A Sunshine Sisters Special: The Story of Autism Inspired Academy
Season 2, Episode 1498, Dec 12, 09:15 PM
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On this special episode of Sunshine Sisters, host Karen Carmichael welcomes Cher Harris and Liz Russell, the co-founders of Autism Inspired Academy (AIA)—a school that has transformed from a tiny summer camp into a thriving educational sanctuary for students on the autism spectrum. What began with just eight students in 2017 has grown into a full K–12 program serving more than 130 young people today.
Cher, a longtime public-school teacher in an autism self-contained classroom, always dreamed of opening her own school. But without guidance or a clear roadmap, that dream felt far out of reach—until the day she met Liz. In their very first conversation, Liz asked her what she truly wanted to do with her life. When Cher said she hoped to open a school someday, Liz responded with a simple but life-changing idea: “What if we start with a camp?”
That moment marked the beginning of Autism Inspired Academy.
Liz’s motivation came from two powerful places. As a parent of a child on the spectrum, she understood firsthand the challenges families faced in finding suitable educational placements. For years, parents in her community shared heartbreaking stories and asked her for guidance. She quietly promised herself that if the opportunity ever came, she would help create something better. When she and her husband, Philip—AIA’s third co-founder—agreed it was the right time for her to step away from corporate life, she committed fully to making the school a reality.
Their partnership worked because their strengths were complementary. Cher brought deep knowledge of education, behavior strategies, and classroom leadership. Liz brought business experience, sales confidence, and an understanding of finance, pitching, and legal frameworks. Together, they built the foundation for AIA’s philosophy: confidence, character, and connection.
One of the most pivotal moments in the school’s early development came when they were selected for the Drexel Fund’s highly competitive Founders Program (https://www.drexelfund.org). The program provided a stipend, leadership training, and resources, allowing Cher to leave her public-school job and work full-time on AIA. It was the moment the dream became tangible.
But growth was not without challenges—especially securing a proper facility with the right zoning. After months of searching, the perfect building finally came through. That milestone marked the school’s true beginning.
When COVID-19 hit, AIA was still in its pre-opening year, temporarily operating out of a borrowed space in Tampa. Despite the uncertainty, Cher and Liz pivoted quickly, moving to virtual sessions, delivering weekly learning kits to families, and hosting all-student Zoom gatherings to maintain connection and community. The culture that formed during those early, intimate months—one built on respect, teamwork, and genuine care—has remained intact even as the school has grown to 46 staff members and 135 students.
At the heart of AIA’s curriculum is a strong emphasis on behavior, character development, and social communication. The school uses the Zones of Regulation program (https://zonesofregulation.com), teaching it across all grade levels to help students develop self-awareness and emotional regulation. Academic lessons pause for teachable moments when social or behavioral skills can be reinforced—because at AIA, those are viewed not as secondary skills, but as essentials for life.
Even as the organization expands, the founders remain committed to a deeply student-centered philosophy. Their leadership approach is based on presence: they walk classrooms daily, check in frequently with teachers, observe instruction, and uphold the culture through consistent, respectful communication. Staff quickly learn that feedback, collaboration, and shared purpose are core to the AIA way.
Looking to the future, Cher and Liz envision a full K–12 program with a robust transition pathway for young adults. They are expanding their micro-enterprises, including Inspired Farming and the Shark Bikes Café, and building stronger partnerships with local businesses to create inclusive vocational opportunities. Their goal is to prepare students not just to feel safe, but to truly thrive—academically, socially, and ultimately within the larger community.
AIA aims to be a sanctuary for families: a place to learn, plan, and feel supported through every stage of their child’s growth. Beyond academics, the founders see themselves as advocates and guides, helping families navigate the complex journey from childhood to adulthood, long before age 22 approaches.
Families, donors, and community partners all have a place in AIA’s mission. Parents are encouraged to become part of the school’s community; donors are invited to stay connected and see the impact of their support; and local businesses are welcomed into partnerships that open doors for students to learn and work in inclusive environments.
