Jessica Hall-Wirth
Director
Growing up with a sibling with multiple disabilities, Jessica recognized that she wanted to dedicate her life to working with students and adults with exceptionalities. Her first step to pursue this goal was attending Slippery Rock University (SRU) where she earned a dual certification in Early Childhood and Special Education, both of which she is certified to teach in Pennsylvania. Upon graduation from her undergraduate degrees, Jessica accepted a position within the Special Education Department at SRU as a Graduate Assistant (GA). Jessica's role as a GA included educational research, development of the doctoral program and assisting undergraduate students, all while she completed her Master's in Special Education with an Emphasis in Autism. Upon completion of her Master's degree, she pursued her Doctorate in Special Education. She graduated as a 3x alumna of Slippery Rock University in December of 2018.
Throughout her undergraduate and graduate studies, Jessica taught at Agora Cyber Charter School and at The Watson Institute ESY program. Jessica is an assistant professor in the Special Education Department at SRU instructing undergraduate and graduate classes, supervising students in the field and involved in many department and college committees. Jessica has presented at international, national and local conferences on the topics of Autism, inclusive practices and co-teaching. We are lucky to have had Jessica directing S.E.A. for two years. To contact Jessica, please e-mail jhall@pryc.org
Ryan Wirth
Business Manager
Ryan has had a passion for working with individuals with exceptional needs from a young age. Ryan attended Slippery Rock University and graduated in 2013 with a degree in Community Programs for Americans with Disabilities and Nonprofit Management. Immediately following his graduation, Ryan moved to Baltimore, Maryland to work for Best Buddies, an international nonprofit dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Ryan's career with Best Buddies has taken him from Baltimore, back home to Pittsburgh to Cleveland, Ohio and now on an international team working to open more chapters across the country! Ryan is currently studying at Geneva College to earn a Masters in Business Administration degree. Ryan's role within S.E.A. will be to assist the Director with business operations, fundraising and more. To reach Ryan, please e-mail rwirth@pryc.org.