Stories

"At VIA, it's not just about the student. It's about the family regaining the ability to feel more like a family." 

In kindergarten, Charlie Wright had accepted that he was the "bad kid." But after his time with VIA, Charlie, now back in public school as a sixth grader, has the tools to succeed both academically and socially. The entire Wright family, including Charlie's younger brother and older sister, have gained confidence and healing. 

Ask Shannon Ellis what word comes to mind when thinking about how VIA changed her son Hayden’s life, and she’ll say: dignity. 

“VIA gave him his dignity–he can go out and be in public and be a part of his community,” she said. 

Virginia Institute of Autism and St. Vincent's Home rebrand as VIA Centers for Neurodevelopment, creating a more inclusive future for their clients and families.

Kyle Harding says he can't wait to get to work in the morning--his dedication, generosity, and passion for teaching is evident in all that he does. 

Over 100 golfers participated in the 2023 VIA golf tournament held at The Club at Glenmore on Wednesday, May 24. This year’s tournament was sponsored by Faulconer Construction, Perkins + Will, and Skanska.

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.

The Yoder family began their journey with autism when their son Ben was 2 years old, and VIA has grown and changed alongside him.

After decades of parallel progress, these two strong organizations are coming together to form an even stronger whole.

Follow Caroline’s journey as she learns to enjoy solid foods, sleep through the night, and play chase with classmates on the school playground.

VIA's supported employment program helps clients build skills and secure meaningful work.

The student and client progress Lauren has seen since she began working at via 16 years ago has taken many forms.

VIA's Intensive School-Based Intervention program is focused on helping children stay in their local public schools by providing coaching and support for their teachers and staff.

The 2022 VIA golf tournament was held at The Club at Glenmore on Wednesday, June 29.

The VIA outpatient team helps a young learner find her voice using the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).

Our community came together to run, walk, jump, and play in support of autism acceptance and VIA services.

VIA’s vocational programs help clients grow job skills while producing retail products.

VIA celeberated the grand opening of the new Center for Adolescent and Adult Autism Services.

The principal bassoonist for the Charlottesville Symphony Orchestra has struck up a transformative relationship at VIA.