“This is the one sport we can do as a family,” said Suzette Josif. Suzette and Marvin and their children, Melanie, age 10; Eli, age 8; and Sydney, age 4; ski at Windham just about every weekend all season long.

This is Melanie’s third season skiing with the Adaptive Sports Foundation. Melanie, a child on the autism spectrum, is a solid intermediate skier. “She is my favorite family member to ski with these days,” said her Dad, “because I’m actually able to spend the morning skiing with her in an activity we can do together.”

Both Suzette and Marvin feel that the fresh air, exercise and outdoor activity is a huge plus for their daughter. “Children with cognitive disabilities don’t get enough physical activity,” said Suzette.

Marvin and Suzette often ski along with Melanie and her ASF instructor. “We enjoy skiing with Melanie and when we’re involved the instructor knows what we’re comfortable with and what she can do.”

The Josifs love Windham’s multi-generational family atmosphere and are grateful to have found ASF. “Melanie’s experience at ASF is so much more than skiing,” said Suzette. “It’s about patience, teaching independence and offering assistance. It’s an amazing foundation. We’re really glad to be a part of it.”