From a young age, Luke was always on the move, but not very talkative. As the youngest of three boys, his parents initially assumed his quietness stemmed from his older brothers speaking for him. But after a series of doctor visits, they found themselves navigating an unfamiliar world.
Early growth and support
Among the information they received was a pamphlet for Quest Kids Therapy. Soon after, Luke began speech and language services. Progress came slowly at first, but his family was thrilled as things began to click, delighting in first words, responses and signs he was ready to engage. When Quest Kids Academy opened, Luke transitioned from public school to a place where he already knew the faces, routines and people who cared for him.
“It was wonderful,” his mother, Christina, says. “He felt safe. They kept us informed, sent videos and celebrated every little thing he accomplished.”
As Luke advanced through school, he moved into an independent living class. There, assistant teacher Anita Fisher worked with him for four years. During that time, he built skills in safety, cooking, cleaning, money management and social skills. Anita quickly noticed his instinct for caring about others, especially when he began volunteering at Second Harvest.
“Luke loved being part of a team and would alert me of peers needing help. I knew his caring personality and work ethic would take him far,” Anita says.
Confidence in action
Today, Luke is thriving in the Work-Based Learning program through Quest Employment Services, gaining real–world experience at places like the Winter Park Library, the Castle Hotel and United Against Poverty. These opportunities help him build essential soft skills and discover the tasks and environments he enjoys most. Erin Hennessy, Quest’s youth employment specialist, has found real joy in watching Luke take on responsibility and exceed expectations.
“Luke is such a hard worker, and one of my favorite moments was giving him his first paycheck,” Erin says. “Seeing him connect that working means earning and saving for something he valued was incredible.”
Luke’s progress transformed his parents’ expectations. They no longer worry that his future might be limited to working in the family construction business. They now look forward to watching him explore career opportunities on his own, with less need for their guidance.
That growth isn’t limited to work — it shows up in the way Luke approaches his routines, volunteerism and other social ventures, especially sports. He is a dedicated Special Olympics athlete, competing in cycling, pickleball, swimming, golf, basketball, paddleboarding and even modified triathlons. Participating more in the community has allowed him to build real friendships and pursue interests that give him joy. With QKA’s support, Luke continues to build confidence, and his parents are reassured that he’s going to be just fine.
“Everyone at Quest wants your child to succeed as much as you do. They love them like their own and help them become the best version of themselves,” Christina says.
About Quest Kids Academy
Quest Kids Academy offers a supportive educational environment for children and teens with autism and other developmental disabilities. Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year are open. Learn all about it at Quest Kids Academy.
