One of the key ingredients to the continued success of the Hamilton County Educational Service
Center is the employment of highly qualified and experienced staff members. To help you better know and more easily contact the people working in-house at the HCESC, we would like to present you with the following background information and direct ways of contacting each of them:

Austin, Karen – 513.377.5902
Karen serves as a school improvement coach for the secondary schools and as a member of the State Support Team in several of our local school districts.   Prior to joining HCESC, Karen taught Mathematics at the high school level for 20 years..

Bates, Gary – 513.674.4253
Gary is the Print and Facilities Support Specialist for HCESC. As the customers point of contact, Gary is responsible for print and graphic design sales and scheduling the day-to-day print jobs. He has thirteen years of print operator experience with the last ten years at HCESC. Gary has a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from the University of Phoenix.

Bitsko, Sue – 513.674.4261
Sue provides consultation to district leadership teams to assist with data-based decision-making and district-wide implementation of evidence-based practices for school improvement. As a consultant on State Support Team 13, her professional responsibilities include leading regional training in requirements related to Alternate Assessment and Surrogate Parent training. Sue also coordinates a regional effort to provide consistent and appropriate training for parents and family members of students with disabilities. Sue has previous professional experience as a certified international quality systems assessor and has produced innovative, differentiated training materials for GM, Ford and Chrysler.  She previously served as a regional consultant for the Southwestern Ohio Special Education Regional Resource Center. Sue received her bachelor's and master’s degrees in organizational development, with a special interest in organizations supporting people with disabilities, from the University of Dayton.

Bogdan, William – 513.674.4240
Bill is HCESC Assistant Superintendent and serves on the senior leadership team that oversees the design, planning and delivery of services for HCESC. In addition, he assists with the coordination of the Regional Advisory Council of the Educational Regional Service System which integrates the regional educational service providers in Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren counties. Bill’s education experience has included teaching in special education at the elementary and middle school levels. Bill has served many of the area school districts as a special education supervisor/consultant and has served as a program coordinator at HCESC. Bill has also served as director of special education services. Additionally, Bill has served as president for the Council for Exceptional Children at both the state and international levels. Bill’s education includes undergraduate degrees in general and special education, a master’s degree in special education and administration and a doctorate in administration and educational leadership.

Brown, Lauren - 513.674.4310
Lauren is the HCESC School Nursing Supervisor and the HCESC point of contact for the Medicaid Schools Program (MSP). She is responsible for delivering quality school nursing services to public and non-public school customers. She supervises the clinical practice of the school nursing staff, directs the development, implementation, and evaluation of nursing policies and procedures, and provides professional development. Lauren worked as an operating room nurse prior to beginning her work in the school setting in 1997. Lauren is a Nationally Certified School Nurse. She is a past-president of the Southwestern Ohio School Nurses Association. Lauren received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cedarville University and a Master of Science, emphasis in School Nursing, from Wright State University.

Burns, Susan – 513.674.4266
Susan provides consultation to district leadership teams to assist with data-based decision making and district-wide implementation of evidence-based practices for school improvement. Her professional responsibilities also include the coordination and development of training, tools and resources for secondary literacy and the development, coordination and delivery of a yearly regional conference. Susan has been an educator for students with learning disabilities, ranging in ages from kindergarten through high school, for 15 years and has taught preschoolers with disabilities for 5 years. She has most recently served as a regional consultant in the Southwestern Ohio Special Education Regional Resource Center. Susan received her bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from Wittenberg University, her master’s in special education from Xavier University, and her doctorate in early childhood special education from the University of Cincinnati.

Campbell, Lisa – 513.674.4291
Lisa provides consultation in literacy, assessment, co-teaching, and response to intervention. Prior to joining HCESC, Lisa spent 15 years in a variety of school and district positions, including classroom teacher, lead teacher, instructional coach, and curriculum developer. Lisa’s education includes a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, K-12 reading certification, a master’s degree in special education and a doctorate in literacy education with an emphasis in educational leadership. Lisa is also an adjunct faculty member at the College of Mount Saint Joseph in the multicultural special education graduate program.

Clemons, Vikki – 513.674.4212
Vikki is the HCESC Executive Director of Service Delivery and has primary responsibility for overseeing the work of the Service Delivery Platform. She also serves as the Single Point of Contact for the State Support Team Region 13 serving the four county region of Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties. In her role as State Support Team Region 13 Single Point of Contact, she leads and coordinates the activities of the State Support Team in providing professional development and technical assistance services to identified school districts and schools in the region in the areas of school improvement, special education compliance, literacy and early learning and school readiness. She works closely with ODE in aligning services to meet the needs of the region. She is also chairperson of the Regional Advisory Council’s School Improvement Subcommittee for Region 13. Vikki has been a Kentucky Distinguished Educator, district associate superintendent, elementary curriculum director, supervisor, building principal and classroom teacher.

Collins, Thomas - 513.674.4264
Tom is a member of the Leadership Council and has primary responsibility at HCESC for a variety of internal projects in finance, data collection, data analysis and survey research. He is also responsible for AESOP (Greater Cincinnati Substitute Solution Service) and our Greater Cincinnati School Application System. Tom has served as the Director of the Southwest Regional Professional Development Center, been a district assistant superintendent, high school principal and teacher. He is an adjunct professor at Miami University. Collins received his master’s from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his doctorate from Miami University.

