Our Mission

Shining Stars Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to shining a light on the special needs community through media, events and experiences.

We create video, photo and editorial content that spotlights the positive and inspiring stories within the special needs community. We host inclusive events that provide opportunities for people with and without special needs to come together. We create and cultivate experiences that enhance the lives of people within the special needs community.

We believe that individuals with special needs have their own unique talents to share with the world. We believe that everyone should have the chance to showcase their abilities and talents. We believe that everyone should have a chance to connect with their community.

Our Story - Our Mission - Our History - Our Team

Our History

Shining Stars Network is an expansion of the incredibly successful Shining Stars Talent Show – which was created by Sally Curci in 2012 to showcase the various talents of special needs students in Cranford, New Jersey. 

The annual two-hour variety show sells out the Cranford high school auditorium and is a testament to the power of inclusion. Special needs and non-special needs performers come together in a dazzling display of choreography and teamwork – a culmination of four months of rehearsals and amazing dedication from the students, parents and volunteer buddies from Cranford high school.

Due to the success of the show, Mrs. Curci was awarded the prestigious Betty McGhee Award for her service to the special needs community by the Arc of Union County. Sally was also honored by the Cranford Board of Education for her service to the community. 

Shining Stars Network is committed to expounding upon the vision and success of the Shining Stars Talent Show not only locally, but nationally. Our website is putting the spotlight squarely on the special needs community through video features, sports highlights, feature articles, podcasts and much more. Our content not only features people with special needs but also content developed by people with special needs. Our site will also serve as a resource for parents and caregivers.

In addition to media content, Shining Stars Network is working at the community level to develop events and experiences that bring the special needs community together and are inclusive to special needs and non-special needs alike.

Shining Stars Network is a place where everyone can feel at home. We sincerely look forward to sharing many amazing stories and experiences with you. Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey!

Our Team

Sally Curci - President of the Board

The special needs community has been a big part of Sally Curci’s life for many years. Blessed with four beautiful children, two with special needs, Sally has not only been an advocate for her own children, but a tireless advocate for other families as well, giving special needs children an opportunity to flourish on many levels. Sally is a firm believer that no child should be limited by their disability, but encouraged by their abilities. 

She founded Cranford’s first Young Athlete Program, a weekly program which introduces and develops skills for future Special Olympics competition.  The program, which Sally supervised for five years, continues to grow.  "There is nothing like seeing a child conquer a skill after much trepidation. To see their smiles and sense of accomplishment on their faces is priceless.” 

Sally, an Ohio University graduate, was a committee person for Autism Speaks’, “Walk Now For Autism”, for many years, as well as founder, captain and top fundraiser for the community team, "Cranford Cares for Our Kids.” She also participates and was a top fundraiser for the National Down Syndrome’s "Buddy Walk of South Plainfield.”

But one of Sally's most memorable and satisfying achievements came in 2012, when she founded Shining Stars, directing Cranford's first-ever special needs talent show, "An Evening of Shining Stars," where over $2,000.00 was raised for the ARC of Union County. This year, Shining Stars donated $4,000 to the Arc and awarded another $1,000 scholarship to a special needs member of the Cranford senior class to help further their education. 

The show has grown into a must-see event -- which feature over 20 acts, played to a sold out audience.  "It was an amazing experience for everyone involved, hearing the participants tell me it was one of the best nights of their life is something I will always treasure. The success of the show just further proves to me that our children can do anything they set their minds to, we just need to give them the opportunities to do so. “

Another proud accomplishment for Sally, along with her husband, Mike and two teenage children at the time (Nicole and Michael), was writing and recording “What’s On Your Mind: Let Me Inside”,  a song devoted to families raising a child with autism. The song is still featured on iTunes, with all proceeds donated towards autism research. 

Sally, along with being a personal trainer, is currently a health and physical education teacher at Spectrum 360 in East Hanover, N.J.

Mike Curci - CEO

Mike Curci has spent nearly 25 years in broadcast television and radio – enjoying a long and successful career in sports broadcasting on the national and local level – while also holding executive positions at several companies during his career. Mike founded and developed several sports-related websites and has been nominated for local Emmy’s and awarded numerous North Jersey Press Club Awards for his sports coverage. The concept for Shining Stars Network was inspired by the tremendous success of the annual talent shows. 

“To watch the joy, triumph and talent that takes the stage each year is truly inspirational. It seemed only natural to not only share these talents through the creation of Shining Stars Network, but to expand our reach through digital media to highlight these incredible stories.”

