ABOUT
New Horizons in Autism Inc. is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to serving individuals with autism and their families by delivering community-based services, providing advocacy and support while increasing public awareness, and contributing to the body of knowledge in the field of autism.
Our organization began when a group of parents came together with one common goal, to provide the best opportunities possible to their loved ones with Autism. The non-profit was initially founded in March 1980 as Community Living For The Autistic and provided respite and residential services with adults with Autism.
In 1993, the organization changed its name to New Horizons in Autism Inc., and services were expanded to include vocational, day habilitation, behavior therapy, and continued expansion in residential services.
Today, New Horizons in Autism has expanded throughout New Jersey, with 15 Residential Group Homes, 5 Day Habilitation Programs, an In-Home Support Program, and an extensive Clinical Services Department in Bergen, Ocean, and Monmouth Counties. We are proud to be providing services to over 110 individuals with autism and their families and employ over 300 full and part-time staff.
Meet Our Executive Team
Samir Popal, MPA
Executive Director
Rafia Akhtar
Director of Programs & Services
Calistus Luke Fernando
Director of Training
Simone Waters, MSW, LSW
Director of Outreach & Development
Michelle Massey
Director of Community Services
Cynthia Espinosa, MA, BCBA
Director of Day Habilitation Services
Michael Hitchcock, MA, BCBA
Director of Clinical Services
Jeanne Gleason
Director of Human Resources
Racsaida Morel
Director of EHR & Billing