Pathfinders for Autism (PFA) today announced the hiring of Denise Near as its first Community Connector for Western Maryland. Mrs. Near will help individuals with autism, parents, and professionals find resources, support, and training, and is the first Community Connector to be hired by PFA.
“After a year of intensive fundraising, PFA is excited to finally launch the Community Connector program. We have a long history of working with many great local partners in Western Maryland and are thrilled to have it be our launch region. We look forward to expanding our program depth in the area and exploring new community partnerships,” said Rebecca Rienzi, Executive Director, Pathfinders for Autism.
The Community Connector campaign, launched in 2025 to celebrate PFA’s 25th Anniversary, will hire local Connectors in each geographic region of the state to work at the grassroots level to deliver PFA’s Safety, Community, and Resource programming. The goal is that all individuals with autism and their families are supported and connected in their very own communities.
Mrs. Near will be based in Washington County and will serve residents across Washington, Allegany, and Garrett Counties. Mrs. Near is a children’s book author who transforms her first-hand experience with her daughter into a simply written, educational picture book. She is a mother, wife, writer, dental hygienist, and autism awareness advocate. She currently resides in Washington County with her husband and children.
“Becoming the Western Maryland Community Connector for Pathfinders for Autism is truly a dream come true. Since my daughter’s diagnosis in 2016, all I have wanted is to find a way to help not only my daughter, but also other families as they navigate this journey. It can feel overwhelming, isolating, and lonely, but Pathfinders brings comfort, guidance, resources, and community to families that need it most. I am so honored and excited to join their mission,” said Mrs. Near.
