Meet Great Neighbor Nicole Fusaro
By: Andrea Fine
We are all blessed to know individuals who inspire us. They can be sports figures, medical professionals, our local heroes. . . police officers, firefighters, or teachers. Nicole Fusaro, a special education teacher and Newport Beach resident is one such individual.
Nicole was born in Long Island, New York and raised in Farmingville, New York. She has an older brother Larry and a younger brother Joe. She attended Waverly Elementary school and Sacham North high school. She received her undergraduate degree in criminal justice and sociology from Seton Hall University before earning two graduate degrees in special education from the University of Phoenix and the University of Arizona. She also attended Gallaudet University, which is an old deaf university.
Nicole’s first job (1993-2000) was at the Phoenix Day School for the Deaf. In 2000, she joined the Schoolsdale Unified School District in Arizona as an adaptive physical education teacher and a teacher for students with autism. In 2006, wanting a change of scenery, Nicole moved to Newport Beach. She landed at Corona Del Mar middle and high school where she was the special education teacher for 14 years. While at CdM, Nicole wanted to create inclusive programs to inspire her students and allow them the opportunity to interact with other students and their peers. She created the special needs cheer team, “Sparkle.” Sparkle performed at school rallies, home football, and basketball games. She also was the staff advisor for “Best Buddies,” during her tenure at CdM. Best Buddies creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with their peers. They meet weekly for lunch, to hang out, play in the gym, indulge in conversation, and build friendships.
In 2016, working with the parents of her special needs students, Nicole designed a summer camp. She says, “there are not many activities available for kids with special needs, especially when school is out. At camp, they can be with their peers as well as typical students who come and volunteer. “ Some of the highlights include, movie days, beach days, bowling and going to the zoo. Wanting to do more to help the under served, Nicole launched a nonprofit, in June of 2023. “Building Futures & Friends”(BFF) was created to help individuals
with disabilities. She explains, “BFF is a place where every person is valued and supported. Our dedicated team is committed to helping students with disabilities reach their full potential. Our Mission is to ensure individuals with disabilities have access, resources, and opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge they need to thrive independently. Every individual is valued and supported, diversity is celebrated, and everyone has a chance to reach their full potential and build a brighter, more equitable future.”
Nicole is excited for their first fundraiser, “Sip & Support,” a wine tasting and silent auction on April 18. She is hoping this will become an annual event. The funds raised will go to help support programs and provide financial assistance for individuals to attend camp.
Another passion project to coincide with BFF is Nicole’s advocacy program. “I am representing and fighting for the rights of individuals with disabilities.” She also educates and assists parents with the Individual Education plan, (IEP) for their student. Nicole offers consultations to help coordinate the best possible curriculum for special needs students. Nicole works tirelessly for equality for her students and for them to thrive as individuals. She finds inspiration from their smiles, their unconditional love, and the joy they have for life. She says, “The kids inspire me every day to be a better person.”
If you would like to find out more about BFF or their upcoming fundraiser, please visit www.buildingfuturesand friends.org.
From the Community
“I want to commend Nicole for her dedication, passion, and concentrated efforts in creating inclusive, impactful, and safe places and programs for individuals with special needs. Her kindness, compassion, and expertise have made a positive impact on the lives of so many. She is a beacon of light and hope for the special needs community.” BarbieTownsend
"Nicole Fusaro, a beacon of dedication and compassion in the realm of special education, she inspires me to see the potential in every individual and to strive for inclusivity,” said Seaghan Snider, former student of Nicole’s.
"It is hard for us to take Julia out of the house. She is easily distracted and tantrums often. When she is with Nicole and her staff, she is given the support and the modeling she needs. And Julia gets to be with her friends. She is learning while having fun. It’s honestly a dream for us. And Julia has the best time! We are blessed to have Nicole in our lives!" Cat Raack