Seeing the Pointe

Finding a job that aligns your passions and talents is deeply fulfilling. Carrie Provenzale found just that when she became the executive director of Naperville’s Turning Pointe Autism Foundation in 2016.

Provenzale entered college as a special education major. After a few classes, though, she realized teaching wasn’t a good fit—and pivoted to pursue a career in nonprofit development. After working in the field for 20 years, Provenzale now uses both skills to run a school for children who are on the autism spectrum.

“I still pinch myself that I get to lead a special needs school and do it in a way I am good at,” she says. “Our teachers are complete rock stars; that’s the role they are meant to play. I’m meant to be more strategic.”