Susanne Mason Resource Manager & Event Coordinator
Susanne joined the HCAS staff in June 2019 and ensures the smooth operation of HCAS day-to-day activities including volunteer coordination, fundraising and program management, information and referral, event support and member services. Previously Susanne worked with organizations affiliated with the Oakland Mills Interfaith Center, serving on the marketing teams for The Meeting House, The Meeting House Gallery, and Columbia United Christian Church, developing websites and designing promotional materials. Prior to her non-profit endeavors, Susanne had the privilege of conducting neurophysiology research at the University of Maryland Baltimore and serving as adjunct faculty in the Health Sciences division at Howard Community College. Susanne has been a Columbia resident for more than 25 years by way of Australia and Michigan. She lives with her husband, her teen son who is on the autism spectrum, and a precocious teen golden doodle.
What We Aim To Solve
The Howard County Autism Society serves individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder , their families, and their communities by providing information, support, and advocacy by promoting awareness of autism that values the dignity and uniqueness of each individual and by working to improve the quality of and access to services and to educational opportunities.We believe that there is a place for every person with autism in our worlda place of value and a place of worth. Much of the work undertaken by our organization is directed toward raising awareness and educating the general public about the complexities of ASD. We believe that once people better understand autism, they are better able to welcome and support people living with autism into the greater community.
Howard County Autism Society
- AddressMelissa Rosenberg
- Phone 290-3466 Office Number
- Phone 271-7066 Cell
- Specific Populations Served:Children, Adolescents, Adults
- Fees:Services and resources are provided at no cost.
- Application Process:Please call for more information.
- Eligibility Requirements:Please call for more information.
- State Certification and/or License Number:MD
- Payment/Insurance Accepted:Please contact provider for accepted forms of payment.
- ADA Access:Please contact facility for accessibility information.
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Melissa Rosenberg Executive Director
Melissa joined the HCAS staff in December 2016, a nonprofit specialist with over 20 years of experience in grant writing, fundraising, community outreach and arts management. She works with the HCAS Board of Directors, volunteers and community partners to move the organization forward and offer additional opportunities for meaningful employment, independent living, friendships, arts experiences, social interactions, respect, inclusion and acceptance for individuals on the spectrum.
Melissa received an undergraduate degree in Journalism from the University of Maryland and a masters degree in Nonprofit Management from the University of Maryland University College. She is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Howard County and serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Community Services Howard County, Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts, and Howard County Local Childrens Board. Melissa and husband, Jim, live in Silver Spring. They have two grown children and a nephew with autism.
It is an honor and a privilege to work each day within the autism community to support and uplift these amazing individuals, family members and professionals who reside in our community.
Howard County Honors World Autism Acceptance Day At Blandair Park In Columbia
On Saturday, April 2nd, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, Department of Recreation & Parks Director A. Raul Delerme, Howard County Autism Society, Maryland Secretary of Disabilities Carol A. Beatty, State Delegate Jessica Feldmark, Howard County Council Vice Chair Christiana Rigby, Maryland State Autism Coordinator Katie Gandy, and Autism Society of Americas Kim Musheno, joined together to honor World Autism Acceptance Day with Autism in the Park at Blandair Regional Parks Lauras Place play-for-all playground in Columbia.
ELLICOTT CITY, MD Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, Department of Recreation & Parks Director A. Raul Delerme, Howard County Autism Society, Maryland Secretary of Disabilities Carol A. Beatty, State Delegate Jessica Feldmark, Howard County Council Vice Chair Christiana Rigby, Maryland State Autism Coordinator Katie Gandy, and Autism Society of Americas Kim Musheno, joined together to honor World Autism Acceptance Day with Autism in the Park at Blandair Regional Parks Lauras Place play-for-all playground in Columbia. The County will also light the George Howard Building blue tonight to mark World Autism Acceptance Day.
For more information on Blandair Regional Park, visit .
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Branchout Is Proud To Serve The Howard County Autism Society
BranchOut!’s Howard County Chapter has partnered with Howard County Autism Society since 2020 to provide a positive learning environment during the pandemic and beyond.
Don Barrick, Vice President of Board of Directors, Howard County Autism Society expressed his appreciation towards BranchOut! and said, “this partnership came at an especially critical time as families and students in the autism and disability community worked to navigate the special challenges of virtual learning. Having this kind of peer-centered, high quality tutoring program targeted for our families and young people was a great gift and we thank you very, very much.”
Each year, before BranchOut! students start tutoring HCAS students, they first have to undergo training, which is conducted by Melissa Rosenberg, the Executive Director of Howard County Autism Society. The training is absolutely critical in making sure that BranchOut! students understand how to work with students with special needs.
Khan was one student who benefited from this partnership. “Khan got all As on his report card for the first time ever. This is a kid whose special educator in 6th and 7th grade wrote in his IEP that Khan refuses to use the laptop provided to him. Now he is completing all his work from his Chromebook virtually, he has perfect attendance for this year, an all As on his report card.” Khan’s mother shared excitedly.
Howard County Awards $75000 To Autism Society For Training And Work Opportunities Program
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced a $75,000 grant for the Howard County Autism Society to support its Hiring Program whichcreates career opportunities for skilled, job-seeking adults with autism.
ELLICOTT CITY, MD Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced a $75,000 grant for the Howard County Autism Society to support its Hiring Program whichcreates career opportunities for skilled, job-seeking adults with autism, and increases businesses access to talented employees.
