LEADERSHIP
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.
Ruth has been an educator since 1995, both in schools and as a trainer in the corporate world. However, working with school-age children is where Ruth's greatest passion lies. She has been in the DOR charter school world since January 2004 where she has worked as a teacher, Academic Coach, and Assistant Principal. When she was presented with the opportunity to join Oakmont Education's Special Education Leadership team in the summer of 2023, Ruth excitedly accepted the opportunity and has been working with and supporting the schools' special education and Section 504 teams across the Oakmont network. She says she "totally loves" her position and enjoys the chance to see the students and staff grow and excel. When she isn't working, Ruth enjoys watching sports (she is a huge fan of the Cleveland teams and Syracuse University men's basketball), attending theater shows, creating paper crafts, and spending time with her family.
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.
Throughout Amy's career in dropout recovery, my drive has been to meet students where they are and provide the support they need to graduate. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Mild-Moderate Special Education (K-12) from the University of Akron. At Towpath Trail High School, she served as an Intervention Specialist for three years before transitioning into the Assistant Director role for nine years.
During this time, her passion for Multi-Tiered Systems of Support led her to obtain a master’s degree in Special Education Leadership with a focus on MTSS from Michigan State University.
Currently, Amy is the Assistant Director of Special Education with Oakmont Education. In this dual role, she supports schools with both special education and MTSS frameworks. Oakmont shares her dedication to student success, which is why she loves her work here. Outside of work, Amy enjoys traveling, gardening, and spending time with her family.
Stacey Cassidy is a results-driven marketing professional with a passion for education. As the Director of Marketing at Oakmont Education, she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the team. Stacey's strategic vision and innovative ideas have driven significant growth in enrollment and engagement for the organization. She is a tenacious marketing professional that maximizes opportunities by developing creative business strategies that employ superior campaigns, events & incentives that engage internal stakeholders and customers alike. Stacey holds a Bachelor of Science in Advertising from Kent State University and a Master of Arts from Savannah College of Art and Design. Her unique combination of marketing expertise and educational background make her an asset to the Oakmont Education team.
As School Marketing Specialist at Oakmont Education, Adrian helps bring each school’s unique story to life through creative, strategic marketing. She supports Oakmont Education’s growing network of schools by executing on-the-ground marketing initiatives and managing digital content. From maintaining engaging websites and social media channels to coordinating branded SWAG and enrollment campaigns, she ensures every touchpoint reflects the heart of each school. Passionate about storytelling and community engagement, she plays a key role in helping families discover the exceptional educational experiences that make Oakmont schools stand out.
Clinton Cooper is a Data Scientist and data engineer at Oakmont Education, where he serves as the primary technical architect behind the organization's analytics infrastructure. Clinton owns the data warehouse and reporting pipeline, building the systems and dashboards that school and network leaders rely on for day-to-day operational decisions — from enrollment and attendance to retention and academic performance. He also leads the geospatial and site selection modeling work that informs Oakmont's network expansion strategy.
Clinton brings expertise across data engineering, statistical modeling, GIS and spatial analysis, and business intelligence. Prior to Oakmont, he built his career in data roles at JP Morgan Chase and the Akron Metro Transit Agency, developing a strong foundation in large-scale data systems and applied analytics across both the private and public sectors. He is passionate about building practical data infrastructure that helps organizations make better decisions.
Meet Jeannine Coutts, ESL Department Chair at Oakmont Education! With 33 years of experience in education, Jeannine brings a wealth of knowledge, energy, and heart to her work with English Language Learners at Marshall High School, main campus. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Bilingual-Multicultural Education and a master’s degree in TESOL, and she has spent years supporting educators and students in leadership roles—including eight years as an LPDC chair.
Jeannine believes great teaching starts with getting to know each student and helping them connect learning to their interests and goals. She loves using technology, collaboration, creativity, and a little fun to keep students engaged and growing. Outside the classroom, her leadership experience includes scouting, coaching, and extracurricular programs. As department chair, Jeannine is excited to support colleagues, share ideas, and build a collaborative ESL community where everyone can thrive!
