Where the System Ends, CAA Begins. We Built the College We Couldn’t Find. CAA Story #11: Mimi Giannini and the Bill and Linda Giannini Family Foundation

DeAnna Pursai • May 4, 2026
Bill Giannini and Morgan square

In 2002, Mimi Giannini’s daughter Morgan was born with an intellectual disability, and she began her journey into the world of special education. Mimi dealt with speech therapists, occupational therapists and special aides and had to jump through many hoops when it came to her daughter’s education. 


When Morgan was five years old, Mimi met CAA co-founder DeAnna Pursai when she was running Angels on Stage and fell in love with her drive and passion for adult special education. She began volunteering shortly after that.  


Mimi sits on the board at CAA and also runs Saratoga Springs, which is an expansive event center in Saratoga that hosts corporate events, weddings and more. Her knowledge of event planning and fundraising has been extremely crucial to the success of CAA’s annual Gala. 


“I love helping to raise funds for CAA and creating events that bring people together,” said Mimi. “I’m grateful that I can give back to the community and make an impact on people’s lives.” 


When Morgan turned 22, she enrolled in her first semester at CAA and has taken classes in Spanish, Digital Arts and joined the Cheer Squad.


“Morgan is loving her experience and is making a lot of new friends,” said Mimi. “It’s such a friendly environment and everyone really wants the best for one another.”


The entire Giannini family has also been incredible supporters of CAA. The Bill and Linda Giannini Family Foundation was the presenting sponsor of several Gala’s and generously continues to contribute to many of the school’s programs.  


Mimi’s father Bill says that it warms his heart to help such a deserving cause. 


“CAA has a great mission and fills a big need,” said Bill. “When you give to a smaller charity in your community, your money goes farther and you can see the real impact it has.” 



Bill, who is a talented golfer and cook, hosts regular Sunday dinners with his entire family and loves to cook risotto and barbecue together with his granddaughter Morgan. 


“I see what a big difference CAA has made in Morgan’s life,” said Bill. “ It’s a wonderful place and I’m happy to be able to contribute to their programs.” 

Where the System Ends, CAA Begins. We Built the College We Couldn't Find. CAA Story #13: Professor Anthony Nguyen

By DeAnna Pursai • May 18, 2026
CAA's Director of the School of Communications

Where the System Ends, CAA Begins. We Built the College We Couldn't Find. CAA Story #12: Student Andre C.

By DeAnna Pursai • May 11, 2026
At only 5 years old, Andre lost his parents and began a long and painful stay in the foster care system, not really having anyone to trust or love him. Eventually he started hanging out with the wrong people and faced his share of troubles. Being developmentally and physically disabled, people often took advantage of him or tried extorting him for money. He met two friends, Nancy and Kristin, through his church and they began helping Andre turn his life around.. Both women began helping Andre at first with essentials, making sure he got meals and into a safe housing situation. Nancy helped Andre get set with a bank account and taught him basic budgeting skills, while Kristin got him involved in stable social environments like College of Adaptive Arts. Now, at age 67, Andre is one of the oldest students currently enrolled in College of Adaptive Arts (CAA), a nonprofit providing higher education for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Every week, Andre looks forward to attending his Innercise class, which focuses on mindfulness, meditation and introspection. “The class helps me feel good about myself,” said Andre. “It helps me calm my mind.” According to Nicole Kim, Executive Director of College of Adaptive Arts, students like Andre who have been sidelined from traditional education are exactly who they are trying to reach. “Andre is proof that education has no expiration date,” said Nicole Kim, Executive Director of College of Adaptive Arts. “No matter your age or ability level, you are never too old to learn, grow and cultivate meaningful relationships” According to Nancy and Kristin, CAA has helped Andre further his education but also regain the trust to make friends and find a safe community of like-minded friends. “After our church closed, Andre really missed being able to share things with others that were important or special to him, and I think he’s found that at CAA,” said Nancy. Since meeting both women and attending CAA, Andre has said he has made the choice to change his life, and that he chooses “The New Andre” everyday.

Where the System Ends, CAA Begins. We Built the College We Couldn’t Find. CAA Story #10: Ann Lunt

By DeAnna Pursai • April 27, 2026
When Ann Lunt was recovering from foot surgery two years ago, she came across a story about CAA on Channel 7’s “Localish” TV show and she immediately knew it was a place where she belonged. “I love CAA,” Ann said. “Everyone is really friendly and the teachers understand us.” Ann has lived on her own for 20 years and navigates to and from campus by herself. In 2002, she went deaf but was able to get a cochlear implant in 2003 which now helps her hear, however the hearing loss still affects her speech. Despite that, or maybe because of it, Ann’s favorite thing is singing and music. Some of the CAA classes which she enjoys are Adaptive Guitar, Choir, and Music Appreciation. One of her goals is to get into the Songwriting class and learn how to write a song. At age 57, Ann is proof that you never stop learning and growing. “In this world, we need to learn as much as we can,” Ann said. Ann is extremely compassionate and had the idea during Compassion Week to make video messages for foster youth. Growing up in group homes for nearly 15 years, Ann could relate to those experiencing the foster care system and wanted to reach out to them. One of the things Ann loves most about CAA is socializing and making friends. “I’m proud that I have friends who I can talk to,” Ann said. “We have each other’s backs and all root for one another.” Ann is excited to continue her learning journey and hopes that one day she might become an Associate Professor at CAA.

Subscribe to our mailing list

Are you a current family looking for Weekly Updates? Sign into the student portal or subscribe to our weekly email list.

Subscribe

Share