🎙️ Steve Gonyea
Co‑Host, Finding Common Ground
Hey there! I’m Steve - a husband, dad of seven, longtime foster parent, and proud co-host of Finding Common Ground. But before all that, I was a single dad trying to figure out how to raise three kids - one of whom, my son with autism, is now 35. Back then, there weren’t roadmaps or resources, just gut instinct and grit. That early experience lit the fire for everything I do now. I learned to blaze trails where none existed, and that boots-on-the-ground mindset still drives me today.
I don’t lead initiatives asking for handouts - I lead with heart. Much like Heather, I rally people around a vision, get them excited, and help them invest their time, talent, and treasure. Only once we’ve built something real - something worth supporting - then, I bring the state to the table to explore how to scale or sustain it. I believe real advocacy isn’t built on slogans alone. Sure, we’ll hold signs when we need to - but most of the time, the real work happens behind the scenes: building relationships, bridging gaps, and making things happen. Over the years, my wife and I have fostered nearly 200 kids, several of whom are now part of our forever family. It’s loud, unpredictable, and full of love - and it’s shaped how I see the world.
When we noticed the gaps in services for people with disabilities in our hometown of Utica, we didn’t complain - we created what we wished existed. That started with building a sensory barn in our backyard: a vibrant, calming haven for kids and adults with sensory needs (Spectrum News). We also helped launch an accessible community bus, thanks to a generous veteran, that now provides reliable rides for people with disabilities where traditional transit doesn’t reach (NYSenate.gov).
I’m a certified therapeutic foster parent, Vice Chair of the National Council on Severe Autism, and an advocate for local respite and inclusion through the new Utica Community Center (LIFEPlan CCO NY). My family was recently filmed to be included in a powerful documentary that will showcase real life in IDD households.
My advocacy style isn’t flashy - it’s built on connection. I call it the “backdoor approach”: show up, listen well, build trust, and quietly get things done. On Finding Common Ground, I bring that same spirit to every episode. Alongside Heather, I help unpack tough issues like the parts of foster care that aren't known (and should be), Medicaid dysfunction, the DSP crisis, and inaccessible transportation - and we do it with grit, compassion, and a focus on solutions.
We don’t just talk about problems - we invite the elephant to dinner. Everyone has a seat at our table. Through unfiltered conversations, we build unexpected alliances, uncover practical solutions, and move past “who’s right” or “who’s to blame.” Preaching to the choir doesn’t fix systems. But finding common ground? That’s how we build a collective voice strong enough to change them.
We’re not waiting for permission to save ourselves. Families are the answer - and they will always have a seat at our table!