Dr. Renshaw will be succeeding Dr. Heidi Ondek, who is retiring following a seven-year tenure where she successfully advanced WPSBC’s mission and vision through the implementation of an ambitious strategic plan.
Following a comprehensive national search, Dr. Renshaw was chosen based on her outstanding leadership capabilities and commitment to WPSBC’s mission and vision. Dr. Renshaw comes from the Lavelle School for the Blind, where she served as Executive Director for the past seven years.
With 26 years of experience, Dr. Renshaw brings a deep commitment to the field of visual impairment as a teacher, orientation and mobility specialist, professor, advocate and executive director. As a Master’s and Doctorate graduate of the University of Pittsburgh’s highly acclaimed Visual Studies program, Dr. Renshaw was awarded a federally funded doctoral fellowship through the National Center for Leadership in Visual Impairment. In addition, she holds a Master of Studies in Law degree from the University of Pittsburgh’s Barco Law School. With a strong passion for making a difference in the lives of individuals with visual impairment, Dr. Renshaw remains very active professionally, serving as the Board President of the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI) International. Prior to her current role, Dr. Renshaw served as WPSBC’s Education Director.
“My mission in life is to make a difference,” said Dr. Renshaw. “My passion for making a positive impact in the lives of children with visual impairments first blossomed at WPSBC 26 years ago. I am blessed to have served in many different roles in my career, and I am excited to bring all the knowledge I have gained back to WPSBC. The path has led me home. I look forward to partnering with staff, students, parents, the Board and all stakeholders to lead WPSBC into the future.”
Board of Trustees President Laura Gutnick said, “We are beyond thrilled that Dr. Renshaw is returning to Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children. Given her passion for our mission coupled with her firsthand knowledge of the school, Dr. Renshaw is ideally suited to lead our next chapter of education and growth.”
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About Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children
Founded in 1887 and located in the heart of Oakland, the higher education and healthcare center of Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children is a one-of-a-kind educational experience committed to empowering students to realize their full potential. The school also provides vital early intervention and outreach services to blind and visually impaired students, with or without additional challenges, throughout Western Pennsylvania. As a private institution chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the School educates approximately 200 enrolled students from 80-85 school districts across western Pennsylvania, including 14 of whom are enrolled in the school’s residential program. For more information on the school, please feel free to visit Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children.