With over 20 years of experience in alternative education, Jaeda has served in a variety of leadership roles, including High School Principal/Director and leading Social & Emotional Learning initiatives. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Psychology from North Carolina A&T State University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from The University of Akron.
Jaeda is passionate about exposing young people to the wide range of opportunities available to them and equipping them with the tools and support needed to thrive in their own unique ways. Through her leadership, her goal is to empower school leaders and staff to ensure that every student is prepared for success beyond high school.
The Director of Social Emotional Learning is a key administrative role responsible for the strategic design, implementation, and oversight of the school's behavioral and emotional health framework, bridging academics and student well-being. This position drives strategy and compliance by selecting the unified SEL curriculum and developing district-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) frameworks and disciplinary procedures to ensure equitable student treatment.
The Director monitors behavioral data, such as office referrals and suspension rates, conducts quarterly "SEL Audits" for PBIS fidelity, and provides monthly updates on safety and social-emotional growth metrics to the school board. They also oversee tools like Branching Minds to streamline the Integrated Multi-Tiered System of Supports (IMTSS).
The role includes instructional support through partnering with teachers to integrate SEL into core academics and designing professional development on restorative practices and trauma-informed care. Furthermore, they manage behavioral intervention by conducting observations, collaborating with the Special Education team on Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP), and consulting on complex student cases and high-tier behavioral escalations.
Chef Claudia Diaz is the Culinary Instructor at Frederick Douglass High School in Cleveland. She was the pioneer for the Culinary Program for Oakmont Education that started back in the Spring of 2022 and was instrumental in its launching and developing. She trains and onboard the new recruits’ instructors where she cast the vision Oakmont Education has implemented. She is an active member of the American Culinary Federation in the Cleveland, Akron Chapter where she has served in diverse leadership roles like Chair to the Chef to Child program and Vice President. In 2023 she obtained her Certified Executive Chef Certification with ACF. She enjoys her time in the kitchen where she strives to inspire passion and excellence. Born and raised in Mexico she is fully bilingual and knowledgeable of the Latin/Spanish culture.
Dan Galletti serves as the Science Teacher at Frederick Douglass High School - Euclid Campus, where he has educated and inspired students for five years. Expanding his leadership footprint this academic year, Dan is also serving as Oakmont's Science Department Chair. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Bowling Green State University and has spent a lifetime exploring and learning about science, astronomy, and space exploration. Dan thrives on fostering that same curiosity in others and breaking down big ideas for learners of all ages. When he isn't in the classroom or leading department initiatives, Dan shares his love for space with a global audience as the creator and host of an educational social media channel focused on rockets and space science across YouTube and X.
Mike is a results-driven Chief Technology Officer with 21 years of experience leading technology initiatives in K–12 education. He specializes in strategic planning, digital transformation, cybersecurity, infrastructure modernization, and instructional technology integration. Mike has extensive experience managing scaling IT operations, multi-site networks, cloud migrations, data governance, and cross-functional teams while aligning technology with academic and organizational goals. He is recognized for building secure, scalable, and sustainable technology ecosystems that support equitable access, personalized learning, and data-informed decision-making. His expertise includes vendor management, budgeting, compliance, disaster recovery, and stakeholder engagement with educators, administrators, boards, and community partners. Passionate about innovation, Mike is committed to empowering students and educators through mission-driven technology leadership and continuous improvement. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Media Production and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a focus in Information Security.
Before being hired at Towpath Trail High School Barberton Campus, Ashley Green was a Union Carpenter for 10+ years, graduating from the Joint Apprenticeship Trade Program (JATC) in Richfield, Ohio. She currently teaches Advanced Manufacturing and teaches her students safety and maintenance skills while doing hands-on training with the 3D printer, Laser Engraver, and the Roland VersaStudio. Ashley is currently a student at Tri-C Community College pursuing more education of applied science in applied technology with a concentration in Construction Management. She is a mom of 4 and enjoys going on vacations to the beach with my kids and camping!
