Twenty-five years ago, Damien visited the United States for the first time from his home in Ireland. His experiences that summer set him on the career path that would eventually lead him to Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center (BRAAC). BRAAC merged with VIA in January 2023.

Since coming to BRAAC, she has done it all! Sam started out in-home, left to work as a guidance counselor, and then returned to lead as a program director traveling to consult in different school districts, and finally leading as program director at the center.

As parents, we all want what is best for our children. We want them to be happy, productive contributors to their communities, and have a level of self-esteem that sustains them through the good and bad times. VIA’s Center for Adolescent and Adult Autism Services provides the structure in which our autistic children may thrive as happy and productive adults who contribute to their families and communities while building their self-esteem and independence every single day.

Jesseth Baul, Administrative Coordinator of School Services, spent a few years as a Registered Behavior Technician at Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center. She reflects on why our recent merger is such a good fit. 

Virginia Institute of Autism (VIA), Charlottesville, VA, and St. Vincent’s Home (SVH Services), Roanoke, VA, announced recently that the two organizations have merged. The result is an expanded Virginia Institute of Autism, forming one of the largest nonprofit providers of pediatric and adult services, inclusive of educational, behavioral, and habilitative services for autism and related disabilities in Virginia.

Ashley Stonemetz-Walding is the director of compliance at VIA, but that's just the most recent hat she's put on in her 15 years with the organization.