In the summer of 2014, Rob and Cheryl Williams, longtime educators specializing in children with special needs and Dual Language immersion in the Oceanside and Encinitas Unified School Districts, took a bold step. They paused their careers to embark on an epic road trip through Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, where they would spend a year living with their two children, Kirra (11) and Kai (8). This transformative adventure inspired them to create The Shine Project Foundation, dedicated to helping children in need.

About The Founders

Cheryl, a special education teacher for students with moderate to severe disabilities in the Oceanside Unified School District, recognized the critical need to provide children with special needs access to enrichment activities. These experiences are essential for developing life skills that contribute to their well-being and success.  Rob, an elementary school teacher with the Encinitas Unified School District, shared Cheryl’s passion for helping children. Together, their shared vision led to the creation of The Shine Project Foundation, focused on supporting children with special needs and empowering them to shine.