Our Story
 
Safari Autism Foundation was born from a deeply personal commitment to creating a better future for individuals with autism and their families in Kenya. Our founder, Rosemary Ogolla, is the mother of an adult son with autism and has spent more than 35 years advocating for individuals with autism and supporting families in both Kenya and the United States. Her journey has given her a firsthand understanding of the lifelong challenges families face - from early intervention and education to inclusion, independence, and opportunities in adulthood.

For more than two decades, Rosemary has worked to increase autism awareness in Kenya and strengthen the ability of parents, educators, and professionals to support individuals on the spectrum. Her lived experience, combined with her extensive professional and international perspective, ultimately led to the founding of Safari Autism Foundation.  In partnership with Tara Bryan, MS, a Licensed Behavioral Specialist with more than 20 years of experience in autism care, and Alvin Ogolla, who specializes in Policy and Grant Writing, Safari Autism Foundation was established as a Pennsylvania nonprofit in 2026 with a mission that reaches beyond borders: to empower individuals with autism, strengthen families, equip communities, and help build a future where every person is treated with dignity, included, and given the opportunity to thrive.

Our work is grounded in compassion, practical training, community advocacy, and respect for the voices of those we serve. We believe meaningful change begins by strengthening the people and communities surrounding individuals with autism—and that no family should have to navigate that journey alone.