Our Team
Rebecca Rienzi, Executive Director
Rebecca has over 30 years’ experience in the nonprofit sector. She joined Pathfinders for Autism in 2007 and has served as Executive Director since 2010. Prior to joining Pathfinders for Autism, Rebecca’s professional experience focused on environmental and social justice issues across Maryland and Baltimore City. Her strengths include community organizing, program development and implementation, partnership building, and business management. Rebecca was instrumental in advocating for the coverage of autism treatment services by health insurance plans sold in Maryland resulting in the passage of legislation in 2012. She is a Governor appointed member of the Maryland Advisory Stakeholder Group on Autism-Related Needs and serves on many other committees and workgroups where she advocates for individuals with autism and their families. Rebecca was born and raised in Baltimore and is a graduate of the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
rrienzi@pathfindersforautism.org
Ext. 101
Trish Kane, Deputy Director
Trish Kane joined Pathfinders for Autism (PFA) in September of 2010. As the Deputy Director, she oversees all programming for the organization, to include the Resource Center which is the cornerstone of PFA’s mission, training activities and fun events which serve the Autism community throughout Maryland. Trish is a Certified Police Academic Instructor for the Maryland Corrections and Police Training Commission. She has been providing an understanding of ASD to various audiences since 2012. In addition to first responders, Trish trains educators, library staff, various government agencies, and, since June 2016, hospital systems throughout Maryland.
tkane@pathfindersforautism.org
Ext. 105
Vince Fiduccia, Development Director
Vince joined Pathfinders for Autism as Director of Development in April 2024. His professional career includes extensive fundraising events background ranging from golf tournaments, walk events, dinners, and galas. Previously, Vince has worked for three national nonprofits over the last 24 years. He also spent the early part of his career working in professional sports and entertainment. At Pathfinders for Autism, he will be responsible for all aspects of fundraising events, donor cultivation, individual giving, major gifts, and stewardship. Vince was born in Baltimore and raised in Howard County. He is a graduate of Towson University and currently lives in Baltimore County with his wife Jennifer. He enjoys rooting on the Orioles, Ravens, and other local sports teams. He also enjoys walking, golfing, and traveling.
vfiduccia@pathfindersforautism.org
Ext. 102
Neal Lichter, Program Director
Neal Lichter joined Pathfinders for Autism in October of 2013. Neal is a Certified Police Academic Instructor for the Maryland Corrections and Police Training Commission. As a trainer, Neal has provided an Understanding of ASD training since 2014. Audiences range from kindergarten-college age students, educators, police, first responders, medical personnel, and many others across the state of Maryland. Neal is also responsible for helping to plan many of the workshops and recreational events that Pathfinders for Autism collaborates on around Maryland. Neal is married, with two sons, one of which has Autism.
nlichter@pathfindersforautism.org
Ext. 104
Shelly McLaughlin, Program Director
Shelly joined Pathfinders for Autism in 2008. A parent to a son with autism, she has developed and conducted Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Trainings for various organizations including the Maryland State Police, multiple County Police/Sheriff’s Departments, Homeland Security, NYPD, US Secret Service, fire departments, EMS staff, corrections officers, and other professional organizations. Shelly is a certified police instructor by the Maryland Police and Corrections Training Commission, CIT certified through Montgomery County Police, and certified in Mental Health First Aid through Harford County Sheriff’s Office. Shelly also creates trainings to teach people with IDD how to be safe in the community and how to interact with police, as well as parents on the critical issue of wandering and elopement. Shelly was instrumental in developing the What To Do During a Traffic Stop program and mock traffic stops. She has also written several of our PFA Tips articles that have appeared in other publications, such as Chicago Special Parent Magazine and Autism Parenting Magazine.
smclaughlin@pathfindersforautism.org
Ext. 108
Nikki Harris, Resource Center Manager
Nikki Harris joined Pathfinders for Autism in February 2022. Nikki is responsible for the daily intake of questions and concerns from parents, caregivers, educators, professionals and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She has fifteen years of career experience in Baltimore City as a first responder and emergency call taker. As the mother of an autistic son, she has assisted with trainings, volunteered as a community advocate, and navigated through medical and educational systems for his care. She is a creative problem solver, master crochet instructor, knitter, and certified reiki practitioner. She was born and raised in Baltimore City.
nharris@pathfindersforautism.org
Ext. 107
Bill Freeman, Development Manager
Bill joined Pathfinders for Autism as Development Manager in August 2024 to help continue the growth of the organization’s fundraising activities. Prior to joining Pathfinders for Autism, Bill’s professional experience was focused on nonprofit fundraising and public sector human services administration. At Pathfinders for Autism, he is responsible for supporting fundraising events, donor cultivation, individual giving, major gifts, and stewardship. Bill lives in Baltimore City with his wife and two daughters. In his free time, Bill enjoys playing music in several projects and cheering on the Orioles and Ravens.
bfreeman@pathfindersforautism.org
Ext. 106
Serena Shafer, Administrative Assistant
Serena joined Pathfinders for Autism in October of 2024. Coming from a digital media background, Serena is responsible for handling internal technical projects, managing and updating donor and resource databases, and supporting the team with any technical challenges that may arise. Serena also has a younger brother, Hayden, who has autism spectrum disorder. In her free time, you can find Serena reading a book, playing video games, or watching a Ravens game.
sshafer@pathfindersforautism.org
Ext. 103
Mason Surhoff, Program Intern
Mason Surhoff, son of PFA founders BJ and Polly Surhoff, assembles Safety Kits and Where Do I Belong Kits as well as completes data entry assignments. In addition to working at PFA, Mason works at Enoch Pratt Roland Park as a librarian and he works at the McDonogh Middle School library. Mason competes in Special Olympics and attends The League of Disabilities Camp Greentop every year. Like his mom and siblings, Mason is an avid swimmer and he enjoys working out at NoLimit fitness.
