Joyful Journeys is the newest addition to Cross Schools, now in a physical space where students participate in both academic and faith-designed programs to meet individual needs. Joyful Journeys is a schooling initiative created for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), that integrates faith, academics, and a child’s own personal needs into day to day learning activities.

The genesis for the program lies with a local family who identified a need for a school like this in Bluffton. In March 2025, Cross Schools officially partnered with Joyful Journeys after months of planning. The team is led by four specialists: Shannon Krieger, Sam Echols, Teri Eaton, and Grace Gerth. The staff work in a one to one setting with the students. Currently the facility’s size dictates enrollment numbers but the team hopes to grow to be able to reach more children in future. Joyful Journeys’ integrates both Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) during the summer and Classical Christian Education (CCE) schooling in their program. ABA is characterized by its structured therapy that helps children improve their communication, learning, and social skills in an adaptive environment that is uniquely suited to their individual needs. Director of Clinical Services, Shannon Krieger, explains the bible study curriculum is modelled off Awe and Wonder, which provides differentiated levels of Bible study. The curriculum is used by Hebron School in Atlanta, where Krieger first saw it in action. In this way, Joyful Journeys integrates faith into each day. 

A typical day for a student begins with an interactive bible lesson with a content differing every week, making sure that students are engaged with learning about God. The day is structured with a morning routine, academics, and Bible study from 8:30 to 10:30, but then switches to ABA services for the rest of the day, all in a self-contained classroom. Students share lunch with Cross students in the cafeteria, and attend chapel services.However, the most exciting part of the students’ day is going outside for recess. While everyone’s day is different, learning is focussed on everyday activities and skills, with an emphasis on functional communication. Teri Eaton explains that the best part of their teaching “is when [they] see breakthroughs”, and when the children “finally grasp [an] idea”. 

The greatest part of the program comes not from how it is structured or maintained, but rather the people who run it: the people who sacrifice their time for a job that they truly love, helping others who need it. Cross senior Belle Carbone shares that her “growing bond with [the students]”, and how she “really loves them” inspires her. Belle interns for Joyful Journeys to expand her experience in special education, a career choice she is considering. 

Krieger explains that the time that her team gives year round is “gamechanging for parents”, as staff help the children enrolled in this program grow and “live meaningful lives”. She affirms that this is what they love.