Who we are

Hello! I’m Michael Messina-Godfrey, a special education teacher with years of experience serving students in the public school system. As an autistic educator, I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to my work, understanding firsthand the challenges and strengths that come with being neurodivergent. My passion for inclusive education stems not only from my own journey but also from my deep commitment to ensuring that every child feels seen, valued, and empowered.

My wife, Mandi Messina-Godfrey, is a small business owner and the founder of an ABA company, where she works closely with families of children with disabilities to provide compassionate, evidence-based support. Together, we have built our lives around advocating for and supporting neurodivergent children, including our own—who, like so many of the students we serve, thrive when given an education that honors their individuality.

At Journey Inclusion Academy, we believe that every child deserves a learning environment where they can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Rooted in respect, equity, and inclusion, we work alongside families to create individualized learning experiences that celebrate strengths, build confidence, and foster lifelong independence. With low student-to-teacher ratios, holistic support, and a deep commitment to family collaboration, our mission is to help students of all abilities reach their fullest potential—in school, in life, and in their communities.

We invite you to learn more about our approach and how we can support your child’s unique educational journey. Let’s build a future where every child is empowered to succeed. 💙🌱

FAQs - For families and Prospective Students

  • Journey Inclusion Academy is an inclusive private school designed for students of all abilities, with a focus on individualized learning, low student-to-teacher ratios, and holistic support. We offer customized education plans, social-emotional learning, and functional life skills development in a sensory-friendly and supportive environment.

  • We welcome students of all abilities, including those with disabilities, neurodivergent learners, and students who thrive in a personalized, supportive educational setting. Our approach is student-centered, family-focused, and inclusive.

  • We are launching with Grades K-8, with plans to expand as we grow. Our small class sizes and individualized approach allow us to meet students where they are and help them progress at their own pace.

  • Yes! Every student at Journey Inclusion Academy receives an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP), developed in collaboration with families and educators. For students with IEPs, we integrate their goals into daily instruction and provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.

  • We provide a range of integrated support services, including:

    • Special education instruction tailored to individual learning needs

    • Behavioral support, with trained classroom aides (RBTs) and behavior specialist

    • Social-emotional learning and executive functioning skill development

  • Our low student-to-teacher ratio ensures that every child gets personalized attention. Class sizes vary by age and need, but we prioritize small group instruction (1:10-12) and one-on-one support.

  • At Journey Inclusion Academy, our program is designed to provide a highly individualized supportive educational experience with low student-to-staff ratios and integrated behavioral and social-emotional support.

    Tuition is $3,000 per month for full-day programming.

    As a nonprofit organization, we are committed to making our program accessible to families from a range of financial backgrounds. We offer:

    • Sliding-scale tuition options

    • Guidance on scholarships and external funding resources

    • Support in coordinating services that may help offset costs

    We encourage all interested families to reach out so we can work together to find a path that makes enrollment possible.

  • Yes! We are committed to making our school accessible to as many families as possible. We encourage families to reach out to discuss scholarship opportunities and payment plans.

  • Journey Inclusion Academy is located in Martinez, CA

  • Enrollment begins with a inquiry form and a family consultation, followed by an application and student assessment to ensure the best possible fit for your child. Click here to submit an inquiry.

FAQs - For Donors & Sponsors

  • There are several ways to contribute to our mission:

    • Become a sponsor by funding scholarships or classroom materials

    • Make a one-time or recurring donation to support students and programs

    • Partner with us as a business or community organization to provide resources, services, or mentorship

    • Spread the word about our school and help us reach families who need our services

  • Yes! Journey Inclusion Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, meaning all donations are tax-deductible. We provide official receipts for tax purposes.

  • Your generous contribution will go toward:

    • Scholarships for students in need

    • Classroom resources, technology, and adaptive equipment

    • Therapeutic and support services

    • Teacher training and professional development

  • Absolutely! We welcome educational materials, sensory-friendly classroom items, adaptive technology, and other resources that benefit our students. Please contact us to discuss current needs.

  • Yes! We love collaborating with businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders who share our vision for inclusive education. Whether through sponsorships, service partnerships, or mentorship programs, there are many ways to make a meaningful impact.

  • We would love to connect! Schedule a meeting with us, attend an open house, or explore sponsorship opportunities.

    Contact us at (926)262-9833 or info@journeyinclusionacademy.org to learn more!

We’d Love to Hear from You!

Have questions or want to learn more about Journey Inclusion Academy? We’re here to help! Whether you're interested in enrollment, touring our school, or simply exploring the best options for your child, we’d love to connect.

📩 Fill out this form, and a member of our team will reach out to you soon. Let’s start this journey together! 💙🌱