An annoyance of gnats pesters in the hot, humid air as the late summer sun beats down on the pasture like a 10-pound sledgehammer, driving a small herd of cows into what little shade they can find.
They are not alone. Ty Hopkins and Megan McGrath keep them company, gently petting the head of a spud-brown cow named Russet, who returns the affection with long, slow licks of their hands and arms.
“Russet is a sweet one. She’s very affectionate,” McGrath says.
She’s also therapeutic. So are the chickens, vegetable garden, beehives and almost everything at the Autism Sanctuary, a state-licensed day support program in Albemarle County for adults with autism and related developmental disabilities.
It’s not an official affiliate of the University of Virginia, but “wahoowa” runs through it, deep and wide.
William Brewster, left, hugs his father, Jason Brewster, outside of the Autism Sanctuary’s clubhouse. Jason Brewster, the director of venture programs at the Darden School of Business’ Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology, founded the sanctuary with his wife, Jennifer Brewster, William’s mother. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)
Its founders are Jason Brewster, director of venture programs at the Darden School of Business’ Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology, and Jennifer Brewster.
The sanctuary’s home is 80-plus acres of farmland owned by Frances Lee-Vandell. Her late husband, Robert F. Vandell, taught at the Darden School, which named an endowed professorship in his honor.
Its executive director is Olivia Bruno, who earned her bachelor’s degree in 2023 from UVA’s School of Education and Human Development. Izzy Kueser, director of adult services, earned her bachelor’s from the Education School in 2025.
Rose Nevill, an associate professor and part of the Education School’s Supporting Transformative Autism Research program,serves on the sanctuary’s advisory board. Most of the sanctuary staff, interns and volunteers come from the Education School.
The sanctuary provides support to adults with developmental disabilities, community-based activities and some individualized, off-site programs tailored to their needs.
Members of the sanctuary relax in the clubhouse, located in the basement of a historic farmhouse owned by Frances Lee-Vandell, left. Olivia Bruno, the sanctuary’s executive director, takes the utility vehicle’s wheel to check on the sanctuary’s animals and vegetable gardens. Next to Bruno is Megan McGrath. In the back seat are Ty Hopkins, front, and Izzy Kueser, director of adult services. (Photos by Matt Riley, University Communications)
“Most providers look at the services they offer and then figure out who in the population can then fit into their services,” Jason Brewster said. “Our approach has always been to try to make the services fit the person.”
“Our environment brings people together, regardless of their support needs. It offers a therapeutic atmosphere with skill-building opportunities, where people love being outside in nature, walking on trails, visiting with the animals, tending to gardens and being a part of the community that we have built here,” Bruno said.
For families, the sanctuary fills a critical gap.
“Autism Sanctuary is absolutely the best blessing I’ve ever had, other than my kids,” said Mona Holmes, whose 26-year-old son, Caleb, spends three days there each week.
