LIFT EVERY CHILD Foundation
"The team feels like a family and an extension of our family - people who take the time to invest in understanding our children and care deeply about their progress."
ABOUT US
"It is an amazing program. The little time I have been with them was more helpful than any other program I have tried."
WHO WE ARE AND WHO WE SERVE
At Lift Every Child Foundation, we believe that every neurodivergent child and young adult deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Our mission is simple yet profound: to provide the funds for families to access essential evidence-based therapies for their neurodivergent child. Lift Every Child Foundation, Inc. is a neurodiversity-affirming 501(c)(3) corporation. All money raised goes directly towards benefiting children and young adults who are seeking the best and most effective supports available. Grants are paid to licensed clinicians and/or facilities on behalf of clients who are unable to afford the needed services privately or for whom insurance does not cover the recommended services.
Our Foundation is committed to providing the funds needed for children, teens, and young adults who seek a collaborative and autonomy-supportive environment where they can thrive. We aim to open up opportunity that is more meaningful than what is frequently available in schools, in insurance-based clinics, and through government supported programs.
Our Foundation, licensed in Massachusetts, is deeply rooted in several local communities. We believe that every child and young adult, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or any other characteristic, deserves access to the services they need. Our grants are awarded based on financial need, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most. We concentrate our efforts on serving neurodivergent children, teens, and young adults from Norfolk, Suffolk, Middlesex, Worcester, Bristol, and Plymouth Counties. By focusing on these regions, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those we serve.
WHY ARE THESE SERVICES NEEDED?
Many families are restricted in their choice of services for their neurodivergent children based on what is available through insurance or government supported programs. More supportive, collaborative, and neurodiversity-affirming options exist more and more, and the funding sources have not kept up. The long-term benefits of this type of autonomy-supportive programming are astounding, including decreased risk of depression, anxiety, domestic and sexual abuse, and suicide.
The children, teens, and young adults we serve may have diagnoses that you have heard of, including autism, ADHD, OCD, Tourette's, Dyslexia, Down Syndrome, trauma, or a number of other developmental or acquired disabilities.
DOESN'T INSURANCE COVER THESE SERVICES?
Unfortunately, many insurance plans only cover services that they deem to be "medically necessary." Insurance plans rarely reimburse for supportive, holistic care. Plans and government-sponsored programs may significantly under-reimburse highly skilled and licensed clinicians for providing the high quality, individualized care the client deserves. For this reason, some of the most experienced and specialized therapists have had to switch to a private pay model in order to make a livable wage. We do not believe that only the very rich should have access to the very best care.
Your support is crucial in helping us provide these grants. You can help shape the future of neurodiversity-affirming care by enabling access to autonomy-supportive, multidisciplinary services. You can help to grow more independent, confident, and capable adults and help to create a more inclusive world.
Donate now to help Lift Every Child towards a brighter future!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Director and President
Alice D. Ackerman, MD, MBA, PCC
Dr. Ackerman (she/her), our President, is a pediatrician, medical educator, and executive coach with a profound belief in the intrinsic value of every human. Her commitment to enhancing the lives of children often marginalized in our society is the driving force behind our foundation. She envisions a world where every child, regardless of their family’s financial status, can access the best care and support to reach their full potential. She believes that the best care for neurodivergent people is the care that affirms who they are as individuals supports who they can become in the future, and helps them to develop into humans who can live autonomously whenever possible.
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Director and Secretary
Melissa Levin, MSW, LICSW
Melissa Levin (she/her) is an oncology social worker specializing in the care of neurodivergent people. She also works on systems improvements to remove barriers to healthcare experienced by people who have neuro-developmental disabilities. In her prior roles, Melissa provided school-based counseling to transition-age youth with disabilities and worked alongside disability self-advocates in research settings. Melissa's life was transformed by her childhood friendship with an autistic peer and subsequent involvement celebrating neurodiversity in Best Buddies. She envisions a world where all children are celebrated for who they are and where supportive services are accessible to all families who may be in need, regardless of financial status.
Director and Treasurer
Sandy L. Fogel, MD
Sandy L. Fogel, MD, FACS (he/him) is a retired surgeon, medical educator, and history enthusiast. Having grown up with a sibling who faced significant barriers due to his neurodivergence, Dr. Fogel experienced firsthand the profound impact such barriers can have on a family. At that time, there were extremely limited options available to appropriately support his family member. Dr. Fogel envisions a world where respectful and appropriate services are available to all who need them, regardless of their ability to pay. Every child deserves the opportunity to achieve their full potential, whatever that may be.
Board Member
Molly Herman
Molly Herman is a board member of Lift Every Child, bringing over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, with a deep focus on education. With more than 13 years working in both higher education and independent K–12 schools, she is committed to creating inclusive learning environments where all children—especially those in the neurodiverse community—can thrive. A lifelong athlete and former collegiate athlete, Molly credits the structure and support of athletics with helping her persist through her academic career—an experience that fuels her belief in every child’s potential when given the right tools and access to achieve success. She also draws inspiration from her family and colleagues in public education, channeling that passion into building stronger, more connected communities. Molly is currently employed full-time as the Director of Alumni & Parent Engagement at Milton Academy.
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