About Us
Restoring Families. Relieving Caregiver Crisis.
For families with persons with developmental disabilities, daily life is defined by continuous caregiving, sensory barriers, and profound isolation. Standard travel is rarely an option, and true rest can feel entirely out of reach.
At the Autism on the Seas Foundation, our mission is to relieve caregiver burnout, restore family well-being, and foster emotional healing by funding professionally staffed respite grants for families navigating autism and complex developmental needs.
Why We Exist - The Need is Real
The Autism on the Seas Foundation was born from a deep understanding of the overwhelming financial and emotional strain that a person with a disability can place on a family.
Families with autistic people can face tens of thousands of dollars in additional annual costs for therapies, medical care, education and other supports. When combined with the continuous, 24/7 demands of caregiving—which frequently restrict a parent’s ability to work—and the sensory barriers that make standard travel chaotic, opportunities for genuine relief often disappear.
The physical, mental, and emotional benefits of respite for caregivers have been extensively studied, showing significant reductions in clinical stress, anxiety, and burnout.
Unfortunately, due to extreme financial strains and caregiving demands, a true break is rarely a realistic consideration and, in most cases, is impossible without outside resources and funding.
Our Approach
We believe that respite is not a luxury; it is a vital intervention that stabilizes families and prevents caregiver crisis. Through our respite grants, we transform what would otherwise be an overwhelming endeavor into a safe, judgment-free haven of inclusion.
We surround the families with background-checked, credentialed special-needs professionals who manage sensory accommodations, mealtime supports, and dedicated care sessions—giving parents their first real opportunity to breathe, recharge, and reconnect.
Beyond providing specialized support for children with disabilities, feedback from families has shown our grants offer neurotypical siblings undivided parental attention and gives couples time to strengthen their bonds.
The true impact of an Autism on the Seas Foundation grant isn't measured in miles traveled, but in restored emotional health, renewed caregiving capacity, and resilient family units that return home stronger together.
Our Team
The Board of Directors provides fiscal and regulatory oversight, promotes our mission, and forges alliance so we can support as many families as possible.
The Program team is responsible for day-to-day operations, including fundraising, grant writing, and assisting families in taking advantage of our life-changing respite grants.
President and Director
Michael Sobbell
My career in Quality Assurance Management, combined with my education in psychology, gave me the background and knowledge in human behavior and family needs, preparing me to establish the Foundation in 2015.
My goal is to ensure that as many families as possible can experience the life-changing benefits of professional assistance and respite-based vacations
Secretary and Director
Andy Coffey
I graduated from Nova Southeastern Law School in 1996. I have been in private practice since 2003 and continue to practice primarily in criminal defense.
My wife and I are the proud parents of adult twin sons, one of whom is on the Autism Spectrum. I am a member of the Royal Caribbean Autism Advisory Board.
Treasurer and Director
Alyssa SooHoo
I have a master's in special education and worked as a special education teacher for many years before pursuing my PhD in Autism and Intellectual Disability at Columbia University.
I have worked as an Assistant Professor at St. Joseph’s University in Patchogue and now Adelphi University in Garden City. I do research in the areas of family well-being and special needs.
Director
Wes Engram
I am the founder of Integrity 9 Sports & Entertainment, a sports and talent marketing organization.
Prior to that, I spent sixteen years in corporate partnerships for professional sports, including senior executive roles with the Kansas City Royals and New York Mets. My family and I have sailed with Autism on the Seas and can vouch for the power of their program!
Director
Charity Rochford
Through my experience in corporate HR, as well as various parenting groups, I have helped mothers and wives figure out complicated life situations for over 15 years.
My degree in Psychology & professional life coaching certification allows me to understand the unique challenges that ND/NT couples and families face.
Director
Jeremy Rochford
With a BA in Communication Studies and over 20 years of conflict resolution experience, I am no stranger to the art of problem-solving communication.
With two neurodivergent children and my own later in life Autism Diagnosis, I specialize in helping husbands and fathers navigate their own personal & parental journeys as it relates to the autism spectrum.
Director
Asa Maass
I am an internet entrepreneur and creator of Fathering Autism. Together with my wife Priscilla and children Isaiah and Abbie, we focus on life's joys, struggles, and funny moments, aiming to break the stigma surrounding autism.
Program Director
Ian Hockley
I grew up in England, and after college I trained as a Chartered Accountant and worked for several blue-chip companies. Our family moved to the United States in 2011.
After my son Dylan, who had autism, died in 2012 I started a charity in his memory. I retired from there in June 2024 and began volunteering for Autism on the Seas Foundation right away.
Program Manager
Aimee Cayer
I am a lifelong resident of Shelton, CT. I have a degree in Small Business Management and have worked in Real Estate for many years. I joined the Foundation in 2019.
My husband and I have two daughters, our oldest was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. We know first-hand the incredible impact of the Autism on the Seas staff-assistance program.