Our Founder
CSAAC was founded in 1979 by Jane Salzano, a mother, advocate, and visionary leader whose determination transformed the landscape of autism services in Maryland.
At a time when few educational, residential, or community-based options existed for individuals with autism, Jane recognized the urgent need for services that extended beyond childhood and supported individuals throughout their lives. She believed that every person deserved the opportunity to learn, grow, build meaningful relationships, contribute to their community, and live with dignity and purpose.
Rather than accepting the limited choices available, Jane worked alongside other families, advocates, and community leaders to create an organization that would provide innovative, person-centered supports. What began as a small effort to meet the needs of a few individuals grew into a comprehensive network of services that today supports hundreds of children, adults, and seniors with autism.
Jane imagined a future where individuals with autism could participate fully in community life, access meaningful educational opportunities, develop vocational skills, live in welcoming homes, and pursue their own goals and aspirations. Her vision challenged traditional assumptions about what individuals with autism could achieve and helped establish new standards for inclusion, independence, and lifelong support.
More than four decades later, that vision continues to shape every aspect of CSAAC’s work. From the Community School of Maryland to residential services, Meaningful Day and employment programs, Integrated Social Enterprises, and community-based supports, CSAAC remains committed to creating opportunities that empower individuals to reach their highest potential.
Jane’s legacy can be seen not only in the programs CSAAC provides, but in the thousands of lives that have been enriched through her unwavering belief that every individual deserves respect, opportunity, and the chance to thrive. Her pioneering spirit continues to inspire our staff, families, supporters, and community partners as we work toward a future where every person with autism is understood, supported, and fully included.
CSAAC’s Founding Mothers
CSAAC’s story is one of community, commitment, and shared purpose. While many individuals have helped the organization grow over the years, three women are recognized as the Founding Mothers of CSAAC for their enduring partnership with our founder, Jane Salzano. From the organization’s earliest days, they locked arms with Jane to help shape CSAAC’s vision, advocate for individuals with autism, and build the foundation of services that exists today. Their leadership did not stop at the beginning, each continues to serve as an active member of CSAAC’s Board of Directors, guiding the organization forward with the same dedication, care, and belief in lifelong opportunity.
Nivea Cordova Berrios
For more than four decades, this Founding Mother dedicated her professional life to public education in Montgomery County Public Schools, where she served for 22 years and spent 12 of those years as Director of Residency and International Admissions. Her leadership, integrity, and deep commitment to students and families earned her recognition as Administrator of the Year in 2005. Yet her connection to CSAAC is rooted not only in her professional expertise, but in her personal journey as the mother of a son with autism. When her beloved son Raymond experienced an emergency behavioral crisis and was sent to a residential school far from home in Virginia, the experience was heartbreaking for their family. Knowing of CSAAC’s adult services and its school, she turned to The Community School of Maryland, only to learn that it had been closed, serving just four students who were aging out, with only one remaining residential home.
Refusing to accept that children with autism would lose the opportunity to be educated close to home, she applied for Raymond anyway and began an extraordinary advocacy effort. She met with CSAAC’s founder, Jane Salzano, board members, and leadership, passionately explaining why reopening the school mattered not just for her son, but for countless families. Despite repeated refusals from the school system and the suspension of new applications, she persisted, even seeking out senior leadership without an appointment, guided by faith and determination. Her advocacy helped reopen The Community School of Maryland, leading to Raymond’s admission and ultimately restoring access for students across multiple counties. Since that pivotal moment, she has remained unwavering in her commitment to CSAAC. As a Board member, she continues to advocate with her whole heart for both the school and adult services, ensuring that CSAAC’s mission endures for future generations of individuals with autism and their families.
Glenda Rose
Glenda Rose’s lifelong connection to CSAAC began when her son was diagnosed with autism at just one and a half years old. Through a discussion group, she learned about CSAAC and soon visited the organization, where an immediate connection with founder Jane Salzano sparked a lasting partnership. At the time, Glenda was a professional secretary in the Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent’s Office and a commissioned notary public. Her professional skills proved invaluable in CSAAC’s early years, as she assisted Jane in establishing the organization’s official documentation and helped identify housing opportunities for CSAAC’s first group homes, laying critical groundwork for the services that would follow.
For more than five decades, Glenda has been a steadfast and tireless advocate for CSAAC and the individuals it serves. She has served as CSAAC’s Board Secretary since 1971 and has consistently stood at the forefront of advocacy efforts, appearing before the County Council to prevent funding cuts to group homes and reaching out directly to the Governor of Maryland when state funding was threatened. When her own son’s support was at risk, she fought relentlessly until he received the one-to-one services he needed. Glenda has also served on admissions and evaluation committees, including the ARD admissions committee for the Lovaas program and the East Village committee, and remains actively engaged in CSAAC initiatives today. Her family’s commitment has extended beyond advocacy, including her husband’s role in securing an IBM donation that furnished CSAAC group homes, reflecting a legacy of dedication that continues to shape CSAAC’s mission and impact.
Nilda Colgrove
Nilda’s journey with CSAAC began when her son was eight years old and she attended an autism conference where a speaker introduced the concept of behavior modification. In 1986, she met CSAAC founder Jane Salzano and was deeply impressed by the organization’s person-centered and respectful approach to supporting individuals with autism. Inspired by CSAAC’s philosophy, Nilda began volunteering with the organization and continued to do so for 14 years. When her son Michael turned 21, he transitioned into CSAAC’s residential program, further strengthening Nilda’s connection to the organization and its mission.
A passionate and informed advocate, Nilda became a strong voice for CSAAC’s positive behavior support approach. She testified before the County Council, sharing Michael’s progress and advocating for positive, humane supports rather than traditional aversive behavior modification methods. Over the years, Nilda has also played a vital role in sustaining CSAAC through her extensive service on fundraising and program committees. She initially served on the RCI board and later joined the CSAAC Board of Directors, stepping into the role after her husband concluded his service. Nilda has now served on the Board for 32 years and continues to contribute her time, insight, and dedication across numerous CSAAC committees, embodying a lifelong commitment to advancing CSAAC’s values and impact.