Staff & Trustee Listings

Mary Anderson Hartley is a parent advocate and a disability systems-change professional who started her professional career in 2007, working with Nancy Murray at Achieva on the Disability Healthcare Initiative, a stakeholder effort to increase access to health care for people with disabilities. As a parent advocate, she started volunteering on the Pittsburgh Local Task Force on the Right to Education. Prior to returning to Achieva as the President of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh, Mary was the Executive Director of the PEAL (Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership) Center. For almost 20 years, she has engaged advocates and organizations to target the fix for broken policy and practice - solving issues through advocacy and legislation and identifying and developing unique programs that increase inclusion. Working with the United Way of Allegheny County’s 21 and Able Initiative, she helped to bridge the divide between youth and adult systems so that students with disabilities can transition more successfully to adulthood in employment, housing, and supportive services. Most notably, she directed #IWantToWork, a self-advocacy social media campaign, increasing employment and financial freedom through three successive efforts that resulted in legislative wins. As a consultant, she also served as Project Director for the Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium (WPDHAC). Governor Wolf appointed Hartley to serve on the Employment First Oversight Commission, where she was the inaugural Chair. She is the 2023 recipient of the Richard Meritzer (Pittsburgh) City-(Allegheny) County Task Force on Disabilities/Reel Abilities Award and, in 2018, received Achieva’s Excellence in Advocacy Award. Governor Wolf appointed Hartley to serve on the Employment First Oversight Commission, where she was the inaugural Chair. She has served on the Board of Disability Rights Pennsylvania and is past Chair of UPMC’s Disability Resource Council. Mary lives in Pittsburgh with her husband, Bob, and has two adult children, Jack and Grace.

Mary Anderson Hartley is a parent advocate and a disability systems-change professional who started her professional career in 2007, working with Nancy Murray at Achieva on the Disability Healthcare Initiative, a stakeholder effort to increase access to health care for people with disabilities. As a parent advocate, she started volunteering on the Pittsburgh Local Task Force on the Right to Education. Prior to returning to Achieva as the President of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh, Mary was the Executive Director of the PEAL (Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership) Center. For almost 20 years, she has engaged advocates and organizations to target the fix for broken policy and practice - solving issues through advocacy and legislation and identifying and developing unique programs that increase inclusion. Working with the United Way of Allegheny County’s 21 and Able Initiative, she helped to bridge the divide between youth and adult systems so that students with disabilities can transition more successfully to adulthood in employment, housing, and supportive services. Most notably, she directed #IWantToWork, a self-advocacy social media campaign, increasing employment and financial freedom through three successive efforts that resulted in legislative wins. As a consultant, she also served as Project Director for the Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium (WPDHAC). Governor Wolf appointed Hartley to serve on the Employment First Oversight Commission, where she was the inaugural Chair. She is the 2023 recipient of the Richard Meritzer (Pittsburgh) City-(Allegheny) County Task Force on Disabilities/Reel Abilities Award and, in 2018, received Achieva’s Excellence in Advocacy Award. Governor Wolf appointed Hartley to serve on the Employment First Oversight Commission, where she was the inaugural Chair. She has served on the Board of Disability Rights Pennsylvania and is past Chair of UPMC’s Disability Resource Council. Mary lives in Pittsburgh with her husband, Bob, and has two adult children, Jack and Grace.

Eric McLaughlin is the Executive Director of The Arc Erie County.  Eric began his professional career in 2006 in the sixth largest school district in the nation, Broward County Public Schools. During his time in Broward, Eric worked directly with children with disabilities as a Behavior Specialist, Special Education Specialist, and Compliance Program Specialist. Over the course of his almost twenty-year career, Eric has been a strong advocate for children with disabilities and their families.  His various positions allowed him to act as liaison between schools, students, and their families ensuring that the educational rights of youth were prioritized. 

Eric moved back to his home state of Pennsylvania in 2022 and became the Special Education Supervisor and Assistant Principal of a private Residential Treatment Facility.  In this role Eric was able to work alongside youth with disabilities and their families, and also engage with various Pennsylvania agencies such as social services, community organizations, and healthcare providers. Eric lives in Erie with his wife, Ashley, and two sons, Brecken and Carson.
 

Stephen Suroviec is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Achieva family of organizations. He joined Achieva in December 2017. For nearly 30 years, Steve has provided leadership in both the nonprofit and government sectors, serving and advocating for people with disabilities.

Steve most recently served as the Chief Operations Officer and Division Director for Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities at the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association. He has also served as Special Advisor to the Pennsylvania Secretary of Human Services; Pennsylvania’s Deputy Secretary for Developmental Programs; Executive Director of the state’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation; Executive Director of The Arc of Pennsylvania; and Director of the Erie County Department of Human Services.

Steve served in and earned an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh. Steve served as a presidential appointee to the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. He also worked on Capitol Hill for then-Congressman Tom Ridge and later in a number of positions within the Ridge Administration in Harrisburg.

