Meet Our Envision Team
Wendy Fagan
Executive Director & Founder
Wendy brings over 30 years of experience and education in adapted physical activity, specializing in sports for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania while competing on the field hockey team, she went on to complete her master’s degree in Adapted Physical education from Texas Woman’s University.
Throughout her career, Wendy has combined her passion for teaching and athletics, teaching Adapted Physical Activity at Slippery Rock University. She has coached goalball at the local, state, national, and international level and was part of the coaching staff for the 1996 USA women’s Goalball team in the Atlanta Paralympics. Fueled by her love of sports, she’s made it her mission to make athletics accessible for all.
As Wendy continued to grow and travel within the world of blind sports, she eventually settled in Western Pennsylvania with her husband, Mark, where they raised four children and built the life-changing program that is Envision Blind Sports. You can find Wendy happiest when she’s on skis, with her family, or with our athletes.
Jillian Stringfellow
Program Director
Jillian began her journey with Envision in 2016 as a volunteer while pursuing her master’s in Adapted Physical Activity at Slippery Rock University. Originally from Alabama, she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama before moving north to continue her education and professional development. During her six years at SRU, she worked as the project coordinator for the Transition Achievement Program while also creating a connection to Envision Blind Sports and Wendy Fagan. During that time, she also earned her second master’s degree in Health and Physical Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2021.
Her passion for adapted sports and programs led her to become a part-time program coordinator for Envision while working as an Adapted Physical Education Teacher in Chicago. A firm believer in Envision’s mission, Jillian later committed to Envision full time and was named Program Director in 2025.
Sports and recreation have always been a central part of Jillian’s life and she’s proud to share that passion with athletes who are blind and visually impaired. Jillian believes that “sports and recreation have lifelong benefits and our athletes get the chance to feel the joy and lasting impact they provide.” Outside of being Envision’s biggest fan, she’s always cheering on her beloved Alabama Crimson Tide, exploring Chicago with her puppy, or relaxing at home with her cat. Roll Tide!
Ben Friday
Program Manager
Ben’s journey with Envision began in 2012 while he was pursuing his graduate degree at Slippery Rock University. Invited by his instructor, Wendy Fagan, he joined the VIP Sports ski program (now Envision Blind Sports) as a blind guide and has been a dedicated part of the Envision family ever since. Over the years, Ben has held several roles that have all contributed to Envision’s continued growth and success. Today, he serves as Envision’s Program Manager, overseeing the ski program and coordinating one of Envision’s largest annual fundraisers, the Frank Barnes Memorial Golf Outing.
Ben loves combining his passion for skiing with his commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities. “There are few better feelings in the world than helping someone who is blind or visually impaired ski down a mountain,” he says, “The smiles from both the athletes and the parents are priceless to me.” His love for the program and all of the athletes, volunteers, and families drives his dedication to Envision’s mission year after year.
Alongside his position at Envision, Ben works as a Principal Consultant at M2 Strategy where he provides portfolio and project management expertise to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). When he’s not at work, you can usually find him in the mountains or on the water with family and friends.
Emma Wilson
Communications & Administrative Specialist
Emma joined Envision in 2023 after graduating from Penn State, where she earned her degree in Media Studies from the College of Communications. During her time at Penn State, she served as a Social Media Coordinator Intern for the Nittany Lions’ swim and dive program and was an active member of the Association of Women in Sports Media (AWSM), where she grew her skills in digital communication and media strategy.
Before stepping into the world of blind sports, Emma spent more than 10 years as a swim instructor and coach. She brings 15 years of competitive swimming experience, including time as a collegiate swimmer at the University of Pittsburgh before transferring to Penn State to pursue her degree and her passion for sports media.
At Envision, Emma blends her communication expertise with her lifelong love of athletics, managing social media, web content, and the Envision Charity Team for Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend each year. Her favorite days are the ones spent working directly with athletes, especially in the pool. She deeply admires the joy that sport and movement can give to individuals of all abilities and is proud to help bring the Envision mission to life every day. Outside of work, Emma enjoys cooking up some delicious meals and spending time with her cat and family.
