Natalie & Michael Cimini & Family

2026 Stouffville Honourees

The Cimini family elected to have their portrait taken in one of the sensory rooms they most recently completed in Stouffville, Ontario. Looking at this family photo—whether you know them or not—it’s impossible to miss the love, happiness, pride, and connection it captures.

Natalie and Michael Cimini were the founders of For Little Monkeys Charity, an initiative inspired by their sons, Leo and Lorenzo. Their journey raising neurodivergent children led them to create sensory‑regulating spaces that transformed daily life for families. These rooms offered emotional relief, strengthened family connections, and removed financial barriers for those unable to afford specialized equipment.

Throughout the charity’s five years of service, the Ciminis worked closely with partners such as the Town of Stouffville, schools, and local businesses to expand access to inclusive environments that honoured neurodiversity. Their work was rooted in dignity, accessibility, belonging, and collaboration, ensuring each space reflected the unique needs of every child.

In January 2022, Natalie published her first book, Understanding Lenny: A Book About a Boy With Autism, to help more children and families understand the perspectives and experiences of autistic individuals. Later that year, the family officially founded For Little Monkeys Charity. In 2023, Natalie and her family were awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for their charitable and community service work. Their website blog became a resource library for families seeking first‑hand insights, tips, and tools for supporting neurodivergent minds and bodies—including the widely shared “10 Tips for Haircuts” post, filled with practical guidance for children of all neurotypes.

Guided by their philosophy, “Believe in a Spectrum of Possibilities,” Natalie and Michael approached giving as an act of empowerment rather than charity. They emphasized listening to families and designing with them, not for them. Through their efforts, they built spaces where children felt safe, celebrated, and understood—strengthening families and the broader community.

Although For Little Monkeys Charity has closed its doors, its impact lives on in every room created, every family supported, and every child who found comfort in a space designed just for them. 

For more information about the legacy of For Little Monkeys Charity, please visit:  https://www.forlittlemonkeyscharity.ca/

Story Credit:

Meave Mastracci is the Owner of Ascend Services and a community-focused writer with over 25 years of experience helping local businesses grow. She specializes in community engagement, community give-back initiatives, and improving online presence through social media marketing, website design, Google verification and management, and the development of printed promotional materials. Her work—both in writing and business—champions good people, good businesses, and good organizations.  Contact: mmastracci@ascendalliance.ca