Autism Adventure Travel began with a dream of providing supported family cruises for families of autism. Founded by Rob & Keri Zoppi who has a daughter on the spectrum and who love to travel, their endless time and dedicated as volunteers to get the program off the ground was a huge accomplishment. The inaugural cruise took place in 2019 and was focused on families living in the Okanagan. Rob & Keri relocated their family to Calgary in May of 2023. The desire to keep this initiative going was infused by a new partnership with Autism Calgary and Expedia Cruise owners, Chuck and Laurie Magnus. Judy Morris from Expedia Cruise completes our leadership team. Since the relocation and renewed partnership, Autism Adventure Cruises has expanded and now offers two cruises a year for families who reside in Calgary, the Okanagan, and Lower Mainland.
Rob Zoppi | Autism Adventure Travel Founder/Program Director
Once a dream, now a reality!
My wife and I are humbled by the growth of this initiative. As avid travellers, we know firsthand the potential stress points while travelling with our autistic daughter and son. Being fortunate to participate on two Autism Adventure cruises, I can personally tell you that these are trips we will never forget. Our daughter stepped out of her comfort zone with the highly trained staff, she spent more time with her older brother, and my wife and I had time each day to reconnect as spouses. In addition, my daughter made friendships with local peers, my wife and I expanded our support network with the other families who participated in the program.
As a retired elementary principal, behaviour consultant, and over 30 years experience supporting diverse individuals, I am very excited to be joining the 2024 Caribbean Cruise as a volunteer staff member.
We have met or know of many families of autism who do not go on family vacations outside the area they live. This can limit opportunities for exploring and visiting new places. Autism Adventure Travel hopes to change that! Our mission is to provide a wrap around service that will provide families with the confidence and support to explore abroad.
Chuck & Laurie Magnus | Expedia Cruise Owners (Dalhousie Station & Aspen Landing) , Partner Directors
As owners of Expedia Cruises in Dalhousie Station and Aspen Landing, we are a travel agency with heart. We care about our community and support it by volunteering and building community-based initiatives, as well as providing unforgettable travel experiences for families of people with disabilities.
Judy Morris | Autism Travel Specialist
I believe travel is for everyone and I love to support and empower families to go on vacation. But I know that travel, a right of every individual, can turn into a series of huge obstacles and discourage you from traveling with your children. I believe a diagnosis should not stop you from exploring the world with your child – and that’s where I come in to help.
I am a Certified Autism Travel Professional (CATP) and Special Needs Group (SNG) Certified Accessible Travel Advocate at Expedia Cruises in Dalhousie Station and Aspen Landing Calgary, Alberta. My goal is to create memories and unforgettable autism-friendly vacations. I want to make the planning and booking process a little easier by navigating the unique challenges that arise during travel.
I hope you will allow me the privilege of understanding the unique needs of your child, so that I can provide you with the best amenities and options for your entire family to enjoy.
Adrienne Heinrichs | Behaviour Interventionist
Adrienne Heinrichs brings a diverse background to working with neurodivergent children including experience as a behaviour interventionist specializing in evidence based models, an early childhood educator, and an education assistant. Adrienne has worked as an education assistant since 2015 where her main focus was working with neurodivergent students with complex challenges in the classroom. Adrienne will be completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in December 2023 and will be starting her Master’s in Trauma Informed Education in January 2024 as well as starting her Bachelor’s in Education in September 2024 in pursuit of being a Social Emotional Learning Teacher. Adrienne has lived in Kelowna since 2014. She enjoys going to the beach, cooking and snowshoeing adventures with her husband and dog.
Autism Adventure Travel