Crist, Barbara – 513.674.4273
Barb is a consultant in the Instructional Services Center. She facilitates the Alternative Licensure Program for administrators.  Barb has provided consulting/coaching for administrators and staffs in the areas of: setting direction and vision; change; school culture; high yield instructional strategies and  instructional leadership; professional learning communities; data culture and analysis; curriculum management systems; walkthroughs; TESA; and, teacher and administrator evaluation. She has previously served as a regular and special education teacher, a building administrator, a director of curriculum, an assistant superintendent and an adjunct professor. Barb is trained in Pathwise and the PRAXIS assessment and attended the Harvard Institute for School Leadership. She is also a trained facilitator for the Ohio Improvement Process. She received her bachelor’s from Ohio Northern University and her master’s and doctorate from Miami University.

Crowell, Sandy – 513.674.4231
Sandy is a supervisor for HCESC Early Childhood Programs. She also provides consultation with contracting districts for early childhood services. Prior to being a supervisor, Sandy worked for HCESC as an early childhood itinerant teacher and as an early childhood special education teacher. Sandy received her bachelor’s and master’s from the University of Cincinnati and her post-master’s work in supervision from Xavier University.

Demmler, Sally – 513.674.4270
Sally is a supervisor for the speech/language pathologists. Sally provides supervision and professional development opportunities to HCESC SLP’s and affiliate districts. Prior to being a supervisor, she worked as an SLP for HCESC with students from ages pre-school through high school in both public and non-public school settings. Sally is also an adjunct faculty member of Ashland University to instruct professional development services workshops. Sally received her bachelor’s and master’s in speech/language pathology from Miami University with post-masters work in supervision from Xavier University. Sally maintains her speech and language board license, ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence, and her Ohio Department of Education licenses in speech pathology and supervision.

Dillard, Jill – 513.478.3130
Jill is one of the coaches on the HCESC school improvement team.  She has more than 30 years of teaching and leadership achievements in a variety of instructional environments.  Jill’s professional qualifications include a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with emphasis in Reading and Literacy.  She is licensed to teach grades K-8 as well as K-12 in reading.  Jill has her supervision certificate and is trained as a National Writing Project teacher consultant and Reading Recovery teacher. 

Dirr, Ken – 513.674.4283
Ken is the Director of Customer Engagement. Ken handles all of the customer orders and contracts and contractual agreements with partner companies and organizations. He is the person in charge of the customer relations for HCESC. Ken is a member of the Leadership Council, co-leads the Products and Services/Customer Engagement Platform and serves on the Finance and Facilities teams. Ken has been a district superintendent, assistant superintendent, director of human resources, high school principal, assistant principal and math teacher. He currently serves as a member of Dr. Zelman’s Kitchen Cabinet Advisory Council and the Professional Development Committee of the Buckeye Association of School Administrators. Dirr received his bachelor’s and master’s from the University of Cincinnati and his post-masters work at Xavier University and Miami University.

Distel, Dave – 513.674.4236
Dave Distel serves as the Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer of the Hamilton County Educational Service Center. As the superintendent, Dave serves as the chairman of the HCESC Leadership Council responsible for setting organizational direction, vision, strategy, and monitoring for results. He also serves as the chairman for the Executive Work team. Prior to becoming the superintendent at HCESC, Dave served as the assistant superintendent at HCESC. Dave came to the HCESC in 1991. He was a district superintendent, assistant superintendent, elementary principal and teacher. Dave received his bachelor’s from the University of Cincinnati, his master’s from Xavier University and he did his post-masters work at Miami University.

Dool, Eric – 513.396.5941
Eric is the supervisor of the HCESC Learning Center at North Norwood. He joined HCESC as the Program Supervisor for the Learning Center at North Norwood in August 2007 after serving as a school psychologist and Student Services Manager with the Cincinnati Public Schools. Eric earned his bachelor’s in psychology from Denison University in 1995, and master’s in school psychology from the University of Cincinnati and in educational leadership from Miami University. Eric has also completed doctoral coursework in school psychology with a focus on educational leadership and systems change. Eric’s strengths and interest include systems change for academic and behavioral supports, secondary transition services for students with disabilities, and assessment of students with disabilities. Eric also is a certified instructor with the Crisis Prevention Institute.

Dorsey, Kendall – 513.674.4223
Kendell currently serves as a School Improvement Consultant in Cincinnati Public Schools. In this role he directly works with teachers and principals to build capacity in analyzing student performance data to plan instruction, design and implement intervention, improve school practices and district initiatives and refine school organization to raise student achievement on the Ohio Achievement Tests. Prior to joining HCESC, Kendell worked as a mathematics teacher in Winton Woods City Schools for 9 years.  Kendell also served as mathematics department facilitator for grade 7-12 for Winton Woods.  Kendell received his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from the College of Mt. St. Joseph and a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Cincinnati.

Echoles, Dorothy 513.674.4328
Dorothy is the Operations Director of the HCESC Early Learning Program and oversees recruitment, enrollment, marketing, monitoring and licensing, transportation, facilities and general operations of the Early Learning Program.  Prior to working for HCESC, Dorothy was a Social Worker, LSW for the United Way.   Other experiences in the field includes Director of Human Resources and  Professional Development at the Early Learning Program, Adjunct Professor at Wilmington College, Blue Ash in Human Resource Development and Labor Relations.  She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).  She earned a bachelor’s in criminal justice from University of Cincinnati and a master’s in Employment and Labor Relations (MALER) from the University of Cincinnati.

