Lori Astwood- President, Founder and CEO

For nearly four decades, I have dedicated my professional life to serving individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. As a Direct Support Professional with over 39 years of experience, I have walked alongside individuals and families as they navigated systems, sought independence, and pursued meaningful lives within their communities. My work has included implementing individualized plans, advocating for client rights, supporting behavioral development, and promoting full participation in community life.

I have been honored to provide direct care through organizations such as BAYADA Home Health Care, where I was recognized as a HERO of the Quarter for exceptional service. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to protecting dignity, encouraging independence, and creating safe environments where individuals can grow and thrive.

My advocacy extends beyond my professional roles. I have worked as a Job Coach and Job Developer, successfully placing individuals with disabilities into meaningful employment opportunities and providing ongoing support to ensure their success. I have spent my career not just assisting individuals—but believing in them.

The founding of the Richard Astwood Jr. Autism Culinary Institute is deeply personal. RAACI was born out of love, legacy, and purpose. My son, Richard “Richie” Astwood Jr., lived with autism and possessed a remarkable passion for culinary arts. His joy in the kitchen was more than a hobby—it was an expression of independence, creativity, and confidence. After his passing, I knew his passion could not end with him.

RAACI was created to honor Richie’s life by building pathways for adults with autism and developmental disabilities to gain culinary training, life skills, and independence. Far too often, adults with autism age out of services with limited structured opportunities. I have witnessed this gap firsthand over my 39-year career. RAACI exists to help close that gap.

In addition to my advocacy work, my professional background includes administrative leadership, financial coordination, website development, customer relations, and nonprofit operations. I have served in roles ranging from Office Manager and Accounting Assistant to Web Coach and Travel Consultant. These experiences have strengthened my ability to build systems, manage operations, communicate effectively, and lead with organization and vision.

I believe strongly that service is not just a profession—it is a calling. My life’s work has centered on helping individuals discover their abilities rather than be defined by their limitations. RAACI represents that philosophy in action.

We are all, as I often say, “pieces of work under construction.” Growth is ongoing. Independence is possible. Dignity is essential. And opportunity should never be out of reach.

It is my honor to continue serving this community—not only as a professional advocate, but as a mother determined to transform love into lasting impact.

Richard A. Astwood- Vice President and Operations Manager

Richard A. Astwood brings 19 years of experience in the nonprofit healthcare sector to his role as Operations Manager and Director for RAACI. His professional background includes eight years serving as a DoD Donor Center Coordinator Team Lead, followed by ten years in Donor Center Management with DKMS. Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions responsible for overseeing operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, coordinating complex processes, and maintaining high standards of service delivery within healthcare-focused nonprofit environments.

Mr. Astwood’s areas of expertise include operational coordination, compliance oversight, and organizational management. His extensive experience in structured, mission-driven organizations provides RAACI with strong operational leadership and a disciplined approach to program implementation and accountability.

As both a board leader and Richard’s father, Mr. Astwood serves with deep personal commitment. He shares in the vision of honoring his son’s life and legacy through meaningful service to families impacted by Autism. His dedication to the organization reflects a steadfast commitment to ensuring that families receive the necessary services, advocacy, and support they deserve.

Karen Cunningham- Secretary

Karen Cunningham brings over 40 years of experience in customer service, administration, and organizational support. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong ability to manage assigned tasks, support leadership, and contribute effectively to team-based environments. Her professional background reflects reliability, adaptability, and a deep commitment to service.

Karen’s areas of expertise include her ability to motivate others and foster a supportive atmosphere of community, assistance, and guidance. She is known for creating environments where individuals feel encouraged, supported, and empowered to succeed.

She serves on the RAACI Board because she is deeply motivated by the organization’s mission to serve underserved populations and to teach healthy life skills while educating adults with special needs. Karen is passionate about helping individuals achieve independence and reach their personal goals.

Karen is actively involved in her community through Fellowship Covenant Church and community-based initiatives, including food pantry support. She is also a team member at Castle Hill Theatre in the Bronx, New York, further demonstrating her commitment to community engagement. She is described as very team-oriented, bringing collaboration and compassion to all she does.

Jahmel Pizarro-Treasurer

Jahmel Pizarro brings over 27 years of professional experience in data management, analytics, and nonprofit operations. Based in Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, he has built a distinguished career as a database professional dedicated to strengthening organizational effectiveness through strategic data systems. He previously served as a Database Manager for seven years with nonprofit organizations in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, supporting mission-driven initiatives through accurate reporting and data integrity.

Jahmel currently serves as the Director of Data Management for Publicolor, an innovative youth development organization that empowers students facing significant life challenges to achieve success in school and career. Through a multi-year, project-based continuum of programs, Publicolor equips young people with the tools, skills, and confidence needed to thrive academically and professionally.

