
by Tarek Fayoumi
With 2022 just around the corner, I have been thinking that there are times when we could all be kinder to each other. Luckily, 2021 has offered a lot of what I loved before the pandemic. Attending cultural events, seeing movies in theaters, and writing film reviews have all improved my spirits. Although many businesses have now reopened and there are more things in the world to be excited about, there are still many people who are struggling. As an alumnus of Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, I want to elaborate on suggested strategies to be kinder going into 2022.
Since becoming a film critic in the Chicago Indie Critics, I realize that I am now receiving more positive feedback about my writing and my knowledge of film. I appreciate the support, but I also believe my fellow critics deserve positive feedback as well. One of the things I’ve learned through the Chicago Indie Critics is to share the reviews of other critics. The strategy of being kinder in this way demonstrates that I acknowledge that critics have my back, and I also have theirs. This mutual admiration has helped to build a network of awesome cinema aficionados. Turning Pointe Autism Foundation taught me how important it is to help not just myself, but others stay on top of their game. Through the support and mentoring I have received, I have been able to hone my craft as film critic and lend a hand to others pursuing their unique passions.
Helping others make their dreams come true is a big deal to me. For example, I am currently working as an associate producer on a film that is in its final stages of production. I have written a film review of the director’s previous work to help their project gain attention. My way of being kinder in this scenario is to use my own gifts to help others make their dreams come true. Supporting independent projects goes a long way. When there is something you are passionate about such as like movies, art, or music, helping potential ideas come to life can make a positive impact on one’s creative life.
Hardship has been a real challenge for many this year. I am thankful to be employed and working, but sadly some are still in financial binds, and are struggling to make ends meet. Financial resources and government assistance have also become more limited as the pandemic continues. Sometimes when I’m in a convenience shop, grocery store, or gas station, I see tip jars for those who are in need. I have come to realize that when I am having a rough day that helping others can make a difference. Therefore, if I have spare change, I put it in the container. A few coins or a even a dollar can have an impact. It is one small thing I can do to show I care. Paying it forward is another way to spread kindness in the world.
There are many talented individuals who are involved with the Turning Pointe Autism Foundation. Many of the students display such unique and amazing gifts. However, they often struggle to experience success when pursuing the things that they love. My goal is to inspire others to not give up on their dreams. There were low points in my life when I wanted to give up on my goal of becoming a film critic, but the empathy and encouragement of Turning Pointe Autism Foundation pushed me beyond what I thought was possible. Turning Pointe has been amazingly kind to me throughout my journey. I hope that I can keep learning how to be kinder in 2022 and be a role model for others to do the same.
Tarek Fayoumi is an avid film and entertainment enthusiast. His movie reviews can be found at www.movieswithtarek.com. This passion and hobby buoyed his spirit long before the pandemic. Since his promotion from the Turning Pointe Career program, Tarek successfully independently secured full-time employment. We trust his colleagues rely on him for regular movie insights now, too!

Naperville, IL 60540
contactus@turningpointaft.org
630.570.7948

Turning Pointe Autism Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
Turning Pointe Autism Foundation Foglia Family Adult Services is a Certified Autism Center by the IBCCES and the Adult Day Pilot is accredited by CARF.
Our organization does not discriminate in employment or the provision of educational services on the basis on race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, disability, citizenship status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Angela Francisco
Crisis Interventionist
Angela Williams
Faculty Director-AD/DS
Certified Autism Specialist (CAS)
Ashlee Hare-Hunter
Lead Intense Behavior Interventionist
Ashley Hurst-Kim
Speech/Language Pathologist
Alissa Krusoe
Intense Behavior Interventionist
Barbara Brauer
Development & Operations Director
Bernadette Bassett
School Administrator/Compliance Director-AD/DS
Bianca Edmeier-Frost
Program Director
M.S., BCBA
Certified Autism Specialist (CAS)
Carolyn Bonessa
Foundation Coordinator
Carrie Provenzale
Executive Director
Celia Kaiser
BCBA/BA
Christina Pallack
RBT
Clare Jahnke
Intense Behavior Interventionist
Claudia Leiva
Registered Behavior Technician
Corrine Murray
Instructional Coach
Debra Kolak
Occupational Therapist
Drew Dresden
Intense Behavior Interventionist
Edel Vaca Jr.
Special Education Teacher
Elissa Holzwarth
Special Education Teacher
Guadalupe Sanchez
Intense Behavior Interventionist
Hilary Antolak
Intense Behavior Interventionist
Isaac Rodriguez
Intense Behavior Interventionist
Jessica Bain
Registered Behavior Technician
Jack Wolf
Enterprise Employee
John Higgins
School Bus Driver
Kaitlyn Wheaton
Lead Intense Behavior Interventionist
Kathleen Krieger
Nurse
Kehinde "Kenny" Ogunfowokan
Intense Behavior Interventionist
Kristen Skala
Intense Behavior Interventionist
Lacey Landmeier
Speech/Language Pathologist
Lexi Earll
Special Education Teacher
Lindsey Luther
Intense Behavior Interventionist
Mackenzie Muersch
Occupational Therapist
Mackenzie Cryder
Intense Behavior Interventionist/RBT
Marea Rosedale
Speech/Language Pathologist
Marina Romanelli
Teaching Assistant
Mary Brandner
Behavior Analyst
Mary Butler
Family Specialist
CCLS, CFLE
Maura McNamara
Special Education Teacher
Megan Kugach
Registered Behavior Technician
Melanie Saunders
BCBA
Melissa Cleary
Intense Behavior Interventionist
Megan Dobrolinsky
Intense Behavior Interventionist
Melissa Welsch
Lead Intense Behavior Interventionist & RBT
Michael Petrusky
Enterprise Employee
Nancy Santoro
Special Education Teacher
Nicole Cyrier
Intense Behavior Interventionist
Nicole Lombardo
Intense Behavior Interventionist
Paul Gardner
Special Education Teacher
Raymond Rivera
Intense Behavior Interventionist
Raymond Ziecina
Intense Behavior Interventionist
RaeAnne Rhule
Special Education Teacher-AD
IBCCES - Autism Certificate (AC)
Rebekah Osterman
Intense Behavior Interventionist
Robin Karling-Reece
Respite Intense Behavior Interventionist-AD
IBCCES - Autism Certificate (AC)
Samantha Blackwell
Clinical Coach
Samantha Camacho
Program Coordinator
Behavior Analyst
Certified Autism Specialist (CAS)
Sarah Bormann-Mayo
Lead/Scholastic IBI
Sarah Cammack
School Secretary
Seth Mathewson
Admin Specialist
Sonia Galicia
CNA
Stefan Krueger
Systems Specialist
Sydney Coyle
BCBA
Tara Willing
Speech/Language Pathologist-DS/AD
Certified Autism Specialist (CAS)
Taylor Parus
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant/COTA-Part Time
Tiara Mitchell
CNA

Naperville, IL 60540
contactus@turningpointeaf.org
630.570.7948

Turning Pointe Autism Foundation Foglia Family Adult Services is a Certified Autism Center by the IBCCES and the Adult Day Pilot is accredited by CARF.
Our organization does not discriminate in employment or the provision of educational services on the basis on race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, disability, citizenship status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
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