Mike and his wife Sally have been married for 28 years, and are blessed with four beautiful children, (Nicole, Michael, Brian and Courtney) two of whom have special needs. “Brian (who has autism) and Courtney (Down Syndrome) have added to our lives in so many wonderful ways. We are inspired every day by their  unconditional love and accomplishments.”

Mike also enjoys coaching Special Olympics basketball while Sally coaches Special Olympics soccer and tennis.

“Our goal is to share as many inspiring stories as possible through video features and related articles,” added Curci. “We feel our extensive background in digital media and developing television content gives us a unique perspective as SSN continues to grow. We want Shining Stars Network to be a celebration of the special needs community.”

Travis Johnson - COO

Travis Johnson believes in the power of community. He is a committed father who encourages his children to lead with love.

Mr. Johnson has had a lifelong relationship with the special needs community. It started when, as a small child, he and his mother lived at a residential group home that she managed for ARC.  His passion to improve the lives of people with special needs continues to this day as he continually advocates for their community through music, media, sports and volunteerism.

Additionally, Mr. Johnson is a US Army veteran who was assigned to the National Security Agency as a non-communications analyst. After the military, Travis became experienced at all levels of media, from community to linear/broadcast. He quickly went from covering events as a one-man-band (photo/video/editorial) to developing media and marketing strategy for web, print and social media. He has served as a media and marketing strategy consultant to many companies and associations including the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA), the Center for Vocational Rehabiliation (CVR) and Cablevision.

Travis is a co-founder of All Shore Media (now Shore Sports Network). He has enjoyed serving his community through Rotary International, Knights of Columbus and as a board member for Musicians on a Mission (MOAM). Mr. Johnson is the founder and head coach of the Monmouth Titans Special Olympics basketball team. He is proudly married to his best friend, Jennifer, and he has two children, Scartlett Mae and Travis Jeffrey.

Nicole Greene - Director of Community Outreach and Media

Nicole Greene serves as Director of Community Outreach and Media. Nicole holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wagner College in New York, and is currently teaching special needs students at the Lighthouse School in Massachusetts. She has also been Assistant Director and choreographer for the Shining Stars Talent Show for the past five years, and has extensive training in singing and dance. She is the proud big sister to two special needs siblings, who have given her great joy and inspiration over the years.

Jamie Greene -  Director of Development and Fundraising

Jamie Greene has extensive background in sales and marketing, and his experience will help guide SSN's future growth. He became part of the Shining Stars Network over the past few years helping with the shows behind the scenes and really believes in the positive change that the opportunity to shine has had on the individuals involved.

Our Mission

Shining Stars Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to shining a light on the special needs community through media, events and experiences.

We create video, photo and editorial content that spotlights the positive and inspiring stories within the special needs community. We host inclusive events that provide opportunities for people with and without special needs to come together. We create and cultivate experiences that enhance the lives of people within the special needs community.

We believe that individuals with special needs have their own unique talents to share with the world. We believe that everyone should have the chance to showcase their abilities and talents. We believe that everyone should have a chance to connect with their community.

Our Story - Our Mission - Our History - Our Team

Shining Stars Network is a non-profit organization that specializes in shining a light on the special needs community by finding ways to showcase their many talents.

Discover more about who we are and what we stand for:

Our Mission

Our History

Our Team

Cranford students gather with their "buddies" weekly.

Every Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m., dedicated teenage volunteers from Cranford gather together with their "buddies" to participate in the Young Athlete Program, which is designed for children with special needs between the ages of three and seven years old. The goal of the class is to help develop the skills needed to eventually compete in the Special Olympics, which begins at age eight.

The program was initiated last year under the directorship of Sally Curci, a local resident and teacher, who has two children with special needs.  

Curci has already seen the success of the children in the program, not only from a physical standpoint, but from a social aspect as well. And much of the credit goes to the volunteers, made up of middle school and high school students who can't wait until Saturday morning just to see the kids' smiling faces.

"This program would not succeed if it wasn't for our dedicated teenage volunteers who get up early each and every Saturday to make this dream a reality," said Curci. "These teenagers become "buddies" and work one-on-one with the children in a group setting. The bonds that have been formed are amazing. Sometimes I wonder who is having more fun, the younger children or the older children."

At first, many of the children are unable to participate, at least initially, in a typical gym environment. The parents know that every child is safe and welcome in the program, and that they don't have to worry about "unique behaviors". A child may start the program not participating at all, or running all around the gym, but as the weeks and months go by, they are not only participating, but excelling in the activities.   

"To see the progress of each child from the beginning of the program to the end is just miraculous," added Curci. "It truly brings tears to your eyes. Many of the children will eventually compete in inclusive recreation activities as well."

