About Us
Our Mission
To provide specialized, intensive transitionally focused training for young adults graduating from traditional school systems who are diagnosed with autism spectrum, developmental and intellectual disabilities and who are moderately to significantly impaired.
Austin’s Place is named after the son of Bonnie and Victor Wilczynski who was born with multiple disabilities. Austin requires one-to-one support, as do many young adults diagnosed with severe disabilities. When looking for a day program for him after graduation, they found that most programs in western Pennsylvania focus on a higher functioning population. Austin’s parents quickly learned there were many other families in the same situation. Without consistent daily structured activities to help maintain and grow their skills, individuals begin to regress and lose those vital skills learned in school. The Wilczynski’s started this program so that Austin and others like him would have a safe place to go each day to refine life skills necessary to become contributing members in their local communities.
Austin’s Place first opened its doors in October 2015, renting a small building in Wexford, PA.
Within seven short months, Austin’s Place reached capacity and the search for a new, larger facility began. On July 5, 2017 Austin’s Place officially began operating at its new (and current) location, 447 Dinnerbell Road, Butler, PA.
Leadership Team
Mrs. Wilczynski started as the President of Austin’s Place while the program was still in the planning phases (2013). She is responsible for communicating and implementing the vision, mission, and direction of the program.
She leads the executive team on all organizational decisions—implementation of policies and procedures, admission and discharge of individuals, and daily operations of the organization. She oversees all staffing responsibilities and serves as the main contact between the program and its Board of Directors.
Mrs. Wilczynski has 31 years’ experience as a special needs mom and advocate.
Ms. Wilczynski has served as the Vice President for Austin’s Place since 2015. She has a myriad of experience working with individuals with physical and mental disabilities in both a professional and personal environment, with her most important role being Austin’s younger sister.
She maintains active programming and facility licenses, as well as all regulatory surveys and inspections. On a daily basis, she creates (and implements) activities for clients to achieve goals as outlined in their Individual Support Plan (ISP).
Ms. Wilczynski has her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has also completed training in Quality Management, Medication Administration, and Mandated and Permissive Reporting.
Ms. Adams was one of the first employees at Austin’s Place, starting as a Direct Support Professional in 2016. She then served as the Program Specialist Assistant before moving to her current role as Compliance Officer in 2019. Her main responsibility is ensuring the program follows all required policies and procedures. Additionally, she conducts annual and orientation staff training and assists with new client admissions.
Ms. Adams has her Master’s degree in Human Services. She is also a CPR Trainer, Medication Administration Trainer, ODP Certified Investigator, and is Incident/Risk and Quality Management Certified.
Mrs. Huba has served as the Program Specialist for Austin’s Place since 2018. She ensures the Individual Support Plan (ISP) is implemented and reviewed for each client. She also supports community goals for clients and serves as the main liaison between Austin’s Place and families.
Mrs. Huba has her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She is trained in medication administration and CPR/first aid.
Quarterly Newsletters
If you are interested in joining the Austin’s Place mailing list, please email the Public Relations Director at akurtz@austinsplace.org or fill out the “Contact Us” form on the website.