Celebrated Veteran in the Education Industry Announces Retirement

DENVER - June 6, 2013 - PRLog -- Denver, CO – Stephanie Martin, President of College Living Experience (CLE) announces the retirement of Cheryl Okizaki, Program Director at CLE Denver effective July 2013.

Okizaki started her educational journey 44 years ago working with disabled preschoolers.  In 1983, she opened Humanex Academy a private, alternative middle and high school, which provides a structured and supportive environment for students with a wide variety of learning, behavioral, and emotional needs. It is the only program of its kind in the Denver Metro area.

In 2005, Okizaki successful charted Friends of Humanex, a 501c(3) foundation established to raise scholarship funds for students to attend Humanex Academy.  Friends of Humanex is now known as the Educational Foundation for Independence and in addition to the Humanex Academy the foundation now serves an expanded student population to include, College Living Experience and Behavioral Innovations.

Okizaki joined College Living Experience in 2006.  Often referred to as a pioneer in the field of post-secondary education for individuals with disabilities, Okizaki’s unwavering commitment over the years has made a lasting impact in the lives of hundreds of students and countless families at CLE. During her tenure, CLE has become recognized as a national leader in providing quality support services for students with varying disabilities and her leadership and innovation has resulted in the start of new programs at CLE.

In 2006, Okizaki and her dedicated team of educators established the CLE Summer Exploration Program, a summer program for diverse learners entering their senior year or who have recently graduated. In 2010, her ingenuity and desire to provide truly functional support evolved into CLE’s Career Development program. In 2011, Okizaki and her team launched Independent Living Experience (ILE), customized support service for adults desiring a life of independence.  ILE provides students with disabilities the support to build the educational, vocational, social and independent living skills needed for transition to adulthood.  ILE works collaboratively with students and their family to determine personal and professional goals, individual needs, and the desired direction for their future.

"Cheryl’s contributions to CLE are many and we are grateful for her dedication and commitment these past 7 years, said Stephanie Martin, President of CLE.  She will truly be missed by the entire CLE team."

Cheryl adds, “I never felt alone in directing or decision making because everything at CLE has always been done as a team.  The team has worked diligently to make sure each student received the services needed to achieve success.   This will of course continue with my departure and the management team will ensure the best leadership for my replacement to continue achieving student’s success and the success of CLE for many years to come.”

CLE is in the process of interviewing for the Program Director position and will announce a replacement before Okizaki departs in July.  

CLE Denver was CLE’s second location and CLE has since grown to six locations across the United States including Texas, Florida, Washington D.C. and two in California.  For more information about CLE visit http://experiencecle.com.


About College Living Experience
Since 1989, College Living Experience (CLE) has been providing post-secondary supports to students with varying exceptionalities. Dedicated to providing the highest quality of individualized services in the areas of academics, independent living, social skills, and career development, CLE supports are tailored to each young adult we serve. It is through personalized services, our team celebrates the uniqueness of students in such a way that we are able to make a lasting impact in their lives and in their communities. CLE students live together in area apartments near the Centers while taking classes at local community colleges, vocational schools, or universities. The CLE staff works closely with students to provide structured tutoring sessions, independent living skills instruction, and social skills support. CLE students include young adults with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, Asperger’s syndrome, non-verbal learning disorders as well as specific learning disabilities.