Leading our school into the future

President & CEO

David J. Schultheis, M.M.P.A.

President and CEO David Schultheis has led The Pathway School since 2014. Previously, he was the Executive Director for Community Behavioral Health programs at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health and prior to that he was the Chief Financial Officer at Liberty Resources in Philadelphia. David holds bachelors’ degrees from both an American university (Michigan) and a British university (Sussex). He also has a dual master’s degree in Business Administration and Public Administration from Penn State University.

When David is not working, you may find him playing basketball or golf.

Chief Financial Officer

Loretta Bobb, M.B.A.

Loretta Bobb joined The Pathway School as Chief Financial Officer in May 2023. She is responsible for directing the school’s financial affairs and overseeing the administrative policies of the school. Prior to coming to The Pathway School, Mrs. Bobb held several senior financial positions and has over 20 years of experience in executive support for finance, administration, and budget planning. Most recently, Loretta was the Controller at The Agnes Irwin School and Controller at Peirce College in Philadelphia. Loretta holds bachelors’ degrees from Andrews University (Michigan, USA) and Oxford Brookes University (United Kingdom). She also has a master’s degree in Business Administration from Villanova University.

When Loretta is not working, you may find her volunteering at community projects or cheering for her four children at sporting events.

Director of Education

Catherine Lepley, Ed.D.

Catherine joined The Pathway School family in November 2018 as the Director of Education. Catherine has been an administrator for 14 years. Prior to earning her Supervisor of Special Education and Principal certifications from Immaculata University, she was an Emotional Support teacher for grades 9-12 for 11 years. Catherine oversees the Education Department which includes everything from careers, to food services, to related services. Catherine has been a lifelong learner and has earned two Bachelor’s degrees, two Master’s degrees (Education and Psychology), and her Doctorate in Education.

Catherine enjoys spending time with her five sons, husband, and three cats. She also works as a part-time adjunct professor at Cabrini University where she teaches special education courses to Master level students. Catherine is passionate regarding special education and continues to advocate for all students with special needs.

Director of Admissions & Marketing

Diana Phifer M.S.

Diana’s enthusiasm for Pathway’s mission led her to the organization in 1995. She earned her BS in Psychology from Millersville University and MS, Cum Laude, in Organizational Leadership from Cabrini College. As Director of Admissions and Marketing, Diana is responsible for the overall admissions process including informing families and professionals about Pathway, managing new student enrollment, collaborating with staff to make a new student’s transition as seamless as possible, and additional admissions-related functions.

Diana enjoys spending time with her husband, two adult daughters, and their dogs. Diana and her family enjoy making memories with extended family at their favorite vacation spot — Deep Creek Lake.

Director of Clinical & Behavioral Services

Kara Fawley, PsyD.

Dr. Kara Fawley joined The Pathway School as Director of Clinical and Behavioral Services in 2019. Dr. Fawley is a highly experienced mental health professional who has worked in social service organizations, schools, and hospitals. She has a multifaceted background from acute care to clinical research.

As a clinical psychologist and Pennsylvania-certified school psychologist, she has specialized training and experience working with students with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disabilities, disruptive behavior, and trauma histories.

In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, yoga, and the outdoors.

Director of Human Resources

Christine Chiodo, P.A., P.H.R.

For the past 11 years, Christine Chiodo has been the Director of Human Resources at Pathway. She has over 28 years of HR Management experience and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Marketing from La Salle University. Christine is a member of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) and has a Professional Human Resources (PHR) designation/certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI). She is responsible for overseeing the HR department, recruiting and staffing, performance management, benefits and compensation administration, employee training, and maintaining Pathway’s policies and procedures.

Christine’s mission as an HR Director is to support the organization‚Äôs goals, objectives, and day-to-day operations by creating a work environment that encourages and inspires people to succeed.

Upper School Principal

Nina Prestia, M.Ed.

Nina worked as a teacher in The Pathway School’s Lower School and the Emotional Support Program for 17 years prior to becoming Pathway’s Upper School Principal. She has an undergraduate degree and a master’s in Special Education from Gwynedd Mercy University. She has a second master’s in Educational Leadership from Holy Family University. Nina also taught for two years outside Pathway in a public school district.

When not working, Nina enjoys time spent with her family. She and Joe, her husband of 35 years, have two sons, one a police officer and the other a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, one granddaughter and one more on the way, and they reside in Plymouth Meeting.

Chief Operating Officer

Brian Trusty

Brian has been with The Pathway School since February 1987 where he started his career after graduating from Bloomsburg University with a BA in Sociology/Social Welfare. In addition to his BA from Bloomsburg, Brian also earned a Master of Science in Administration with the honorable distinction of “Outstanding Graduate” from West Chester University. Brian has held a variety of positions with The Pathway School before holding his current position of Chief Operating Officer.

Brian is an avid Philadelphia sports fan and Disney World enthusiast. He enjoys attending theater performances with his wife Michelle and his daughter Tiana. He also has a passion for working with his church to build and renovate Child Development Centers for needy communities overseas (having assisted projects since 2015 in the Dominican Republic and Panama).

Lower School & Emotional Support Program Principal

Rita Bernhart, M.Ed.

Rita has worked in the field of education since 2006 and joined Pathway in the summer of 2019. She obtained an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Peirce College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education with a Certification in History from Holy Family University. She later went on to earn her Master’s in Special Education from Holy Family University as well as Certifications in Mid-Level English and Citizenship. In 2014, she completed the Educational Leadership Program earning her K-12 Principal Certification also through Holy Family University.

Rita has a wonderful husband of fifteen years, five children, three fabulous sons-in-law, and three beautiful grandchildren. To relax, she enjoys cooking for her large family as well as going to the beach, camping, and visiting historical reenactments.

Director of Development & Communications

Jory Barrad

Jory joined The Pathway School in January of 2019 following leadership roles at theVillage and Bancroft. He has a BS, Cum Laude, from Neumann College, and a certificate in Principles of Fundraising from Villanova University. Jory oversees all fundraising and communications activities and works with individuals, foundations, and corporate supporters.

Jory enjoys touring the countryside, along with his wife, on their Harley Davidson motorcycle. They have three adult sons and live in Delaware County with their dog and cat.