Dr. Ray Heipp

Specialist Manager

Dr. Ray Heipp serves as the Specialist Manager at School Health. He is responsible for the Specialist Team, along with assisting in Special Education initiatives.

Since joining School Health in 2017, Dr. Ray has been a key player in conducting trainings, offering keynote addresses, and advising companies and schools on how to enhance their practices and processes when implementing assistive technology (AT) software. As an internationally renowned expert on assistive technology products, he frequently speaks and consults with schools, hospitals, and clinics regarding the proper integration of all types of AT.

Dr. Ray’s career has spanned over 35 years, working and supporting those with differing abilities since 1979. He has held many roles in the Special Education and General Education industries, including Teacher, Administrator, Coach, Adjunct Instructor, Sales, General Sales Manager, Presenter, Consultant, and Keynote Speaker.

Dr. Ray Heipp began his educational career with the goal of improving the learning experience for students as an educator. He soon found his passion assisting students of all abilities in the classroom. School Health is able to broaden Dr. Ray's reach to further help both students and teachers have a more accessible and inclusive education experience.

Dr. Ray Heipp holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, as well as a Classics Degree from the University of Dallas.

Maryellen O'Keefe-Smith

Senior Specialist - Vision, Hearing, and Electronic Health Records

Maryellen O’Keefe-Smith is the Vision, Hearing, and Electronic Health Records (EHR) Senior Specialist at School Health. She is responsible for understanding how schools perform screening tests, the recommendations and guidelines each state requires, and how to operate the vision and hearing devices. She is also responsible for understanding how school nurses document student health records and works as a liaison with our partners to improve student health outcomes, save school nurses time, and reduce district liability.

Maryellen’s career spans over 20 years with experience among healthcare professionals. Before joining School Health, she was the Senior Portfolio Manager for patient safety products at an RFID and patient wristband manufacturer.

In Maryellen’s time at School Health since 2015, she has become an expert in the use of the Spot Vision Screener, Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs), Audiometers, Tympanometers, Otoscopes, and Ophthalmoscopes, along with the role these tools have in Early Head Start and Head Start programs, requirements for schools across the nation, and the operation of various vision and hearing service organizations. She has presented and trained individuals to use School Health products at numerous exhibitions, expos, and schools that have requested assistance.

Maryellen received professional training from the American Management Association in Successful Product Management and from GLU Consulting in Power Selling Training, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and FDA Medical Device Compliance. Maryellen acquired a B.A. from St Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota.

Tom Strenger

Specialist - Physical Education

Tom Strenger is a Physical Education Specialist at School Health, responsible for the Eastern half of the United States. He supports the sales team on physical education industry updates, professional development services, assessment software, curricula, and equipment.

In the time since Tom joined School Health in 2021, he has shown vital proficiency in guiding schools on how to enhance the overall fitness expertise of their students. Tom accomplishes this by collaborating with teachers and administrators to bring customized solutions to their physical education and activity programs.

With awards from state PE and health associations, combined with over 25 years of supporting educators and non-profit organizations, Tom has held the roles of Category Manager, Regional Manager, and Solutions Specialist in the physical education industry.

The skills and experiences Tom has developed throughout his career help impact students’ wellbeing through School Health. He delivers multiple types of solutions, such as equipment, curriculum, software, or professional development to improve the schools and the individuals he interacts with.

Tom received both his B.A. in Marketing and M.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Jodi Szuter

Specialist - Special Education

As the Special Education Specialist for School Health, Jodi Szuter ensures schools and classrooms are provided with the proper tools and equipment for an inclusive and accessible learning environment for students of all abilities.

Jodi’s extensive background in education, nationally and abroad, serves to support educators to find the best alternatives for students. Her past interactions with Assistive Technology, EdTech, Reading/Literacy, STEM, 3D/VR, Purchasing, Contracts, Nutrition, and more, make this a simple task when understanding an individual’s needs.

Bringing over 25 years of experience to School Health, Jodi has conducted hundreds of training sessions at various expos and educational spaces and consulted with companies in and out of the educational market. She is also certified in government contracting and has managed top level accounts in federal, state, and local government, including school districts, Homeland Security, NORAD, and more.

Jodi’s passion for special education stems from family and friends with differing abilities. Jodi advocates for solutions that impact learning in a positive manner and engaging students by providing them with an inclusive environment for the best opportunity to succeed.

Vince Pesavento, Paramedic

Specialist - Emergency Preparedness

Vince Pesavento is the Emergency Preparedness Specialist at School Health. He is responsible for directing facilities to outfit their locations with the best emergency equipment based on their needs. He also educates customers and support staff on the appropriate uses of a variety of emergency preparedness products.

Vince has over 25 years of experience in Fire and EMS. Before joining School Health in 2023, he served as the Coordinator of the Emergency Medical Technology and Emergency Services program for a junior college in River Grove, IL.

At School Health, Vince brings a passion for helping others and making a difference in his community. His extensive knowledge has helped customers stay current on upcoming innovations with the goal of promoting safety and emergency awareness in schools. His expertise in emergency situations will help educational facilities anticipate a multitude of possible crises.

Vince holds an Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) paramedic license, an Illinois Emergency Medical Lead Instructor license, and an M.B.A. from Northern Illinois University.