Nicole Beurkens, M.Ed.
Founder and Director, RDI® Certified Consultant
Hi, I'm Nicole,
If you’ve spent some time looking around at the information on this site you have already read quite a bit about me from a professional standpoint. I graduated from Hope College with a degree in special education, specifically learning disabilities, and political science. My first teaching position was in a classroom for young children with autism, where I developed the program and taught for a number of years. When my husband and I began having children of our own I decided to leave full-time teaching and began to consult in area schools. This allowed me to expand my understanding of autism by working with hundreds of teachers, students, and families throughout West Michigan. During this time I earned a master’s degree in special education with a specialization in autism.
In 2003 I founded Horizons, along with my incredibly supportive husband, with the intent of offering summer programs for area children on the autism spectrum. Over the past four and a half years that small summer program in the renovated basement of our home has grown into a 6,000 square foot facility where we provide year-round services and supports to families around the world. We have been continually blessed with talented staff members and amazing families who provide us the opportunity to walk with them on their journey.
When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my husband Bill and our four children. We have three sons and a daughter who range in age from 3 to 9 years. Bill stays home with our children and keeps things running at our house while I work full-time at Horizons. In my spare time I am working on a PhD in clinical psychology, and I enjoy reading, decorating, and shopping.
Regardless of where you are on your autism journey, I know that you will find renewed purpose, empowerment, and hope at Horizons. I am personally looking forward to the opportunity to welcome you to our family.
Looking to the horizon,
Home ? Meet the Staff ? Nicole Beurkens