Executive Director Message
PFA IN THE COMMUNITY
PFA Training
First Responders, Healthcare personnel, Educators, Parents and other Professionals attended our practical and well-regarded Autism and other Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities trainings. Our training teams, which include our self-advocate co-trainers, taught 174 classes to over 4,600 attendees.
Safety
From Traffic Stop Practice, Safety Kits and swim scholarships, we promoted safety in the community. With support from local police throughout Maryland, we hosted five Traffic Stop Practice sessions supporting over 75 drivers and passengers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 14 children with Autism are receiving swim lessons with our new swim school partnerships.
Self-Advocate Advisory Committee
We hosted 25 SAAC meetings. In addition to socializing, our members planned and participated in virtual and in-person activities, e.g., movie night, BINGO, Trivia and more. The SAAC also informed PFA staff on topics and services that matter to them, e.g., cooking classes and beta test of apps supporting independence, e.g., smartsteps4me.
This year we served 17,450 individuals across the state through our programming.
RESOURCE CENTER
9,074
Contacts
TRAINING
4,731 Individuals Trained
RECREATION
3,645 Participants
I have two sons (age 8 and 6) that are on the Autism Spectrum. We were the blessed recipients of the scholarship for swimming lessons. This was a wonderful experience. Sherye is excellent with the children and extremely talented in handling both the physical coordination issues and the behavior struggles that accompany our diagnoses. They loved the water and the lessons and took to it and “Ms. Sherye” like nothing else that we have tried. Thank you!
Amanda G.
FUNDRAISING ACROSS MARYLAND
Scavenger Hunt
In 2022 we hosted our first statewide Scavenger Hunt which deployed over 600 ambassadors in communities across the state, resulting in a weekend full of laughs, fun, and funds raised to support Pathfinders for Autism's mission.
Scavenger Hunt Participants
Our Scavenger Hunt spanned the entire state, bringing together over 600 participants- raising awareness and over $40,000 for our mission.
Run Wild Maryland Zoo
This year’s Run Wild for Autism was Dino-mite. We hosted over 1,200 runners and walkers and families enjoyed the Maryland Zoo’s limited edition Dinosaur exhibit, only available in 2022!
Run Wild Assateague
Hurricane Ian caused us to postpone Run Wild Assateague and converted it to an only virtual race. Teams still had fun walking at Assateague Island State Park and in their communities, raising funds and awareness for our programs.
Regional Events
PFA visited every region of the state to bring awareness and raise funds for our programs. We are grateful for all the sponsors and attendees that joined us to appreciate beautiful art, sample fine wine, try some heavy lifting, dance with their valentine, explore exotic cars, and savor incredible food all in support of PFA’s mission.
A Message From Our President
Giving Back Through Fundraising
Ryan Goldman and his family show their gratitude for all that PFA has done for them, by paying it forward. They continue to fundraise and engage others in their journey to help our mission and the autism community.
Matching Gifts
FINANCIALS
Audited financials for the year ending September 30, 2021
Thank you for your help at Season Kickoff! Our staff have been talking to us a lot about your training! Thank you for providing our team members with all the resources and knowledge.
Baltimore Ravens
Guest Experience Team
2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE
BOARD
B.J. Surhoff
President, Pathfinders for Autism
Alisa Rock
Vice President, Pathfinders for Autism
Carin Lazarus
Vice President, Pathfinders for Autism
President and CEO, Media Star Promotions
Bruce L. Schindler
Treasurer, Pathfinders for Autism
President, Bob Davidson Ford Lincoln
Rebecca Faye Smith Galli
Secretary, Pathfinders for Autism
Author, Columnist
Carol Dalton
Senior Vice President, M&T Bank
H. Bradley Donovan
G. Weiss Associates, NY
Gus Kalaris
Founder & Owner, Constantine Wines,
Axios Wine, Kalaris Family Vineyards
Robert L. Long, Jr.
Radio/TV Personality
Audacy (105.7 The Fan) and MASN
Rick Opfer
Founder & Owner, Opfer Auctioneers
Dr. Laura Herrera Scott, MD, MPH
Executive Vice President Population Health
Summit Health
Helen Shafer
Founder & President, The Shafer Center
Michael Shelah
Business Performance Advisor, Insperity
Founder, Mike Shelah Consulting
Polly Winde Surhoff
Alicia Wopat
Linda Carter-Ferrier, 2009-2019
In Memoriam
We would like to first thank you for a great night out with the family that we wouldn’t be able to do otherwise. You’ve given my family the chance to experience new things. We can’t tell you how much we appreciate this. We had a BLAST!
Laura Ashbaugh
2022 STAFF
Executive Director
Deputy Director
Development Director
Program Director
Program Director
Resource Center Coordinator
Development Associate
Quinn Lulie
Data Management Specialist
TRAINING TEAM
Eric Kane
Glenn Myers
Cpl Janelle Myers
Josh Smith
Tom Whalen
SPECIAL PROJECTS
Ryan Permison
Special Projects Coordinator
Mason Surhoff
Program Intern
Conor Wade
Donor Appreciation Artisan
Viola Lis
Events Coordinator