His areas of expertise include data management, data analytics, reporting systems, and performance measurement. Jahmel is known for leveraging data to drive informed decision-making and improve program outcomes within nonprofit environments.

He serves on the RAACI Board because he strongly believes in the organization’s mission and recognizes the critical need for programs that better serve adults with autism in Pennsylvania. Jahmel is honored to be part of an initiative of this magnitude—one that seeks to create meaningful, lasting change in the lives of individuals and families in the community.

Steven L. O’Loughlin- Director

Steven L. O’Loughlin brings over 30 years of professional experience with the United States Postal Service, where he demonstrated strong leadership and operational oversight. During his tenure, he supervised two sections totaling 35 employees, honing exceptional communication, management, and team-building skills.

Steven has been actively engaged in community service for more than 25 years. His longstanding commitment includes serving as a Shop Steward at the Post Office for over 15 years, advocating for colleagues and promoting fairness in the workplace. He also contributes to his community as an umpire in an adult baseball league in the Bronx, New York, supporting teamwork and mentorship through sports.

Steven serves on the RAACI Board because he is deeply committed to giving back and paying forward his knowledge and experience. He is passionate about supporting initiatives that empower individuals of all abilities to sustain healthy, productive, and independent lives. Known for being extremely personable, Steven values collaboration and meaningful community impact.

Anita Smith - Director

Anita Smith brings over 30 years of experience in finance and accounting, with a strong background in corporate financial operations. Based in Newnan, Georgia, she has dedicated her career to ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and integrity in financial management. Anita spent 18 years with Sanofi Pasteur as a Senior Cash Analyst in Accounts Receivable, where she managed complex financial processes and supported organizational fiscal accountability. Following her relocation to Georgia, she continues her work with Sanofi as an Accounts Payable Specialist.

Her area of expertise is accounting, with extensive experience in accounts receivable, accounts payable, financial reconciliation, and corporate finance operations. Anita is recognized for her attention to detail, reliability, and commitment to maintaining strong financial systems.

Anita serves on the RAACI Board for deeply personal reasons. What began as a friendship with Lori quickly became family, and Richie became like a nephew to her. His life was incredibly special, and seeing his passion transformed into an organization that honors his legacy while empowering adults with autism to achieve independence is profoundly meaningful to her. Anita considers it both a privilege and an honor to contribute to a mission that serves others and creates lasting impact in the community.

Edith Johnson-Director

Edith Johnson brings over 30 years of professional experience in customer service, advocacy, and community engagement. Based in Yakima, Washington, she currently serves as a Customer Service Representative for the Social Security Administration, where she supports individuals and families with essential services and guidance. Throughout her career, Edith has demonstrated a strong commitment to advocacy, ensuring that individuals receive the information, resources, and support they need to thrive.

Her areas of expertise include facilitating focused community groups and meetings, information gathering, public engagement, and culinary arts. Edith is also a prize-winning BBQ chef in the Yakima area, reflecting both her leadership and creativity within her community.

Edith serves on the RAACI Board because she believes deeply in the organization’s advocacy efforts and its commitment to shared best practices that empower underserved populations. She is inspired by RAACI’s mission to provide education, life skills, and opportunity to individuals with special needs.

Her community involvement includes active participation with the Tacoma NAACP, Tacoma Urban League, Salish Resident Council, and the Yakima Chamber of Commerce. Through these organizations, Edith continues to demonstrate her dedication to equity, leadership, and community advancement.

Edith believes that “no one is perfect—we are all pieces of work under construction,” a philosophy that reflects her compassion, humility, and lifelong commitment to growth and service.

Darrion Smith - Director

Darrion Smith brings more than 30 years of professional experience to the RAACI Board of Directors. He currently serves as a Key Customer Specialist with Sanofi, where he has been employed for 25 years. In this role, he has developed strong expertise in customer relations, strategic account management, corporate operations, and long-term partnership development within a highly regulated industry.

Throughout his career, Mr. Smith has demonstrated a consistent commitment to excellence, professionalism, and relationship-centered service. His extensive experience working within a global organization equips him with valuable insight into organizational structure, operational accountability, and strategic growth—skills that directly support RAACI’s mission and governance framework.

Mr. Smith serves on the RAACI Board out of both personal commitment and heartfelt dedication to the organization’s purpose. A longtime friend of RAACI’s founder, he considers the Astwood family his own. In honoring Richard’s life and legacy, Mr. Smith is proud to help advance programming that reflects the compassion, purpose, and service that defined him. His service on the Board reflects his deep belief in transforming passion into meaningful community impact.