Reese’s journey is one of quiet beginnings and powerful transformation. Diagnosed with autism at age 2, she faced significant physical challenges—walking at 26 months and doing it on her ankles. She was also nonverbal until age 5. At 9 years old, she underwent major surgery to correct both feet, beginning a long and difficult recovery that tested her strength physically and emotionally. She endured extensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy throughout her young life. At home, she overcame additional hurdles. Following her parents’ divorce at age 3, Reese and her mother navigated a complex path to secure the support and services she needed to thrive at school. Everything began to shift when Reese discovered TERI. At just 20 years old, Reese made the bold decision to move into one of TERI’s 13 owned and operated homes, providing 24/7 care with a focus on long-term living and housing solutions. This gave Reese the friendships she envied in elementary school, forging strong bonds with her roommates in addition to being a thriving student in TERI’s Center for the Arts day program for adult enrichment. At TERI, she also found a new passion: the stage. She made her debut as the narrator in TERI Players’ “A Christmas Carol,” then stepped into the spotlight, landing the lead role of Alice in “Alice in Wonderland.” Once shy and unheard, Reese is now confident, independent, and expressive—a transformation that continues to inspire everyone around her and those who have the pleasure of meeting her!