Sarah Grimm is passionate about workforce development and creating opportunities that help students build meaningful futures. As the South CTE Quality Liaison, she brings over 10 years of experience managing Department of Labor YouthBuild, WIOA Youth, and AmeriCorps grants, along with 8 years of experience leading Career Technical Education programs. Sarah earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton, is a Certified Workforce Development Professional, and has dedicated her career to building strong CTE programs, developing work-based learning opportunities, and strengthening partnerships between schools, employers, and communities. Her expertise in program management, organizational leadership, and instructor support helps create successful learning environments for both educators and students. Early in her career, Sarah realized many students simply “don’t know what they don’t know” when it comes to career opportunities, which continues to fuel her passion for helping students discover pathways and possibilities beyond what they may have imagined for themselves.
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.
Morgan Hansen is entering her sixth year teaching Social Studies at Towpath Trail High School East in Akron, Ohio. For the 2026–2027 school year, she is excited to serve as Social Studies Department Chair and looks forward to leading, collaborating, and working alongside a wonderful team of educators. Morgan is licensed in Integrated Social Studies (7th–12th) and Mild/Moderate Intervention (K–12). Her background in special education has strengthened her ability to support diverse learners and recognize their academic and social-emotional needs. Morgan believes students thrive in classrooms built on structure, collaboration, compassion, commitment, and creativity. Her goal is to create an environment where students feel supported, valued, and empowered to learn and grow. Outside the classroom, Morgan enjoys cheering on Cleveland sports teams, running, and spending time with her Irish Doodle, Elmer Chubb.
With her MBA and an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Family Studies from Ursuline College, Paulette Hare cherishes the experience she gained through a variety of roles in both the Early Childhood Education and K-12 fields before transitioning into operations of Oakmont Education’s schools. Paulette is passionate about her role in supporting the operations policies and procedures and leading the facilities development and construction projects to create the best learning environment for the students and staff at Oakmont Education. Her expertise in managing buildings, equipment, and services have been honed through her extensive experience in managing our facilities. Her excellent communication and organizational skills have enabled her to work collaboratively with all stakeholders, including contractors, vendors, and tenants, to ensure that facilities are well-maintained and meet the needs of all our schools. She is a key communicator with management and school staff, as well as with our many school board members across the network.
Carey Hendrix is the Assistant Director of Special Education for our K–8 schools. graduated from Kent State University in May 2020 and recently celebrated her six-year anniversary with Oakmont! I began my career at Orchard Park Academy in May 2020 as an Intervention Specialist, a role she held until last May. Last school year, she transitioned into the role of Special Education Coach, where she supported and collaborated with our Intervention Specialists. This year, Carey was excited to step into her current role as Assistant Director of Special Education.
Carey has always known that she wanted to be an educator, and she truly feels that this is her calling. She is passionate about helping students, and now other teachers, grow into the best versions of themselves through education.
Tom is the President and Managing Partner of Holmes Legal Services, LLC and has served as Oakmont’s legal counsel since it commenced operations. For over 25 years, Tom has focused his practice on education law, primarily representing educational entities throughout Ohio in a variety of legal matters.
Tom attended law school at the Case Western Reserve University School of Law and received, with honors, a Juris Doctor degree with a concentration in litigation in 2001. Prior to law school, Tom attended Miami University and received, with honors, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Minor in Applied Ethics/Philosophy 1in 1998.
When not practicing law, Tom spends his free time enjoying the outdoors with his five sons.
Brenna Horn is a dedicated healthcare instructor at Cypress High School with six years of experience teaching and mentoring future healthcare professionals. Before entering education, she spent eight years working in the medical field across 14 different specialties, which gave her a strong clinical background and a passion for patient care and lifelong learning. She is currently continuing her education in the medical field to further expand her knowledge and skills.
Brenna's goal as an educator is to create a positive, engaging, and supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to achieve their goals and aspirations. She strives to inspire students to become hardworking, compassionate, and confident professionals who are prepared to succeed in the workforce and make a difference in healthcare.
Outside of teaching, Brenna enjoys spending time outdoors with her two Labs, Oakley and Lily. She also recently married and enjoys building a balanced and fulfilling life with her family.
Carrie Jacobs joined Oakmont Education in June 2025 as an Academic Coach after 23 years of teaching middle and high school English in public schools. She also taught Adolescent Literature and Reading in the Content Areas at The University of Akron. Carrie is passionate about helping educators strengthen instruction and support student growth in reading and writing.
