Who We Are
The Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children (CSAAC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals with autism live full, meaningful, and self-directed lives. Since 1979, CSAAC has provided compassionate, individualized support that helps people learn, work, and thrive in their communities through a continuum of programs including the Community School of Maryland, residential homes, vocational and Meaningful Day services, plus community initiatives that support individuals and families at every stage of life.
Our Mission
To empower individuals with autism to achieve their highest potential by providing personalized education, employment, and community support services that promote independence, dignity, and inclusion.
Our Vision
A world where every person with autism is understood, supported, and fully included in all aspects of community life.
Our Founder
CSAAC was founded in 1979 by Jane Salzano, a mother and advocate whose vision transformed the landscape of autism services in Maryland.
When few options existed for individuals with autism to live and learn in inclusive environments, Jane imagined something different: a future where people with autism could participate fully in their communities, develop their talents, and lead meaningful lives.
Her vision of respect, independence, and lifelong opportunity continues to guide CSAAC today. Every program, from education to residential and vocational services, reflects her belief that with the right guidance and care, every person can thrive.
Founding Mothers of CSAAC
Nivea Cordova Berrios
Nivea has served on the CSAAC Board of Directors for 35 years. Her journey began when she discovered CSAAC at a workshop at the Park Plaza in 1987, where she met Jane and shared the challenges she was facing in finding proper care for her son Raymond. Raymond started at CSAAC’s residential program in 1993, where he stopped self-harming behaviors and learned essential life skills like ordering items and doing his own laundry.
Glenda Rose
Glenda Rose’s son was diagnosed with autism at one and a half years old. She learned about CSAAC through a discussion group, and one day when she visited, Jane Salzano made eye contact with her, and they immediately began working together. Glenda was a professional secretary in the Superintendent’s office at MCPS and was also a notary public, which helped Jane establish CSAAC’s official documentation. Glenda also helped find group home housing for the organization.
She has served as CSAAC’s board secretary since 1971. Glenda became a tireless advocate, appearing before County Council to prevent funding cuts for group homes and contacting the Governor of Maryland regarding threatened funding reductions. When her son’s funding was being eliminated, she fought until he received the one-to-one support he needed.
Glenda has served on the ARD admissions committee for the Lovas program and on evaluation committees. She also served on the committee for East Village and continues her involvement with various CSAAC initiatives. Additionally, her husband secured a donation from IBM to supply furniture for CSAAC’s group homes.
Nilda Colgrove
When Nilda’s son was eight years old, she attended an autism conference where a speaker discussed behavior modification. In 1986, Nilda met Jane and was so impressed with CSAAC’s approach that she volunteered for 14 years. When her son Michael turned 21, he joined CSAAC’s residential program.
Nilda became a passionate advocate for CSAAC’s positive behavior support approach. She testified before the County Council, describing Michael’s progress and advocating for positive behavior support methods instead of traditional aversive behavior modification techniques.
Throughout her involvement with CSAAC, Nilda has served on numerous fundraising committees. She originally began serving on the RCI board, and when her husband stepped down from the CSAAC board, Nilda took his place. She has now served on the board for 32 years and has participated in numerous CSAAC committees throughout her tenure.
Our Values
Our Team
The people who make up CSAAC are educators, therapists, nurses, behavior analysts, direct support professionals, vocational/Meaningful Day, transportation and administrative staff who share one purpose: to empower individuals with autism to live full and meaningful lives.
Our team brings skill, compassion, and commitment to every program and every person we support. Many of our staff have spent their careers working in autism services and take great pride in seeing the people they serve reach new goals and milestones.
We believe that collaboration and respect create the foundation for exceptional care. By working closely with families, professionals, and community partners, our staff help ensure that each person receives the support they need to grow, learn, and thrive.
Board of Directors
CSAAC’s Board of Directors provides strategic vision and steadfast leadership, ensuring that our mission and values guide every decision. With diverse expertise and deep community commitment, our Board champions excellence, accountability, and innovation across all programs and services.
Our Leadership Team
Our Dedicated Staff
Behind every success story at CSAAC is a team of passionate professionals committed to making a difference every single day. Our approximately 860 employees form the backbone of our mission, bringing expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the individuals and families we serve.
Professionals
Associates
Managers
Join Our Team
At CSAAC, you’ll do more than build a career, you’ll make a lasting difference. Our team is united by a shared purpose: helping individuals with autism reach their fullest potential. We offer meaningful work, professional growth, and a supportive environment where compassion and excellence go hand in hand.
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