Dedicated to improving the community for the special needs population.
Meet Payton
At 23 years old, Payton has navigated life with Autism with both bravery and grace. Payton recently achieved a significant milestone by graduating from the Business Office Support Program at the Dan Marino Foundation. Beyond her academic accomplishments, Payton finds joy in playing the piano, painting, exploring new destinations with her parents, and constructing intricate Lego sets.
At the Payton Nash Foundation, we believe in the boundless love that parents have for their children, especially those living with Autism. We understand the challenges and joys that come with raising a child on the spectrum, which is why we are dedicated to providing unwavering support to ensure more children are able to thrive and prosper.
Our mission goes beyond mere assistance; we strive to become a beacon of hope for local families, offering personalized guidance rooted in our own experiences. Through our commitment to Payton, we stand as an available resource, empowering families with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the unique journey of Autism with confidence and compassion. We're more than just a support system—we are a community united in the pursuit of brighter futures for all.
—Brandi & Ryan Nash
Ryan Nash Inducted into the 2025 Broward Education Foundation Hall of Fame & Honored with the BRAVO! Award
The Payton Nash Foundation is proud to celebrate a tremendous honor bestowed upon our co-founder, Ryan Nash.
Ryan was officially inducted into the Broward Education Foundation’s 2025 Hall of Fame and received the distinguished BRAVO! Award, recognizing his leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to the Broward County community.
A proud graduate of Nova High School’s Class of ’91, Ryan serves as Division President of William R. Nash, LLC, where he has spent more than three decades helping lead the delivery of mechanical and plumbing contracting services for life-saving medical facilities throughout Broward County. His professional dedication to building strong infrastructure for healthcare facilities mirrors his personal commitment to building stronger opportunities for individuals with special needs.
Through the Payton Nash Foundation, which Ryan co-founded with his wife Brandi, more than $500,000 has been raised to support young adults with developmental disabilities. These funds directly create pathways to independence, meaningful employment, and brighter futures for a population that often faces limited opportunities.
As part of this recognition, Ryan received a permanent granite star on the BrightStar Credit Union Walk of Fame Plaza — a lasting tribute to his impact on education, community service, and advocacy.
This honor reflects not only Ryan’s leadership, but the collective work of every supporter, partner, volunteer, and family who believes in the mission of the Payton Nash Foundation: to improve our community for the special needs population.
We are incredibly proud and deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue this important work together.
The Payton Nash Foundation Benefit These Foundations
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Dan Marino Foundation
Empowering individuals with Autism through life-changing programs. We have supporting the Dan Marino Foundation for the past 12 years and donated $20,000 from the last golf tournament in 2025.
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ACEing Autism
ACEing Autism is on a mission to help children with autism to grow, develop and benefit from social connections and fitness through affordable tennis programming.
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Donors Choose
With Donors Choose, the Payton Nash Foundation selected a 4th/5th grade cluster classroom at Chapel Trail Elementary and donated materials needed. All materials were to enhance learning and emotional development.
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Atlantic Technical College - TIE Program
TIE Program (Transition into Employment) in Coconut Creek. We donated a “wish list” of items for their kitchen and also gift cards to go shopping with.
We can help.
Autism Spectrum Information and Resources
Finding out your child has been diagnosed with Autism can be scary and intimidating. To help you start your journey and we’ve gathered a few resources for you, as a starting point.
Click below to view some of the available resources and information about the Autism Spectrum.