Bio

Dr. Laurie Havrisko, Assistant to the Superintendent for Student Services at the Greater Latrobe School District, works to ensure that all families feel welcome and included in their child’s education by providing varied opportunities for involvement, as well as by educating teachers and staff on strategies to increase family engagement. Dr. Havrisko earned her Ph.D. in Community Engagement from Point Park University. Additionally, she holds a Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility, as well as certifications from the Pennsylvania Department of Education in Administration & Supervision (PK-12), Special Education (PK-12), Elementary Education (K-6) and General Science (7-12). This is Dr. Havrisko’s 19th year working in public education and second semester teaching at Seton Hill University. Dr. Havrisko currently teaches Studies of Exceptionalities and Functions of the Special Education Classroom.

Education

Ph.D. Community Engagement- 2021-2024 Point Park University

 Dissertation: Improving Opportunities for Authentic Family Engagement: Understanding How Family Structure, Socioeconomic Factors and Varied Options for Engagement Can Impact Home-School Connections in K-12 Public Education

 2022 TEDx Point Park Speaker: Braving Big Emotions With Little Learners

 2021, 2022, 2024 Social Impact Grant Review Committee

 

Superintendent Letter of Eligibility- 2017 California University of Pennsylvania California, PA

 Co-Authored PA Department of Education application for the use of Response to Instruction and Intervention to diagnose Specific Learning Disability in Reading in Elementary Schools

 Pennsylvania Fellowship Program for Special Education Leaders 2017-2018

 

M.S. Administration and Supervision- 2011-2013 Saint Vincent College Latrobe, PA

 Certification: Administrative/Principal (PK-12)

 Award for Academic Excellence; Advanced on the Comprehensive Exam

 Assisted in implementing new Greater Latrobe School District Elementary Open House Program

 Revised and implemented curriculum for bullying prevention and awareness

 

M.S. Special Education- 2005-2007 Saint Vincent College Latrobe, PA

 Award for Academic Excellence

 Certification: Special Education (PK-12); Elementary Education (K-6) and General Science (7-12)

 Assisted in administering DIBELS, ForeSight, MBSP Progress Monitoring, PSSA, PASA

 

B.S. Psychology- 2000-2004 Saint Vincent College Latrobe, PA

 Minors in Biology and Religious Studies

 4-year letter-winner Varsity Women’s Soccer; Recipient of John Granish Award for teamwork

 Research Thesis – Gender Differences and Preferences in Coaching Styles in Youth Soccer

Presentations

 

 PA Department of Education Statewide Conference Presenter Poster Session, 2025

 Family Involvement Conference, Statewide Conference Presenter, 2024

 Special Education Leadership Academy, Statewide Conference Presenter, 2024

 PA Department of Education Statewide Conference Presenter, 2023

 TEDx Point Park Speaker “Braving Big Emotions with Little Learners,” 2022

 COVID-19 Health & Safety Procedures; Author/Presenter, 2020

 Title IX Regulations; Author/Presenter 2020

 Anti-Hazing Program; Author/Presenter 2020

 PA Department of Education SAS Statewide Conference Presenter, 2019

 Landmark Events in Special Education; Author/Presenter 2019 – current

 Special Education 101; Author/Presenter 2019 – current

 Understanding How Trauma Shapes Behavior in Youth; Author/Presenter 2019

 Managing Student Behavior; Author/Presenter 2018 – current

 The Basics of Special Education Parent Training; Author/Presenter 2018

 ABCDs of Special Education for Principals; Author/Presenter 2016