Kathryn “Kat” DiVittorio, of Corry, has been selected as one of 18 honorees for the 33rd annual Women Making History event, presented by the Mercy Center for Women in Erie, recognizing her work transforming autism support services in rural Pennsylvania.
DiVittorio founded the DiVittorio Center for Autism after her own son, Nicholas, received a level 3 profound nonverbal autistic diagnosis, and the family struggled to find resources, therapies and educational support in rural community area. What began as one mother’s determination to help her son has grown into a comprehensive initiative addressing the gaps in autism services across the region.
“The DiVittorio Center for Autism was created out of fear and frustration of navigating the diagnosis of my own son,” DiVittorio explained in a 2025 interview. “Through an uphill battle, I’ve found a distinct lack in services that would benefit him as well as many others across the full spectrum.”
Dr. Matthew Platz nominated DiVittorio for the Women Making History honor, citing both her work at the center and her commitment to various boards, positions and committees throughout the community.
“I nominated Kat DiVittorio because I deeply admire her compassion, leadership and tireless commitment to our community,” Platz said. “Her work supporting families, expanding access to education and advocating for individuals with autism has made a lasting impact, and she leads every effort with integrity and heart.”
DiVittorio’s vision extends beyond immediate programming to creating what she calls “a rural hub that eventually fulfills the entire diagnosis and educational process.”
The center launched its pilot program in the fall of 2025 with socialization-focused courses and continues expanding its offerings to families across the autism spectrum. It currently has a physical location with a classroom and sensory room established on the third floor of the former St. Thomas School, 229 W. Washington St. The center shares space with the Corry Higher Education Council for accessibility accommodations.
“We are currently working with organizations like the Corry Redevelopment Authority to establish a bigger, more permanent location as well,” DiVittorio said.
“I am honored and greatly humbled in being selected as a Women Making History 2026 honoree,” she continued. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the tremendous support of my family, the guidance and mentorship of my nominee and director Dr. Matthew Platz, and the continued guidance and support of those in the community who help me grow and contribute to making our community all that it is.”
For DiVittorio, the work is deeply personal and driven by a mission to ease the isolation many families experience after an autism diagnosis.
“The biggest thing I strive to inform others who may be feeling alone in their diagnosis is that there are resources, there is support, and if it isn’t there, we can move forward to change that,” she said.
DiVittorio joins 17 other honorees who have demonstrated dedication to the Erie County community: Andrea Amicangelo, Elana Como, Linda Corso Sr., Claudia Dombrowski, Donna Douglass, Cassie Dundon, Melanie Ford, Karen Haas, Alivia Haibach, Melinda Hall, Carol Holmgren, Lana Kunik, Kyrie Laubenthal, Tiffany Lavette, Tica Nickson, Sarah Prylinski and Jamie Snider.
The Women Making History event will take place on Monday, March 30, at the Performing Arts Center at Mercyhurst University, 501 E. 38th St., Erie. A reception will be held followed by the award ceremony, which begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free, and the public is encouraged to attend. Filmed interviews with the honorees, shot by Revox Media, will be presented during the ceremony.
For more information about the event or the mission of the Mercy Center for Women, visit www.mcwerie.org or call 814-455-4577.