Cindy Waeltermann
Cindy Waeltermann, founder and Director of both AutismLink and the Autism Center of Pittsburgh is the parent of two children on the autism spectrum. A former marketing and communications professional in the computer industry, she is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. Frustrated with the lack of services and help for parents, she founded AutismLink in 2000.
Ms. Waeltermann provides much of the parent support and guidance for the Autism Center of Pittsburgh and is a member of the PA State Autism Task Force, the PA State Behavioral Health Task Force, SEAP (PA Special Education Advisory Panel), former member of the Board of Directors of PACAS (Pennsylvania Action Coalition for Autism Services, and is currently the Director of PAFTA (Pennsylvania Families Together for Autism.)
Dr. John Carosso, PsyD.
Dr. John Carosso, a licensed psychologist who has been in practice for 16 years. Dr. Carosso has evaluated over 2.000 patients with disabilities, school concerns, and custody issues to name a few areas. Dr. Carosso has a certification in school psychology. His decade of service to the school system includes developing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and Multidisciplinary Evaluations (MDE).
Dr. Carosso’s experience in the mental health field dates back to over fifteen years in a number of capacities including as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and School Psychologist. He has worked in private, school-based, inpatient, residential, and in-home settings. His specialization is in the evaluation, assessment, and treatment of children and teenagers and, in that regard, has conducted literally thousands of evaluations with children, and families, of all walks of life. He has also encountered virtually all mental health complexities including within the autistic spectrum, attention deficit, defiance and oppositionality, depression, anxiety and panic, academic problems, psychosis, and delinquency. As part of the evaluation and treatment process. Dr. Carosso makes it a priority to help parents obtain a thorough understanding of their child’s diagnosis and suggest ways to manage their child’s developmental needs.
Judith McKnight Krynski
Judith McKnight Krynski can do initial evaluations if you suspect autism, or can perform quarterly wraparound evaluations. She is a licensed psychologist with over 37 years of experience as an evaluator, therapist and psychologist. A former psychologist at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and has worked with children with many developmental disabilities, but particularly autism, and utilizes Best Practice Evaluations. Ms. McKnight-Krynski is a CCBHO preferred provider.
If you have VALUE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH as your managed care organization, outside of Allegheny County, Judith McKnight-Krynski can do your initial evaluation, but not a wraparound evaluation.
Kristin Hartzell-Gallagher
Kristin Hartzell is the parent of 3 children on the autism spectrum. Kristin serves as a Family Support Coordinator at the Center, helping parents navigate the system, acquiring ACCESS/MA, IEP advice, advocacy, and much more! She has been with us for 5 years. Kris is our “go-to” girl for families. She enjoys helping newly diagnosed parents. Call her at (412) 537-9879.
Kristin books psych evals in the South Hills Office. Call her with anything you need!
Becca Major
Becca is the parent of 3 children on the autism spectrum and works in our North Hills Office. Her hours vary, but if you leave her a message, (412) 364-1886, she will return your call. Becca has been with us for 2 years and is the Manager of the AutismLink store’s procurement and fulfillment.
