoking session on how AI devices may soon replace tablets and television as digital companions for children. With 75% of three-year-olds already using tablets, the implications are profound. During the first three years of life, a child’s brain grows to 80% of its adult size, making this a critical window for development. Rich, responsive conversations with caregivers are essential for language acquisition, emotional growth, and social engagement.  

Yet, interactive AI bots and toys are on the horizon. OpenAI’s recent partnership with Mattel aims to introduce age-appropriate AI toys to the market. Dr. Suskind cautioned, “We still don’t fully understand foundational brain development. Introducing young brains to responsive AI may alter them in fundamental ways we cannot yet anticipate.”  

AI is here to stay—but so is our responsibility to ensure it enhances, rather than hinders, the developmental journey of our youngest learners. As we move forward, we must continue asking hard questions and seeking evidence-based answers to protect and empower the next generation.  

Retirement of Cindy Priester & Welcoming of Christoper Boyd 

Cindy Priester, Director of Children & Youth, retired on December 19, after over 40 years of service to the Barber National Institute. Serving in many capacities throughout the school, including occupational therapist, special education supervisor, and ultimately the Director of Children & Youth, a position she held for the last several years. Christopher Boyd was hired as the new Director in the last months of Cindy’s employment, allowing them to collaborate and create a plan for success. Chris has demonstrated strong leadership coupled with valuable experience, skills, and education. From 2018–2025, his roles have included Vice Principal at the Northwestern School District, Principal of the Charter School of Excellence Skills Center, and most recently served as Educational Principal/Program Director of Operations at NeuroRestorative’s Adolescent Residential Treatment Facility. He has been recognized for designing creative curricula, strengthening teacher evaluation and professional development, ensuring compliance and fiscal stewardship, and leading accountability initiatives. Equipped with a K–12 Principal Certification and an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from Gannon University, plus teaching credentials in Business/Computers/IT, he brings a solid academic foundation to our school and organization.  

Artist in Residence Program Updates  

During fall 2025, the Elizabeth Lee Black School collaborated with Erie Arts & Culture on an Arist in Residence program featuring mural artist Steve Mik. Steve Mik is a local artist who has been painting murals for the last 15 years. He has a passion for working with community and inspiring people using public art. Working with four of our classrooms, Steve guided students in creating a symphony of color and geometry, a rhythmic medley of shapes that transforms a simple hallway into a gallery of imagination. Squares, circles, triangles, and clovers march in harmonious rows, each block a bold declaration of red, blue, yellow, and green. The repetition feels like a visual heartbeat—steady yet full of surprises—where familiar forms become playful patterns. An official unveiling of the mural occurred on December 16. Steve, along with members from Erie Arts & Culture, joined the celebration. The mural is a kaleidoscope of possibilities, inviting every passerby to pause and see the beauty in order, color, and joy. 

Steve Mik, far left, poses in front of the newly unveiled mural on December 16 with teacher Robert Adams and his students who participated in the Artist in Residence program.  

Former Graduates Who Are Going Places: Daniel Gillespie and Thomas Kopec  

Recently, Daniel Gillespie, a former student with autism, reached out to share his achievements. Despite challenges, he and his brother David, who also has autism, persevered to lead fulfilling lives. 

Daniel started receiving services from the Barber National Institute early on and developed strong skills in time management, communication, and critical thinking. After high school, he explored different jobs with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and worked in various fields before deciding to pursue college. He graduated from Mercyhurst in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and now works as a courtroom tipstaff, applying his education to assist judges and maintain order. 

Daniel and his brother also launched the Brown Side of Autism blog to share their experiences as Black and Brown individuals with autism, raising awareness about both the challenges and strengths of people with autism. I’m proud of Daniel’s ongoing journey and all he continues to accomplish. 

Daniel Gillespie  

Thomas Kopec’s journey is a testament to perseverance, character, and the power of early support. A few weeks ago, he graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, earning cum laude honors with a 3.54 cumulative GPA—an achievement built on years of consistent effort and self-discipline. Throughout his studies, Thomas never needed prompting to complete homework or prepare for exams; his quiet drive and steady focus became hallmarks of his success. Just as notable as his academic credentials are the qualities that define him daily: humility, honesty, kindness, and a genuine warmth that makes him a joy to know. 

This milestone also reflects a broader story of partnership and guidance. Beginning early as a three-year-old student in our autism program, Barber National Institute, Thomas and his family found a community that nurtured his growth.  Thomas graduated from us as an elementary student and his family moved to Las Vegas.  

As Thomas steps forward, his achievement stands not only as a personal triumph but as an inspiring reminder that when commitment, character, and the right supports come together, doors open—to learning, to opportunity, and to a bright future with possibility. 

Thomas Kopec