As part of a founding family, Anthony Mead knows what it is like to have an impact on the people around you. Growing up in Meadville, Pennsylvania (where the zipper was invented!), so named for his ancestors in the 1700’s, the reminder of their impact was felt everyday.
When it came time to decide his path in life, Anthony knew that having an impact, more specifically, a positive impact on people, was his north star.
With that in mind, Anthony was initially interested in studying radiology, so he enrolled at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania. Switching things up, he transferred to Pennsylvania State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology. After graduating, he determined that being a psychologist wasn’t in his best interest. He was able to shadow an occupational therapist, and using that eye-opening experience, went on to earn his own masters degree in occupational therapy from Chatham University, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
With occupational therapy potentially spanning the whole lifespan of a patient and everything within their daily life, the subfields that Anthony could specialize in were endless. He appreciated the creativity the field demanded. When faced with a deficit in their daily function, he thrived at coming up with methods to help that person complete those tasks, to make their life more seamless. Facing many open doors, Anthony began his career in Illinois, Facing many open doors, Anthony began his career in Illinois, working first at an assisted living facility, then within skilled nursing, then he transitioned to working at Mercy Hospital. When the pandemic hit, and he was furloughed from his job, Anthony knew it was a chance to try something new.
His wife, who is a speech therapist with experience working in schools, urged him to branch out and work with younger patients – something Anthony had always wanted to try. He took a job as an occupational therapist at Riley Elementary. Appreciating the challenge of a new role, and a new set of patient demands that stimulated his creative side, Anthony dove in.
After three years, he transferred to Hawthorne to join the district’s assistive technology and augmentative and alternative communications team. In this role, when a student needs a specialized tool – such as a pencil or chair – Anthony is there to procure the technology required, and teach the student and staff about how to use it. His goal is to find and use the best technology possible in order to help the student achieve success inside and outside the classroom.
Sometimes, this goal is further out of reach than others, but that does not stop Anthony. When a student is in need of a tool or device, he does his best and thoroughly researches. Faced with unfairly overpriced technology, he takes it into his own hands to create it himself. Anthony will craft the tool himself using his 3D printer, perfecting it to fit the students’ needs. His innovation not only saves money, but is a marker of his true dedication to each individual student he cares for. In
When he is not 3D printing impressively helpful tools at Hawthorne, or working one-on-one with students in the classroom, you can find Anthony practicing a peaceful life. Whether that’s working out at the gym, playing video games, or spending time with his wife, he can’t help but have the students and his next project on his mind.
In moments like these, Anthony’s work becomes more than just problem-solving; it becomes personal.
Part of what drives Anthony’s dedication comes from seeing firsthand how life-changing occupational therapy can be. He recalls working with a young girl diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a condition that left her needing to relearn basic daily functions. Through consistent support and adaptive strategies, he watched her regain abilities she once lost. Experiences like this reinforce the importance of patience, creativity, and persistence in his field.
That impact is something Anthony understands not only as a therapist, but on a human level. Seeing someone regain independence, whether it’s writing for the first time, participating in class, or simply completing everyday tasks, serves as a constant reminder of why he chose this path. It is not just about the tools he creates or the strategies he implements, but about restoring confidence and possibility in the lives of others.
In many ways, Anthony Mead continues the legacy he was born into. While his ancestors helped build a town, he builds something just as meaningful: opportunities for others to live more independently and fully. His work, driven by creativity and compassion, reflects a deeper purpose: to make a lasting, positive impact, one person at a time.
If you know someone who embodies the spirit and values of our school district — whether a student, staff member, or alumnus — we’d love to hear about them! Please send their name and a few details to [email protected] so we can consider featuring their story in an upcoming profile.
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