Special Needs Sibling Scholarship Winner: Brianna TenBrink
By Craig Knapp on May 10, 2017

Over the past 25 years, Knapp & Roberts law firm has aligned their name and provided contributions to organizations and causes that align with their values. By reading their Giving Back page, you will see a list of organizations that represent these values, ranging from those serving their local community, including St. Vincent de Paul and the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix, as well as charities that affect people across the U.S., including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Special Olympics.

In an effort to build upon the causes nearest to their heart, Knapp & Roberts created the Knapp & Roberts Foundation, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to helping and enhancing the lives of those who need it most – both close to home and nation wide.

Although Knapp & Roberts Law Firm supports a wide range of causes, there is one that remains very important to founders Craig Knapp and Dana Roberts – and that’s their commitment to helping those with special needs and their families. As a result, Knapp & Roberts Foundation created two scholarships awarding students who share their passion and saw the importance of serving the special needs community.

One scholarship seeks a student with a special needs sibling who is pursuing a degree at a college. Knapp & Roberts had so many great applicants that it was difficulty to choose only one. As a result, they awarded another scholarship to Brianna TenBrink, whose story of her sisters with autism and her countless awareness efforts deserved to be recognized. Congratulations, Brianna!

Here is a short Q&A with Brianna:

Please tell us about yourself and your accomplishments.

My name is Brianna TenBrink. I am a recent graduate of Manvel High School and now attend the University of Houston – Clear Lake. When I have the time, I enjoy singing, dancing, acting, and playing video games. If I’m not doing one of the things listed above, I am at school or working. My friends refer to me as the busy bee because I’m always doing something. I love my job. I am a dance teacher for all ages. I teach multiple dance styles from Jazz to Ballet. I am also a Cheerleader at my University. Go Hawks! A few of my proudest accomplishments are being awarded the Advocate of the Year award from the ARC of the Gulf Coast, founding the Autism Awareness Spirit Week and the Autism Spirit Night at my High School, and not only spreading awareness in my school district, but a neighboring one, as well. I have also been asked to present at a 2017 local Autism Conference on the topic of being a sibling of two sisters on the autism spectrum.

Please tell us your family’s story.

My family and I are Michigan natives and have been living in Texas for the last 5 years. My family is made up of two loving parents, two younger sisters who both are on the Autism spectrum, and my cuddly puppy, Sasha. Being a family with two children who have special needs has been a challenge, but has ultimately made us closer. As a family, we work to spread awareness and acceptance for all disabilities throughout our community. From Disabilities Conferences to Autism Awareness Spirit weeks in our local ISD, my family strives to make a difference in not only my sisters’ lives, but also others like them.

What made you pursue a degree in psychology?

After attending multiple therapy sessions with my youngest sibling, I noticed so much progress. From improved behaviors to improved communication, she was blossoming. The way her therapists were changing her life inspired me to follow in their footsteps.

What do you plan to do with your degree?

I plan to work towards a doctorate in Psychology so that one day I can test and assess children for developmental disabilities.

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Thank you for sharing your family’s story with us, Brianna! Your commitment to educating others and improving the lives of those with developmental disabilities is very inspiring. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!