HIGHLIGHTING A BOARD MEMBER

Tell us about your background. I have been a principal for twelve years. I spent two years as an assistant principal at Defer Intermediate in Streetsboro and two years as the principal at Southeast Intermediate School. I have been the principal at Davey Elementary School in Kent City Schools for eight years. My teaching background was mostly in the middle school grades (seventh grade math and eighth grade American history).

I grew up in Northwest Ohio and graduated from Port Clinton High School. After attending Kent State University (KSU) for my undergraduate work, I never left the Northeast Ohio area.

Who or what inspired you to go into education? I was inspired by the vast experiences I had in high school, mainly in the fine arts. I originally started my college education in the area of music. I was certain that I would become a band director. However, I quickly realized that teaching music was not my forte (no pun intended). With some excellent guidance from the music professors at KSU, I switched my focus to elementary education. I had wonderful teachers that inspired me to be the best version of myself. In particular, I had a high school math teacher (Mr. Walls) who always encouraged his students—myself included—to persevere through challenging circumstances. I strive to give my students the same experiences I received in school.

What do you consider is the most important aspect of the principalship? The most important aspect of the principalship is being an advocate for all children. I am blessed with the opportunity to be responsible for 500 children. I do not take this charge lightly. We are always searching to provide the basic needs for our children so they can learn and grow. I continue to search for opportunities in assisting my students in a healthy, positive life.

What is your personal mission in life? To make a difference each and every day. I do not want to miss an opportunity to make a difference to someone who needs it!

If we interviewed your staff, what are three words they’d use to describe you? Why? Supportive. Giving. Funny. I am supportive of my staff and students. I want them to know that I am willing to do whatever I can to help them. If you know me, humor is a strength (or weakness, depending on how you look at it). My colleagues know that I like to make people laugh and have a good time, but they also know when I am ready to get down to business.

10 Name one person you couldn’t do your job without. I could not do my job without my school counselor! Davey has approximately 500 children and one principal. My school counselor has become a confidant and sounding board. She has strengths that are my weaknesses.

Tell us about your position on the board. When did you join? What are your goals for Zone 7? I have been a part of OAESA for at least 12 years. I joined OAESA my first year as an administrator. My goal as the Zone 7 director is to help connect my colleagues to the numerous supports OAESA has to offer. Most importantly, I want our zone [members] to connect with one another. There is strength in numbers. Everyone needs to feel supported and valued—we must do that for one another!

What OAESA service team do you participate in? Can you share with our readers your team’s focus this year? I am a part of the Membership Service Team. We are focusing on how to better meet the needs of our members. Our committee wants to increase the membership and make certain nonmembers understand the value of the organization. We are also creating “our story” to make certain all administrators feel heard and understood.

This issue’s theme is Excellence in Equity. What do you believe an administrator’s role is in equity for students? As administrators, it is our responsibility to ensure all students are getting the services that they need. It is important to look at students individually to see what they need to be successful in the classroom and beyond. Principals must ensure equitable access to knowledge and skills regardless of outside factors.

Share a tip with our readers about how you ensure equity for all in your school. As a principal, I make certain that students understand the difference between equality and equity. It is important that we build a school environment that is supportive of individual needs. Teaching kids that fair is not always equal will help them build empathy for one another. As a school, we always strive to meet the student where they are.