Carrie lives in Copley, Ohio with her husband and three children. In 2015, her family founded Kylie Rose’s Run, a nonprofit organization dedicated to financially supporting families and caregivers in the fight against pediatric cancer. Outside of work, Carrie enjoys running and spending time outdoors with her family.
Amy Kenyon serves as an Academic Coach for Oakmont Education, where she supports educators in designing engaging learning experiences and integrating innovative instructional strategies. With a strong professional background in teaching, curriculum design, and educational technology, Amy regularly presents at various regional and national education conferences and hosts a weekly Tech Tip video series on her YouTube channel. She is passionate about empowering teachers with practical digital tools that enhance student learning and streamline classroom workflows.
Outside of her work in education, Amy is an avid outdoors enthusiast who loves camping, scrapbooking, and exploring new technology trends. She lives with her husband and their three beloved cats, including Frederick Douglass, who they rescued during her time working at Frederick Douglass High School.
Amy Kenyon serves as an Academic Coach for Oakmont Education, where she supports educators in designing engaging learning experiences and integrating innovative instructional strategies. With a strong professional background in teaching, curriculum design, and educational technology, Amy regularly presents at various regional and national education conferences and hosts a weekly Tech Tip video series on her YouTube channel. She is passionate about empowering teachers with practical digital tools that enhance student learning and streamline classroom workflows.
Outside of her work in education, Amy is an avid outdoors enthusiast who loves camping, scrapbooking, and exploring new technology trends. She lives with her husband and their three beloved cats, including Frederick Douglass, who they rescued during her time working at Frederick Douglass High School.
Ciara Kinman has worked at Cliff Park High School for 2 and half years and has been teaching for 8 years. She has a Master's degree in Middle Childhood Education in Math, Social Studies, and Reading. Ciara also taught Science for 4 years in Dayton, Ohio. She has an amazing, supportive husband Westley, and a wonderful 4-year-old son who will start preschool in fall 2026! This will be her first year serving as math chair for Oakmont Education. She looks forward to a great year.
After graduating from Kent State University, Emily started her career in 2009 as an English teacher in South Carolina. She moved back to Akron in 2013 and found a home at Towpath Trail HS. In 2022, she accepted a position as Academic Coach for Oakmont Education, and she has loved visiting schools and working with staff and students. Her heart has always been with the love of words, reading, talking with others, and literacy. As an Academic Coach, she is excited about our efforts to inspire students to read and think critically, and to participate in the beauty of language and the power of communication to connect to other human beings. In this work, she recognizes that it is not only a privilege to teach, but also a gift to learn from these students, friends and co-workers, and all the moments that challenge and sustain us.
Dimitrios Kriaras is a seasoned Executive of Higher Education supporting Colleges and Universities over the last 20 years as a Chief Operating Officer, President, and Chief Executive Officer. During the last two
decades, Dimitrios has developed an innovative approach to student success that has enabled career starters, changers, and enhancers to become confidently capable contributors to society. He is an
influential leader who has fostered a tremendous amount of industry relationships across multiple sectors in efforts to align student learning and success with workforce needs. Dimitrios holds a Master's Degree of Business from Keller Graduate School of Management.
Mrs. Lisa brings 33 years of nursing experience to the team. She has her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is 6 credits away from her master's. She has also officially taught students STNA/CNA for 25 years, with the last 8 of those years being at Towpath East. Lisa has a husband, 4 children, and some grandchildren. Her youngest child attended Towpath East and graduated from it, then went to Malone University, where he will graduate this year. Mrs. Lisa believes that Towpath East is a wonderful school and loves teaching there. She is excited that her nephew will be attending Towpath East this year. Mrs. Lisa recommends Towpath to everyone she meets.
Nate Miller has spent his career leading teams to achieve outstanding results in a variety of challenging environments, starting with his service as an officer in the US Army, during which he led an Engineer platoon in Afghanistan. These experiences have profoundly shaped his leadership philosophy and practice. Following his military service, Nate returned to Northeast Ohio to join Goodyear Tire, where he held significant roles in Strategy, Product Management, and most recently served as Director of Global Supply Chain for the Off-the-Road Tires business. Nate is passionate about building teams that thrive and is honored to support the continued excellence of Oakmont schools. Nate has a BA from Hamilton College, where he studied Economics and Classical Languages, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Eamon O'Donnell serves as Forrester's Director of Instruction and Technology, integrating educational technology and instructional design across the organization. He collaborates with directors, faculty, and staff to design and implement technology-driven learning solutions, enhancing classroom experiences and ensuring accessible, high-quality education across various delivery modalities.
