Gary M.

Meet Gary

• Early Childhood Special Education Certification
• Special Education Certification
• Speaks English
• Comfortable with pets
• Has a car

Good morning! I do respite care for several families with children on the spectrum and have been part of their families for several years. I’ve earned an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology (school counsellor) and an ABA (RBT) certificate, and I'm currently pursuing a second degree in Special Education at UVA. I have cared for a 6-year-old for the past 3 years and am a good fit for a family seeking occasional care or a weekend break. I also provide weekend respite care for a 10-year-old and occasionally take him to the playground, the pool, Urban Air, horseback riding, or over weekends to give the family a break and de-escalate the tense home environment. I recently completed a practicum with students with special needs in third and fourth grades at Stafford Elementary School. I have a Commercial Driver’s License with a school bus endorsement (special needs) and am certified in First Read more Aid, Trauma, CPR, and AED for infants and children. I am the father of a special needs child who is now a successful adult, and I've had two careers: one at NBC Television, where you might know the name Bob Wright, a past CEO and founder of Autism International (he has a grandchild on the spectrum), and the other as a Microsoft consultant. My ‘gift’ is that I am an active senior who wholeheartedly accepts these children for who they are, not where some think they should be. Outside activities with an experienced care provider, rather than a parent, are excellent environments for learning, for developing independence, and practicing acceptable social behaviors. I am a retired Microsoft tech guy who got involved in the Autistic community by volunteering with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. I can schedule a video Zoom introduction, prior to meeting in person. A FACEBOOK POST OF FREDRICKSBURG PARENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN “Hello all! I am in the Navy and, luckily, receive Respite Care services through EFMP. Our respite care provider is Gary Masters. He has been in our family’s lives for over a year now and is a fantastic human. I write this post because he has the time and is looking to help another family, either through respite care or if you need a trusted sitter for your autistic kiddo. Gary is a retired Microsoft tech guy who started getting involved in the Autistic community by volunteering with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. He completed his BCBA (ABA) training and is currently finishing his masters in Special Education. He was vetted to be our respite care provider.

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