Pawsitive Friendships of Gilbert, Arizona, is the first organization of its kind in Arizona to have earned the Certified Autism Center™ designation (CAC). The CAC designation, granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), means that families with children on the autism spectrum and other sensory disorders can enjoy the best possible experience that caters to their needs.

Pawsitive Friendships is a not for profit organization that helps children with special needs achieve their personal goals through Animal Assisted Therapy. Providing a sensory-inclusive experience for children on the autism spectrum is paramount to the success Pawsitive Friendships has with their unique program. Completing the fully accredited Autism Certification program provided by IBCCES enables Pawsitive Friendships to ensure the best possible treatment for all of the children they serve. Continue Reading →

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), a leading global provider of training and certification on autism and cognitive disorders, announced today the appointment of Marc Garcia to its executive advisory board. Garcia is President and CEO of Visit Mesa, the destination marketing organization (DMO) for the City of Mesa, Arizona, and the surrounding region. His experience, innovative passion, and strategic business knowledge will strengthen IBCCES’ impact at home and abroad.

Garcia’s devotion to inclusivity aligns with IBCCES’ mission to improve the overall quality of life for individuals with cognitive disorders. In 2019, he led Visit Mesa to become the nation’s first DMO to earn the Certified Autism Center™ designation and shepherded other Mesa businesses to achieve this same status. This impressive initiative seeks to establish Mesa, AZ as the United States’ first-ever autism certified travel destination. Continue Reading →

Zone Cheer All-Stars, Inc. has become the world’s first competitive cheerleading and tumbling training center to earn the designation of Certified Autism Center™ (CAC). Zone Cheer All-Stars completed a professional certification program from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to better understand how to provide the best possible experience for their athletes on the autism spectrum. The successful completion of this specialized training aligns with the new Pride! Cheer Abilities team and the organization’s ongoing commitment to provide a safe place for cheer athletes of all abilities.

“As the owner of Zone Cheer All Stars, I have strived to give all athletes a safe place to be after school and on the weekends. Becoming a Certified Autism Center™ only adds more reassurance that we are doing what’s right for the community we serve,” said Jessica Moltisanti, United States All Star Federation (USASF) Credentialed Coach, and owner of Zone Cheer All-Stars. Continue Reading →