Meal With A Mentor

Robert “Rusty” Rittenhouse – BA 2002 Political Science and Pre Law from Ohio University in 2002, and graduated from The University of Dayton School of Law in 2005

Bio: Rittenhouse is the managing partner at the law firm of Lavelle and Rittenhouse, located in Athens, Ohio. His practice includes a wide range of matters including landlord-tenant litigation, business formation, personal injury actions, estate planning and administration, and real estate transactions. 

He is an Athens native and graduated from Athens High School in 1998. Rittenhouse received his bachelor's degree in political science from Ohio University in 2002 and graduated from The University of Dayton School of Law in 2005. 

For the last decade, Rittenhouse has also been on the Athens City School Board, as well as serving as the Acting Judge for the Athens County Municipal Court. 

I completed both my undergraduate and my grad degrees in the Ohio University Department of Social Work. During my time at Ohio University, I was also a four-year member of the Marching 110.

While studying Social Work, my focus was primarily on clinical mental health treatment and working with justice-involved individuals. I completed my undergraduate field placement with Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare and my Masters placement with a Community Based Correctional Facility.   

After graduation I moved to the Big Island of Hawaii for two years where I worked as a Social Worker for Hospice of Kona. I later decided to return to Ohio and during that time I worked as a Survivor Advocate for Ohio University’s Survivor Advocacy Program.

I am currently employed through Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services, and I work as a Chemical Dependency Specialist for the parole offices throughout southeast Ohio.

When I am not acting as a social worker, I enjoy attending Ohio University sporting events and watching the 110 perform. I also love motorcycles and spend most of my free time renovating my house. 

I earned my bachelor's degree in specialized studies, focusing on human biology and minoring in women and gender studies, with the initial goal of pursuing medical school. However, after graduation, I discovered a profound passion for working within the disabled community. My journey began when I shadowed a nurse at a home for men with disabilities, an experience that ignited my enthusiasm and led me to work with the state’s Board for Developmental Disabilities. 

My background in biology, with its emphasis on medical knowledge, has equipped me to better understand the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and their communities. Over the past decade, I have specialized in supporting children in various settings—including their homes, schools, and local communities. One of the most rewarding aspects of a degree in specialized studies is its versatility; it opens the door to a multitude of career paths. While my journey took an unexpected turn, I have been able to leverage my degree to create a fulfilling future. 

Today, I apply my skills and knowledge to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of children's lives. I am deeply grateful for the choices I have made and the impact I continue to have in this vital field.