At Great Heights Academy, Khia Lopez Builds a Future for Special Needs Students

by Ale Menendez

CCNN Live Story on Khia Lopez.

It’s no secret that those with special needs are not privileged with such a direct educational or career path as others. Though one may not say it, it is easier for many in society simply to ignore the difficulties that those with special needs face both daily and in the trajectory of their lives.

However, while most of us sit idly by in pursuit of our own endeavors, Khia Lopez makes an active effort every day to help those with special needs both inside and outside of the classroom.

In running Great Heights Academy, a school built to support and educate the special needs community, Khia has ensured that hundreds, if not thousands, of students have gotten the education they deserve and are able to make their way in a world that is more difficult for them.

“We are out in the open trying to make a difference,” Khia said.

And though her mission is often in the spotlight, she often remains in the shadows, quietly guiding her students toward the light.

“She makes sure that her staff is taken care of first and that we’re getting everything we need before she does anything for herself,” said Great Heights teacher Darian Kessler.

However, despite the incredible education that Khia was providing special needs students with, she realized that once they graduated, they still needed her assistance in order to thrive. But Khia didn’t just take note of this discouraging fact; instead, she acted upon it and brought a change in their lives by opening No Limits Coffee Shop, a shop that employs dozens of special needs employees.

“They deserve more, they work so hard,” Khia said.

And because of her initiative, they are getting the opportunity to engage with the community as they should.

Though the idea of blending special needs individuals with a coffee shop environment or classroom could seem intimidating and not necessarily easy, Khia’s work is proof that with the right force behind them, these projects are able to come alive and bring joy to everyone involved.

“I can’t let go of their hands until I know they’re OK,” Khia said.

Her initiative to help special needs individuals not only become educated, but also to genuinely make an impact on the world and fully experience the world around them, is a testament to who she is, not only as an educator but as a person. She doesn’t just want to help do what she can; she wants to ensure that they have a future and will stop at nothing until this future is achieved.

And though all her work is worthy of center stage, Khia remains in the shadows, instead choosing to cast the spotlight upon special needs individuals and provide them with the brightest future possible.