Our Vision
To create a world where every individual, regardless of ability, has access to inclusive sensory-friendly spaces and the support they need to feel understood, empowered, and fully connected within their community.
About Us
The Sensory Village Foundation walks alongside neurodivergent children — and the caregivers, siblings and extended families who love them — across the Lehigh Valley.
Vision & Mission
Our Mission
The Sensory Village Foundation empowers individuals and families by providing accessible sensory-friendly spaces and resources that promote regulation, inclusion, and meaningful community engagement.
Our Founding Story
The Sensory Village Foundation was created after repeatedly witnessing how difficult it was for families of children with sensory needs and neurodivergent individuals to find spaces where everyone in the family felt welcomed, included, and able to participate together. Through our work with families, we saw parents navigating constant stress and isolation, siblings missing out on activities, and extended family gatherings becoming increasingly difficult because traditional community spaces were not designed with sensory needs in mind.
One moment in particular solidified the need for the Foundation. During a conversation with a family we worked with, a family member shared that all they truly wanted was a place where everyone could play together. They were not asking for anything extraordinary, simply a space where their child felt safe and accepted, where siblings could participate, and where caregivers did not feel the need to constantly apologize, explain, or prepare for judgment.
That conversation highlighted a gap that existed far beyond therapy or clinical support. Families needed accessible, sensory-friendly community spaces that prioritized connection, inclusion, and belonging for the entire family system. We realized that meaningful progress and long-term well-being are more sustainable when caregivers, siblings, and support systems are included alongside the child.
The Sensory Village Foundation was built from the belief that every family deserves opportunities to participate fully in their community without barriers. Through sensory-friendly programming, inclusive events, caregiver support, and accessible play experiences, we strive to create spaces where families can feel safe, supported, connected, and celebrated together.
Leadership
Abby Ryan
President
president@tsvfoundation.orgAbout Abby
As President of The Sensory Village Foundation, Abby supports a mission that is deeply personal to her. Finding The Sensory Village for her daughter, who has sensory sensitivities, was more than finding a place to play — it was finding a place where she could simply be herself.
Professionally, Abby has spent more than 20 years as a writer, editor, and communications professional, helping organizations share their stories and connect with their communities. She uses those skills to raise awareness of the Foundation and its mission to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, play, and thrive. Outside of the Foundation, she is a freelance writer and, most importantly, a mom to two amazing girls.
Patrick Hullfish
Treasurer
treasurer@tsvfoundation.orgAbout Patrick
Growing up with an aunt who had Down syndrome gave Patrick an early understanding of the importance of inclusion, compassion, and accessible resources. Over the years, he has volunteered in classrooms, finding great fulfillment in being part of children's learning and development.
Professionally, Patrick serves as a project manager for IBEW Local #269, where he manages budgets and helps ensure financial responsibility across multiple projects. He brings those skills to the Foundation as Treasurer, helping build a strong financial foundation so families in our community can access the support and services they need.
Colleen Mest
Secretary
secretary@tsvfoundation.orgAbout Colleen
Colleen is a licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked alongside children and families facing challenges of all kinds for more than 25 years. Becoming the parent of her neurodivergent son changed the way she understands inclusion, accessibility, and community in ways no textbook, training, or college lecture ever could.
The mission of The Sensory Village Foundation is deeply personal to Colleen because it represents the kind of community she wishes every family could find: a place that welcomes all with support and understanding, creating a space where children and families feel less alone. As Secretary, she brings her professional experience and, most importantly, her lived experience as a parent.
Melissa Bache
Co-Executive Director
mbache@tsvfoundation.orgAbout Melissa
With more than 20 years of experience in early childhood and special education, Melissa is passionate about creating inclusive opportunities where children of all abilities can learn, play, and thrive. As one of the visionaries behind The Sensory Village and as a wife and mother, she has seen how meaningful the right support can be for children and their families.
Through her work with nonprofit organizations and community partnerships, Melissa has seen the impact that collaboration can have, and she is committed to expanding access to inclusive programs, empowering families, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Tessa Hullfish
Co-Executive Director
thullfish@tsvfoundation.orgAbout Tessa
One of the founders of The Sensory Village Foundation and the visionary behind The Sensory Village, Tessa has spent more than 20 years in education helping children and families grow and thrive. As a mother of two boys, she has experienced firsthand the challenges families face while navigating services and finding the support each child deserves.
Her passion for building a true “village” of support inspired her to create The Sensory Village. As it grew, she realized there was an even greater need to make sensory play and support services accessible to every family, regardless of circumstance. That vision led to the creation of The Sensory Village Foundation.
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Help Us Grow Brighter Futures
Every gift, every hour volunteered, and every partnership helps a family in the Lehigh Valley feel safe, supported, and celebrated.
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