Alumni Profile: Meet Cole
When Cole first came to the Spokane Guilds’ School (now Joya) shortly after his birth in April 2007, his parents, Brian and Cathy, were navigating the early days of a Down syndrome diagnosis and all the unknowns that came with it. Like many families, they were looking for answers, support and a path forward.
What they found at Joya was more than therapy; it was a team.
From the very beginning, Cole was surrounded by a coordinated group of therapists and professionals who worked together to create a plan tailored to his individual needs. Weekly visits quickly became a foundation not just for his development, but for Brian and Cathy’s confidence as parents.
At the time, their family was splitting time between Spokane and Washington, D.C. While they accessed services in both settings, a clear difference was evident.
In D.C., despite the best of intentions, services were fragmented, separate appointments across different locations, with providers working independently. At Joya, everything came together. Therapists collaborated, communication was seamless and care was designed around the whole child. That consistency mattered.
Brian and Cathy remember the small, hands-on moments that made a lasting impact; like learning how to gently apply pressure on a bottle to help Cole strengthen tongue control, or watching his occupational therapist patiently work with him week after week to master buttons and tying shoes.
Sign language, they say, changed everything.
“Before Cole could form all his words, we finally had a way to understand each other,” they shared. “It opened up a fun way to communicate for our whole family.”
And just as memorable were the moments of joy – seeing Cole laugh while working hard, surrounded by therapists who celebrated every bit of progress alongside them.
They also remember the leadership and heart that shaped their experience. Dick Boysen left a lasting impression with his compassion and flexibility. When their travel schedule made consistency difficult, his response was simple: bring Cole whenever you’re in town and we’ll be ready.
That kind of support stayed with them.
As Brian and Cathy reflect, those early years weren’t just about milestones, they were about building a strong foundation.
And that foundation has been carried forward.
Today, Cole is a recent graduate of University High School. He was very involved in school life, serving as a manager for the football team, participating in unified basketball and soccer and developing his love of music through percussion.
He headed to the WSU ROAR Program this fall, a milestone he’s been working toward and dreaming about.
The ROAR program (Responsibility, Opportunity, Advocacy, and Respect) is a two-year inclusive postsecondary program at Washington State University designed for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It provides a college experience that includes academics, independent living, social engagement and career preparation – equipping students with the skills and confidence to pursue meaningful, independent lives.
“My dream was to go to college,” Cole shares. “I’m excited about the opportunity to learn and study with great kids and a great program. I believe WSU ROAR will help me reach my full potential.”
At WSU, he planned to study communications and government affairs, with interests that span public speaking, sports management, music and future career opportunities. Looking ahead, he envisions a life filled with independence, meaningful work, relationships and continued growth.
“I want to be a role model for others,” he says.
For Brian and Cathy, it’s hard not to trace that trajectory back to those early days.
“Having a child with a disability brings a lot of disconcerting unknowns,” they share. “Joya has the expertise and a culture of love and support that makes all the difference – not just in a child’s development, but for parents and the entire family.”
Cole’s story is a powerful reminder that early support doesn’t just change the moment, it shapes what’s possible for a lifetime.