Eshleman, Anita – 513.674.4209
Anita became a member of the HCESC family in March 2009 as a School Improvement Consultant. She currently serves as a School Improvement Coach on the Turnaround Team at Cincinnati Public Schools. In this role she directly works with teachers and principals to raise achievement on the Ohio Achievement Assessments with the implementation of the Elementary Initiative. Prior to joining HCESC, Anita worked as an elementary principal and middle school assistant principal at Oak Hills Local School District. She taught various subjects and elementary grade levels for six years prior to her experience in administration. Anita received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Miami University, a Master’s in Educational Administration from the University of Cincinnati, and her superintendent license from Ashland University.

Estreicher, Gretchen – 513.674.4280
Gretchen serves on the State Support Team Region 13 supporting the work of Early Childhood through consultation, technical assistance, and training, including Early Childhood State Approved Professional Development for state funded early childhood programs. She also provides support for district Pre-K programs including the Early Childhood Education/Special Education programs, and the Early Care Community. She collaborates and partners with community agencies in four counties, co-chairs the Regional ODE/OELSR Professional Development Providers, and is a lead member on the ODE/OELSR Leadership Team. Gretchen’s teaching career included teaching for Cincinnati Public Schools, providing demonstration classroom teaching for the University of Cincinnati and for the Cincinnati Public Schools, teaching for the University of Cincinnati and the College of Mt. St. Joseph. She has served ODE in a variety of consulting roles, training, and ODE project work development. Gretchen received her bachelor’s degree in music education/special education and her master’s degree in special education from the University of Cincinnati; she has completed post-master’s work in school administration.

Forcade, Michael – 513.674.4258
Mike is the Director of the Intervention and Support Services Center. In this role, he coordinates the Auxiliary Services Program which provides staff for non-public schools, supervises school psychologists and school counselors, oversees fiscal and personnel areas in student services, and supports supervisors working with a variety of staff groups. Mike began his career as a school psychologist in 1971 and joined the staff of HCESC in 1978 where he became an administrator in 1980. He holds degrees from the University of Illinois, Xavier University, and the University of Cincinnati.

Forcade, Penny – 513.674.4272
Penny is the Supervisor for the HCESC Program for Students with Visual Impairments, transition to work and a consultant to districts in special education for pre-school through high school. In her role as Supervisor for the VI Program, she does service intake for students with visual impairments for Hamilton, Butler, and Warren counties, provides supervision for HCESC teachers of the visually impaired, instructors of orientation and mobility, Braille paraeducators, and Braille production management. She provides consultation in special education in specifically contracted districts. Her previous experience consists of teaching students with multiple disabilities for HCESC. Penny held similar teaching positions with Kenton County Schools and the Cincinnati Public School District. She received her bachelor's and master's from the University of Cincinnati, and post-masters work at the University of Kentucky.

Gardella, Gary – 513.674.4313
Gary is a consultant in the Instructional Services Center and has provided consulting/coaching for administrators and teachers in the areas of: Setting Direction and Vision, Change, School Culture, TESA, Understanding Poverty, The Marzano High-Yield Instructional Strategies, and the Alternative Licensure Program for administrators.  He is also a trained facilitator for the Ohio Improvement Process (OIP), Pathwise/Praxis, and Leading at the Speed of Trust.  Gary has been a teacher, assistant principal, and middle school principal.  He received his bachelor’s from Miami University and his Master’s in Educational Administration from the University of Cincinnati.  

Geresy, Steve – 513.674.4358
Steve serves as a science consultant for HCESC.  He has been a classroom teacher in science for more than twenty years and spent thirteen years in Lakota where he served as a science teacher and department chair at the middle school level.  He is currently a member of the Science Content Advisory Committee with the Ohio Department of Education and previously facilitated OSCI Life Science courses.  Steve has taught graduate courses for Miami University, the University of Cincinnati and the University of Phoenix.  His specialties are science curriculum planning, course development and the integration of technology. Steve has a bachelor’s in education from Miami University, a master’s in educational administration from Xavier University and extensive graduate studies in science and school leadership. He currently holds a K-8 Permanent Certificate with HQT in science and a Professional Principal License.

Gillette, Ginnie – 513.674.4314
Ginnie is a consultant in the areas of state and federal accountability systems, value-added, data driven decision-making and instructional technology. In addition, she assists districts in gathering and analyzing data to improve instruction, creating a data-driven culture, and the implications of the Ohio and the federal accountability systems. As an Ohio Regional Value-Added Specialist (RVAS) she is responsible for training district representatives to understand and use value-added information to improve student progress. As an instructional technology consultant she provides technology coordination services and training on variety of software products. Ginnie is experienced in project management of large technology implementation projects. She sits on the D3A2 User Group and Mock-Up Committees. She consults with districts on the implementation of instructional/learning management systems. Previously she has been a classroom teacher, a district technology coordinator and a systems engineer for a major computer company. Ginnie received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati and did post-graduate work at Xavier University.

Grant, Darlene – 513.674.4320
Darlene is currently an Education Field Supervisor for Region 1 at the HCESC Early Learning Program, which includes seven preschool classrooms and fourteen staff.  Darlene’s most recent teaching experience includes eight years as Head Teacher for a Head Start classroom with our agency.  Prior to working with HCESC Early Learning Program, Darlene’s educational experience included two years with Mason City Schools working in kindergarten and preschool classrooms as an Instructional Assistant.  Additionally, her very first classroom experience was teaching third grade in the Norwood City School district.  Darlene earned a bachelor’s in Elementary Education (K-8) from Miami University.

Greenwood, Stacie – 513.675.6895
Stacie is a math coach for HCESC school improvement team.  She has taught grades 5-8 in Boone and Kenton County, in Kentucky, and was able to align the math curriculum at a previous school.  Stacie received her bachelor’s and master’s in elementary education and a middle school endorsement in language arts (grades 5-8) from Northern Kentucky University, as well as her master’s degree in educational administration from Xavier University.