Committed to leveraging data for outcomes-based curriculum and assessments, Eamon focuses on supporting educators and providing engaging, innovative learning opportunities. His leadership fosters continuous improvement and long-term academic success throughout the school community.
Jared Perez will be completing his eighth school year with FDHS and Oakmont Education. In his role as a Career Tech Business Teacher, Jared is committed to preparing students for success in today’s fast-changing workforce. He specializes in career-ready instruction, business education, and technology-integrated learning, designing hands-on experiences that build real-world skills in entrepreneurship, digital tools, and professional communication. He developed industry-aligned curriculum, led certification pathways, and partnered with local businesses to create meaningful learning opportunities. Jared's classroom emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and career exploration, empowering students to connect academic concepts with practical application. He is passionate about helping learners discover their strengths, build confidence, and graduate with the skills employers value. Moreover, in his role as a CTE mentor, he works to train and provide classroom shadowing opportunities for new instructors, facilitate regular check-ins
with the new instructors to help answer any craft-related or classroom management questions, and assist with any professional development trainings as necessitated. When Jared is not at work, he enjoys attending Cleveland sporting events, gardening, collecting vinyl records, and spending time with his wife Cara and their rescue dog Tia!
Don Polyak has spent over 25 years helping organizations strategically grow. His extensive background is rooted in years of entrepreneurial leadership, demonstrating a unique blend of financial acumen and a strategic approach to driving success. As CFO, he plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing financial strategies that not only ensure stability and compliance but also contribute significantly to the overall growth and success of the organization. He is a proud alumnus of Kent State University. Don Is passionate about making an impact in the lives of the students we serve and providing choice and opportunity in the communities we serve.
Taylor Pumroy, a proud member of the Wittenberg University Class of 2020, earned her BA in Mathematics with honors in three years. While at Wittenberg, she competed on the women’s basketball team, taught math at Cliff Park High School, and served as the State Program Coordinator for the Ohio Student Education Association Board. Following graduation, Taylor continued teaching high school mathematics before advancing into educational leadership as the Southern Academic Coach. In 2024, she received the Oakmont Committed Award for her dedication to students and commitment to Oakmont’s mission. Passionate about educational equity and second chances, she works to support students facing systemic barriers by expanding access to academic and emotional resources. Through her leadership, Taylor continues to create lasting impact in the lives of students and the communities Oakmont serves.
Nora Radas leads strategy and finance at Oakmont, overseeing strategic planning and cross-functional initiatives to enable sustained expansion. Prior to joining Oakmont, she spent her career advising growth-stage organizations, including work at McKinsey and private equity, where she supported deal execution and portfolio scaling in higher education. Originally from Peru, Nora holds a BA in Economics from Universidad del Pacífico and an MBA from MIT.
Pamela Rammage is very family-oriented. She has two children, Jasmine and Demarco, and ten grandchildren. Pamela has a Master's degree in Criminal Justice and Administration. She currently has 26 years of experience managing various facilities, including hospitals, hotels, office buildings, airports, logistics centers, universities, and more. She loves all types of sports and has coached Little League basketball for 10 years. She loves going to NASCAR races. Pamela also enjoys listening to gospel and jazz music. She is a member of the NAACP and also advocates and prepares motions for people who have been wrongly convicted. Pamela has dedicated 10 years of her life to Rock City Church, where she serves every Sunday on the hospitality and security team.
Ashley is a driven and passionate Human Resources and Consulting professional with over 20 years of experience across a variety of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, technology, and retail. With a strong expertise in talent management, organizational development, employee relations, and strategic workforce planning, Ashley has successfully guided organizations through complex HR challenges and transformative growth.
