Brian Ritchey is a seasoned education professional with a background in special education and a passion for positively influencing the lives of young people. He studied Graphic Design at Radford University and worked as a Special Education Paraprofessional in Falls Church City Public Schools, then as a Special Education Teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools, before joining First Star, Inc. as a First Star Greater Washington Academy Mentor. He then progressed to the roles of First Star Greater Washington Academy Mentor Program and Resident Director, First Star Greater Washington Academy Program Director, Deputy Director, and presently National Director of Curriculum and Programming. In his current position, Brian oversees and implements the First Star Foster Youth Academy model throughout the United States while forging partnerships to extend the academy's programming. He is highly experienced in developing and executing diverse programming that accommodates students' academic and psychosocial needs.