My son, Alec was diagnosed with high functioning Autism in 1999. I faced the common frustration of those families diagnosed at the time. I could not connect with anyone who could help me to get the services that my child needed.

During a particularly frustrating day, I opened my local phone book and looked up "Autism." I called ABOARD and someone answered the phone and talked to me! I got info about how to get the services in my area, the name and number of another parent and the info about my local support group that met so close to my home that I could walk to meetings. Since the office was in Lower Burrell, I started volunteering some time printing newsletters and addressing envelopes. I was quite impressed by the amount of information that was dispersed, and the time that Marie Mambucca spent on the phone with parents. I was asked to join the parent board and attended my first meeting in Jan 2001.

The last thing that I ever thought that I would want to do was to get involved in fundraising, but then I helped with a Race Night event. I then went on to chair the event for the next 3 years. I currently coordinate ABOARD’s involvement in the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community. I serve as recording secretary and on the executive board of ABOARD’s parent board of directors. I rarely miss an ABOARD conference and enjoy meeting and helping families who are affected by the diagnosis of autism.

I live in Lower Burrell, Westmoreland County with my husband Jon and our 14 year old son Alec. Our daughter, Elizabeth is now a student at Edinboro University of PA, studying art education. I spent 10 years serving as a leader for Girl Scouts and I am actively involved in the Burrell School district. I am a committee head in the PTSO and serve on the Parent Advisory Counsel for Huston Middle School. One morning a week you will find me volunteering at Bon Air Elementary School’s accelerated reading program.

After earning my BS degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, I worked in retail management. Now, I work part time for JoAnn Stores and love to sew and craft! During the summer you will find me at my camp in Hillville. I love the time spent boating and relaxing with family and friends at this out of the way spot on the Allegheny River.

An Interview with Steve Crane

How and when did you get involved with ABOARD?

I, my wife, and our two sons moved to Pittsburgh from Columbus, Ohio in 2005. My oldest, Spencer, was previously diagnosed with ASD in Ohio. I found ABOARD online while researching what help would be available for Spencer in Pittsburgh. I gave ABOARD a call, and ABOARD's Marie Mambuca sent me a comprehensive package of available services in the mail and then answered all my questions in another phone call. Talking to another parent who was deeply familiar with everything in the community was a godsend. We were thrilled with both ABOARD's services and all that Western Pennsylvania had to offer our son.

Marie put us in touch with another parent that lived close to us, and that parent just happened to be an ABOARD director. After we got to know each other, a slot opened up on the board and she asked if I'd be interested in joining. It took me less than two seconds to say yes.

What would you like to share about your family?

I live with my wife, MJ, and our sons, Spencer and Charlie, in Bell Acres, PA. Spencer attends Edgeworth Elementary and enjoys school. We all love to go to Pens and Pirates games!

What do you do for ABOARD?

I serve as a Director, and more specifically as Treasurer. I also dabble in building and managing this web site with the help of our wonderful office staff and the technically brilliant husband of Director and Secretary Nancy Albinini, Jon Albinini.

I consider it an honor and a privilege to serve. I take my Treasurer role seriously. I ensure that every penny of ABOARD's funds is used to support our mission of helping our clients reach their maximum potential. We are funded solely by donations after eliminating "membership fees" in 2007. We are grateful for every donation, and donors can be comfortable knowing that we try to maximize the impact of each dollar we take in. We scrutinize every expense and continuously question the benefit of everything we do.

We have a big job and limited resources. I'm so proud of the dedication of our staff, our directors, our Professional Advisory Council, our volunteers, and our constituents. We all lean on each other to help all those affected with ASD get what they need to succeed...TODAY!!

Do you have a day job?

I am a financial services stock analyst for Federated Investors in Pittsburgh. Federated and my teammates have been generous supporters of ABOARD over the years, both financially and with time and understanding. I offer a public THANK YOU to Federated and my team!!

Thanks, Steve!