Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst welcomes Amanda Mulder as new director

Amanda Mulder has been named director of the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM), effective immediately, according to an announcement by Vice President for Student Life Dr. Laura Zirkle.

Mulder has held the position on an interim basis for the past five months. She replaces Brad McGarry, who has been diagnosed with ALS and is unable to continue except on a consulting basis.

“Brad took AIM to incredible heights, lifting the pioneering program to one of national stature that today is modeled by many U.S. colleges and universities,” Zirkle said. “As a mentee of Brad’s with 15 years of experience working with individuals on the spectrum, Amanda brings an essential skill set and an abiding commitment to Mercyhurst’s Autism Initiative. We believe her training with Brad will complement her own initiative and vision as we resolve to strengthen and grow this signature Mercyhurst program.”

Mulder earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in special education at Mercyhurst. Since last July, she has held the interim directorship and continued in her role as AIM student support coordinator, which she began in 2019. She also oversaw the CREATE program, a nationally acclaimed summer experience designed to help potential AIM students determine whether they are ready for the demands of college life.

From 2012 to 2019, she held teaching positions in Maryland, where she worked largely as an autistic support instructor at varying grade levels.

Earlier in her career, she was a learning support/emotional support teacher at the Robert Benjamin Wiley Community Charter School.

In accepting the position, Mulder said, “As director of AIM, I am committed to making a difference in the lives of students, staff, faculty, and alumni. I am incredibly thankful I had the opportunity to learn from Brad McGarry, whom I deeply revere and hold close to my heart during his continued battle with ALS.”

Mulder said her immediate plans are to advance the quality support and innovative programming that AIM is known for, with a particular eye toward broadening AIM’s Career Path initiative.