While pregnant with her daughter Ann, Esther Mahony learned about SARRC’s Community School during a seminar for moms. A counselor shared her own positive experience with the preschool program and encouraged Esther to consider it when the time felt right.
“She told me about the Community School and really promoted the program,” Esther says. “I thought it sounded great and knew I would eventually look for a preschool program for my daughter.”
Years later, that brief encounter resurfaced when Esther and her husband began exploring preschool options. They weren’t just looking for childcare — they wanted a nurturing environment that would help shape their daughter’s values and development.
The family requested information about SARRC’s Community School campus in Phoenix, where they learned about the inclusive program for students with and without autism. For the Mahony family, it was important that Ann experience a preschool where she could learn alongside other children, one that would support both her academic growth and character development.
Ann was 24 months old when she started the Community School as a typically developing student, and immediately, Esther noticed something special. Her daughter quickly began to grow — not just academically, but emotionally.
“She is so patient and kind,” Esther says. “She has learned so much academically and socially. She practices not getting upset.”
One of the most touching moments early on came when Ann formed a strong bond with a classmate named Noah. Whenever he got upset, Ann would offer him comfort, hugs, and reassurance.
Esther believes experiences like this shaped Ann’s own emotional awareness.
“I think that her seeing other classmates in their feelings taught her how to examine her own emotions,” she says.
Esther, who previously worked at ACCEL, a program for children with more significant developmental needs, was especially moved by how naturally students of all abilities were meaningfully integrated in Ann’s classroom.
“It was completely different to see how the typical and neurodiverse or autistic populations integrate,” Esther explains. “She has no real awareness that there is anything different about her friends at school and I think that is the biggest part of my views that have changed.”
That shift in perspective extended beyond the classroom. Through the Community School, Esther connected with other parents and listened to their stories, their challenges, their resilience, and their deep love for their children.
“I have actively tried to not define her friends by their autism,” she shares. “I think my involvement with the other parents was the most eye-opening … it has helped to create some great bonds between us parents too.”
The school’s care and attentiveness made a lasting impression, especially on Ann’s first day. Esther remembers the nervous drop-off clearly.
“She was two years old, and she cried. I was so scared to leave her,” she says. But the teacher sent her photos of Ann playing happily just minutes later. “I also love that the teachers would give her comfort and their sweet tones with her.”
One of the most valuable takeaways for Esther has been the program’s strong emphasis on social and emotional development. The same strategies used to support students with autism — helping them manage big feelings, encouraging kindness and empathy — benefited all children.
“Everything the teachers have done with the students with autism to help with their social and emotional learning is also beneficial for Ann,” Esther says. “They give so much attention and care to all the kids.”
Now that Ann is preparing to graduate from the Community School, Esther is filled with gratitude.
“I hope that Ann takes away the compassion and work ethic she has had while at the school,” Esther says. “Ann has become resilient, caring and is excelling at learning.”
To families considering the Community School, Esther offers this advice:
“Go into the experience with an open mind and not to be afraid to have any preconceived ideas challenged. My daughter has made the best of friends over these last few years, and I just hope she gets to keep these relationships.”
