In addition to staff, Friendship Academy collaborates with experts in the fields of special education and mental health to provide best practice models for the program.

Mary Beth Boylan, Ph.D., Clinical Director/Co-Program Director

Dr. Boylan has nearly 30 years of experience in the mental health field. Prior to joining Friendship Academy, she was Clinical Administrator for Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC), overseeing WPIC's child and adolescent and mental health/mental retardation programs. She has also served as Clinical Coordinator for Service for Teens at Risk (STAR) and before that held a variety of positions including residential treatment counselor and therapist.

Lauri Kragness. M.Ed., Education Director/Co-Program Director

Ms. Kragness is the Education Director at Friendship Academy, bringing over 26 years of professional experience to the position.  She holds the following certifications from the PA Department of Education:  Special Education Supervisory, Special Education K-12 (Mentally and Physically Handicapped) and Elementary K-6.  She provides overall leadership for the education team and assures a high quality educational program.  Ms. Kragness also teaches an annual course at the University of Pittsburgh, "Including Elementary Students with Disabilities."  

Victoria Daniels, M.Ed., Behavioral Specialist

Ms. Daniels brings 24 years of experience in both educational and behavioral programming. Prior to her position at Friendship Academy she was Education Director at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, responsible for staff training, supervision and the organization of inpatient classrooms. At Friendship Academy, Ms. Daniels shares her expertise with classroom staff as she supervises functional behavior assessments, behavioral intervention planning and the implementation of Friendship Academy's newly-designed school-wide positive behavioral support program.