Harrison-Fowler, Kym  – 513.674.4361
Kym became a member of the HCESC family in August 2008 as a School Improvement Consultant. She currently serves as an External School Improvement Coach for Science in the Cincinnati Public Schools. In this role she directly works with teachers and principals to build capacity in analyzing student performance data to plan instruction, design and implement intervention, improve school practices and district initiatives and refine school organization to raise student achievement on the Ohio Achievement Tests. Prior to joining HCESC, Kym worked as a Teacher Evaluator/Consulting Teacher and Intermediate Lead Teacher/Team Leader at Roberts Paideia Academy.  Kym received her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Northern Kentucky University, a Masters in Elementary Education from the University of Cincinnati and her Educational Administration License from Xavier University.

Heideman, Renita – 513.674.4312
Renita is an instructional technology consultant working in the area of technology and curriculum. She also provides technology leadership, planning, and professional development. Renita is certified to provide Apple Professional Development offerings. Renita has had a wide range of educational roles including teacher, athletic coach, technology coordinator, interim curriculum director, and technology supervisor. She has served as an adjunct professor for Wright State University and on the State Technology Advisory Committee. Areas of expertise include technology planning, technology management and supervision practices, cross-platform environments, software review and selection, utilization of technology in the curriculum. Renita completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Miami University.

Henson, Jeremiah – 513.674.4524
Jeremiah currently serves as a science content coach on one of the elementary school Instructional Support Teams in one of our area districts. Prior to joining HCESC, Jeremiah taught middle school Science with Lakota Local Schools. While at Lakota, he taught summer courses for Miami University in the Teaching Science with TOYS program. Jeremiah also served a term as President of the Cornerstone Leadership Team. He has presented at several local and state conferences on Making Cross-Curricular Connections via Interdisciplinary Units. Locally, he facilitated community leadership courses titled Maximizing Your Potential. Jeremiah earned his bachelor’s from Miami University and his master’s from the Nova Southeastern University.

Heyob, Karen - 513.674.4335
Karen is Education Coordinator for HCESC Early Learning Program.   Primary duties include managing the assessment and curriculum aspects for the Head Start and ELI programs.   She is the site administrator in charge of the online Creative Curriculum program used by all self-administered and child care partnership sites.   In addition, Karen actively serves on the state-wide OVL committee that promotes projects in the classroom as well as the Ohio Resource Centers’ Early Childhood Committee that is developing a website for EC professionals.  Karen’s education includes an undergraduate degree in Family & Child Development from Ohio State University, a master’s in education from the College of Mount St. Joseph and principal licensure from Xavier University.

Horvath, Melanie – 513.674.4281
 Melanie provides consultation to district leadership teams to assist with data-based decision making and district-wide implementation of evidence-based practices for school improvement. Her professional responsibilities include serving as Regional Facilitator for the Ohio Improvement Process and providing professional development on topics such as Response to Intervention, culturally responsive practices, and the Ohio Improvement Process, as well as other educational systems change topics.  Melanie has previous experience as a school psychologist and served as a regional consultant with the Southwest Ohio Special Education Regional Resource Center. She also serves as an adjunct professor for the University of Cincinnati and the College of Mount St. Joseph. Melanie received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Goucher College in Baltimore, MD, and her master’s and doctoral degrees in school psychology from the University of Cincinnati.

Hunn, Diana – 513.674.4213
Diana. M. Hunn is a science consultant at HCESC. She has been a classroom teacher of biology and earth sciences in the middle and high school grades. Diana has also taught a variety of science and mathematics classes in adult night school and community college levels. She presently teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in science education and educational research at the University of Dayton. For two years, she was the Associate Director of the Institute for Integrated Science at Miami University where grant awards funded collaborative science programs for science teachers at all levels. She is Executive Director Emeritus of the Science Education Council of Ohio and the current secretary of the Environmental Education Council of Ohio. Her specialties include grant proposal writing and aerospace education. Diana has a bachelor’s in education from Miami University, a master’s in curriculum from Miami University, and a doctorate in science and environmental education from Indiana University. She has also completed extensive graduate work in school administration, law, and public administration.

Jenner, Linda – 513.589.3708
Linda is the Education Director of the HCESC Early Learning Program and oversees curriculum, assessment, and program design for both the Head Start and Early Learning Initiative program options. Prior to working for HCESC, Linda was Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Care and Education at the University of Cincinnati. Other experiences in the field of early childhood include Director of Children’s Program at Arlitt Child and Family Research Center, University of Cincinnati and Public School Preschool Coordinator with Cincinnati Public Schools. She has also served as president of the Cincinnati and Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children. She earned a bachelor’s in speech pathology from Illinois State University and a master’s in child development from the University of Cincinnati.

Jorgensen, Gale – 513.470.2077
Gale works as a mathematics consultant/coach, providing assistance to districts with the Standards, the Ohio Achievement Assessments, curriculum alignment, data-driven decisions, and with instructional and assessment planning.  Prior experience includes serving as a school improvement coach, assisting schools with the OIP process and with both math and literacy support.  Prior to coming to HCESC, Gale taught kindergarten, second, fifth and sixth grades, remedial reading, and gifted and talented students.  Gale earned her bachelor’s in education from the University of Cincinnati, a master’s in education from Northern Kentucky University and a master’s from the University of Cincinnati in educational administration. She has also done post-graduate work through Miami, Wright State and Andrews University.

