Staff

[They/Them]
opal@autisticpgh.org

Opal is an autistic, disabled, queer/nonbinary parent of autistic and disabled children. Opal brings 25+ years of experience in social work, community organizing, and activism, in spaces and groups such as ACT!Up and the New Sanctuary Movement. Opal has a talent (and love!) for navigating systems, and learning complex rules structures – they have a knack for social work, advocacy, case management, and service coordination. Opal has spent many years learning how to be competent at public facing work, leading many workshops, speaking on panels, serving on nonprofit boards and advisory councils, and most recently served as the ED of New Sanctuary Pittsburgh.

Opal has deep and abiding love for growing things, green spaces, and the mindful stillness that comes with being fifteen miles from the nearest human heartbeat. Capybaras make then squeal with glee. Singing makes them feel like they belong in their skin. They miss the ocean deep in their bones, every single day.