Henderson High School graduate Jessica Keogh, who spent most of her childhood in Hillsborough, N.J., before her family moved to West Chester, is a special education teacher in the West Chester Area School District, a disability rights activist, and the founder and CEO of Faith Above My Ability.

“As an emotional support teacher at Fugett Middle School, I teach pro-social coping strategies and executive functioning skills and provide support to my students as they process their emotions,” she said. “The best part of my job, hands down, is my students! Seeing them learn and grow provides me with a joy that is difficult to explain, and witnessing them utilizing the advocacy, emotional regulation, and/or executive functioning skills we practiced is the most rewarding part of my job. I hope they know how incredible they are!”

Keogh earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Edinboro University. She credits three people with having the biggest impact on her career.

“(State) Sen. Carolyn Comitta has been a huge support and source of encouragement as I’ve continued my advocacy journey and I can’t thank her enough,” said Keogh. “My third-grade teacher from Hillsborough Elementary School, Jennifer Hopson, was the first teacher who truly educated me as a ‘typical’ student where my disability was not even a barrier. Also, (former WCASD superintendent) Dr. Robert Sokolowski, my former high school assistant principal, provided a lot of guidance as I was trying to navigate the obstacles society places on physically disabled people as they try to fulfill their post-secondary goals of going to college.”

Keogh’s proudest professional achievement was being a champion for PA Act 69 — Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities with Job Success (MAWD WJS) in June 2021.

“This directly impacts my past, current, and future students as they fulfill their post-secondary goals,” she said.

Keogh’s favorite Chester County restaurant is Taco Mar in West Chester.

Keogh and the rest of the 2023 Class of VISTA Millennial Superstars will be honored at the Awards Reception & Celebration on Thursday, May 18 at Penn State Great Valley.

Sponsors are still being sought. Click here to learn more about the various opportunities available to partner with VISTA Today as it celebrates Chester County’s next generation of leaders, or contact Steve Knickerbocker at steve.knickerbocker@acj.today or 484-437-2826.