Kelly, Michael – 513.674.4530
Michael works as a consultant assisting area schools improve the academic performance of their students.  He is involved with school staffs on analyzing data to make informed decisions about curriculum, instruction, assessment, and works with leadership with an ultimate goal of increased student achievement. Michael received his bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Wabash College and his master’s in educational administration from the University of Cincinnati. He has served in area districts as a high school biology, chemistry and math teacher, high school assistant principal and middle school principal.

Koester, Kenneth – 513.728.7924
Ken is the Director of the Unified Purchasing Cooperative which serves over 225,000 students in southwest Ohio, northern Kentucky and southeast Indiana. As the Director, he oversees the issuance of numerous bids and performs contract administration on the resulting contracts. Ken is a Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), and Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (A.P.P.). Ken is president of the Kentucky Public Procurement Association. In addition, he is on the board of directors of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing. Ken is a graduate of Owens Community College and the University of Cincinnati.

Kramer, Kathy – 513.674.4337
Kathy has worked for HCESC Early Learning Program for sixteen years.  She is currently Education Coordinator and Supervisor for the Early Learning Program.  Kathy supervises the Head Teachers and Assistant Teachers for seven classrooms at the Kemper Heights building.  Kathy’s administrative experience includes being a director for a Child Care Center in West Carrollton.  Her teaching experiences include being a preschool teacher in a Day Care in Kettering, working as a Head Start teacher in the Reading School District, and working as a pre-school teacher with deaf and language delayed children at the Cincinnati Speech and Hearing Center. Kathy received her bachelor’s degree in Child Development at the University of Cincinnati.

Lateer-Huhn, Alicia – 513.674.4289
Alicia provides consultation to district and building leadership teams to assist with data-based decision making and district-wide implementation of evidence-based practices for school improvement. Alicia has served as a school psychologist in public schools for 11 years, and served as a regional consultant in the Southwest Ohio Special Education Regional Resource Center for the past 6 years. Alicia has presented at several state and national conferences to disseminate information regarding supporting districts and buildings to develop capacity to implement a tiered model of academic and behavior supports within a systems change framework. Alicia received her bachelor’s in psychology and Spanish from the University of Northern Iowa and her master’s in school psychology from the University of Cincinnati.

Lawrence, Joan – 513.674.4247
Joan is a special education supervisor/consultant working in the Winton Woods School District.  She previously served as an intervention specialist working with grades K-12 in both urban and suburban school districts.  She also worked as the Director of Education at a local mental health agency which provides residential, educational and community treatment programs for children with severe emotional disturbances.  Joan received her bachelor's in special education from The Ohio State University.  She earned a master's degree in executive human resource development from Xavier University and a second master's degree from the University of Cincinnati in educational administration. 

Machir, Jennifer – 513.674.4254
Jennifer is a member of the State Support Team for Region 13 working with school districts to build their leadership capacity through the implementation and monitoring of the Ohio Improvement Process and the Ohio Leadership Advisory Council’s leadership framework. Her primary work is coaching districts that have schools that did not meet their AYP goals and are in school improvement status. She also supervises Hamilton County ESC instructional coaches assigned to Cincinnati Public Schools. Jennifer has presented at several local, regional and state conferences on school improvement and administration of federal programs. Previous experience includes fifteen years of classroom teaching and twelve years in administration, most recently as Director of Instruction for Marietta City Schools. Jennifer has worked as an adjunct professor for Ashland University, Marietta College and Rio Grande University. She received her bachelor’s degree in fine arts, master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and certification in educational administration from Ohio University.

McGraw, Deborah – 513.674.4230
Deborah is an Assistive Technology Consultant and Supervisor. Deborah provides assistive technology services (i.e. consultation, problem solving, training) and is a part-time consultant for State Support Team 13. Prior to being a supervisor, she worked as an SLP for HCESC with students from ages pre-school through high school in both public and non-public school settings. Deborah received her bachelor’s and master’s in speech/language pathology from Miami University with post-master’s work in supervision from University of Cincinnati. Deborah also maintains her Speech and Language board license, ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence, and her Ohio Department of Education licenses in Speech Pathology and Supervision.

McKinley, Michael – 513.703.7714
Mike is an HCESC special education consultant, working in a local school district. Mike received a bachelor’s from the University of Cincinnati in special education, with a teaching certificate in hearing impaired and a master's from the University of Cincinnati in special education, with teaching certificates in learning disabilities and emotionally disturbed. Mike also earned his special education administrative certificate through the University of Cincinnati. He has been with HCESC for 34 years, working as Coordinator at the Learning Center at North Norwood for 29 years, a special education consultant in the Winton Woods School District one year and is currently a special education consultant in the Cincinnati Public School District going into his 4th year. 

Miklavcic, Sandy - 513.674.4352
Sandy is an Education Field Supervisor with Hamilton County Early Learning Program. She started with the agency as a Head Teacher and became a Master Teacher. She has been a supervisor for the last ten years. Sandy has been a facilitator for the Reggio Study Group for several years. She received her bachelor degree in Elementary Education at Millikin University in Illinois and holds a K-8 teaching license. She has completed post-graduate work in Early Childhood at the University of Cincinnati and the College of Mt. St Joseph. 

Miller, Lisa – 513.674.4269
Lisa is an early childhood supervisor and consultant for the HCESC Early Learning Program. Her past experience includes work as a speech/language pathologist, itinerant early childhood teacher, and a classroom based early childhood special education teacher. Her responsibilities include consultative support for school districts with various professional development and State of Ohio initiatives including State assessments, assessment team design, and intervention strategies for young children. She has earned a bachelor’s in hearing and speech sciences from Ohio University, a master’s in special education from the University of Cincinnati and an Educational Administration license from Xavier University.

