Additional Needs, Inc. is more than a nonprofit—it’s a movement born from lived experience, built by families, and powered by individuals with additional needs who are redefining what’s possible.
We believe that every person—regardless of diagnosis—deserves not just access, a voice, a stage, and a seat at the table. That’s why we created a one-of-a-kind social network, resource hub, and global platform dedicated to elevating the talents, needs, and potential of individuals with additional needs and their families.
Whether you’re searching for tailored services, meaningful employment opportunities, inclusive events, or simply a community that gets it—you’ll find it here.
We go further.
Through programs like our Celebration of Creation national art experience, our Family Empowerment Employment Program (FEEP) and our dynamic resource directory, we give individuals and families the power not just to navigate systems—to transform them.
This is where families find hope.
This is where self-advocates find their voice.
This is where the world learns to see “disability” as a source of brilliance, not limitation.
We’re not here to fit people into the world as it is.
We’re here to build a world where everyone belongs.
Welcome to Additional Needs, Inc.—where difference is our strength, and community is our catalyst.
To empower the additional needs community through a platform built for and maintained by its members—providing inclusive employment, vital resources, and a safe space to connect, share, and thrive while showcasing what’s possible when everyone is given the opportunity to flourish.
To create a world where individuals with additional needs are fully embraced and empowered, with equal opportunities for growth, connection, and success. Through inclusive employment, community-driven support, and a platform that celebrates diverse abilities, we strive to build a future where everyone can thrive, contribute, and lead with confidence.
This journey started with a simple question to a friend: “Do you know of a place or an activity I can volunteer for?” That led me to Art Fest Naples, where I volunteered to help raise awareness and support for individuals with additional needs. Through this experience, I met families who deeply inspired me and made me realize the importance of sharing knowledge to help individuals with additional needs reach their full potential.
As I became more involved with the art fest, my personal life took a significant turn with the birth of our son Jack. Despite a smooth pregnancy, complications during labor led to a difficult delivery. Shortly after his birth, we learned that Jack is with Down syndrome and a heart condition requiring surgery. This discovery threw us into a world of searching for resources, often facing frustration at the lack of easily accessible information.
Motivated by our experiences and the challenges of finding information, I decided to create DownsyndromeNaples.com—a website dedicated to gathering all the resources for individuals with Down syndrome in our area. This platform aimed to make it easier for others to find the help they needed, just as the Kandel and Stanley families had done for me.
With time, I expanded my vision to include all additional needs, leading to the creation of Additional Needs, Inc. Our goal is to provide comprehensive resources and tools to support individuals with additional needs and their families. Today, Jack is doing well, and I hope that one day, if he wishes, he will continue this mission and run the company.
Cory Crocker first worked with students having additional needs at a public high school in Maine, both as a teacher in a traditional classroom and as a supervisor in a jobs training program for his students. Cory then taught at public schools in Osaka, Japan from 1995-1997, before working for the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles managing education, cultural exchange and scholarship programs. Cory returned to Maine in 2004, first working as an International Trade Advisor for the Maine International Trade Center, and then working for Diversified Communications, an international tradeshow, conference and digital media company with 750 employees worldwide. Cory is currently the Senior Manager of Strategy & Corporate Development for Diversified, focusing on mergers & acquisitions, equity investments, joint ventures, strategic partnerships and strategic planning. Cory lives in Maine with his wife, three children and his dog, Lexi Captain Fuzzypants Crocker. He coaches youth soccer and basketball, and is the Treasurer for his town’s travel soccer club.
Mark Woollett is a retired banking executive who spent over 36 years with Halifax and, following its acquisition, Lloyds Banking Group. Throughout his distinguished career, he held a wide range of leadership positions, ultimately managing a substantial portion of the bank’s retail network.
In 2003, Mark earned his MBA, further enriching his strategic and operational capabilities. Since retiring, he has remained actively involved in business education, lecturing MBA and MSc students from a diverse array of organizations. He has also led short courses for professionals from renowned companies such as Kellogg’s, British Aerospace, and Rolls-Royce, sharing his insights on business strategy, leadership, and behavioral dynamics.
Mark has long been committed to community development. In 1989, he co-founded a youth soccer club that grew to include over 600 players. As chair, he guided the club through a significant period of growth and positive transformation.
His path intersected with Doug Sharpe’s while serving as treasurer of their Association, a role he held for seven years during a pivotal time when the organization’s financial systems needed considerable restructuring.
Mark considers his greatest achievement to be his family—his wife Karen, his partner in life for 48 years, their two children, and four grandsons. His eldest grandson, who is autistic, continues to inspire Mark’s deep empathy and enduring commitment to inclusion and understanding.
In his spare time, Mark enjoys playing golf, staying active at the gym, and enthusiastically supporting his grandsons in their various sports and activities.
Brett was born and raised in Maine and then received his bachelor’s degree from the Wharton School of Business undergraduate program at the University of Pennsylvania. He started his professional career at Ernst & Young where he specialized in accounting and consulting for publicly traded companies. Brett then joined the Walt Disney Company at their corporate headquarters and he quickly rose to Director of Strategic Alliances, where he was responsible for developing and managing global alliances and marketing partnerships with other Fortune 50 companies that included Visa, AT&T, Coca-Cola, and Federal Express. Brett then left the corporate world to start his own consultancy, and now works as an entrepreneur developing real estate and other startup ventures.
General manager responsible for all retail store operations in Surefoot NYC flagship store Top producing store in chain of 24 locations 1st year increase in sales 30% 4 out of 5 years in NYC I have produced the ‘best year’ in sales revenue and profit Corporate Training Manager at 8 store running specialty chain in NYC Develop in implement training systems in custom orthotic sales and fabrication Collaborate with store managers on improving all metrics, UPT, DPT and service excellence.
