On the recordMarch 11, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great individual of my south Florida community, Dr. Michael Alessandri, for his work with children and young adults who have been diagnosed with autism. Dr. Alessandri, a professor of psychology at my alma mater, the University of Miami, will be honored at the Kesher Annual Scholarship Journal Dinner to celebrate his commitment to this amazing organization. Kesher, an organization that provides an academic and Jewish education to children with special needs, was formed in 1995 with two classrooms and 20 students. Today, with the help of Dr. Alessandri, the organization is shaping the lives of over 80 children and young adults with autism through their personalized student curriculum. Dr. Allesandri's dedication to helping children and young adults with autism obtain an education has been fundamental to the success of Kesher. Once again, I would like to congratulate Dr. Alessandri and all of the staff, faculty, and parents and the students of Kesher, and hope others follow his lead in making our community a better place in which to live. ____________________
