Name: O. Robin Sweet
Age: just right
Title: CEO of Gateway Academy
Married/Single: happily married for 32 years!
Kids: Gretchen, Alexis, and Nikolai
City you live in: Scottsdale
A typical day in my life includes…
supporting 120 children with Asperger’s Syndrome Monday-Friday, and loving every single minute. I am honored to have the privilege of working with a Leadership Team of amazing individuals, whose mission and passion is to impart knowledge and support to our faculty, students, parents, and community; and to come home to my loving family, which includes my husband, son, his fiance, and her two children. Boomerang!
I was born…
in Elizabeth, New Jersey, but only stayed there for two stinky weeks. Raised in Connecticut.
My favorite thing about Arizona…
the weather and its natural beauty.
I’m listening to…
contemporary pop music.
My family…
is the love of my life and my reason for being!
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
Donald Trump, because I would love to know if he knows that he has Asperger’s Syndrome!
One thing I cannot live without…
my husband, who is my soul mate.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
a nurse, and I became a pediatric surgical nurse.
I’m inspired by…
the many parents and children with autism, and their drive to find the best services for their children; and the innovators/clinicians who create the tools and strategies for a productive life for those individuals.
The one person who motivates me is…
our son, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome 17 years ago, and who motivates me and drives me to help him become a productive member of society by helping as many other children with Asperger’s Syndrome.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…
intolerance.
The perfect day would be…
swimming with my family.
My first job was…
at 12 years old when I opened up a Day Camp at my parents home!
My favorite escape…
sitting with my husband enjoying a glass of wine.
My life…
is filled with love.
I’m currently working on…
seeking balance.
Always…
be kind.
Never…
judge.
Favorite Quote…
“Fate whispers to the Warrior, ‘You can not withstand the storm.’ The Warrior whispers back, ‘I am the storm!'”
Biggest Dream…
to make a difference in this world.
My Pet Peeve(s)…
chewing with your mouth open, gossiping, whining, and making assumptions.
More about O. Robin Sweet…
Robin Sweet is Executive Director and CEO of Gateway Academy in Phoenix. The nationally recognized school specializes in programs and curriculums for ‘Twice Exceptional’ students with Asperger’s Syndrome or high-functioning Autism. Sweet founded Gateway in 2005 with her husband, Dr. Thomas Bloom.
Sweet and Gateway have been honored for the school’s innovative and creative programs for students. Sweet and Bloom were inspired to start Gateway by their adopted son Nikolai, who has Asperger’s along with the likes of Bill Gates, Jim Henson and Abraham Lincoln.