Cpl. Janelle Myers, Ret., Training Team Member
Cpl. Janelle Myers, Ret., began her career with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office in 1997 and continued through 2004, as a Correctional Officer at the Harford County Detention Center. She became a Law Enforcement Officer with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office in 2007. Janelle served Harford County as a Patrol Deputy until she was assigned to the Harford County Child Advocacy Center in 2011, through 2017. In 2022 Janelle was promoted to Corporal in the School Policing Unit. Since 2013, Cpl. Myers has been sharing her expertise in both law enforcement and as a mom to a son with intellectual disabilities as an instructor in PFA’s First Responder training program. Janelle retired from the Sheriff’s Office in April 0f 2024.
Officer Amy Stoughton, Ret., Training Team Member
Amy Stoughton was a Montgomery County Police Officer for 27 years until her retirement in 2024. Much of her career she worked in patrol and has a vast amount of knowledge and experience interacting with the community. In 2022, Amy joined the specialized Montgomery County Police Autism/IDD/Alzheimer’s/Dementia Outreach Unit. Since 2022, Amy has reached out to and provided resources and education to over 2000 families, including home visits. Amy is still working with the unit in retirement. In partnership with Officer Laurie Reyes, the Founder and Creator of this highly specialized unit, Amy provides training and education of all Montgomery County Police officers and recruits. Amy and Laurie work very closely with the Montgomery County Public School system and provide training and education to staff, students, and parents. Amy and Laurie also have a close relationship with Pathfinders for Autism. Amy joined our training team in 2025.
Glenn Myers, Training Team Member
Since 2012, Glenn has been involved with numerous community activities and jobs to include Confidential Document Shredder for the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Barn Assistant with Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue, Store Front Assistant at The Mill, visiting nursing homes and medical rehabs with his Therapy Dog Slate, bird conservation at Eden Mill, and Boy Scout Troop 4513. In 2014, Glenn was offered a position as a Self-Advocate Instructor with Pathfinders for Autism. Glenn has had the opportunity to train thousands of First Responders throughout Maryland and DC, drawing on his deep appreciation for Police, Fire and EMS Providers. Glenn encourages First Responders to understand the daily challenges individuals with IDD’s and/or Autism face and to be patient as “his friends” try to communicate their needs or concerns. Glenn always reinforces the importance for First Responders to stay safe.
Josh Smith, Training Team Member
Josh’s extensive involvement in activities and organizations began at an early age. He received many awards from South Carroll High School for being a leader in his class, participating in sports as a team manager and being a part of the Home Coming Court. In 2003 Josh was hired by Martins Food Store in Eldersburg, Maryland – a job he still holds. His duties include cart return specialist, bagging specialist, training new employees and assisting with other staff needs. With over 30 years’ experience as a participant with Special Olympics, he is now a Global Messenger for them, traveling around the state giving speeches. Having retired as a Special Olympics athlete, Josh is now a coach. Josh has been serving as a trainer for Pathfinders for Autism since 2015. He teaches law enforcement, EMS and Firefighters strategies for having better interactions with individuals with disabilities. Josh continues to pursue avenues where he can advocate for those with disabilities.
Eric Kane, Training Team Member
Eric, a self-advocate with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been training with Pathfinders for Autism since December 2016. Eric has been teaching healthcare professionals about communication strategies for individuals with ASD with a focus on non-verbal communication skills. His ability to offer a fresh perspective each time he trains has been instrumental in offering an honest and effective program.
Tom Whalen, Training Team Member
Tom, a self-advocate with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), has been training with Pathfinders for Autism since December 2016. Tom has been teaching healthcare professionals about his healthcare journey starting with a congenital heart condition and his Autism diagnosis at the age of 7. Tom also supports our First Responder Training.
Erica Wheeler, Training Team Member
Erica is currently the Chair of the State of Maryland Ethan Saylor Alliance. Erica in this capacity has presented to the Maryland Law Enforcement Commission and has lead numerous trainings to various Law Enforcement agencies and worked to update the process. Previously as Vice Chair of the Maryland Commission for Community Inclusion of People with I/DD she lead a listing tour of Maryland to hear from families and Law Enforcement about their interactions. Patti Saylor and Erica in 2016 received the Community Advocate of the year Award ARC’s National Convention. She is also contracted to the ARC of Maryland as a Empowering Partners Facilitaor. Erica is now serving as Secretary of the Board of Directors for the ARC of Carroll County.
Katie Ramirez, Business Development Consultant
As the Business Development Consultant, Katie advises PFA on fundraising events and individual and corporate giving. Working closely with the Executive Director, Katie strategically works to enhance annual giving and advance the Pathfinders for Autism mission through major gifts and corporate partnerships. Katie is the mother of 2 children and is also a proud aunt of a niece who is on the autism spectrum.
kramirez@pathfindersforautism.org
Ext. 106
Conor Wade, Donor Appreciation Artisan
Conor is a baker, artist, and bowler with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Tourette’s Syndrome. He is passionate about painting pottery and shares that talent by creating masterpieces PFA uses as appreciation gifts. He also enjoys shopping, going to the movies, and eating French fries with friends.
Pathfinders is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all of our employment programs and decisions. Discrimination in employment on the basis of any classification protected under federal, state or local law is a violation of our policy and is illegal. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, covered-veteran status or any other prohibited factor. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, recruitment and hiring, placement, promotion, termination, reductions in force, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Any applicant or employee who needs a reasonable accommodation to apply for employment or to perform the essential function of his or her job should contact Pathfinders’ president or executive director. Overall responsibility for the direction of Pathfinders Equal Employment Opportunity Policy rests with Pathfinders’ president.