For many families, a trip to The Nutcracker is a cherished holiday tradition. For families of children with autism, the same outing can take careful planning, along with some worry about how a child will respond to a new place. Sara Riley knows this well, and as a longtime supporter of Kansas City Ballet’s sensory-friendly performances, she has helped make that evening feel possible for more families.
This year, Riley and Riley ABA & Autism Center will again serve as a supporting sponsor of KC Ballet’s sensory-friendly Nutcracker, on Dec. 3 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. We are deeply grateful for their partnership.
“I strongly believe that everyone deserves to feel like they belong, and that includes having opportunities to enjoy the same community events and experiences as everyone else,” Riley said. “That’s what I love so much about the sensory-friendly Nutcracker!”
A calling that started early
Riley’s commitment to neurodivergent children began in high school, when she worked as an aide in a special education classroom and learned how to encourage students’ growth and independence. After earning her psychology degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, she became a behavior technician for children and adolescents with autism. There, she saw firsthand how much early intervention can shape a child’s life, and how overwhelming it can be for families to navigate a new diagnosis and find the right support.
Today, Riley is a board-certified behavior analyst and licensed professional counselor. Eight years ago, she founded Riley ABA, which serves children with autism from 18 months to 5 years old.
“I wanted to create a place where children could receive exceptional therapeutic services while still getting to be a kid: playing, exploring, building friendships and having fun,” she said. “Just as importantly, I wanted parents to feel supported, empowered and excited about the progress their children were making in our care.”
Taking the pressure off
The sensory-friendly Nutcracker is the full production, with live music by the Kansas City Symphony, thoughtfully adjusted for its audience. Sound levels are reduced, house lights stay partially lit, and guests are free to talk, move around and use electronic devices. Quiet spaces and trained staff, ushers and volunteers are available throughout the evening.
For the families Riley works with, those details can mean much more than a night at the ballet.
“Having an experience specifically designed with their needs in mind takes away some of that pressure,” she said. “Parents can focus on making memories instead of worrying about whether their child is going to be too loud, will need a break or have a hard time sitting still in their seat.”
Children can use their communication devices, families can choose where to sit, and anyone who needs a pause can step into the Kauffman Center’s sensory room or stand during the performance.
“And for the kids, it’s an opportunity to experience something new and exciting!” Riley said. “It truly is magical watching a child experience The Nutcracker for the first time and discovering something that they love.”
Rooted in Kansas City
A lifelong Kansas Citian raised in the Northland, Riley has built both her family and her business here.
“At Riley ABA, we work every day to help children develop the skills and confidence to participate more fully in our community,” she said. “But it is just as important that our community creates spaces, hosts activities and sensory-friendly events where our children and their families feel welcome and included.”
Supporting one of Kansas City’s most beloved holiday traditions, she said, means a great deal to her.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to experience a little holiday magic, and I’m grateful we get to play a small part in making that possible.”
Thank you, Sara, for helping more families experience The Nutcracker together.
Interested in being a sponsor of Kansas City Ballet? Contact Lacy Gordon, Corporate and Foundation Relations Manager, at lgordon@kcballet.org or 816.451.8757.
Header image: Sara Riley at a sensory-friendly performance of The Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of Sara Riley.
