Program that Helps Students with Autism or Other Special Needs Attend College Names New Texas Director

01 Sep 2009

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AUSTIN, Texas (Sept. 1, 2009) – College Living Experience (CLE), a post-secondary program for college students with special needs, has named Athena Newsom director of its Austin, Texas, program.

College Living Experience provides intensive assistance with academic, independent living and social skills to college students with a variety of special needs, including social and emotional maturation issues, ADD/ADHD and autism spectrum disorders, including Asperger’s syndrome.

Newsom holds a B.A. in Communications from Columbus State University, as well as a Master’s Degree in Education from Troy University. From her experience as the CLE tutor coordinator and Newspaper Specialist/Manager for Accent, Austin Community College’s student newspaper, Newsom learned how to engage students, work with parents and lead and direct a staff of expert educators.

In addition to her professional experience, Newsom takes the reins with more than 18 years of personal experience; her son is a college student with learning disabilities.

“I’m empathetic with parents of children with disabilities,” said Newsom. “After my son graduated from high school, I struggled to find support in the public realm. I was trying to prepare him for life, but had trouble finding a program that offered the unique support he needed.”

Through research, Newsom found CLE and immediately took interest. Since her discovery more than a year ago, she has worked with the organization to help other students like her son.

“Athena brings many refined skills and a sincere enthusiasm to this position, along with her continued dedication to supporting students’ success in every area of their CLE experience,” said Stephanie Martin, Senior Vice President of CLE. “Under her leadership, students with a variety of special needs will be able to attend college and transition into independent adulthood.” 

Under Newsom’s leadership, CLE-Austin has already implemented a diet and exercise program that teaches students healthy behaviors. Through this new program, students participate in weekly exercise programs and learn how to choose and prepare healthy foods. Newsom hopes that a healthy diet and regular physical activity can help reduce students’ need for prescription medications for their physical and emotional conditions.

About CLE

College Living Experience is a post-secondary program for students who require additional support with academic, social and independent living skills because they have autism spectrum disorders, including Asperger’s syndrome, specific disabilities or social and emotional maturation issues. CLE provides individualized support in three primary areas: academics, social skills and independent living. Students travel from all over the country to attend CLE programs in Austin, Texas; Denver; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Monterey, Calif.; and Washington, D.C.

For more information about CLE, visit ExperienceCLE.com or contact Patricia Giner, national director of admissions, at 800-486-5058.