A longtime Centre County nonprofit leader is retiring after more than four decades of transformational human services leadership
Cynthia “Cindy” Pasquinelli plans to step down on July 31 from her role as executive director of Strawberry Fields, Inc., where she has guided and grown programs and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism and mental health challenges since 1985.
“My time at Strawberry Fields has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Pasquinelli said in a statement. “Working alongside a passionate and talented team of staff and board members, we have expanded opportunities, empowered individuals and strengthened a mission that changes lives every day. I am incredibly proud to have played such a part in shaping the organization Strawberry Fields has become.”
Pasquinelli started at Strawberry Fields in 1985 and two years later was named acting CEO before being appointed to the position on an interim basis.
When she started, the organization had three programs. Today, it has more than 20.
“We have always believed our role is to serve the community, and growing these programs, while witnessing the growth of the individuals in our care, has been extremely rewarding,” Pasquinelli said.
Strawberry Fields provides residential programs with multiple supportive community homes for more than 60 adults with autism, intellectual disabilities and mental illness. It supports hundreds of children, teens and adults through its Mental Health Case Management community-based program, and babies from birth to age 3 with early intervention developmental services.
One of the Strawberry Fields programs that Pasquinelli said she is most proud of is its social enterprise.
Founded in 2015, Scraps & Skeins, 3042 Enterprise Drive in Ferguson Township, is a creative reuse shop that sells donated knitting and sewing supplies and employs seven adults with mental health challenges. Good Day Café, 286 W. Hamilton Ave. in State College, is a coffee shop that opened in 2018 and employs about 20 adults with disabilities.
“Working at these businesses provides our individuals an opportunity to showcase their unique skills and talents, build life and social skills, and engage in their community,” Pasquinelli said. “People can see, firsthand, the meaningful difference we are making. We have grown our base of supporters as a result, which has allowed us to start new endeavors.”
Under Pasquinelli’s leadership in 2025, Strawberry Fields also affiliated with Pennsylvania-based nonprofit behavioral health care provider Devereux, remaining an independent entity while strengthening the services provided in Centre County.
Pasquinelli said the partnership has provided new opportunities to “innovate and grow,” including a soon-to-be-introduced new family-based mental health service and expansion of Strawberry Fields’ autism assessment services in rural areas outside of Centre County.
“Cindy’s leadership has been truly transformative,” Carl E. Clark II, Devereux president and CEO, said. “Her vision, integrity and deep expertise have made a lasting impact on Strawberry Fields, and the individuals and families served by the organization. Through her steadfast focus on person-centered, community-driven care, she has positioned Strawberry Fields for long-term success. As a result of her tireless efforts to improve the lives of those in need, her legacy will be felt for years to come.”
In retirement, Pasquinelli plans to continue supporting Devereux’s and Strawberry Fields’ efforts. She also will focus on continuing to develop the David Pasquinelli Memorial Fund, which was established by the Strawberry Fields’ Board of Directors in memory of Pasquinelli’s son, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 39.
“The funds raised will support Scraps and Skeins and Good Day Café, as well as any new projects that may need seed money,” Pasquinelli said. “While I will be stepping away from my full-time role, I am excited to work with Strawberry Fields as it enters its next chapter and continues to grow and evolve.”
