Kaleidoscope Crew
The Kaleidoscope Crew is a campus employment initiative that brings individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities into meaningful roles at Austin Prep. Through a partnership with BrightBridge Neurodiversity Workforce Partners, Crew members support the daily operations of the School while engaging in purposeful, supported work.
This initiative reflects Austin Prep’s commitment to building a community grounded in responsibility, collaboration, and shared purpose.
Many Gifts, One Community
The Kaleidoscope Crew adds a visible, relational dimension to daily life at Austin Prep. As Crew members take part in the rhythm of campus work, students witness consistency, commitment, and pride in responsibility modeled through everyday tasks. These shared spaces create natural opportunities for connection, conversation, and collaboration across roles and ages.
Over time, students come to understand that contribution takes many forms and that meaningful work is rooted in reliability, care, and effort. These moments invite reflection on personal strengths, interdependence, and what it means to belong to a community where each person plays a role. Through experience rather than instruction, students learn that a strong community is built through presence, responsibility, and respect for the work of others.
Casey O'Donnell from the Kaleidoscope Crew with Mrs. P. after an Austin Prep play.
Kaleidoscope Crew Featured in Real News in Schools
Ciera Balfe ’27 spotlighted the Kaleidoscope Crew in The Eagle-Tribune Real News in Schools section, highlighting the people and stories behind one of Austin Prep’s newest community initiatives. Read her article, Where Every Light Matters, featuring Crew member Mia Kruppa, who assists in the Tech Department, and shares how her presence has brought energy, organization, and connection to daily life on campus.
The story also includes reflections from Head of School Dr. James Hickey, faculty member Carla Pascucci-Byrne, Assistant Director of Technology Todd Ackerman, and others who have seen the program’s early impact firsthand. Together, their comments show how the Kaleidoscope Crew has quickly become a meaningful part of Austin Prep, with hopes for continued growth in the year ahead.
Mia Kruppa assists in the Tech Department as part of the school’s inclusive campus employment initiative.
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Kaleidoscope Crew Staff
The Kaleidoscope Crew is supported through Austin Prep’s partnership with BrightBridge. Their team prepares and supports Crew members through thoughtful role placement, coaching, and ongoing guidance. Working closely with Austin Prep supervisors, BrightBridge staff help ensure that each Crew member is positioned for success and able to contribute reliably and confidently in their assigned roles.
Austin Lee - Athletics
Casey O'Donnell - Arts & Design/ Facilities
Jacob Goldlust- Athletics
Leia Brown - IT Help Desk
Mia Kruppa - IT Help Desk / LEGO Brick Separator
Patrick Mahoney - Sage Dining
Whitman Mamayek - Sage Dining