Allie Stanich joined A Place To Be at age 17, where she found a community that nurtured her love for the arts and connection. She quickly became an integral part of the community through music therapy sessions, mentoring at camps, performing in plays, and participating in recitals. Over the years, she performed in several APTB productions, including Stink (2015), Holy Cow, Snow Monster, Five Ways to Make a Friend, LOL, and A Penguin’s Heart.

Now 28, Allie is pursuing a PhD in Composition and Rhetoric, where her research focuses on ableism in higher education, supporting disabled and neurodivergent students in college settings, and creating more inclusivity and accessibility in institutions. Her studies also explore autistic representation in media, neurodivergent folklore, and the experiences of disabled and neurodivergent writers in academic spaces.

Beyond her academic work, Allie enjoys singing, dancing, acting, writing, songwriting, drawing, swimming, and rollerskating. 

A fun fact about Allie is she’s currently collaborating on a musical with Tom and one of her best friends from APTB, exploring themes of autism, friendship, and self-acceptance.

Looking ahead, Allie is most excited about graduating and using what she’s learned to empower disabled and neurodivergent students through inclusive tutoring and possibly teaching. 

She is also excited about future performing opportunities, and returning to APTB this summer as a mentor. No matter where life takes her, Allie’s love for music, the arts, and her APTB family will always be a part of her life.