As the Executive Vice President of the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber National Institute in Erie, Pennsylvania, Maureen Barber-Carey, Ed.D., has committed her life, both professionally and personally, to ensuring that children and adults with disabilities have every opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

Dr. Barber-Carey began her career as a special education teacher in the Erie School District, and she has served in various administrative positions throughout her years of service to the Barber National Institute.  Dr. Barber-Carey led the Barber National Institute in the development of many programs, including the region’s first partial hospitalization program for children diagnosed with mental health issues and intellectual disabilities, inclusive preschool programming and summer camps for children with autism.

Dr. Barber-Carey has her undergraduate degree from St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana and pursued a master’s at the University of Missouri.  She then matriculated to Columbia University for her doctorate in educational administration.

She has received numerous awards, including William Booth Award for Outstanding Contribution to Humanity; Pennsylvania Honor Roll of Women; Friends of Education Award, Gannon University; Inclusion Award of Interagency Coordination Council for Early Intervention; Outstanding Young Woman of the Year from Jaycees; and the Temple Grandin Award for her work in supporting persons with autism.

Dr. Barber-Carey has served in many leadership positions in local and statewide organizations, including the Pennsylvania Autism Task Force, Steering Committee for Office of Special Education, Junior League of Erie, International Institute, and the Right to Education Task Force. She also currently serves on the PNC Grow Up Great Advisory Council.

Dr. Barber-Carey is the author of a weekly blog, “All About Autism” in which she addresses issues for parents and professionals regarding individuals with disabilities.

 We “make dreams come true” for our children, adults and families. This mission sets us apart from all others as we work to assure that each person has every opportunity to reach their full potential.