Most recently, Ashley served as an HR Consulting Manager with Marsh McLennan Agency where she partnered with organizations of various sizes and industries by providing consulting solutions that enhanced workplace culture, streamlined HR operations, and drove employee engagement. She also provided support in internal HR leadership roles by aligning HR strategies with business objectives, fostering sustainable growth and a positive work environment.
Ashley provides value-added, professional expertise to help steer clients through complex situations in the face of constant change in fast-paced and dynamic work environments. Ashley works to build a partnership of common purpose which is customer-focused and results-driven for her clients.
Ashley has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Human Resources Management from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH and a Masters in Human Resources Management from Georgetown University in Washington D.C. She currently holds designations as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Ashley resides in Medina, OH, with her husband, son, and their dog, Addie.
Hayley is a dedicated special education professional with over 27 years of experience. For 10 years, she was a valued team member at Oakmont Marshall High School, where she spent 4 years serving as Lead Intervention Specialist. She now serves as the Special Education Supervisor for the southern region of Ohio's Oakmont Drop Out Recovery schools. Based in Hamilton, Ohio, Hayley is committed to creating inclusive learning environments and empowering every Intervention Specialist to achieve their fullest potential.
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.
Faith Shanholtzer is a mission-driven, solutions-oriented educational leader with over two decades of experience driving academic excellence, equity, and innovation. Currently serving as the Executive Director, K-8 Forrester Schools at Oakmont Education, she specializes in building robust academic frameworks, streamlining operational processes, and empowering instructional teams to improve student learning outcomes.
Throughout her career, Faith has held key executive roles—including Vice President of Curriculum, Instruction, and Strategic Programming at Stride, Inc., and Director of Partner Success at MindPlay. Her expertise spans curriculum design, large-scale project management, and data-driven instruction. Faith is a graduate of The University of Akron with a degree in Elementary Education. Outside of her executive leadership, she is dedicated to community advocacy, a passionate advocate for holistic student growth, and has presented at national education conferences.
Randy Smoot takes great pride in embodying the values of a servant leader, constantly dedicated to serving students and their families. With a Master of Public Administration from Wright State University under his belt, Randy's professional journey has uniquely equipped him for his current role within this company. His career commenced in Operations Management, where he garnered valuable experience working with esteemed companies like Target Corp and Mast Global. He eventually transitioned into education, initially serving as a Truancy Probation Officer, and quickly rose in leadership overseeing multiple schools as School Director. Presently, he devotes his efforts to ensuring the success of schools throughout the entire state.
As a teenager who hated school and was always getting in trouble, Ashley Spencer has made it her life's work to support youth who have been disregarded or disconnected from all that life has to offer. She believes in creating systems that foster self-confidence and self-awareness to effect sustainable change in the communities where she serves. Ashley has spent the last two decades working with Opportunity Youth in Maryland and Ohio as a Coach, Mentor and Program Facilitator. However, before she read all the books, before college, before leadership conferences and team building retreats - there were family members, teachers, guidance counselors, detention staff, lunch ladies and probation officers, all pointing her in a positive direction. Those were the people who believed in the potential they saw in her despite the playground fights or constantly skipping school. Ashley firmly believes that her life's successes were the direct result of her village who created pathways and offered second chances for her to flourish. It is her mission to create and be a part of that same kind of village for as many youth possible.
Nineteen years as an educator, including 15 years working in Ohio DORP HS schools, serving first as a Science Teacher, Academic Coach, and now as Academic Coordinator. As an academic coach, Ali has led the development and implementation of the department chair program, among others, since its initiation and worked to develop stipended leadership roles for teachers to pursue. By mentoring and coaching over 30 teachers, assistant administrators, and administrators, she learned from each individual; many have since advanced within the company. Ali has trained and onboarded teachers at 10 of our current DORP High Schools during their first year of development. Helping to establish academic programs, providing support and training to the schools during their 1st year. Her passion is enhancing the learning environment and opening new opportunities for our students through experiential learning.
She is a graduate of Lakewood High School and a graduate of Muskingum University with a BS in Conservation Biology, minors: History, Sociology, and Biology. She completed the Master CORE 7-12 Science Teacher Program at Cleveland State University, Professional, 7-12 Life Science Teacher.
