Autism Center Announces New Board Members as of January 23, 2011:
Dr. John Carosso, Psy.D. / President & Director
Dr. John Carosso’s experience in the behavioral health field dates back to over 20 years in a number of capacities including as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and School Psychologist. He also has a Certification in Applied Behavioral Analysis. He has worked in private, school-based, inpatient, residential, and in-home settings. His specialization is in the evaluation, assessment, and treatment of children with autism and, in that regard, has conducted literally thousands of evaluations with children, and families, and has supervised countless treatment teams. Dr. Carosso 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. He is proud to be on the Board of the Autism Center of Pittsburgh, and is passionate about serving children on the spectrum and their families.
Tom Swan, Assistant District Attorney, Allegheny County
Swan has worked in the District Attorney’s Office since 1988. He oversees the office’s asset forfeiture program, witness protection and community-based crime-prevention programs. He has prosecuted thousands of cases. Swan published an illustrated poetry book in June 2009 — “Spot, Spell and Tell.” A portion of the proceeds benefit the Autism Centers of Pittsburgh.
Sondra Cheek
Sondra Cheek is the parent of a son with multiple disabilities, particularly autism at the severe range of the spectrum. She recognized his need for a diagnosis and early intervention long before the disorder is normally confirmed. As a result, she has become a knowledgeable and tireless advocate for her son, obtaining the supports; financial, physical, and educational, that he needs to grow to his best potential. She worked as a parent liaison, helping families advocate for their own children, and participates regularly in parent support groups.
Lisa Hnath
Lisa Hnath is a devoted and proactive mother of a 12 year-old autistic boy. She has cheerfully apportioned much of her time toward her local school and extracurricular communities. Lisa also works as a paraprofessional in her school with special needs children. Some of her favorite hobbies include inventing gluten-free recipes and following progressive research on the awareness of autism.
Mr. Paul Zavarella
Paul is a devoted father, and an uncle of a child with autism. He has worked as an attorney for close to 30 years and was Appointed District Justice. Mr. Zavarella is a graduate of Duquesne University School of Law and has been a member of the Bar Association since 1982. He currently works in private practice at Dice Law & Associates. He is devoted to promoting autism services in Pennsylvania and delighted to be on the Board of the Autism Center of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Robert Lowenstein
Director of Community Psychiatric Centers providing intensive outpatient and wraparound treatment services to children and adolescents in six SW Pennsylvania counties. Dr. Lowenstein is Board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, with over forty years of experience working with children and their families.
- He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of developmental Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, and adolescent substance abuse conditions. He has evaluated and prescribed medication for many thousands of children and adolescents with these disorders. Dr. Lowenstein has directed numerous psychiatric hospital and outpatient clinic mental health programs for children, adolescents, and adults including the UPMC Beaver Medical Center, Mercy Psychiatric Institute, SPHS substance abuse program, Monsour Medical Center, and the Monongahela Valley Hospital. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Craig Academy and Watson Institute.
Frances Carosso
Frances is a dedicated mother of two who is an avid volunteer at her children’s school, church, and PTO. In doing so, she has successfully directed countless fundraisers and events. Frances has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and has overseen the finances of two corporations. She is delighted to serve on ACP’s Board.
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