At Aspire of WNY’s Center for Learning (CFL), a small program with a big IMPACT has been transforming how students build communication and life skills, and it’s called the SNACK SHACK!
For the past 10 years, speech-language pathologist Christine Charsley has called it one of the most enjoyable and rewarding parts of her work. What began as a occasional snack and treat sales setup was reimagined in 2019 as a structured therapeutic activity focused on communication, independence, and valuable work skills. Since then, Snack Shack has grown into a consistent, meaningful part of the school week. It is open almost daily and integrated into speech therapy sessions across the building.
Under Christine’s leadership, the Snack Shack has become much more than a student run store. It is a hands on learning tool where students participate in every step of the process based on their individual comfort level and goals. Some students begin behind the scenes, building skills through activities like making shopping lists, stocking shelves, sorting products, labeling items with price guns, and practicing step-by-step directions that align with their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. Others join Community Training outings to help with grocery shopping or with preparing supplies like coffee, ice, and inventory before opening that day.
As students progress, they transition into roles that interact with the customer where communication skills come to life! During their Snack Shack shifts, students practice totaling customer orders, making change with varying levels of support, following multistep directions to fill orders, and engaging in functional social interactions. These experiences provide repeated practice with language and math concepts that are directly tied to everyday life. For many high school students, these moments have led to significant growth, especially counting money, recalling totals, and making change.
Recent additions, like a popular slushy machine, hot and iced coffee, and bagels, have only helped make this a part of the school that people really look forward to. Familiar customers place regular orders and students begin to anticipate and remember them, a powerful milestone in communication development.
Christine credits the success of Snack Shack to its ability to blend therapy with real world experience. And while the program continues to grow, she says her creating opportunities for students to build skills that extend far beyond the classroom. As she puts it, she could talk about its impact all day, and it’s clear why.