Administration

Dr. Janine Mathesz is a distinguished leader in education, holding a doctoral degree with expertise in federal education policies and teacher effectiveness. With over 30 years of experience spanning education, medical, engineering, technology, electronics, security, and healthcare industries, Dr. Mathesz has dedicated her career to fostering innovation and excellence in learning environments. Her extensive career includes leadership roles at institutions such as Whitehall High School, Emmaus High School, Twin Valley High School, Kutztown School District, Cedar Crest College, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Dr. Mathesz also served as the Founding School Leader of Building 21 Allentown High School, opening the school in less than a year and establishing it as a beacon of innovation in urban education.

In her role as Chief Operations Officer at The Pathway School, Dr. Mathesz initiated transformative programs, including the addition of Pre-K and Kindergarten, streamlined administrative processes, and forged business partnerships to provide students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other neurological impairments with meaningful work opportunities. Her efforts positively impacted students from over 50 sending school districts.

Dr. Mathesz’s passion for education is exemplified by her success in founding three schools, including Keystone Freedom Academy. This institution is a groundbreaking model designed to empower students who face challenges in traditional educational settings due to social, emotional, and behavioral obstacles. The academy incorporates innovative strategies such as Ukeru for behavior management, STREAM, Trauma-Informed Care, Restorative Practices, Second Step Curriculum, and School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Strategies. Dr. Mathesz will be sharing her insights in her soon to be released book, “Emotional Equilibrium: Strategies for Children,” a guide for raising socially and emotionally stable children. In her community,

Dr. Mathesz has served on local boards, led a Girl Scout troop, and taught Sunday school, reflecting her commitment to making a difference beyond the classroom. She
currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Richard, her son, Ricky, and their Australian Labradoodles, Jax and Apollo. Through her visionary leadership, extensive educational background, and unwavering commitment to innovation, Dr. Janine Mathesz continues to inspire transformative change in communities and classrooms alike.

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. 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

Dr. Cheek is an experienced education administrator who most recently served as the Chief Financial Officer of Lancaster ISD in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.  Prior to that, she was the Executive Director of Budget & Finance for Mesquite ISD. In her previous role, Dr. Cheek facilitated the budget cycle for department and campus budgets totaling over $530 million, including local, state, federal, and invested revenues. She also managed a $375 million district investment portfolio and supervised the accounting, accounts payable, and payroll departments.

She believes that each member of our school community is responsible for ensuring that the students enrolled at Keystone Freedom Academy have a safe and nurturing learning environment that fosters student success and that none of this can occur without adequate funding, appropriate budgeting, and fiscal integrity in the school community.

Cheek has served public education in several leadership roles for 35  years, including assistant superintendent at Pecos Barstow Toyah ISD and Bonham ISD. As assistant superintendent, she successfully conducted and completed a comprehensive federal programs audit to reclassify expenditures, correct compliance findings, and plan and supervise school construction projects. Dr. Cheek served in the School District of Palm Beach County, Florida, as director, principal, assistant principal, and teacher.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

• Ed.D. Education Leadership, Management & Policy – Seton Hall University
• M.B.A. – Baylor University
• Superintendent Certification
• M.S. Educational Leadership – Barry University
• B.A. English/Education – Eastern Connecticut State University

Dr. Kieres is an educational leader with 25 years of experience in the field of education. She has served as a high school teacher, assistant principal, principal and superintendent in urban and suburban school districts in Eastern Pennsylvania. She has extensive experience developing curriculum, creating and delivering high-quality professional learning experiences for educators, and mentoring instructional staff members and administrators. For 12 years, she has also served as a course developer and adjunct instructor in education leadership and curriculum and instruction at both the master’s and doctoral levels. She is passionate about leveraging evidence-based instructional and supervisory practices to support students in achieving their academic, social and emotional goals. Her responsibilities at Keystone Freedom Academy include curriculum, instruction, professional development and strategic planning.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

• Ed.D. Education Leadership, Management & Policy – Seton Hall University
• Superintendent Letter of Eligibility – PA Department of Education
• Principal Certification, K-12 – PA Department of Education
• Teacher of English/Communications, 7-12 – PA Department of Education
• M.A. Secondary Education – Lehigh University
• B.A. Theatre Arts – The Pennsylvania State University