When my daughter, Arizona, graduated from Cheerful Helpers Child & Family Study Center in
2014, I carried away far more than memories of her school experience — I carried gratitude and hope. The nurturing teachers, compassionate therapists and interns and our fellow families helped us grow in confidence, connection and joy. Cheerful Helpers was a lifeline for our family during those tender early years.
A few years later, I had one of those serendipitous Los Angeles moments that felt almost magical. Through mutual friends, I met a new friend, Sebastian Attie, and as we shared stories about our lives, we discovered that he, too, had once been a Cheerful Helpers kid! Decades apart
in age but joined by this unique foundation, our instant connection felt like a full-circle moment — a delicious reminder of how lasting the Cheerful Helpers community truly is.
Recently, I sat down with Sebastian to put together this article for the Courier. When I asked about his early CH memories, he shared, “Joan White was the lead behavioral therapist for my
class and she had such a gift for connecting with kids like me. I was a wild child, full of energy and emotions and I remember how the staff embraced that instead of trying to shut it down. They worked with us, not against us, helping each of us navigate our challenges with patience
and heart.”
Today, Sebastian leads a dynamic and creative life in Los Angeles. With almost three decades in
film and television production, he has built a career rooted in collaboration, storytelling and helping others bring their ideas to life. When I asked him how Cheerful Helpers helped shape
him into who he is today, he transparently answered, “Whether I am managing complex shoots,
mentoring younger filmmakers, or developing new creative projects, I’m guided by the same empathy and patience that shaped me as a child at Cheerful Helpers. Those early years taughtme to be compassionate toward people who have special needs, who feel “different,” or who struggle to connect. That understanding has stayed with me, and I try to carry it into my work: helping, mentoring, and creating space for others to feel seen and supported.”
For me, meeting Sebastian was more than a coincidence — it was a reminder of the ripple effect
this special place has on so many lives. Cheerful Helpers doesn’t just support children; it nurtures a spirit of belonging that endures far beyond childhood. Arizona and Sebastian are
living proof that the seeds planted here continue to grow in the most unexpected and supportive ways.
I asked Sebastian if he had any last words to share for the article, which brought immediate (and happy) tears to my eyes! “I truly believe that God or the universe brought Susanna and Arizona into my life for a reason. What’s impacted me most is the depth of our friendship, my appreciation for the bond between mother and daughter, and the privilege of watching Susanna not only protect Zona but also give her the space to flourish on her own as I have.”
