About Us
Bridge The Spectrum was founded by Annmarie Houle and her adult son, Evan, to create something they knew was desperately needed — a place where autistic and neurodivergent adults could connect, build friendships, have fun, and truly feel like they belong.
As the mother of an autistic adult, Annmarie has seen firsthand how difficult it can be to find meaningful social opportunities once individuals age out of many traditional programs. After nearly losing Evan to serious health issues, and watching him face his own social struggles, she decided it was time to turn that personal experience into something that could help not only her son, but others in the community.
What began as an idea has grown into a welcoming community filled with friendships, laughter, music, activities and connection.
Because everyone deserves a place to belong.
Meet the Team
Co-Founder & President
Annmarie Houle
Annmarie has spent much of her life bringing people together through music, entertainment, and community events. As a singer, bandleader, event host, travel advisor, and mom of two sons, connecting with people and creating memorable experiences has always been at the heart of what she does.
But it was her son Evan who inspired a new purpose. As Evan grew into adulthood, Annmarie saw firsthand how difficult it could be for autistic and neurodivergent adults to find meaningful friendships, social opportunities, and places where they could simply be themselves. She realized that after the school years ended, there was a real need for something more.
Together, Annmarie and Evan created Bridge The Spectrum with a simple but powerful idea: everyone deserves a place to belong.
As President, Annmarie has poured her heart into building the organization from the ground up planning events, developing community partnerships, fundraising, advocating for adults on the spectrum, and working toward the dream of creating a permanent home for the Bridge The Spectrum community.
For Annmarie, this is more than an organization it’s personal. What began with wanting more opportunities for her own son has grown into a mission to make sure other adults and families know they are not alone. Her hope is to continue building a community where friendships grow, families connect, new experiences are shared, and everyone is welcomed for exactly who they are.
Co-Founder & Board Member
Evan Volpert
Evan is the inspiration behind Bridge The Spectrum and a big part of the reason our organization came to life. At 27 years old, Evan brings humor, kindness, and an infectious personality wherever he goes. He loves wrestling, collecting sports cards, video games, karaoke, sports, music, and concerts and if there’s a microphone nearby, chances are Evan is ready to sing!
As an autistic adult, Evan understands firsthand both the joys and challenges of navigating friendships, social opportunities, and finding a community where you truly belong. Professionally, he has worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), supporting children on the spectrum with empathy, patience, and an understanding that comes from his own lived experience.
Bridge The Spectrum was created with Evan—and so many other adults like him—in mind. Today, Evan is an active part of the organization and the community we are building. His story continues to remind us why our mission matters: everyone deserves friendship, connection, acceptance, and a place to belong.
Treasurer
Bethany Raccio
Bethany brings a strong background in mental health, crisis intervention, and autism support to Bridge The Spectrum. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and currently works as an LPCA and School-Based Clinician at Wheeler Health, supporting young people and their mental health needs.
Her professional experience also includes working in Mobile Crisis Intervention Services (MCIS), supporting youth in crisis, as well as providing support through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Bethany has also worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), providing ABA services to children with autism.
Bethany has dedicated much of her career to helping others feel heard, supported, and empowered. As Treasurer of Bridge The Spectrum, she brings that same compassion and commitment to our mission of creating meaningful opportunities for autistic and neurodivergent adults to build friendships, make connections, and find a community where they truly belong.
Director of Community Outreach
Kathleen Steahle
Kathleen brings an outgoing personality, a love of connecting with people, and a genuine desire to help others to Bridge The Spectrum. A longtime musician and drummer, she has performed with several successful bands and has spent years building relationships with people throughout the community.
Kathleen also has experience with individuals with disabilities through both her work and members of her extended family, giving her a personal appreciation for inclusion, understanding, and creating opportunities for everyone to feel valued.
A longtime friend of Annmarie’s, Kathleen immediately wanted to get involved when she learned Bridge The Spectrum was looking for another board member. Her enthusiasm for our mission and natural ability to connect with others make her a perfect fit as Director of Community Outreach.
Kathleen is excited to help Bridge The Spectrum grow, build new community relationships, and create more opportunities for autistic and neurodivergent adults to connect, make friends, and feel like they truly belong.