Mary Pat Christie to be Honored in Verona Thursday

New Jersey First Lady Mary Pat Christie will visit Verona Thursday morning to tour The Children’s Institute facility and receive the humanitarian of the year award for her advocacy and leadership on behalf of special needs students and their families.

The Children’s Institute is a private, non-profit school teaching children and young adults, aged 3-21, who are Autistic or have related disabilities.

The tour, which begins at 10 a.m., will allow Christie to learn more about the programs and services for students.

Christie is also an advocate for literacy and she will present students with books for readers of all ages for use in the school library.

Christie will be presented with the humanitarian award immediately after the tour and book presentation. She was chosen by ASAH, an organization serving the private special education community, to receive the award in Verona tomorrow.

“It is a great privilege and a wonderful opportunity to be introduced to Mrs. Christie, who is such an important advocate for those on the autism spectrum and with related disabilities,” explained Dr. Bruce Ettinger, CEO/Superintendent of The Children’s Institute.

“We are deeply honored to present this award to Mrs. Christie to recognize her strong commitment to those with disabilities in our State,” stated ASAH Executive Director, Gerard Theirs.

The Children’s Institute is located at 1 Sunset Ave. in Verona.