Kate Travers serves as the Career and Technical Education Quality Assurance Liaison for Oakmont Education, bringing over 10 years of experience in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and charter Dropout Prevention and Recovery (DOP) programs, along with a deep commitment to student success. Holding a Master’s degree in Instructional Technology, Kate possesses specialized expertise in curriculum mapping, state data compliance, and program development.
Her professional credentials include an Ohio Educator Licensure, a Career-Based Intervention endorsement, a Career Advisor specialization, and a Disciplinary Literacy endorsement. Dedicated to elevating career-technical education pathways, Kate works collaboratively to ensure high standards of quality, compliance, and academic excellence across programs. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Amy's role is vital to the successful start-up, implementation, oversight, and compliance of Oakmont's CTE programs. She ensures staff have the skills and resources needed to make a lasting impact on our students and communities. Amy holds a Master and Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management from Kent State University. She spent the first 15 years of her career gaining a deep understanding of the hospitality industry and how to effectively coordinate people, vendors, and resources to create world-class experiences as an event planner/manager. This has suited her well for the many moving parts of her work for Oakmont, helping support CTE Programs in a multitude of ways including managing vendors, curriculum systems, testing/licensure compliance, and planning trainings. In 4 years she has increasingly broadened her impact on the Oakmont network, supporting multiple tiers of staff in a growing number of schools across 3 states. Her logistical workflow, problem-solving nature, and capacity to bridge the gap from design to implementation help Oakmont continue to thrive.
Jeff is excited to bring a deep passion for teaching and leadership to the Oakmont team as an Academic Coach. Prior to stepping into school leadership as a School Director for 11 years, he spent the early part of his career in the classroom teaching Social Studies. Having experienced education from both instructional and administrative perspectives, Jeff looks forward to supporting teachers, sharing practical insights, and serving as a dedicated resource for the school communities he will serve.
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.
Duncan Wallace serves as the Regional Facilities Operations Manager - North for Oakmont Education, providing leadership and oversight for facilities operations across multiple educational communities. With more than a decade of experience in facilities management and multi-site operations, he specializes in asset preservation, preventative maintenance, capital projects, safety compliance, and team development. Prior to joining Oakmont Education, Duncan held regional leadership roles across the student housing, multifamily housing, and property management sectors, where he successfully led large-scale maintenance operations and operational improvement initiatives. He is known for his collaborative leadership style, technical expertise, and commitment to creating safe, efficient, and well-maintained environments that support student success and organizational excellence. Duncan studied Comparative Cultural Studies at The Ohio State University and earned a degree in Graphic Communication and Design, developing a strong foundation in communication, problem-solving, and creative thinking that continues to inform his professional approach. He also holds multiple facilities and safety-related certifications, reflecting his commitment to operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and continuous professional development within the facilities management industry.
Melissa Watson is a dedicated Healthcare Instructor who brings more than a decade of healthcare experience, compassion, and real-world knowledge into the classroom. She joined Oakmont Education’s Old Brook High School Parma campus in October 2022 and is passionate about helping students become confident, skilled, and caring healthcare professionals.
Melissa began her healthcare career in 2012 as a nursing assistant and clinical technician before earning her nursing license in 2018. Most recently, she earned her Master of Public Health, further strengthening her ability to educate students, promote wellness, and prepare future healthcare professionals to serve their communities.
Her teaching approach is grounded in integrity, compassion, professionalism, patience, and respect. Melissa strives to create a welcoming classroom where students feel comfortable asking questions, learning from mistakes, and building confidence in their knowledge and skills.
Shayla White is a relationship driven education leader with a passion for serving students who need nontraditional pathways to success. As Regional Director, DOR – South with Oakmont Education, she supports school operations, leadership development, and strategic initiatives focused on student engagement, accountability, and community impact. Shayla holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from Southern New Hampshire University and brings extensive experience in dropout prevention and credit recovery education. Known for building strong systems while maintaining a people first approach, she has led initiatives ranging from process improvement and cross functional collaboration to large scale student and family engagement events. Shayla is especially passionate about creating opportunities that connect students to graduation, career readiness, and long term personal growth while fostering school cultures rooted in respect, consistency, and meaningful relationships.
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.