Nine-year-old Nicholas Mir appeared starstruck.

There was his teacher Katie Przbylski from Manhattan Star Academy, standing right before him in his family's apartment on a recent Saturday morning.

His parents, Christine Grounds and Jonathan Mir, talked about Katie's upcoming visit earlier in the week to prepare Nicholas, who has microcephaly, a condition which prevents typical brain development. Katie was coming as a key member of Nicholas' support team.

Overcome with Joy

"When she showed up that morning, he was so excited," Christine recalls. "All he could say was ‘Katie's here' and look at us. He was so overcome with excitement that he turned his back on her to regain his composure."

Nicholas loves learning at Manhattan Star Academy, a YAI network member agency. With a focus on academics, social skills and language development, MSA provides a supportive environment for Nicholas and his family.

"Nicholas is really a smart little boy," Christine says. "It's hard to know how much he understands, but it  always has been far more than he can express.

Speaking Full Sentences

Now, however, Nicholas is starting to speak in full sentences. "When we're talking or he really wants access to something, if we say, ‘full sentence,' he'll say, ‘I want water,' instead of just ‘water,'"Katie says. "If he sees a written sentence, he's able to read it out loud."

Katie recalls when she began working with him last summer, Nicholas would only use a word or two."As we got to know one another he grew more excited about school, we've seen a lot more of his verbal ability," Katie says.

Blossoming at School

Nicholas loves school, especially reading and math, Christine says. "I don't think he would have made as much progress without YAI. I can't help but think he's blossoming because of the environment there. MSA's staff is dedicated, creative and enthusiastic."

An amazing love of learning is what Katie notices when she sees Nicholas at school. Even when faced with a difficult task, Nicholas always tries and never gives up. 

Amazing Attitude and Ability

"He's always up for a challenge with a smile on his face. He wants to do things for himself without help," Katie says. "He wants to learn and be independent. Nicholas is really a big inspiration. He surprises me constantly, not only with his amazing attitude, but also with his ability. He has so much faith in himself and we have so much faith in him, too."

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