Mitter, Monica – 513.674.4238
Monica’s primary work is in the area of School Improvement and Leadership.  She works extensively with schools on the Ohio Improvement Process (OIP) and the Ohio Leadership Advisory Council (OLAC) framework coaching districts that have schools that did not meet their AYP goals and are in school improvement status. Previously Monica was an instructional specialist for Northwest Local Schools and spent twenty-fie years at Fairfield Senior High School as high school principal, assistant principal and social studies teacher.  Monica also teaches master’s level courses in the Teacher Education Department at the University of Dayton. Monica received her bachelor’s in secondary education from the University of Dayton, her master’s in supervision and curriculum from Xavier University and has completed doctoral work at Miami University in educational administration.

Moeller, Jenny – 513.674.4222
Jenny works with schools to implement school improvement initiatives. In this role she works with teachers and principals to build capacity in analyzing student performance data as they create assessments, plan instruction, and design interventions to improve school practices. She also consults/coaches schools in the areas of curriculum mapping, Assessment FOR Learning and best practices. Prior to joining HCESC, Jenny worked as an elementary teacher, Title I teacher, HOSTS coordinator and building technology coordinator. She received her bachelor’s in elementary education and her master’s in educational administration from the University of Cincinnati.

Monroe, Karen – 513.674.4243
Karen serves as the Coordinator of the Human Resources Department. In this role she provides leadership and on-going support to employees and the administration in all areas of human resource management. Her other responsibility at HCESC is to serve as the EMIS Coordinator. Her previous experience consists of Accounts Receivable/Payable Specialist for an insurance company. Karen has received her certification in human resource management from the University of Cincinnati Raymond Walters College. She is also a Notary Public for the State of Ohio.

Mossor, Dana – 513.674.4218
Dana works as a PK-12 mathematics consultant/coach in our Instructional Service Center. Prior to joining Hamilton County in August 2005, she spent sixteen years working as a middle school math teacher, department chair, mentor and member of curriculum committees in both urban and suburban school districts. Along with earning her Bachelor of Science in Education from The Ohio State University and her Master of Art in Education, Dana has done post-graduate work through Ohio University, Wright State and Penn State University.

Muse, Karen – 513.674.4224
Karen serves as the President/CEO of the Hamilton County Education Foundation. She supports the HCESC programs by organizing, planning, leading and evaluating overall development of partnerships with the business and community organizations. She is an active member of the Cincinnati Rotary and participates in various Chamber of Commerce programs. Karen also serves on the Community Advisory Council for the Freedom Center as well as coordinating the Munich Teacher Exchange Program. Karen’s previous experience included administrative and counseling positions as well as teaching counseling classes for the University of Dayton. She received her bachelor’s from Ohio University, master’s from the University of Dayton, and doctorate from Ohio University.

Myers, Deb – 513.674.4226
Deb serves as the Executive Director for HR and Organizational Learning. In this role, she provides leadership for all personnel-related support and for the design and coordination of professional learning to support organizational direction. A member of Leadership Council, Deb facilitates our organizational strategic planning and organizational design work and provides leadership for the Knowledge Bank Team and the Support Staff Team. Deb’s previous experience includes classroom, administrative and consultation positions. She earned her bachelor’s from Ohio University and her master’s in educational administration from the University of Dayton.

Nock, Amy – 513.674.4225
Amy is an Educational Consultant in the Instructional Services Center, with a focus on secondary English Language Arts.  Prior to working with HCESC, she provided support for the Southwest Ohio Region Workforce Investment Board in the areas of Measurement and Continuous Improvement.  Amy’s classroom experiences include work in public and private schools in Cincinnati.   Additionally, she has worked for a private testing firm as a reader of exit essay exams and as part of a team providing analysis of field test questions.  Amy earned her M.Ed, teaching and principal licenses at Xavier University.

O’Dell, Peggy – 513.674.4296
Peggy provides resources and information to area districts on computer-related products, adaptive devices and accessibility standards. Her professional responsibilities include identifying learning needs around assistive technology and providing professional development to address these needs. She facilitates the purchase and use of computer-related equipment and the use of the computer lab for staff and professional development opportunities. She maintains the State Support Team Region 13 website and facilitates uploading of current information and resources. Other responsibilities include providing information on technology for adult learning, including use of web-based surveys, audience response systems, podcasting, voiceover PowerPoints and use of interactive video distance learning for meetings and professional development. After teaching in Texas, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, Peggy served as a consultant working in professional development at the Southwest Ohio Special Education Regional Resource Center. Peggy received her bachelor’s in applied arts from the Texas Technological University and a master’s in art education from the Pennsylvania State University. Her special education, supervisory and high school principal certifications were earned at Xavier University and the University of Cincinnati.

Onnen, Julie – 513.674.4220
Julie has been with HCESC since August of 1999 serving as the attendance officer/court liaison for several school districts. Prior to working for HCESC Julie was a probation officer for five years at the Hamilton County Juvenile Court and also a social worker for five years with the City of Reading Youth Services Bureau. She has sixteen years of experience working in the juvenile justice system. Julie is a graduate of Miami University (Ohio).

Phillips, Georgia – 513.674.4260
Georgia is the Supervisor of HCESC School Occupational and Physical Therapists. She provides professional development opportunities as well as on-site consultation and supervision of the staff in their assigned schools. Georgia serves as a consultant to districts regarding special education and related service delivery initiatives. Previous experience includes teaching physical therapy at the University of Michigan and Scranton University and adjunct professor at Xavier University. Phillip’s received her bachelor’s from St. Louis University and master’s from The University of Kentucky. She has completed post-graduate work in supervision and instruction at Xavier University. Georgia is licensed as a supervisor and as a physical therapist.

