Joanne Bastante-Howard is a resident of New Jersey, a mother of a child with Down syndrome and a graduate of Rutgers University. She has a genuine love for children and has been teaching kids about the Bible for more than 15 years. “The greatest joy is teaching children and watching their faith and self-esteem develop. All children are our future,” she states.

Over the years, Ms. Howard enjoyed volunteering in the Morristown Memorial Intensive Care Unit and in respite services department at Bergen Regional Medical Center in Paramus, New Jersey.

Prior to launching America’s Special Kidz, Ms. Howard had a successful 25-year career in advertising on both the agency and corporate side. After her son was born, she desired to put her creative and researching expertise to work to help our most valuable asset, our children.

Over the past five years,  Ms. Howard has worked closely with educators, physicians and therapists to develop creative resources and effective tools to improve education and the quality of life of children with Down syndrome. She developed toys and activities that help children with a wide range of low-muscle tone and cognitive conditions.

She has conducted corporate promotions and fundraisers to help children in New Jersey, Ohio and Florida obtain critical medical, education and therapeutic services. She was personally responsible for raising over $100,000 on a part-time basis as a result of her direct marketing, e-marketing, social media and canvassing efforts.

Parents of children with a wide range of disabilities have turned to Joanne to help them raise funds to pay their exorbitant out-of-pocket medical expenses and purchase technology to help their children.

Ms. Howard’s mission is to “Create a Bright Future for ALL Kids.” She strives to connect families with the national and local businesses that support the advancement of individuals with disabilities.

Ms. Howard is available for speaking engagements, fundraising, child advocacy needs and hosting events.