Heidi Bowden is the founder and coordinator of the Annual Maine Autism Resource Fair, which attracted over 800 people from all over the Northeast this year. Heidi puts over 500 hours into the coordination and running of this fair and all of her efforts are done on a volunteer basis.

When Heidi isn't working on coordinating the resource fair, she is busy with Maine Girl Scout Troop #36 for "girls with varying abilities". This troop consists of girls with autism, Downs Syndrome, MS and other disabilities.

Most importantly, Mrs. Bowden is the mother of a little girl with autism, Addie. Heidi writes all of Addie's programs for the public schools in an effort to get her the best education possible.

And did we mention that she does all of this while being a full-time student at the University of Maine, Augusta?

Following is a brief Q&A with this truely inspirational woman:

- Tell us a little bit about what it was like for you when you got Addie's diagnosis.

I remember being in a little doctor's office at Boston Children's Hospital. My husband and I walked out stunned. I vividly remember walking down corridors and seeing all these sick children, that were struggling for their life. I turned to my husband and said, "She's not going to die from autism". We never spoke a word on the trip back to Maine. It wasn't until a few days later that I awoke and my heart discovered my daughter had autism. It was a deep dark, lonely, physically painful time. I realized that I would have to educate myself about autism in order to give Addie the best chance at a happy life. I still cried from time to time throughout the day, but I was on the phone, internet, or reading books while I was doing it. My dream for Addie's life didn't die, it just changed.

- How old is Addie now?

Addie is 9 years old and attending Lincoln Elementary School, in Augusta, Maine. She's in fourth grade and spends some time in the regular education classroom, and receives outstanding teaching in her special education classroom. The progress she has been making gives me great hope that Addie will have a full and happy life. I couldn't ask for more.

- Tell us a bit about your decision to go back to school.

I attended the Carbone Clinic Summer Institute just four years ago. I realized I needed a more formal education and returned to school, full-time. I'll be graduating this December and am currently looking into starting my own business involving autism and education. I am passionate in my belief that education is a key factor to help children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

- Tell us a little bit about your Girl Scout troop and some of the things that they've done/are doing.

Maine Girl Scout Troop #36, is one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had. We work on socials skills, asking and answering questions to learn about our fellow scouts. The girls have acquired the Girl Scout Sign and are working on the Girl Scout Promise. It is truly amazing to watch these girls be successful and so proud of being a Girl Scout. Addie has become such a wonderful "Girl Scout Helper" at home. The girl's are currently working on their "Friendship" patch. The next patch, Citizenship, will be helping members of our community. Go Girl Scout Troop #36!

- Tell us a bit about this year's fair and how you have seen it grow over the years.

Four years ago, when I decided to put on the first resource fair, I didn't know what to expect. I required no registration and there was no cost. It was held at a small community college. That morning when I saw 365 people lined up outside, I knew the following year would have to be at the Augusta Civic Center.

On October 11, 2008 we had the fourth fair. 803 people registered, walked-in, presented and volunteered at the most unique event in the State of Maine. Once again, there was no cost. People from Maine, as well as outside the state and country attended.

The reaction to having Dr. Vincent J. Carbone present at the fair was overwhelming. I am grateful to him for his generosity. The feedback I receive at the end of the day fuels me for another year.