This year, as we welcome many new teachers and administrators to our district, it’s important to note that most of these hires are a result of retirements—many from staff who dedicated decades of service to our schools. While faces may change, our focus remains the same: providing excellence, student-centered education rooted in pride, tradition, and community.
Please take a moment to read through their biographies to learn more about the talented individuals who are now supporting your students' learning journey. Their combined expertise in everything from STEM education and special needs support to career development and inclusive practices represents the high caliber of educators we are proud to have on our team.
Emily Bennett
District School Psychologist
Bennett is an experienced and dedicated school psychologist and doctoral candidate at Kent State University, with a strong background in supporting students’ behavioral, emotional, and academic needs. Previously, she served as a School Psychologist (Grades K-5) at Bedford City School District, where she managed intensive caseloads, conducted assessments, and co-chaired their Multi-Tiered System of Support Teams (MTSS). Prior to that, Bennett completed a school psychology internship with Olmsted Falls City Schools (Grades 1-3 and 9-12), where she led professional development, coordinated themed mental health months, and provided direct counseling services. Her earlier roles included teaching and research assistant at Kent State University, coaching girl’s lacrosse at Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools, and Program Director at a support program for youth. She is also a published author in school psychology and has earned awards for mentorship and collaboration.
Garcar is an educational leader with over 13 years of experience in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District, where she served as International Baccalaureate (IB) Coordinator. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) Coordinator, she has successfully led multiple schools through IB World School authorization and maintains programs across elementary and middle school levels. Recently nominated for Teacher of the Year 2024, Melissa brings 20 years of classroom teaching experience and expertise in professional development and curriculum implementation. She holds a Master's degree in Education from John Carroll University and a Bachelor's degree in Communication from Ohio State University, with current Ohio certifications as a Master Teacher and Teacher Leader.
Lozier is a secondary English teacher with diverse experience across multiple grade levels and educational settings. She previously taught 9th-10th grade English at Osbourn Park High School in Virginia, where she developed instructional materials that aligned with state standards and implemented differentiated, project-based learning approaches. Lozier holds a Master's degree in Secondary English Education from the University of Pittsburgh (2019-2020) and a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from the University of Akron (2014-2018). Her experience includes teaching 6th grade English, serving as an intern teacher for 9th-11th grades, and working as a Job Coach for high school students with disabilities, demonstrating her commitment to supporting diverse learners and fostering student independence.
Quinn is a school counselor with comprehensive experience in both mental health and educational settings. She holds a Master's degree in Education from John Carroll University (2022) and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology (2020), with current Ohio School Counselor License. Quinn brings extensive counseling experience from Madison High School, where she served as both a Building Substitute and Long Term School Counseling Substitute, managing classroom activities, leading scheduling sessions, providing crisis counseling, and coordinating senior graduation progress and scholarship programs. She also gained valuable experience as a Counseling Intern at Bay Village High School, working with grades 9-12 on social-emotional and academic issues. Additionally, Caroline served as Mental Health Direct Care Staff at Bellefaire JCB, providing therapeutic interventions and crisis support. Her professional development includes memberships in multiple counseling associations and specialized training in areas such as college admission counseling, child abuse prevention, and domestic violence intervention.
Silvestro is a dedicated Intervention Specialist with a strong background in supporting students with diverse learning needs through evidence-based practices. He holds a Teaching License in Special Education from Cleveland State University (2021) and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science (2018). Matt brings comprehensive experience from the Positive Education Program in Cleveland, where he served as an Intervention Specialist (2021-2024), Associate Teacher Counselor (2020-2021), and Classroom Associate (2019-2020), developing vocational programs, creating adapted materials, implementing behavior intervention plans, and utilizing various assessment tools to track student progress. He also worked as a Teacher Assistant at Monarch Center for Autism, providing 1:1 support for students with intense behavioral needs. Matt has been recognized as Prentiss Teacher of the Year 2023 and has volunteer experience as a Camp Counselor, demonstrating his commitment to fostering positive environments for personal growth and development.