Porter, Joe – 513.674.4566
Joe Porter serves as an external coach for the Instructional Support Team in the content area of Social Studies.  His focus is working with 7-12 grades in Cincinnati Public Schools.  Joe has 35 years of teaching experience and served for many years as Social Studies Department Chairman at Anderson High School in the Forest Hills School District.  He helped to establish the Close Up Foundation program for Cincinnati area schools, took the lead in introducing several A.P. Social Studies courses for Forest Hills, and wrote an OGT Social Studies practice test for a private educational company.  Joe earned  B.A. and M.A degrees in History from Eastern Kentucky University and completed course work on a Ph.D. program at the University of Tennessee.

Quattrone, Tracy – 513.674.4233
Tracy serves as a gifted coordinator at Hamilton County ESC providing full coordination and consultation for district gifted programs. She often presents on topics including: gifted and talented students, differentiated instructional strategies, twice exceptional students, and at parent meetings. She began her career in education as a teacher of students with learning disabilities, developmental handicaps, and severe behavior handicaps. She has also taught middle school English and sixth grade. Before becoming a consultant for gifted services she taught gifted students. Tracy received her undergraduate degrees from Bowling Green State University and her master’s degree from Miami University. Tracy has served on the SWOCoG and COCG governing boards, and is currently the OAGC Coordinator Division Past Chair.

Rabe, Donald – 513.674.4237
Donald Rabe serves as Chief Financial Officer and advisor for the Board to assure continuation of sound financial support for the Hamilton County Educational Service Center. He communicates with the board, superintendent and administrators on the status of financial matters. He works cooperatively with the superintendent and administrators in providing financial data to help support management decisions. Donald is also the Director of the Business Center. He oversees the operation of Athletic Services, Graphic Design and Printing Services. Donald received his bachelor’s from the University of Cincinnati and has served as Treasurer with the Hamilton County Educational Service Center since 1984.

Reed, Cathy – 513.674.4262
Cathy is a coordinator for gifted with the Hamilton County ESC. In this capacity, she provides professional development for K-12 teachers and administrators in the areas of differentiation, gifted programming, brain research, curriculum, and gifted issues. She works directly with gifted teachers and provides materials for their classrooms. Her work in districts includes assisting administrators with compliance issues and policy development. She also works in the area of learning and brain functioning. Her interest in this subject has led her to attend the Learning and Brain Conference sponsored by MIT. She is currently a member for the Learning and Brain Society and the Dana Foundation Group. Cathy earned her bachelor’s from Wilmington College where received certification in gifted, LD/BD, and general education. She also earned a major in psychology and a minor in literature through Wilmington College. Cathy received a master’s in educational leadership and principal licensure from Antioch University McGregor School. Cathy taught gifted for the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center and the Loveland City School District.

Reyes-Rau, Connie – 513.674.4298
Connie is the coordinator of the Title III Consortium which assists districts in Hamilton, Clermont, Warren and Highland counties manage funding for English Language Learners, develop policy/procedures and consult with best practice in instruction. Connie is a SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol) instructor which is a methodology in instructing English Language Learners. She also provides consultation to district leadership teams to assist with data-based decision making as well as facilitating and training districts on tools and resources for implementation of research and evidence-based positive behavior supports, literacy, and culturally responsive practices. Connie has served as a school psychologist in public and non-public schools for 15 years, and has served as a regional consultant in the Southwest Ohio Special Education Regional Resource Center. Connie received her bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from Xavier University, and her master’s and post-degree study in school psychology from the University of Cincinnati.

Rider, Barbara – 513.674.4235
As supervisor for auxiliary services instructional specialists, Barb supports enrichment and remedial reading/math teachers who are placed in private and parochial schools with state auxiliary money. Barb has previously worked as a district superintendent, assistant superintendent for instruction, curriculum director, adult education coordinator/instructor, and high school foreign language teacher. She received her bachelor’s from Grove City (PA) College and her master’s in educational administration from Xavier University. In addition, she has participated in school leadership institutes in Columbus and at Harvard.

Rieke, Sharon – 513.674.4234
Sharon has two primary areas of responsibility at HCESC. She is a supervisor/consultant for the Attendance Program which provides truancy and Diversionary Court services. Sharon also is the Supervisor of School Psychologists and provides on-site consultation and supervision to the school psychology staff in their schools. Sharon has served as a school psychologist in both public and non-public schools and was an adjunct instructor in the school psychology program at the University of Cincinnati. She received her master’s and doctorate from the University of Cincinnati.

Sampson, Holly – 513.674.4563
Holly currently serves has a member of the State Support Team for Region 13 assisting school districts in implementing the Ohio Improvement Process. She also serves as an educational consultant through the Instructional Services Center. She has experience coaching and supporting teachers and principals in the areas of data analysis, state standards, assessments and instructional practices. In addition, she plays an active role in the Response to Intervention (RtI) and Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) initiatives. Holly received her bachelor’s in elementary education from Eastern Kentucky University and a master’s in educational administration from the University of Cincinnati. Additionally, she has completed post-graduate science coursework from Miami University.

