Mary Maurer received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Holy Family College in 1980, and is currently certified in emergency nursing through the Emergency Nurses Association. She is currently employed as an Emergency Department Nurse in a Penn affiliated hospital and was awarded the University of the Pennsylvania Hospital System Rosalyn J. Watts Clinical Excellence Award for Community/Patient/Family Relationships.

Mary became heavily involved in autism advocacy after her son, Christopher, was diagnosed with the disorder in 1989. Mary was a founding member and officer of PACAS, Pennsylvania Action Coalition for Autism Services. Mary served on several Department of Welfare Committees under the direction of Secretary Estelle Richman including the Pennsylvania Autism Task Force, needs of adolescents subcommittee and the Bureau of Autism services housing committee.

Other affiliations include ASA Philadelphia adult services committee, ASA PA special education work group and Aidan’s Heart Foundation. Mary has participated in conferences including the Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Transition Symposium – Best Practices for Transitioning Young Adults with Disabilities from School to Living & Working in their Communities, and Melmark’s Journey to Adulthood Conference in July, 2008.

 Mary is proud of the impact her son’s legacy has had on her life in leading her to work with such an incredible and dedicated community.