For more information about the program, you can contact the Cranford Community Center at 709-7283.

Cranford Shining Stars put on a another great show.

Check out this great article about our 2012 performance from PATCH's Toniann Antonelli:

"The creative acts were moving, inspiring and, in many cases, humorous...the audience cheered, stood up and danced, held up signs and even shed a few tears while watching the performers...The witty master of ceremonies, Ryan Fay, was part stand-up comic and part game show host. He could give Ryan Seacrest a run for his money."

Click here for the rest of the article!

Shining Stars Ambassadors show their support for      The ARC of Union County.

Springfield, NJ (June 27, 2016) – Following their performance of “A Disney Spectacular” at Cranford High School on April 15, 2016, The Cranford Shining Stars have chosen The Arc of Union County to be a recipient of the proceeds.

The Cranford Shining Stars is a theater group for Cranford students with special needs who love to sing, act, and dance. The group practices reverse inclusion, and buddies and siblings are welcome to participate. The group also provides an avenue for children to enhance their theatrical skills and to participate in months of practices and rehearsals in preparation for a night of entertainment. Cranford Shining Stars is a part of the Shining Stars Network, which seeks to shine a positive light on the special needs community through media, events and experiences.

Frank Caragher, Executive Director for The Arc of Union County, said the Cranford Shining Stars’ performances get more impressive each year, and the group provides a true service to the community.

“We thank the Shining Stars for their continued generosity and support of The Arc,” he said.

Sally Curci, Director of the Shining Stars, said the group’s partnership with The Arc of Union County continues to hold strong. The Shining Stars also performed at The Arc’s Candlelight Awards in March, 2016.

“This is our fourth year making a donation to The Arc and we are happy to do it,” she said. "We are delighted to give back to an agency that helps support local individuals with special needs."

Proceeds from the Cranford Shining Stars show also supported scholarships for special needs students.

About the Arc of Union County

With more than six decades of service, The Arc has grown into Union County, New Jersey’s, largest provider of on- and off-site educational, recreational and support services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. A registered 501c3 non-profit, the organization serves more than 1,000 children and adults annually through a continuum of comprehensive programs geared to assist clients and their families throughout all stages of their lives. For more information, visit www.arcunion.org, or call 973-315-0000.

Shining Stars Ambassadors volunteer behind the scenes to help prepare for the 2016 Bayshore Greek Festival.

The Shining Stars Ambassadors recently volunteered to help Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox church set up their annual Bayshore Greek Festival. The Shining Stars assisted with many tasks, including the setup of hundred of chairs and tables.

"Our ambassadors were very eager to help the Greek Festival in any way that we could," said Travis Johnson, COO of the Shining Stars Network. "We are incredibly grateful that the Kimisis Church community has opened their hearts, church and facilities to many members of the Shining Stars Network. Kimisis is the home of the Monmouth Titans special needs basketball team. The team would not exist if the church did not donate the use of their basketball court. Father George and the rest of the Kimisis family has embraced the special needs community with open arms and we are happy to support them whenever we can."

Shining Stars Ambassadors bring joy to the Matheny Medical Center

       On Sunday, December 13th, 2014 special needs ambassadors from the Shining Stars Network visited the Matheny School in Peapack, NJ. The Matheny School is a special education private school for children with a diverse range of medically complex developmental disabilities. The ambassadors were volunteering as part of the Matheny Racing Christmas Party, which has been held annually for over 40 years.

"The members of the Shining Stars Network are very grateful for all of the support they receive," said Travis Johnson, COO of the Shining Stars Network. "In turn, whenever they have the opportunity to give back, they do so with eagerness and a lot of positive energy. This is the second year in a row our ambassadors have been here and the experience has made an impact on them. Sometimes we lose site of what a blessing it is to be in a position to give and everyone from Shining Stars takes great joy in bringing smiles to the faces of the Matheny party attendees.

Support of the Matheny School’s efforts by the local racing community has thankfully remained a strong tradition since the Sammy Beavers introduction of the work they do to the sport back in 1975. This holiday season, if you can just spare $5, $10, or $25 to help out these loveable kids, put a check or whatever you can in the mail and forward them to RJC Charities, 70 Albert Drive, Parlin, NJ 08859.

RJC Charities is a 501c3 charity run by Bob Caramella. A donation forwarded to this address enables you to use it as a tax right off, if necessary. Donations may also be forwarded directly to the organizer of the annual Matheny Racing Chrismas Party, Kevin Eyres at 144 Mercer Road, Colts Neck, NJ 07722.