Ruth Kistner is an Education Paralegal with Wolpert, Vernon & Gordon LLP, where she works closely with the firm’s attorneys in representing students and families in special education and civil rights matters. With more than thirty years of experience in special education, Ruth brings extensive knowledge of educational programming, curriculum development, and individualized instruction for students with disabilities.
As part of the firm’s Education Law & Civil Rights Litigation Practice Group, Ruth reviews and analyzes educational records, individualized education programs (IEPs), evaluations, progress monitoring data, and other educational documents to assist the firm’s attorneys in developing litigation strategies and advocating for appropriate educational services. Her experience provides valuable insight into educational best practices, program implementation, and compliance with federal and state special education laws. She also works closely with families, helping them better understand complex educational issues and the special education process.
Before joining the firm, Ruth spent more than three decades serving students with disabilities and their families in Pennsylvania public schools. She began her career as a certified special education teacher before becoming a Special Education Program Specialist, where she provided professional development and training to educators on curriculum implementation, IEP development, instructional strategies, and progress monitoring for students across a broad range of ages and disabilities. Throughout her career, Ruth worked collaboratively with educators, administrators, and families to develop and implement individualized educational programs designed to meet each student’s unique needs.
Ruth is deeply committed to ensuring that students with disabilities receive the educational supports and services to which they are entitled. Her decades of practical experience in special education provide valuable perspective in the firm’s representation of students and families.
Ruth received her Bachelor of Science in Special Education K-12 from the University of Maryland and her Master of Science in Elementary Education K-6 from Arcadia University.