WPSD Alumni Association Honors Brian Kitchen as 2026 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year
The WPSD Alumni Association selected Brian Kitchen, Class of 1991, as the 2026 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year. Brian was recognized at a celebratory dinner held on June 11, 2026, prior to the Commencement Ceremony, in recognition of his dedication and enduring contributions to the Deaf community.
After graduating from the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf with the Class of 1991, Brian Kitchen pursued postsecondary education at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at Rochester Institute of Technology, where he initially studied Medical Laboratory Technology. After six months, he realized the program was not the right fit for him and, facing financial challenges, chose to step away. He spent the next several years exploring his career goals and seeking a path aligned with his interests and values.
In 1998, Brian relocated to California. A couple of years later, he enrolled at Modesto Junior College in Modesto, California. One of the first courses he took was a psychology class, Human Sexuality, which sparked a deep and lasting interest in understanding human behavior. This experience confirmed psychology as his true passion, and he earned his Associate of Arts degree from this college in 2002.
Brian returned to Pittsburgh to continue his education at Point Park University, where he immersed himself in psychology coursework. In 2007, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.
In October 2007, Brian began his professional career at Pressley Ridge School for the Deaf in Pittsburgh as a Teacher Counselor, working with Deaf children with behavioral challenges. After approximately three years, he was promoted to Master Teacher Counselor. During his tenure at Pressley Ridge, he also worked part-time at PAHrtners Deaf Services as a Residential Advisor, supporting Deaf adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His leadership skills quickly became evident, and he was soon asked to lead the organization’s day program.
Brian later accepted the opportunity to oversee a Habilitation Program at PAHrtners Deaf Services, further expanding his responsibilities and impact. In 2018, he was promoted to Program Director of Residential Services. At that time, he transitioned fully from Pressley Ridge School for the Deaf, carrying forward the invaluable lessons and experiences he had gained working with children and families.
In 2021, Brian was promoted to Operations Director following RHA Health Services’ acquisition of PAHrtners Deaf Services. In 2022, he assumed the role of IDD Group Homes Program Manager. Several years later, recognizing his extensive experience, leadership, and commitment to the Deaf community, Brian was encouraged to apply for the position of Executive Director for RHA Health Services–PAHrtners Deaf Services. In December 2025, he began his new role as Executive Director.
On behalf of the WPSD Alumni Association, we congratulate Brian Kitchen on this well-deserved recognition, his outstanding achievements, commitment to service, and inspiring life story.