Administration

The administration team at KFA worked together at an approved private school where they all served as top administrators. However, they were very disappointed in the best practices of using restraints to regulate students who were escalated. Each of them believed there was a better way to help students learn to self-regulate and one that would treat students in a humane manner. Dr. Janine set out to find strategies where students would be supported in an environment free from hands-on practices and strategies that would take safety into account. She found the perfect behavior practice called Ukeru. Dr. Janine presented this to the team and everyone agreed that we had to open an academy where students and staff would be free from physical and emotional harm. It was also important to this team that the work environment was a safe place for staff. Together they created systems that provide students with a safe environment, free to learn through making mistakes, having choices, using their voices, and experimentation. Students learn how to self-regulate, they learn what triggers them and how to avoid the triggers, they learn they are not alone and who can help support them, and they learn how to learn. Since 2018 KFA has been enrolling students who have found, by attending KFA, a family of educators who care and strive each day to provide the best support systems and rigorous academics that will propel attending students to continue growing in all aspects of their lives.

Dr. Janine M. Mathesz CEO
Mobile: 610-730-2655
E-mail: Dr.J@keystonefreedomacademy.org

Special Education School Pa Janine (1)

Dr. Janine Mathesz is an accomplished Senior Executive with more than 30 years of success in the education, medical, engineering, tech, electronics, security, and healthcare industries. Dr. Mathesz’s broad areas of expertise include business development, technology and educational coaching, culture assessment, and leadership development. Moreover, throughout her executive career, Dr. Mathesz has held leadership positions at Whitehall High School, Emmaus High School, Twin Valley High School, Kutztown School District, Building 21 Allentown High School, Cedar Crest College, The Pathway School, and PA Department of Health. In these roles, she has supported several students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Intellectual Disabilities, Serious Emotional Disturbances and other neurological impairments. In addition, she has established business partnerships for high school students to participate in work opportunities, internships and dual enrollment with community colleges. After successfully starting three schools with various organizations, one being Building 21 Allentown High School, the third urban high school within the Allentown City School District; Dr. Mathesz surveyed the educational landscape and identified a great need for secondary schools focused solely on the Emotionally Disturbed population.

Dr. Mathesz was excited to launch Keystone Freedom Academy (KFA), in 2018, with a mission to bring freedom to learning for students who struggle with traditional education due to social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. At KFA we understand each student’s unique needs and incorporate a comprehensive curriculum that includes Ukeru for behavior management, STREAM, Trauma Informed Care Strategies, Restorative Practices, Second Step Social/Emotional Curriculum, and School Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Strategies.

In her spare time Dr.Mathesz is active in her community serving on various local boards, taught Sunday school and led a girl scout troop. Dr. Mathesz currently lives with her husband- Richard, son-Ricky and Miniature Labradoodle-Jake.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

  • Superintendent Letter of Eligibility – PA Department of Education
  • Ed.D.– Leadership, Management, Policy, Education Administration and Supervision, – Seton Hall University,
  • Principal Certification, K-12 – PA Department of Education
  • M.S. – Educational Leadership – Wilkes University
  • B.S. – Mathematics & Secondary Education Certification – Cedar Crest College
  • A.S. – Liberal Studies – Emphasis Education Department of Education – Keystone College
  • EMT/Paramedic – PA Department of Health

Dr. Elizabeth M. Criscuolo
Principal & Director of Eduction
Keystone Freedom Academy
732 Louis Drive Warminster PA 18974
Tel: 844-539-3366
E-mail: Ecriscuolo@keystonefreedomacademy.org

Special Education School Pa Liz (1)

Dr. Criscuolo has extensive background in education both as a teacher and administrator. Her professional credentials and training have prepared her to meet the multifaceted challenges of working with a diverse group of learners. Dr. Criscuolo’s Bachelor’s and Master’s in Special Education from West Chester University provided a solid foundation in special education practices and learning. A Master’s in Educational Leadership from California University of Pennsylvania expanded her skill set to include program development, school practice, and building collaborative teams. In addition, she has obtained a Principal Certification K-12 and a Behavior Specialist License from the PA Department of Medicine. Dr. Criscuolo completed a doctoral program for Special Education with a focus on Emotional Disturbance at Gwynedd Mercy University which has assisted her with improving best practices and behavioral interventions for the students here at Keystone Freedom Academy. Dr. Criscuolo looks forward to meeting the rewards and challenges of each day working in a setting that promotes academic, behavioral, and social emotional progress.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

  • Ed.D. Special Education Leadership, Gwynedd Mercy University
  • Principal Certification, K-12 – PA Department of Education
  • M.S., Educational Leadership, California University of Pennsylvania
  • K-12 Special Education Certification– PA Department of Education
  • M.S., Special Education, West Chester University
  • Behavior Specialist License, Pennsylvania Department of Medicine
  • B.A., Special Education, West Chester University