"Every Student. Every Learner. Every Day"
I'm proud to serve as the Director of Special Education at West Bay Collaborative, and this year I'm raising funds through the Flutie 5K to support the incredible students and young adults we serve across Rhode Island.
Every registration, donation, and sponsorship made through my fundraising page goes directly to West Bay Collaborative, helping provide intensive therapeutic, behavioral, academic, and transition services for students with diverse learning needs.
When making your donation, please select West Bay Collaborative as the charity and choose "Team April"
Why Your Support Matters:
At West Bay Collaborative, our mission is simple:
Every Student. Every Learner. Every Day.
We provide exceptional educational programming, transition services, and professional development that empower students to reach their fullest potential.
West Bay Educational Programs (Pre-K–Grade 12)
Our Alternative Learning Programs serve students from districts throughout Rhode Island in highly supportive, therapeutic learning environments.
Elevate Early Learning Center PK-K (West Warwick)
Elevate Elementary (Grades K–5) is located in Cranston
Elevate Futures (Grades 6–12) is located in West Warwick
These programs offer individualized instruction, behavioral supports, and small-group learning designed to help students build the academic, social, and emotional skills needed to successfully return to their home school districts whenever possible.
Rhode Island Transition Academy (RITA)
Founded in 2002, the Rhode Island Transition Academy (RITA) is the state's longest-running transition program for young adults ages 18–22 with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Located on a local Rhode Island college campus, RITA helps students prepare for independent adult life by developing employment, social, and life skills in a true adult learning environment.
Students participate in:
Community-based instruction
Career exploration and job readiness training
Functional life skills development
Social skills instruction
At least three unpaid internships with local business partners across Rhode Island
Through these experiences, students gain confidence, discover their strengths and interests, and develop the skills needed to obtain meaningful employment with increasing independence.
Each month, students explore themes focused on working, living independently, and becoming active members of their communities through business tours, informational interviews, hiring manager presentations, and community resource exploration.
Thank You! Your generosity directly impacts the lives of students and young adults who deserve every opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Thank you for supporting "Team April" West Bay Collaborative, and the amazing individuals we have the privilege to serve every day. Every dollar makes a difference!
Love,
April Seppala
