When Professor Eliza Riley first got involved at CAA, it was very different from what it is today. In fact, she has been part of the community ever since the founding in 2009. Over the years, she has watched the CAA community grow, evolve, and continue creating a place where people can express themselves freely
Jeffrey is an amazing student working on his CAA undergraduate diploma. When initially sitting down to select his classes at CAA, Jeffrey Czarnik was so eager that he wanted to enroll in 25 different courses. His mother, Becky, convinced him to whittle it down and he is currently signed up for 12 classes. Jeffrey uses
Professor Laura is a graduate from SJSU with a degree in Dance. Dance and performance has always been a passion for Laura Jones. She discovered ballet in fourth grade and later in life fell in love with tap dancing. Laura is neurodiverse and became involved with Changeling Dance Theatre, which focused on bringing dance to
Persi is an excellent board leader who galvanizes the team with kindness and support. Persi Kanga is CAA’s fearless leader of the board and the organization’s board chair. Persi has been an active board member since 2022 where he served as the treasurer, and he has been incredible as he stepped into a larger role
Robert was one of CAA’s very first students back in 2009. When Robert Tafoya first started taking classes at CAA, he was much quieter and more reserved than the confident apprentice everybody knows today. Robert’s mom was the person who first introduced Robert to the idea of CAA, and ever since it has been a
She has been on the Mountain Movers board since 2023. CAA Board member Cristin Reichmuth’s passion to be involved in the special needs community started at an early age. As a child, Cristin watched her mother’s spina bifida diagnosis and scoliosis affect many aspects of her life. Doctors told Cristin’s mother that she likely would
Welcome New & Returning Students to the Summer/Fall Semester 2026 Greetings, Students! We are excited to welcome everyone back to campus on Monday, July 6! We hope you’ve had a restful break and are ready to continue your lifelong educational journey. This is already shaping up to be an incredible semester. We are thrilled to
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Haley is a true creative: she loves art, photography, baking, performing. When student Haley Lebherz first came to CAA in 2019, she was looking for a place where she could grow, connect with others, and continue to learn more about her interests. Years later, CAA has become a community she deeply values, and a place
She walked into CAA in 2022 at West Valley’s Campus and never looked back Before finding CAA, Professor Paula Murray had worked and built a successful career in the travel industry. But when she needed to take leave and get surgery, the company decided to dissolve her position and let her go. Rather than letting
CAA Student Brighid Helped Launch a New Class on Mental Health Support Brighid has been a CAA student for the past six years and was instrumental in the founding of CAA’s popular You Are Not Alone (YANA) group. Growing up autistic, Brighid was often misunderstood and felt different than some of her peers. As she
