Leadership
John Stack has spent his entire professional career working in the charter school industry, from teaching to being a school leader to overseeing all managerial operations for a network of 15+ schools across Ohio. He is a passionate educational choice advocate who has united leaders from across sectors to ensure excellence at Oakmont schools. A University of Mount Union graduate, John studied psychology and business and also earned a teaching license.
Bringing 15+ years of financial service experience, Rick Rockich has worked for both large and small companies, including Ernst & Young, Bank of America/Merrill Lynch and most recently Paradigm, where he served as CFO. A graduate of The University of Akron, he holds a B.S. in accountancy, an M.B.A. with a finance concentration and an M.S. in taxation. He also founded the Team Donnie Golf Outing, which has raised more than $80,000 for children touched by autism.
Cris Gulacy-Worrel holds an M.P.A. in public policy from Northwestern with an emphasis on education and has an impeccable knowledge of charter school policy, finance, development and administration. Prior to Oakmont, she worked at the Ohio Department of Education where she specialized in charter school funding, education policy and legislation. A passionate advocate, Gulacy-Worrel has also served as an expert panelist with local task forces and the NAPCS.
For nearly 15 years, Karen Wachter has worked exclusively in alternative education. With an M.A. in education from The University of Akron and an undergraduate degree from Kent State, special education teaching experience and a former position as the director of our Towpath Trail High School, she has a profound understanding of the needs of students who have chosen to look outside of the traditional educational setting to achieve success.
Larry has 15 years of experience in alternative education with 10 years as a High School Director and Superintendent. He earned his undergraduate degree from Miami University (Oxford) and his M.A. in Education from The University of Akron. Larry is a dedicated leader with a vested interest in creating educational and career opportunities for today’s youth. Larry believes in the power of education and community, and it is his passion to express the importance both must play in the overall development and success of the whole student.
Tim has more than 20 years of experience working in the operations side of businesses in both small companies and large companies. Tim's expertise in facilities management ranges from engineering design to operations management. He has a passion for leadership and putting systems in place that can allow others to focus on their passions. Tim holds a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering degree from Pennsylvania State University.
Dr. Jerry Farley is a trained special educator with more than 35 years of experience, including roles as a direct care worker, classroom teacher, building administrator and school superintendent. Uniting comprehensive support, industry credentialing and hands-on job experience, Jerry develops programs that provide students with the opportunity to realize their unique “life after high school” dreams while ensuring the ability to earn a sustainable living wage. He holds a Doctor of Education from East Tennessee State University with a focus in educational leadership and policy analysis, as well as a B.A. and M.A. in special education from Belmont Abbey College.
With 15 years of experience, Elisha Bryant is the Executive Director of Special Education for Oakmont Education. She has spent 10 years working exclusively in the education setting, and the last five years in Special Education Administration and Program Management. Elisha received her B.S. with a major in special education and minor in psychology from Cleveland State University and a curriculum and instruction M.S. from Ashland University. She began work as a special education teacher in 2004 and has worked in both traditional and charter school districts in Ohio. In 2013, Elisha became an Assistant Special Education Coordinator for a group of charter schools where she coordinated and supervised services for 10+ schools and became familiar with the daily operations of charter schools. Elisha is a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Council for Exceptional Children. She is committed to improving programs and achievement outcomes for students with disabilities.
Leigh Ann King has more than 15 years of experience in education exclusive to dropout recovery, AmeriCorps and YouthBuild programs. Leigh Ann implemented her first community school STNA program in 2009. She has consulted for 35+ community schools, statewide, for their EMIS, CTE and Federal Programs needs. Leigh Ann attended the Ohio State University where she earned B.A.s in accounting and finance, while also completing school treasurer courses.
With over 18 years of experience working in alternative education, Markita Roberts, is a true advocate of school choice. She is passionate about ensuring schools comply with all regulatory guidelines, rules, and laws. Her ethical and principled leaderships is focused on providing schools with proactive support in identifying, preventing, monitoring, and resolving school compliance issues. Markita graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Ball State University in Muncie, IN, where she was also a Division I basketball player.
Jason is the Corporate Services Manager for Oakmont Education and is the definition of a super utility player. One of his many responsibilities includes office management where he maintains the day-to-day operations at Oakmont’s headquarters in Akron, Ohio. He is responsible for food service management in all of our schools and is actively involved with school safety. Jason also plans all of the company-wide events and training sessions for professional development. These duties require Jason to be a key communicator with management and school staff, as well as with our many school board members across the network.