Independence Local Schools is pleased to welcome seven outstanding educators and staff members who will join the district for the 2026-27 school year. Bringing experience in teaching, student support, counseling, psychology, and administration, the newest members of the Blue Devil family will help continue the district's commitment to providing exceptional educational experiences for every student.
"We are excited to welcome these talented professionals to Independence Local Schools," said Superintendent Kelli Cogan. "Each of them brings unique experiences, expertise, and a passion for serving students. Their dedication to building meaningful relationships and supporting academic excellence will strengthen our schools and help us continue cultivating a legacy of excellence. We look forward to the positive impact they will have on our students, staff, and community."
Joy Lewis, Kindergarten Teacher
Lewis is an experienced early education teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Ohio University (2004). Lewis has extensive teaching experience, including serving as a Reading Intervention Tutor (2025-2026), long-term substitute Kindergarten Teacher (2024-2025), and long-term substitute First-Grade Teacher (2021-2025) at Independence Primary School, as well as a Third-Grade Teacher at Old Brooklyn Community School. During her tenure, she received an Excellent Rating. Additionally, Lewis currently serves as the Executive Director of the Breast Cancer Fund of Ohio, a nonprofit that supports people facing the hardships of cancer treatment by providing emergency financial assistance.
Lacey Luikart, Middle School Math Teacher
Luikart is known as a dedicated and student-centered math teacher with diverse experience. She holds a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University (2025) and a Bachelor of Science in Middle Childhood Education from The Ohio State University (2021). Previously, Luikart worked as a Seventh-Grade Math Teacher (2023-2026) at Robert Smalls Leadership Academy in Beaufort, South Carolina, where she also served as the Junior Varsity Cheerleading Coach (2025-2026). In addition, Luikart was a Fourth-Grade Teacher (2021-2023) at Highland Elementary School in Marengo, Ohio.
Campbell McFerren, Reading Intervention Tutor
McFerren is ready to begin her educational career with Independence Local Schools. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Inclusive Early Childhood Education (2026) from Bowling Green State University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Previously, McFerren served as a Kindergarten/First-Grade Intervention Student Teacher (2026) at Starr Elementary School, a Substitute Teacher (2024-2026) at Nordonia City Schools, and a Second-Grade Student Teacher at Coy Elementary School.
Brandi McVety, High School Counselor
McVety is an experienced school counselor with over a decade of practice in education. She holds a Master of Education in School Counseling from John Carroll University (2024), a Masters of Science in Mathematics from Ohio University (2013), a Bachelor of Science in Physics (2009) from Otterbein University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (2009) from Otterbein University. Previous experience includes serving as a School Counselor at Lorain High School Success Academy (2024-2026), long-term substitute School Counselor at Independence High School (2024), as well as School Counseling Internships with North Olmsted Schools (2022-2023), and Program Coordinator (2016-2020, 2021-2023) and Acting Director (2020-2021) of the Bonner Scholars Program at Oberlin College and Conservatory.
Danielle Pizzurro, Central Office Administrative Assistant
Pizzurro is an experienced professional who holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Communications from John Carroll University (2007). Previously, Pizzurro served as a Sales Professional at Stericycle and in various departments at Cintas Corporation, where she exceeded multiple sales quotas and ranked in the top 20% of sales professionals nationwide for over a decade.
Leslie Radloff, School Psychologist
Radloff is a trusted School Psychologist with deep knowledge of early childhood and middle school education and experience in Integrated Multi-Tiered System of Supports (IMTSS) implementation and Individualized Education Plan (IEP) processes. She holds an Education Specialist degree (2019) in Child, Family, and School Psychology from the University of Denver and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (2015) from Malone University. Previous experience includes serving as a Special Education Coordinator (2025-2026) at Berea City School District; a School Psychologist (2021-2025) at Independence Local Schools; and a School Psychologist (2019-2021) at Seattle Public Schools in Seattle, Washington.
Hilary Sahli, High School Math Teacher
Sahli is an experienced educator with knowledge in curriculum development and in-class instruction. She holds a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Aurora University in Wisconsin and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics & English from Houghton College in New York. Previously, Sahli served as a long-term substitute Math Teacher (2025-2026) at Independence Middle School and High School; as a freelance Subject Matter Expert and Writer (2013-2025), where she created new teacher edition Algebra I units for OpenStax and developed Eighth-Grade Math through Calculus coursework for Florida schools; and served as a Seventh-Grade Math Teacher at Wayne Local Schools, among other positions.
Erikka Strozewski, Data Management & Accountability Coordinator
Strozeski brings more than 20 years of experience in data management, operations, and educational support to Independence Local Schools. Most recently, she served as EMIS and Accountability Coordinator for Elyria City Schools, where she managed state reporting, analyzed student data, coordinated statewide testing, and supported district accountability efforts. Prior to that role, she worked as an administrative assistant in Elyria's Academic Services Department, overseeing PowerSchool data management and providing operational support. Strozeski also has professional experience in banking, healthcare communications, and library services. She holds bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Business Administration from The University of Akron and is a Certified EMIS Coordinator.
Heather Bedzyk, Payroll Specialist
Bedzyk joins Independence Local Schools as Payroll Specialist, bringing valuable experience in school finance and payroll administration from her previous role at the Educational Service Center. Over the past several months, she has worked closely alongside longtime Payroll Specialist Barb Bedzyk to ensure a seamless transition for the district's employees. Known for her strong commitment to customer service and attention to detail, Heather looks forward to supporting Independence Local Schools' staff while helping maintain the accurate and efficient payroll services they rely on. As she begins her new role, she is excited to become part of the Independence Schools community and continue building relationships across the district.