As President of Achieva Resource, Ms. Warren oversees all matters involving finance, human resources, information technology, facilities, fundraising, and communications.  

Her contributions to the organization include leading the effort to develop and implement Achieva’s Strategic Vision Plan, overseeing key administrative services such as Information Technology and Human Resources, and coordinating Achieva’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy.

Most recently, Warren was also employed by Allegheny County as the Deputy Director for Administration for the Department of Human Services (DHS). Her previous roles with DHS include Assistant Deputy Director for Forensic Services and Assistant Deputy Director for the DHS Executive Office. Before joining DHS, Warren held the positions of Policy and Planning Administrator and Deputy Warden with the Allegheny County Bureau of Corrections.

Warren earned her Master of Public Administration, Master of Social Work, and Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh. 

Prior to accepting that role of Interim President of Achieva Support in July 2024, Court Hower served as Senior VP, Achieva Support, a position he began in late 2023.

Court holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Penn State University and a Juris Doctor Degree from Duquesne University School of Law with a concentration in real property and business law. He is licensed to practice law in the state of Pennsylvania and is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association.

Since graduating Law School, Court has served in the non-profit sector as a manager and executive, including most recently as CEO of DON (Disability Options Network) a Center for Independent Living in western PA. He has also served on numerous nonprofit boards and government steering committees.

Court has extensive experience in federal, state, and local grant writing and administration, primarily focused on increasing employment and housing resources in western Pennsylvania for individuals with disabilities. Court also helped spearhead multiple housing initiatives, including one initiative that is looking at making affordable housing healthier. He also co-authored a grant that re-designated and funded DON as a Center for Independent Living for Allegheny, Westmoreland, and Armstrong Counties.

Jacquelyn E. Connell, Esq. is the Director of Legal & Trust Administration Services for Achieva Family Trust. In her current role, she works with attorneys, families, and individuals with disabilities on reviewing and establishing special needs trusts. Prior to working at Achieva Family Trust, she focused her practice on estate planning and estate administration. She has extensive experience in drafting and reviewing Wills and Powers of Attorney, as well as advising clients on estate planning techniques with regard to trusts, real estate, and long term care. Jacquelyn is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association and its Law and Disability section. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts summa cum laude and her Juris Doctor from Duquesne University         

Lori has worked at Achieva since 2016 in various roles: IM4Q (Independent Monitoring for Quality); Older Adult Protective Services Case Aide; Older Adult Protect Services Investigator; FSS Coordinator; and Disability Advocate with Advocacy/Family Supports. She has over 18 year’s experience with disability advocacy. Lori’s daughter was born in 2002 with a diagnosis of Down syndrome which caused a detour in her career choice from Food and Beverage Director to Healthcare and Advocacy. Madison is now a healthy 18-year-old and is planning on starting her own greenhouse business.

Lori is a member of the Beaver County Behavioral Health Human Rights Committee, Beaver County Intermediate Unit Task Force, and the Local Interagency Coordinating Council for Early Intervention in Beaver County. She has raised awareness and thousands of dollars for Down syndrome and Multiple Sclerosis awareness through her Facebook page: Madison Miracle Makers.

Amy Dolan Strano, Esq., is a Senior Vice President of Achieva; and President of the Achieva Family Trust and was one of the original members of the planning committee which guided Achieva in the creation of the Achieva Family Trust in 1998. She was also a long-standing member of the Achieva Family Trust Board of Trustees, including serving as the Board's Chairperson.

Prior to joining Achieva Family Trust, Ms. Dolan Strano spent more than 10 years in the UPMC Corporate Legal Department, representing Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic and Magee-Women’s Hospital as Associate Counsel.  She also represented the Department of Human Services for Allegheny County as Assistant County Solicitor, a job she held before working at UPMC.

Ms. Dolan Strano is a graduate of Bethany College and Duquesne University School of Law.  She taught Mental Health Law at The University of Pittsburgh School of Law from 2005 through 2008. Amy is active in the Allegheny County Bar Association's Elder Law Committee, Committee on Law and Disability and the Health Law Section.  She served as Chair of the Health Law Section from 2011-2012 and as Chair of the Elder Law Committee from 2016 - 2018.  Amy is a member of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) as well as the Pennsylvania Chapter (PAELA).

Erin has been with Achieva since 2013 in Home and Community Supports as both a DSP/Life Coach and IHCS Coordinator.  In June of 2022, Erin transitioned into her new role as an Advocate. 
Erin brings 9 years of experience supporting adolescents through adulthood with home and community-based services. She also implements Life Course Framework in Person-Centered Planning to help others live their best life...the life they see themselves living. 

Erin serves on the Westmoreland County Human Trafficking Task Force. She also guides a Healthy Relationships Peer Support group. Erin is passionate about literacy and is focusing on teaming up with the Westmoreland County YWCA and the Adult Literacy program. 
 
Erin lives in Greensburg with her husband Clyde and their various rescue dogs and bunny. Erin dedicates her free time to creating cakes and volunteering with a local animal rescue group and has a soft spot for senior dogs in need of a home to live out their twilight years.

