Astrid is mom to an adult son with Special Needs.  Her experience as a parent advocate began when her son, now 19 years old, transitioned to Kindergarten.  Astrid attended a number of training sessions through the years to ensure her son was successful in an inclusive setting at the Elementary School level.  She is a graduate of the PEAL Center’s PEACE Project and was a Parent Mentor for PEAL (2008 – 2011), served as Chair for the Allegheny Task Force (2010 – 2012), and ran an Autism Parent Support Group in the North Hills. 

Following a health crisis that left her son with limited use of his hands and feet due to neurological damage in 2015, Astrid has spent her time since then advocating for her son’s health, rehabilitation, and schooling that supports his current needs, as well as finding resources for Social activities, respite and job training. 

Astrid has been working in retail sale for almost 25 years. She is also a runner and has participated in races with herself and her husband pushing their son, including the Pittsburgh Half Marathon 3 years in a row, two 25K races on the GAP Trail and the Marine Corp Marathon.

By being a LEND trainee, Astrid hopes to help other families by passing on her knowledge and experiences  on how to advocate for their children with Special Needs.