Who:
- David Brown and Anjali Van Drie, Co-Founders, Family Initiative
- Jenna Persons-Mulicka, Lee County’s Supervisor of Elections
- Florida State Senator Jonathan Martin, District 33
- Mark Stevens, Stevens Construction
Thrive Academy students, families, and staff; Family Initiative leadership, staff, and clinicians
What:
Family Initiative will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completed expansion of Thrive Academy, its private school for students diagnosed on the autism spectrum serving kindergarten through 12th grade. The expanded campus increases enrollment capacity and adds dedicated space for support services that extend beyond the classroom. The newly renovated building not only houses Thrive Academy, but also expands capacity for children and families who receive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Occupational Therapy (OT) services throughout the community, along with participants in Family Initiative’s community-based programs.
Why It Matters:
Thrive Academy is Southwest Florida’s autism-specialty private school, designed around the learning, sensory, and developmental needs of its students. The CDC estimates that 1 in 31 children in the US are diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Thrive Academy offers a structured, therapeutic, strength-based environment where neurodivergent learners can thrive.
Florida’s school choice programs, including the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) administered by Step Up For Students, help families access specialized education and therapies. Thrive Academy’s expansion reflects the growing demand for inclusive, accessible services for children and teens diagnosed on the autism spectrum.
When:
Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 9:30 a.m.
Media check-in opens at 9:00 a.m.
Where:
Thrive Academy | Building 1
3221 Chiquita Blvd S
Cape Coral, FL 33914
Details:
The ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. with remarks from Family Initiative’s co-founders, elected officials, community partners, and parents. Guests will then tour the expanded campus, including its sensory-based building features.
About Family Initiative:
Founded in 2015, Family Initiative Inc. is a Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children with autism and strengthening their families. Its team of clinicians serves children through a compassionate, personalized approach using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Occupational Therapy (OT). The organization also offers autism play groups, teen meetups, parent education, and community conversations. In addition, Family Initiative provides training and support for child welfare caregivers through its Family Impact Program. For more information, visit http://www.fi-florida.org, follow Family Initiative on Facebook and Instagram at @FamilyInitiative, and on X (formerly Twitter) at @FI_Inc.
About Thrive Academy:
Founded in 2022, Thrive was first structured as a private microschool. In 2024, the entire campus was purchased and underwent expansion renovations to hold the growing number of students, teachers, and staff. Thrive Academy is a private school dedicated to providing a structured, supportive, and inclusive learning environment where students with autism spectrum disorder can grow academically, socially, emotionally, and independently. Behavioral support is wrapped around every student, and Thrive focuses on building independence and communication, while incorporating real-world skills beyond the classroom. For more information, visit http://www.thriveacademyfl.org. Follow Thrive Academy on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) at @ThriveAcademyfl.
Media contact: Yohana Resto, 239-910-0712, [email protected]
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