Amy Guthrie has been an advocate with Achieva since 2006. Having personally experienced the challenges of navigating services for her son when he was young, she was thankful that an Achieva advocate was able to assist her. Now, Amy is pleased to support people with disabilities and their families across the region so they can understand the systems and have their concerns addressed. In addition to providing resources, reviewing documents, and facilitating communication, she supports families at meetings and mediations.

Amy also works on systemic issues, collaborating with other organizations to reach out to underserved communities. Additionally, she serves on the Local Task Force on the Right to Education for Intermediate Unit 3, where she shares information on legislation and policy regarding issues of interest to the disability community.
 
Amy received her B.A. from Earlham College and her M.S.Ed from Duquesne University.

Vanessa Rastovic is an attorney, a math and science nerd, and a person experiencing disability. She has been an awardee of the National Science Foundation and a member of the Law Review. After earning her BA, she served at a Non-Profit Organization (NPO) as the Public/Community Relations Director, an InterPersonal Violence Medical/Legal/Law Enforcement Trainer, and Advocate.

She went on to Legal Aid where she worked on behalf of refugees, older adults, and people experiencing disabilities. An IRS-Certified Attorney, she worked for a tax law corporation before returning to NPO work. She continues to serve in immigration and tax matters pro bono.
In her free time, she likes snorkeling and diving, jogging, gardening, and learning languages.

Vanessa is a member of the American Bar Association’s Health Law and Administrative Law groups, the Alliance for Disability in Healthcare Education, and the Advisory Council for UPMC’s Disability Resource Center. She is a member of the Network for Public Health Law and the American Society of Law, Medicine, and Ethics.

Maria Smith is Director of Education and Outreach of Achieva Family Trust, a division of Achieva.  She has been with the Family Trust for the past 23 years.  Prior to her role, as Vice President of the Trust, she worked for many years in the Allegheny County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Program.  Prior to leaving Allegheny County, she was the Deputy Director of Mental Retardation Services (now known as Intellectual Disabilities).  As one of the original staff of Achieva Family Trust, she has witnessed the tremendous growth of the Trust over the years.
 

Lu Randall has a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from Wright State University, and a bachelor of science in Art Education, concentrations in Art Therapy and Creative Studies from SUNY College at Buffalo.  Early in her career she worked with people who had moderate to severe physical disabilities and traumatic brain injuries directing an adult day center.  She landed solidly in the

autism world in 1994 as a mobile therapist in the Pennsylvania Wraparound system.  Working in family homes and community settings informed her practice and helped develop her practical knowledge base related to autism spectrum disorders and family living.  With colleagues she co-founded the Spectrum Charter School in Monroeville, PA, educating high school students in community-based, real work, nontraditional instruction addressing PA state standards and their IEP goals.  Ms Randall was a key player in the design of the Pittsburgh International Airport Sensory Room, a one million dollar, award winning project designed to facilitate air travel for people with neurological disabilities of all ages and ability levels.  She has led the Autism Connection of PA since 2010, and speaks extensively on all areas of autism life, including education, employment, healthcare, victims services, jail and prison advocacy, and law enforcement officer continuing education. She is a member of the Office of Developmental Programs Information Sharing and Advisory Committee, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Victim Services Advisory Council, the Allegheny County Autism in the Courts Workgroup, the PA Provider Oversight subcommittee, and the Advisory Board of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.  She loves to cultivate native plants, monarch butterflies, friendships, and draw, hike, bike, and sleep.

Regina Sciullo has more than 26 years experience in advocacy including educational, transition to adulthood, family supports and systemic advocacy.  Her career in advocacy began when son Nick, was born with Down syndrome. In addition to being a disability advocate for Achieva, Regina was instrumental in starting a Sibs Group in Westmoreland County - a support for siblings that have a brother or sister with a disability. She is involved with Family Resource Network and Supports (FRNS), a disability support group and Up with Downs, a group providing supports for families of children with Down syndrome. 

She serves on the Westmoreland County Human Rights committee and the Local Task Force Westmoreland County Intermediate Unit #7. Regina is also a peer supporter for Parent to Parent. She also serves on the advisory council for St. Vincent College Bearcat B.E.S.T. transition program. Regina, along with son Nick, enjoy addressing first year students at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School through the Down Syndrome Center of Western Pennsylvania.  

Melissa is a disability and family supports advocate in Westmoreland County. She is the parent of a chld with an intellectual disability and autism. Melissa is an ambassador in the Charting the LifeCourse Framework and former board member of Westmoreland Casemanagement Supports Inc. (WCSI).

She also co-authored a journal article in ODP Positive Approaches on Person-Centered Planning and Trauma-Informed Approach. Melissa has a passion for supporting people with disabilities, their families and the community at large to ensure people with disabilities are living a good life and the life they envision for themselves. Melissa advocates for equity and inclusion in the educational system and is trained to engage with people in Person-Centered Planning and can offer training to other agencies and organizations.