About Us

OCA's mission is to empower individuals with autism or special needs, and their families, to fully engage and thrive in the community

Empowering individuals with special needs to grow, connect, and shine—every step of the way.

OCA (Opportunity, Community, Ability) is a nonprofit serving youth and adults with special needs in Central Florida. Our programs are built on the belief that everyone deserves a place to belong and a chance to thrive.

Programs for Every Stage

OCA guides individuals from childhood through adulthood with dynamic recreation, education, therapy, and employment programs that evolve with their needs.

Support for Families

We equip families with the tools, resources, and support they need to navigate school breaks, life transitions, and everyday challenges with confidence.

Real-World Impact

Participants gain confidence and essential life skills through immersive experiences at school, in the workplace, and throughout the community.

Because ability should never limit opportunity.

Families navigating special needs often face isolation, limited options, and uncertainty about the future. OCA was created to change that—by offering not just services, but belonging. Every program is rooted in the belief that individuals of all abilities deserve opportunities to grow, connect, and live life to the fullest.

Team Members

Silvia Haas

Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Margaret Newman Thornton, PsyD, BCBA, LMHC

Chief Operations Officer

Rebecca Baker, M.Ed., BCBA

Director of Services

Meagan Gallagher, MBA

Director of Human Resources

Julie Wright

Development Consultant

Nicole Cater

Therapeutic Services
Administrator

Ashley Holley

Quality Assurance Administrator

Yvonne Mora

Billing Specialist

Dorcas Rivera

Program Administrator

Board of Directors

Chair

A.J. Adamczak

Fifth Third Bank

Vice Chair

Laura Kunzweiler

Taylor Morrison Home Funding

Secretary

Jenny Rossman

Herman Law

Treasurer

Ven Sequenzia

Smart Source , LLC

Vitaliy Soloveychik

Nemours Children’s Health

Bert Fonseca

Wharton-Smith, Inc.

Michelle Bilsky

Bilsky Law

Maiddy Dunigan

Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics

Lytle Smith

Sentio Investments