Visit Autism Inspired Academy
📍11225 US Highway 19 North, Clearwater, FL
🌐 https://autisminspired.org
On the website, families can complete a Parent Inquiry Form, schedule a tour, attend informational nights, explore enrollment, donate, or read more about AIA’s programs and philosophy.
#sunshinesusters #autisminspiredacademy #lizrussell #cherharris #karencarmichael
Cher, a longtime public-school teacher in an autism self-contained classroom, always dreamed of opening her own school. But without guidance or a clear roadmap, that dream felt far out of reach—until the day she met Liz. In their very first conversation, Liz asked her what she truly wanted to do with her life. When Cher said she hoped to open a school someday, Liz responded with a simple but life-changing idea: “What if we start with a camp?”
That moment marked the beginning of Autism Inspired Academy.
Liz’s motivation came from two powerful places. As a parent of a child on the spectrum, she understood firsthand the challenges families faced in finding suitable educational placements. For years, parents in her community shared heartbreaking stories and asked her for guidance. She quietly promised herself that if the opportunity ever came, she would help create something better. When she and her husband, Philip—AIA’s third co-founder—agreed it was the right time for her to step away from corporate life, she committed fully to making the school a reality.
Their partnership worked because their strengths were complementary. Cher brought deep knowledge of education, behavior strategies, and classroom leadership. Liz brought business experience, sales confidence, and an understanding of finance, pitching, and legal frameworks. Together, they built the foundation for AIA’s philosophy: confidence, character, and connection.
One of the most pivotal moments in the school’s early development came when they were selected for the Drexel Fund’s highly competitive Founders Program (https://www.drexelfund.org). The program provided a stipend, leadership training, and resources, allowing Cher to leave her public-school job and work full-time on AIA. It was the moment the dream became tangible.
But growth was not without challenges—especially securing a proper facility with the right zoning. After months of searching, the perfect building finally came through. That milestone marked the school’s true beginning.
When COVID-19 hit, AIA was still in its pre-opening year, temporarily operating out of a borrowed space in Tampa. Despite the uncertainty, Cher and Liz pivoted quickly, moving to virtual sessions, delivering weekly learning kits to families, and hosting all-student Zoom gatherings to maintain connection and community. The culture that formed during those early, intimate months—one built on respect, teamwork, and genuine care—has remained intact even as the school has grown to 46 staff members and 135 students.
At the heart of AIA’s curriculum is a strong emphasis on behavior, character development, and social communication. The school uses the Zones of Regulation program (https://zonesofregulation.com), teaching it across all grade levels to help students develop self-awareness and emotional regulation. Academic lessons pause for teachable moments when social or behavioral skills can be reinforced—because at AIA, those are viewed not as secondary skills, but as essentials for life.
Even as the organization expands, the founders remain committed to a deeply student-centered philosophy. Their leadership approach is based on presence: they walk classrooms daily, check in frequently with teachers, observe instruction, and uphold the culture through consistent, respectful communication. Staff quickly learn that feedback, collaboration, and shared purpose are core to the AIA way.
Looking to the future, Cher and Liz envision a full K–12 program with a robust transition pathway for young adults. They are expanding their micro-enterprises, including Inspired Farming and the Shark Bikes Café, and building stronger partnerships with local businesses to create inclusive vocational opportunities. Their goal is to prepare students not just to feel safe, but to truly thrive—academically, socially, and ultimately within the larger community.
AIA aims to be a sanctuary for families: a place to learn, plan, and feel supported through every stage of their child’s growth. Beyond academics, the founders see themselves as advocates and guides, helping families navigate the complex journey from childhood to adulthood, long before age 22 approaches.
Families, donors, and community partners all have a place in AIA’s mission. Parents are encouraged to become part of the school’s community; donors are invited to stay connected and see the impact of their support; and local businesses are welcomed into partnerships that open doors for students to learn and work in inclusive environments.
Visit Autism Inspired Academy
📍11225 US Highway 19 North, Clearwater, FL
🌐 https://autisminspired.org
On the website, families can complete a Parent Inquiry Form, schedule a tour, attend informational nights, explore enrollment, donate, or read more about AIA’s programs and philosophy.
#sunshinesusters #autisminspiredacademy #lizrussell #cherharris #karencarmichael