East Erie Satellite: Building an Autism Support School and Hub in Rural Pennsylvania
Navigating the world as a parent of a child with autism can be challenging – especially in rural communities where access to specialized resources and strong support networks is often limited. Recognizing this critical need, JES Raimy Fellow Kathryn DiVittorio, a mother of children on the autism spectrum, has spent over a year working to establish a comprehensive autism support school and hub in rural Pennsylvania. This initiative is already underway, with strategic planning in progress, potential locations being evaluated, and efforts ongoing to secure a dedicated building. The goal: to create a centralized, accessible 'one-stop-shop' for education, early intervention services, and vital support resources for families across the region.
Location: ECAT: Erie Center for Arts and Technology – 650 East Ave., Ada Lawrence Community Room, Erie, PA 16503
Date/Time: Thursday, August 21, 7-8:30PM
Admission: FREE
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Kathryn DiVittorio, B.S., is a Corry, Pennsylvania-native, who returned to her hometown six years ago ready to embrace the community that raised her. Brandishing dual bachelor’s degrees from Arizona State University, DiVittorio works as the Assistant Director of the Corry Higher Education Council, a nonprofit with a mission near and dear to her heart.
DiVittorio is dedicated to her career, but that – and all the rest she does – is driven by her No. 1 priorities: her two children, Emily and Nicholas. Making the world a more beautiful place for them is her chief focus, and she strives to model to them through public service – holding public office as a School Board Director of the Corry Area School District, as well as sitting on the board of the Autism Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania, and holding the position of treasurer on the Corry Chamber of Commerce.
DiVittorio is also a connectivity champion for Impact Corry and a JES’s Civic Leadership Academy Cohort 2025 Graduate, and is a JES Raimy Fellow, having completed and presented on her research on the need for greater autism support in rural communities. In the rare moments of “me” time, she enjoys attending her bees, gardening, spending time with her sibling, Liz, and loving on her very husky-sized husky, Freya.
