Thanks to a generous donation from Atlanta-area philanthropists, Louise and Brett Samsky, Marcus Autism Center, a subsidiary of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, recently received a $1 million donation to rename its preschool program Louise and Brett Samsky Preschool, making it a key component of the Marcus Autism Center mission to change the landscape of education for children with autism in Georgia and beyond.

Louise and Brett Samsky are active community volunteers who devote their time to helping children with special needs in honor of their son Connor, who has autism spectrum disorder and has benefitted from various programs at Marcus Autism Center. Louise currently serves on the Marcus Autism Center Board of Trustees, and prior to that served on the Marcus Advisory Council. Additionally, she was co-chair of the inaugural Season of Hope gala which benefits Marcus Autism Center.

“We know first-hand that increased awareness and early intervention in a child’s development is critical for those with special needs,” said Louise Samsky. “We wanted to support Marcus Autism Center not only because it holds a special place in our hearts due to our son’s journey there, but it also supports our mission to provide essential resources and increased support to families who are navigating life on the autism spectrum. Samsky Preschool furthers that mission by creating an innovative and inclusive learning environment for these unique and special children.”

Samsky Preschool offers Georgia Pre-K to children with and without autism spectrum disorder and operates as both a school and a place of research on preschool education. Because it is a collaboration between Marcus, Children’s and Emory University, Samsky Preschool creates new and better ways of supporting families and meeting the learning needs of all children. Teachers create flexible classroom environments that accommodate and embrace each child’s individual way of learning.

“Louise and Brett Samsky are passionate about their support of clinical excellence and innovation at Marcus,” said Ami Klin, PhD, Director of the Marcus Autism Center. “We are extremely grateful to them for inspiring us to redouble our efforts to help children with autism fulfill their potential. Their son Connor is our greatest inspiration of all. Their generosity and friendship mean the world to us. Their investment in our preschool operations and in our science of education position us well to not only optimize our services at Marcus, but also to positively impact children elsewhere, wherever they are, and whenever they need us.”

If you are interested in enrolling your child or learning more about Louise and Brett Samsky Preschool, email [email protected] or visit Preschool Program on the Marcus Autism Center website for more information.