Jackie Ceonzo on how SNACK Supports Autistic Individuals Beyond Childhood
In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb talks with Jackie Ceonzo, founder of SNACK*, a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of children, teens, and young adults with autism through inclusive programs and activities. Jackie shares what inspired her to create SNACK*, how the organization has grown from a small after-school program to serving over 250 individuals, and her vision for expanding support, including housing options for autistic individuals. She also discusses the challenges families face and the importance of building spaces where everyone feels welcome and can thrive.
Jackie Ceonzo founded SNACK* in 2003, inspired by her experience raising a son with severe autism alongside his typically developing brother. She envisioned a welcoming space where all individuals could learn, grow, and connect. Collaborating with experts, she spent three years developing SNACK*, growing it from six participants to over 250 today. Jackie remains actively involved in its administration and programming.
She previously served as President of The Marymount School Alumnae Association and spent 20 years as Vice President of the Hawthorne Foundation Board. A Villanova University economics graduate, Jackie built a successful 16-year career in the textile industry, overseeing $75 million in annual sales before shifting her focus after her son Joey’s diagnosis.
The mission of SNACK*, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, is to enrich the lives of children, teens, and young adults by providing diverse classes and activities designed so everyone has the opportunity to make progress at their own pace. We offer opportunities to make friends, have fun, learn skills, work and participate in activities that ensure participant well-being so they may lead more independent, purposeful lives. From humble beginnings as an after-school program for a half-dozen children, we have seen incredible growth and our programming has expanded. SNACK* was founded by a family with two sons - one with severe autism and one typically developing - with the goal to create a place where they could both feel welcome and thrive.
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The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Autism Speaks.
Our Autism Response Team (ART) is specially trained to connect people with autism, their families, and caretakers to information, tools, and resources.
