Sarah Shao
From Art to Cake: How Clarissa Valdez Built Sweet Party Cakes Through Creativity and Resilience
Finding purpose through baking Valdez has been baking for more than 12 years. Growing up in a large Dominican family, food and celebrations were always an important part of life which influenced her decision to...
Finding Inclusion Through Understanding: Brett Anthony’s Journey with Autism and Advocacy
Growing up with autism For Brett Anthony, autism has never been something that defines his limits. Instead, it has shaped a life centered on inclusion, understanding, and helping others feel seen. Brett was diagnosed with...
Finding a Child’s Voice: Speech Pathologist Erika Abdelaziz-Oum on Communication, Family, and Support
For many parents, questions about speech and communication can bring uncertainty and worry. Is my child developing normally? Should I be concerned? Where do I go for help? For Erika Abdelaziz-Oum, a bilingual speech-language pathologist,...
Designing Spaces with Heart: Marely Fernandez Builds Homes and Community Through Vivienda Collective
A journey across cultures For Marely Fernandez, home has always carried different meanings. Born in Puerto Rico to parents from the Dominican Republic, her journey across countries and cultures eventually brought her to New York...
Beyond the Courtroom: Attorney Jason R. Ohliger on Justice, Compassion, and Community Impact
For more than two decades, Jason R. Ohliger has built a reputation as a dedicated trial lawyer serving clients across Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. His practice focuses on serious injury and wrongful death...
Planning for the Future: Ayobami Olusa Supports Special Needs Families
Ayobami Akinyemi Olusa is a registered nurse, mother of three, mentor, and longtime business owner. But more than 20 years ago, her life changed when her middle child was diagnosed with autism. “My name is...
From Personal Loss to Purpose: Tierra Oliver Supports Youth Through Fatherless Yet Fabulous
Growing up without a father figure can leave emotional wounds that follow a person for years. For many young people, those experiences can create feelings of loneliness, rejection, and uncertainty about their own worth. For...
Gan Jing World Hosts Community Movie Night and New Film Premiere
Gan Jing World (GJW+) hosted a lively Movie Night and new film premiere on Saturday, May 16 evening in Middletown, NY, bringing together families, children, and community members for a night of entertainment, food, and...
Northern Health Fair Brings Practical Wellness Advice to Hudson Valley Community
The annual Northern Medical Center Health Fair drew local residents, medical professionals, and wellness advocates together on May 16 for a full day of seminars, free wellness services, and discussions focused on improving physical and...
From Passion to Print: How RM Screen Printing Built a Family Business Through Resilience
A craft shaped by experience For Dany, screen printing is not just a job—it is a craft he has been developing since childhood. “Since I was 12 years old… I started seeing this job and liked...
Fei Tian College MFA Graduation Exhibition Blends Technical Excellence With Human Stories
The 2026 Fine Arts Exhibition at Fei Tian College opened this week at the college’s newly renovated Function Hall in Middletown, presenting a collection of oil paintings and graphic design works created by undergraduate and...
Beyond the Classroom: One Mother’s Journey Raising a Child with Autism
From professional experience to personal reality For Lauren Smith, autism was once something she understood through her profession. As a teacher at the Center for Discovery for 15 years, she has worked closely with students...