Richardson is a dedicated educator with a Master's in Reading Education from Ohio University (2025) and a Bachelor’s of Education with a major in Intervention Specialist (Mild to Moderate) from Ohio University (2024). Richardson previously taught full-time at Tri-County Career Center, where she managed a diverse caseload of 16 students while co-teaching 11th grade math and language arts classes. Richardson’s background spans multiple educational settings, from high school mathematics instruction to elementary emotional support classrooms, where she has demonstrated expertise in differentiated instruction, Individualized Education Program (IEP) development, and collaborative teaching. Claire is committed to ensuring student success through individualized support and evidence-based instructional practices.
Tomins is a dedicated middle school educator with a Bachelor of Science in Education from Kent State University (2024) and currently pursuing a Master's in Literacy and Language at Miami University. She holds Ohio teaching licenses in Middle Childhood Language Arts and Reading, as well as Mathematics. Previously serving as a 7th Grade English Language Arts Teacher and Team Leader at Hillside Middle School, Tomins facilitates standards-aligned instruction for 88-minute daily classes while implementing culturally responsive teaching practices and trauma-informed approaches. Her experience includes differentiated instruction for diverse learners, data-driven instruction modification, and collaborative team leadership. Tomins has demonstrated excellence through multiple academic honors including the Kent State Academic Achievement Award and Dean's List recognition, and brings additional experience working with English language learners and diverse student populations. She is committed to creating inclusive, engaging learning environments that support all students' academic and emotional growth.
Benyo is an experienced middle school counselor with a Master of Science in School Counseling from the University of Akron (2019) and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a Psychology minor from Geneva College (2016). Previously serving as a middle school counselor at Stow Munroe Falls City School District, Julia brings expertise in crisis intervention, academic advising, and implementing comprehensive counseling programs aligned with ASCA national standards. Her experience spans multiple educational settings, including previous roles at Constellation Schools where she provided tiered interventions, Response to Intervention (RTI) support, and crisis intervention services. Julia holds extensive certifications including 504 Coordinator, Crisis Team Member, and Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) Facilitator, demonstrating her commitment to holistic student support. She excels in building strong relationships with students, staff, and families while fostering safe, inclusive learning environments that promote both academic success and emotional well-being through unconditional positive regard and collaborative approaches.
Vucenovic is a dedicated middle school educator currently pursuing a Generalist Endorsement and holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with Middle Childhood specializations in Science and English Language Arts (4-9) at Baldwin Wallace University (2025). She holds Ohio teaching licenses in Middle Childhood Education and Generalist (4-6) areas. Vucenovic previously completed her clinical practice at Garfield Middle School teaching 8th grade Science and English Language Arts, which demonstrated expertise in differentiated instruction, technology integration, and collaborative learning approaches. Her extensive field experience includes internships at The Academy of Saint Bartholomew and Mary Queen of Peace School, where she developed skills in classroom management, targeted interventions, and data-driven instruction. She is committed to creating inclusive learning environments that support diverse student needs through hands-on learning and positive relationship building.
Jenkins is an experienced middle school science educator with a strong background in STEM instruction and student engagement. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Middle Childhood Education with a focus on Science and Social Studies from Kent State University and maintains current teaching licensure for grades 4-9 in Science, Social Studies, and Reading. Jenkins has taught science across multiple grade levels, including her previous role as a 6th Grade Science Teacher at Northwest Middle School, where she has successfully coordinated with special education units and received skilled ratings on state evaluations. Her diverse experience includes developing innovative STEM curriculum, coaching high school track and cross country teams, and serving as a summer camp counselor specializing in marine environmental education. Her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom through extensive volunteer work, including over 80 hours of community service and mental health advocacy programs.
