Programs tailored for individuals with autism & their families in The Bronx
As to not overwhelm those participating the spaces are limited and you MUST RSVP to secure a spot. Be sure to RSVP only for the child(ren) that will be attending/participating at the event.
Click Here to RSVP for the 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Session
Click Here to RSVP for the 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Session
Click Here to RSVP for the 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Session
Click Here to RSVP for the 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Eddie is the proud father of 7-year-old Donnivin. Eddie has always dreamed of coaching his son Donnivin in baseball but due to limited resources available to Autistic children in The Bronx he did not know if it was possible. That’s why when he learned Lizette Hernandez was starting the Challenger League he immediately reached out to offer his services as a coach. He has enjoyed coaching not only his son but a large number of other children on the spectrum these pass 2 successful seasons. He doesn’t see the limits in our child only the vast possibilities. He feels it’s an honor to watch over and help our children reach new goals on the baseball field and beyond. Eddie is eager to continue helping our children reach new goas with our programs.
Jennifer Valentin | Vice Chairman of The Board
Jennifer is the mother of 7 year old Donnivin. Ever since his diagnosis at the age of 18 months she has been a fierce advocate for him. She is always looking for ways to help him excel and grow in all fields, which led her to meet Lizette Hernandez four years ago. On her journey advocating for her son, she has become knowledgeable in all things concerning Autism and related rsources. She now provides guidance to many people new to this journey. She loves interacting with the children and their parents and believes all children on the Autism Spectrum can succeed in all aspects which is why she is a tireless supporter and believer in what D3 Sports & Recreation Inc. is striving to accomplish.
Jennifer is always encouraging parents she meets at the various activities her son participates in to come out and see what D3 Sports & Recreation Inc. is about. she never takes no for an answer because there is nothing our kids cannot do if given the opportunity. She is extremely proud of the work that has been accomplished and looks forward to accomplishing more in the years ahead.
Shelinda Rodriguez | Treasurer
Shelinda a proud mother of 3 amazing children, Samantha, Taylor and her loving son & angel Robert who watches over them. Shelinda was introduced to the world of Autism by her friend and founder of D3 Sports & Recreation, Inc. 8 years ago. It was her exposure and knowledge of Autism that help her with her own journey. Since then she has been an active supporter and strong advocate for the Autism Community. She began organizing fundraisers to raise funds and awareness. As the events grew she was concerned about where the funds were being allocated, so along with Lizette and Felix Hernandez they founded the Bronxchester Challenger League.
As a Bronx native and fellow warrior mother, she hopes to bring her strong work ethic and passion to help oversee the organization and help it succeed.
Dalilah Smith-Santos | Secretary
Dalilah is a proud wife and mom who developed a deep passion for charitable work and community development as a young participant of programs such as PAL, University Settlement, and NYC Big Brother Big Sister–this later led her to her former position of Administrative Assistant at a South Bronx teen program with a large non profit organization. For the last 5 years Dalilah has combined this passion with her administrative background and love for Donovan in her work with the Autistic Kids Rock Karoke Fundraiser and she is now excited to transition into her new role of Secretary with D3 Sports & Recreation Inc. Board of Directors.
Dalilah strongly believes that great things can come from investing in our community and our children, which is what makes her role at D3 so special and close to her heart.
Lisa Quinones-Fontanez | Assistant Secretary
When Lisa’s son, Norrin, was diagnosed with autism in May 2008, she found herself in a world she did not understand. In 2010 Lisa founded the blog AutismWonderland, that chronicled her family journey with autism and shared local resources for children/families with special needs.
AutismWonderland became an award-winning blog and Lisa was recognized for her writing and her efforts to raise autism awareness within the Latino community….