Director of Healthy Learning

Pecola Abele, MPH, is the Director of Healthy Learning at Women for a Healthy Environment (WHE). In this role, she oversees the organization’s statewide programs focused on improving environmental health in schools and early learning centers across Pennsylvania. Pecola also leads various research initiatives and works closely with educators and administrators to create healthier, safer learning environments for children. 

With a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from East Tennessee State University, Pecola’s educational background uniquely equips her to address the intersection of health, education, and environmental safety. Her early career as a school-based speech-language pathologist gave her first-hand experience understanding the critical link between student health and learning outcomes, particularly how environmental factors can influence academic performance and development. 

Pecola’s expertise in health and education directly aligns with the content of the Healthy Schools Recognition Program. Her knowledge of environmental hazards, such as indoor air quality, lead exposure, and radon, coupled with her leadership in promoting research-based solutions, enables her to provide practical strategies for schools to create healthier, more sustainable learning spaces. Pecola’s work is grounded in the belief that improving environmental health in schools benefits student well-being and enhances academic achievement and school performance.