Baeder is a dedicated special education professional with over 8 years of experience creating inclusive and dynamic learning environments for students with diverse needs. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Middle Childhood Education Mathematics and Science from Hiram College (graduated with honors), a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction: Intervention Specialist from Ashland University, and has completed Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) endorsement from the University of Akron. Previously serving as an Intervention Specialist for Multiple Disabilities at Lorain City Schools, Baeder specializes in implementing assistive technologies and developing comprehensive Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with moderate to intensive needs. Her expertise spans from K-2 emotional disturbance intervention to middle school mathematics and science education, consistently demonstrating her ability to adapt teaching strategies, analyze student progress through data-driven assessments, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
Dlugolinski is an experienced primary educator with 15 years of comprehensive teaching experience across preschool, kindergarten, and elementary grades. She holds a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from American College of Education and a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Bowling Green State University, along with Ohio state certification in Early Childhood Education (Pre-K-3rd grade). Dlugolinski's extensive experience includes serving as a long-term substitute preschool teacher at Independence Primary School, where she implemented developmentally appropriate activities using Ohio's Early Learning Standards, and previous roles as a first and third grade teacher at East Lake Elementary School in Florida, where she successfully implemented standards-based instruction in English Language Arts and collaborated in team-teaching models. Her expertise spans working with diverse student populations including English-Language Learner and gifted students, serving as a Professional Learning Community (PLC) facilitator for intensive interventions, and developing comprehensive lesson plans in reading, writing, and social studies.
Aranavage is a dedicated educator and recent graduate from Ohio University with a Bachelor's degree in Integrated Language Arts Education (December 2024) and current Ohio teaching certification for Adolescence to Young Adult/High School (7-12) in Integrated Language Arts/English. He brings valuable leadership and mentoring experience from his role as Director of Red Barn at Red Oak Camp, where he supervised staff, coordinated daily operations, and fostered positive youth development in a residential camp setting. His classroom experience includes substitute teaching with Brookline Public Schools, where he implemented effective classroom management techniques and adapted instruction to meet diverse student needs. Aranavage demonstrates a strong commitment to student-centered learning through his educational philosophy emphasizing empathy, differentiated instruction, and inclusive practices that address varying academic abilities and learning styles.
Cardarelli is an experienced Intervention Specialist and Educator with over 15 years in special education, previously serving as a Wilson Reading Teacher in the Berea City School District since 2019. She holds a Master's of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Reading from Cleveland State University and possesses certifications including Wilson Reading System Level 1, Reading Endorsement, and Mild/Moderate Intervention Specialist. Throughout her career, Cardarelli has specialized in individualized lesson planning, Individualized Education Program (IEP) development, and implementing evidence-based interventions for students with diverse learning needs, including those with autism and multiple disabilities. Her expertise spans various instructional methods such as phonics, fluency strategies, the Wilson Reading System, Picture Exchange Communication System, and sign language, while consistently collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including teachers, therapists, and parents to create inclusive learning environments that support both academic and social growth for students with special needs.
Sánchez is an experienced Spanish educator with over nine years of teaching experience in diverse educational settings, previously serving as a Spanish Teacher at Nordonia High School since 2019. She holds a Master of Education with Educational Technology Endorsement and Spanish K-12 teaching license from Baldwin Wallace University, along with dual Bachelor's degrees in Spanish and Theatre from The Ohio State University, complemented by extensive international experience including study abroad programs in Mexico and Spain and work as a Cultural Ambassador in Madrid. Her comprehensive teaching expertise spans Spanish levels 1-3, Honors, and College Prep courses, with demonstrated proficiency in culturally rich, cross-curricular instruction that incorporates music, dance, art, and technology to engage diverse learners. Sánchez excels in collaborative environments, actively participating in Professional Learning Communities for curriculum development and data analysis, while also supporting English Language Learners, facilitating after-school tutoring programs, and serving as a vital communication bridge between Spanish-speaking families and school staff.