NJ Governor Phil Murphy Visits The CTC Academy!

Governor Phil Murphy tours The CTC Academy’s Oakland, NJ Campus! Education And Therapies For Students With Disabilities Ages 18 months through 21 years

[Oakland, NJ] – The CTC Academy Board of Directors, staff and students were honored to host NJ Governor, Phil Murphy at their Oakland Campus February 7, 2023. Ambassador and CTC Graduate, Jonah Gold and Oakland Principal, Bill Presutti led the tour of the school. Governor Murphy was most impressed by the students he saw working within their classrooms and attending therapies as well as the students with whom he spoke. The Governor was happy to “high-five” CTC student Ramona, who was part of the welcome committee.

The Governor’s tour included visiting the classrooms and seeing the students using their adaptive mobility equipment and communication devices as they participated educationally and therapeutically. Later, Governor Murphy observed some of the students’ abilities including adaptive cooking and he watched as CTC Student, Thomas, gleefully demonstrated therapy time on the platform swing. Governor Murphy even took a turn using the vibrating piano wall in the Oakland Sensory Room! The donor-provided aqua therapy center was of particular interest as CTC students were demonstrating the benefits of aquatic therapy – using properties of water to provide a fun, therapeutic and social environment.

CTC Board President, Jon Mach, also greeted the Governor. He said, “We welcome every opportunity to showcase this wonderful school and its amazing students. It was an honor to meet Governor Murphy and we were so grateful that he spent time learning about our community.” The Governor expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to tour the school and meet some of the parents and staff. He ended his visit by briefly meeting with CTC Student Sean Boyle, and Sean’s mom, CTC Board Member, Jennifer Boyle. Mrs. Boyle spoke about the urgent need to address the current challenge to ensure that adult children who have significant disabilities and complex medical needs receive appropriate adult support after graduation.

CTC Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides educational and therapeutic services for students with a diverse array of developmental disabilities through our collaborative educational program and support services for students and families. The CTC offers services to children from 18 months up to age 21. Executive Director Anne Ogden said, “I feel such a sense of incredible enthusiasm each time I have an opportunity to introduce our CTC program to someone for the first time. Having the honor of watching the Governor of New Jersey enthralled by our students, staff and our mission was indeed a highlight for me.”

CTC Academy depends on the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations to support our mission. Raised funds provide enhanced programs, adaptive equipment, expansion of facilities and programs and extracurricular activities for our children and their families.

Contributions are tax deductible and there are many opportunities to help.