We want to ensure that Howard County continues to be the best place to live, work, play and grow for people of all ages and abilities. Our Howard County Autism Society has provided essential support and resources to so many families and individuals in our community, and this program is another giant leap towards a more inclusive workplace so that more of our children, friends, and neighbors can thrive. We are sending a message to all businesses that we can support individuals living with autism to have meaningful career opportunity and contribute to our community.
This unique workforce development initiative will allow individuals with autism in our community to learn how to create a resume, develop interview skills, and provide job placement opportunities, said Office of Workforce Development Director Francine Trout. The program strives to match the skillsets of the participants with the employment opportunities available.
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Autism And Suicide Prevention
Join us for this FREE Zoom webinar
Se proporciona traducción simultánea al español
Sponsored by the Howard County Autism Society
Autism and Suicide PreventionA Panel Discussion Led by Autistic Individuals for Other Autistics and Families
Panelists: Carly Ott, Moderator with Lisa Morgan, Sam Brandsen, Brigid Rankowski
Autistic people have more than three-fold higher rates of suicide and suicide attempts than the general population yet the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety can look different for Autistic people. Lisa Morgan, self-advocate and national suicide expert, will present on the topic. Panelists will discuss the latest research on the subject and their personal experiences. Learn about the very important role of parents and loved ones in
- Identifying the signs and symptoms that someone is at risk
- Recognizing and responding effectively to the warning signs in Autistic people
- Implementing strategies to help prevent suicide
Please submit your QUESTIONS for the speaker IN ADVANCE by entering them in the memo field above the reCAPTCHA box.
FREE to attend but REGISTRATION is REQUIRED to receive the Zoom login by email!
If you do not receive a confirmation e-mail with the meeting login, you have not successfully registered.
Questions? Contact 410-290-3466 or melissa.rosenberg@howard-autism.org
Learning Paths To Support Continuous Skill Development
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FOUNDATIONS LEARNING PATH: Early intervention support that builds a foundation of life, communication, and social skills for Learners ages 12-14.
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THRIVE LEARNING PATH: Enhances and builds transition skills for Learners ages 15-21. This learning track builds on foundational skills with personal development and other soft skills designed to help you thrive!
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ELEVATE LEARNING PATH: Designed to elevate transition skills for Learners 22 and up. This learning track focuses on the soft skills needed to build a sustainable life after transition.
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Sara Sommerville Special Education News Center I & R
Sara manages and oversees the HCAS Special Education News Center Website as part of our annual Community Service Partnership Grant through the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services. She coordinates and posts articles on the site in partnership with HCAS and HCPSS Department of Special Education. Sara lives in Howard County and is the parent of a teenage son with ASD.
Ben Mcauliffe Database Assistant
Ben is a smart, diligent, hardworking resident of Howard County who is on the spectrum. He is a graduate of Howard Community College and has an AA Degree in General Studies and Information Systems Assurance. Ben was part of the first cohort of the HCAS Autism Hiring Program! He has been working with HCAS since mid-June 2021 and has been helping record how long people have volunteered at various events and enters new volunteers into the system. Ben also helps with other tasks at the office when he is needed.
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Beth Benevides Special Education Consultant
Beth is a longtime policy and educational advocate for individuals and families affected by autism and related disabilities. She serves as a consultant for HCAS, providing 1:1 special education consultation to parents of children with any disability in Howard County as part of our annual Community Service Partnership Grant through the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services. She is a Past President of HCAS and is Associate Director of Autism Programs at the Hussman Foundation. Beth serves on a number of statewide workgroups devoted to programs, education, civil rights and policy affecting those with autism. She is an advisory member of the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities at Kennedy Krieger Institute, an appointed member of the Maryland Department of Disabilities Ethan Saylor Alliance for Self-Advocates steering committee and co-chair of the commission for Transitioning Students with Disabilities in Howard county. She is a certified special education advocate and member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates Beth is mom to a 21-year-old son with autism.
Affiliate Update: Celebrating 25 Years Howard County Autism Society
Posted June 4, 2018byAutism Society
During the early 1990s, when autism was relatively unknown to the general public, a small group of parents gathered in a Columbia, MD living room with one shared purpose: to make the world a more accepting and welcoming place for their children and others with autism. Connections were made initially by word-of-mouth or chance meetings and out of a sense of desperation to find services for their children and support for themselves.
Their efforts led to the creation of the Howard County Autism Society in 1993, a grassroots organization and Autism Society affiliate that has become a model for autism support, advocacy and awareness. This year HCAS celebrates its 25th anniversary, supporting a community of over 1,000 residents of Howard County, MD and their families living with ASD.
Our most significant and lasting contributions of the past 25 years include: Pioneering a Resource Center for parent education and support Launching a 9 1 1 Flagging program through which first responders can flag individuals with autism at a residence Providing countless workshops on critical topics by leading experts Educating the public about the complexities of autism and Creating a community in which individuals and their families do not feel isolated
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Business Master File Data
Below are some key data points from the Exempt Organization IRS Business Master File for this organization. Learn more about the BMF on the IRS website
Activities:
Aid to the handicapped
Other youth organization or activities
Foundation Status:
Organization which receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or the general public 170
Affiliation:
Independent – the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary .
Salary Of Key Persons
Presented here are up to five of this organization’s highest compensated employees. This compensation data includes salary, cash bonuses, and expense accounts and is displayed exactly how it is reported to the IRS. The amounts do not include nontaxable benefits, deferred compensation, or other amounts not reported on Form W-2. In some cases, these amounts may include compensation from related organizations. Read the IRS policies for compensation reporting
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