"To provide children with autism in grades 4-8 an opportunity to learn tennis in a social environment."
Tennis
A Life Long Sport
That Can Be Played at Any Age
Our Mission is Simple
To provide children with Austism a great time playing tennis.
The mission of Well Served Tennis Academy is to provide children with autism in grades 4-8 an opportunity to learn tennis in a social environment. A camp day features group tennis instruction and fitness activities, craft, snack and lunch. (Snacks and lunch must be brought from home, no peanuts please).
Our Coaches
Each camper will have access to a volunteer Coach to encourage interest in tennis, model and teach stroke production and facility appropriate social interactions.
Rain or Shine
The weather will not stop us from playing tennis. in case it rains, we will use the indoor gym at Henry James Middle School.
HJ Middle School Website
Our Sponsors
Our Board and Leadership
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Shannon Knall
Executive Director
Shannon Knall is the mother of three boys; one with autism. She co-founded Well Served Tennis Academy. She has been the Connecticut Autism Speaks Advocacy Chair for four years, and responsible for leading grassroots campaigns to secure the passage and implementation of six autism-related bills (including insurance reform), along with securing co sponsorship of federal legislation from Connecticut's Washington delegation.
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Chris O’Connor
Chief Operations Officer
Chris O’Connor has twenty years of service in the not for profit sector, most recently as Summer Camp Director at the Ethel Walker School in Simsbury. She has a Masters of Science Administration from Saint Michaels College in Manchester, Vermont, and a Bachelors of Arts in music from Johnson State University, Johnson Vermont. Chris is a USTA League player.
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Sara Gandely
President
Sara Gandel works in the International Programming department at ESPN. She is a graduate of Tufts University and a current USTA League player. "Well Served Tennis Academy provides a unique opportunity for children to engage in physical activity. Campers can enjoy the sense of accomplishment from learning a sport in a structured and nurturing environment."
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Lisa Berman
Member
Avon resident since May 2004 and mom of 2 kids, one on the spectrum age 13 and alumni of tennis camp 2011. PTO volunteer, community outreach, library, girl scouts and Chai Center for Jewish Life. Lisa holds a bachelors degree in Nursing, Southeastern Louisiana University 1983 Oncology Nursing Career, until 1998, when Ben was born.
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Christine Levine
Member
She has been providing services to the autism community for over 13 years. She has worked in both public and private schools, Birth to Three and Private Practice. Christine Levine has done presentations for families at both the Greater Hartford Autism Society of Connecticut (An Introduction to ABA and ABA and the Natural Environment, Making Skills Functional), the Farmington Valley Aspergers Network (Autism and Social Skills) (FAVAN), and Education Connection (An Overview of Autism and ABA).
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Tom Potter
Treasurer
Mr. Thomas Potter is a Senior Portfolio Manager in the Fixed Income Department at Aetna. He manages and is responsible for over $3.5 billion in assets that includes municipal, treasury and agency portfolios. He brings to Aetna over 18 years of investment experience. “I support WSTA because it allows children with autism a chance to build confidence and the community as a whole to interact and develop friendships through the love of sport.”
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Robyn Sondak
Secretary
Robyn is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut School of Law. She was hired by Justice David Borden of the Connecticut Supreme Court and clerked for Judge Sidney Landau of the Connecticut Appellate Court.