Nonprofit Visionary Reveals How to Empower Special Needs Communities Through Innovation and Resilience

We get it. Ideas are easy, but implementation is hard. Presented by Guidewise, the Implementors podcast brings you the stories, strategies, and lessons from those who’ve mastered change — so you can, too. Ted Wolf and guest Risa Paskoff (Executive Director of Aaron's Acres) discuss Risa's journey toward the non-profit world, the social need for the Aaron's Acres organization, how growing the organization to its current standing required a family effort, and how she managed to push through tough times to significantly impact children and young adults with disabilities. ABOUT RISA PASKOFF: Risa Paskoff is the Executive Director of Aaron’s Acres, a pioneering nonprofit organization dedicated to providing year-round recreational programs for children and young adults with special needs across three counties in Central Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of leadership at Aaron’s Acres, Risa has fulfilled her lifelong dream of creating programs that empower individuals with special needs and their families. A licensed psychotherapist with a master’s degree in social work, Risa began her career at Roseville Pediatrics in Lancaster, PA, where she provided counseling to children, adolescents, and families. Her expertise in fostering inclusive communities and her commitment to social action extend beyond her professional work, as she actively contributes to her congregation’s social initiatives. Risa’s vision and dedication have made Aaron’s Acres a beacon of hope and opportunity for countless families, exemplifying her unwavering commitment to creating a world where all individuals can thrive. Residing in Lancaster with her husband, Risa enjoys spending time with her two grown sons, exercising, reading, and cherishing moments with family and friends. Learn more about Aaron’s Acres at aaronsacres.org. Connect with Risa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/risa-paskoff-91b4a912/. ABOUT GUIDEWISE: Change can feel disruptive and overwhelming, but with Guidewise, it becomes an opportunity to thrive. We simplify the complexities of change by combining our AI-powered technology, expert consulting services, and pioneering research in implementation science. Whether you're driving innovation, navigating uncertainty, or aligning teams on critical goals, Guidewise delivers the tools, insights, and intelligent guidance to turn change into a competitive advantage. Discover how Guidewise empowers you to take charge of change and achieve meaningful outcomes. Schedule your demo today: https://www.guidewise.io/demo/. PODCAST LINKS: - Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@implementorspod - Podcast Homepage: https://www.guidewise.io/podcast - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uliK2fpHOOgjLDgUv1pNF?si=6520239306224710&nd=1 - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guidewise-presents-implementors/id1678368738 - Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8fcf7ddd-bf82-47cf-9339-efc29a75500d/guidewise-presents-implementors SOCIAL: - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@implementorspod - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/implementorspod/ - Twitter: https://twitter.com/implementorspod - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/implementorspod - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/implementorspod/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/implementorspod/ CONTACT: - To take charge of change, please visit us at https://www.guidewise.io/ or email us as [email protected]. - To share your implementation insights with our audience, please reach out to [email protected].