ABOUT US
Our Story
CECO’s vision, mission, and the collective whole of what we do started from an acute awareness that a fundamental and novel solution was desperately needed to help advance and strengthen the overall quality of life for those with neurological motor disabilities. Instead of accepting what wasn’t working or didn’t exist, we took action.
In the summer of 2001, a 6-week pilot program with five children was held in Winter Park, Florida utilizing the learning method of Conductive Education. As the weeks progressed, parents saw dramatic changes in their children. This program made it conceivable for children with neurological motor disabilities to move and progress beyond the expectations of doctors, producing outcomes that exceeded what was believed to be possible.
All it takes is a single event, need, or revelation to spark, to inspire, to ignite something profoundly important—for CECO this spark was Joe and Vicky Raymond who founded CECO for their son, Joseph.
Over the years we have taken the foundation of Conductive Education and implemented new and innovative concepts that has allowed us to expand our programs and positively impact more lives in our community.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to provide innovative programs for lifelong learning and development that transform lives utilizing conductive education that integrates physical, cognitive, and social skills.
WHAT IS CONDUCTIVE EDUCATION?
Conductive education is a learning method for individuals with neurological motor disabilities, like but not limited to cerebral palsy, which integrates an intensive and motivating approach to the development of gross and fine motor skills, mobility and balance, flexibility and motion, social skills, communication, and speech – allowing individuals to maximize their physical independence and strength. Conductive Education, originally theorized in Hungary, is based on the idea that despite the damage to the nervous system, it still possesses the capacity to form new neural connections.
CECO'S INNOVATIVE APPROACH
CECO leverages the profound effectiveness of Conductive Education and further enhances the individual’s learning by adding traditional special education strategies that teach essential academic and daily life skills. Our revolutionary low student-to-staff approach is tailored to each individual’s needs, including the incorporation of a student’s assistive technology into their program.
We take a holistic approach that combines physical and cognitive learning through active participation and repetition, along with an extra emphasis on teaching communication competency, which creates the neurological connections needed to learn new skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Individuals that come through our programs build confidence while becoming self-reliant to the best of their ability. By teaching self-care and problem-solving skills with a positive attitude, individuals with special needs learn to do what was thought impossible.
We are committed to helping maximize the potential of all individuals, build independence, and provide lifelong learning in a social and inclusive community of support. There is no limit to what one individual can do. Possible begins with action.
"There is no limit to what one individual can do. Possible begins with action!"
CECO STAFF
CECO BOARD
Shaila Bahl
BOARD MEMBER
Nurse Practitioner, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children
Ken Baker
BOARD MEMBER
CFO, Hawkers Asian Street Food
John Beacham
BOARD MEMBER
President, Red Bud Landscaping
Pete DiPasqua
BOARD MEMBER
President, DiPasqua Enterprises
Joe Haleski
BOARD MEMBER
The Haleski Foundation
Tyler Kurau
BOARD MEMBER
Senior Vice President, Ameris Bancorp
Brock Magruder
BOARD MEMBER
Founding Shareholder, Attorney DownsAaron, PLLC
Pete McAlindon
BOARD MEMBER
Entrepreneurship in Residence, Rollins College
Michelle Mongkolsmai
BOARD MEMBER
Parent and Advocate
Don Nguyen
BOARD MEMBER
Shareholder / Attorney, DHN Attorneys
Vicky Raymond
BOARD MEMBER
Founder, Parent and Education Consultant
Lara Triozzi
BOARD MEMBER
CEO, MarketLauncher, Inc.
Nick Venovski
Board Member
Vice President, Fifth Third Bank
Kevin Vitale
BOARD MEMBER
Vice President, Brown & Brown Insurance Services
CECO PTCO
The Parent, Teacher, Conductor Organization (PTCO) goals include volunteerism of parents, encouragement of teachers, conductors, assistants and students, community involvement, and welfare of students and families. The PTCO meets approximately once a month and participates in various fundraising events at CECO.
CECO Professionals Committee
With over one-third of Metro Orlando’s population between the ages of 20 and 44, the CECO's Professionals Committee comprises our top community up-and-comers. The primary function is to raise funds and open new doors for CECO by hosting fundraising events, volunteering, providing valuable input, and raising awareness within the community to support the families we serve. Joining the CPC is a great way to give back to the community while making new connections.
Join the CECO Professional Committee today!