Scarlato, Julie – 513.674.4232
Julie works with schools to implement school improvement initiatives. In this role, she works with teachers and principals to build capacity in analyzing student performance data as they create assessments, plan instruction, and design interventions to improve school practices. Julie also coaches/consults in the areas of curriculum mapping, Assessment FOR Learning, reading in the content areas and best practices and is an approved eReads facilitator.  Julie holds a bachelor’s in education from Miami University and a master’s in elementary education with a concentration in reading and a reading endorsement K-12 from The College of Mount St. Joseph.  She has also completed the Literacy Educator’s Training Consortium at Wright State University and obtained her Literacy Specialist Endorsement.

Schneider, Don – 513.674.4248
Don serves as the coordinator of athletic services for 17 high schools and 57 middle schools. He manages the recruiting, hiring, training, assigning and evaluating of sports officials for grades 7-12 interscholastic athletic events. Don also coordinates the development of scheduling, award programs and media communications for conferences and leagues. Don maintains liaison services with the National Federation of State High School Associations, the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) and the Southwest Ohio District Athletic Board. He has been a licensed athletic official of the OHSAA for 40 years and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Ohio Valley Basketball Officials Association. His previous experience is as a human resources manager, systems programming consultant and customer service supervisor in the life insurance industry. Don is a graduate of the College of Education at the University of Cincinnati.
Don was inducted into the OHSAA Officials Hall of Fame in July, 2006.

Sherman, Christina – 513.674.4216
Christina is a mathematics consultant and provides assistance to districts in implementing the Ohio Academic Content Standards, preparation for the Ohio achievement tests, curriculum alignment, data-driven decision making, effective instructional and assessment strategies, instructional coaching and various other aspects of mathematics education. She currently participates on the Ohio Resource Center Mathematics Review Board, Numeracy/Literacy Task Force, Math and Science Supervisors, Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics Conference Planning, and Ohio Mathematics Standards Revision Advisory committees. Christina’s prior experience includes instructional coaching at a variety of grade levels and teaching high school mathematics. She received her bachelor’s from Westminster College and Master’s from Miami University.

Shessler, Tom – 513.674.4317
Tom provides consultation and workshops for social studies teachers in support of standards-based instruction. He is the project director of “Freedom’s Currents”, a U.S. Department of Education Teaching American History grant project, serving area history teachers. He is a lead trainer for the Social Studies Institute of Ohio (SSIO) and serves on the Social Studies OGT Content Committee, as well as the Social Studies 8th Grade OAT Range-Finder Committee. He facilitates assessment, measurement, analysis and planning of instructional technology programs for schools and conducts workshops on assessing student digital products. Tom also consults and conducts workshops in information literacy and 21st Century Skills. Tom holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary social studies from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in instructional technology leadership from Antioch University.

Shroder, Jaymi – 513.674.4302
Jaymi provides consultation to district leadership teams to assist with data-based decision making and district-wide implementation of evidence-based practices for school improvement within the Ohio Improvement Process. Her professional responsibilities also include work in the early learning programs, and participating in the coordination and development of training, tools and resources for implementation of response to intervention.  Jaymi has served as a school psychologist in public schools for nine years and joined Hamilton County ESC as a regional consultant in 2007. Jaymi received her bachelor’s in psychology from Miami University, her master’s in school psychology from Bowling Green State University, and her doctorate in school psychology from the University of Cincinnati.

Skelton, Seena – 513.674.4303
Seena provides consultation and professional development to regional consultants assisting districts with the implementation of the Ohio Improvement Process (OIP). Seena is a quadrant lead consultant for statewide implementation of activities supported by the State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG). As a quadrant lead, Seena supports facilitators of the OIP from four State Support Team regions and functions as a liaison to the Ohio Department of Education. Her professional responsibilities also include increasing regional capacity for promoting culturally responsive practices. This involves the development of training, tools and resources for implementing evidence-based practices to support educators in effectively addressing issues related to the education of students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Seena has served as a school psychologist in early childhood programs for three years, and has served as a regional consultant in the Southwest Ohio Special Education Regional Resource Center. Seena is an adjunct professor at the College of Mount Saint Joseph in the Teacher Education Apprenticeship Master’s Multicultural Special Education Program. She received her bachelor’s in psychology, family life, and human sexuality from Central Michigan University, and her master’s and doctoral degrees in school psychology from the University of Cincinnati.

Slone, Ann – 513.674.4255
Ann is a Supervisor for the speech/language pathologists and provides supervision and professional development opportunities to HCESC SLP’s and affiliate districts. Prior to being a supervisor, she worked as an SLP for Warren County MRDD, Winton Woods City Schools, and for HCESC with students from ages pre-school through high school in both public and non-public school settings. Ann received her bachelor’s and master’s in speech/language pathology from Miami University with post- master’s work in Supervision from Xavier University. Ann maintains her speech and language board license, ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence, and her Ohio Department of Education licenses in speech pathology and supervision.

Smith, Paul E. – 513.674.4214
Paul serves as a member of the State Support Team for Region 13. He has experience with leading the Ohio Improvement Process with schools in Region 13.  Paul also serves as a supervisor for instructional coaches within the Cincinnati Public Schools.  Paul has twenty-six years experience in education. He has been middle school mathematics and technology teacher, principal, as well as serving in central office administrative roles in the areas of curriculum, instruction and Title I.  He has consulted with the Indiana Department of Education on assessment, instruction and curriculum issues.  Paul has a Master’s in Education and Education Specialist degree in administration from Indiana State University.

Smith, Rosa - 513.674.4350
Rosa is an Educational Field Supervisor for HCESC Early Learning Program in Region 2. The region includes six Head Start and two ELI centers, with a staff of 11. Prior to joining HCESC,  Rosa worked as a Child Care Job Training Teacher for Cincinnati Public School.  She has also worked as a Head Start teacher for National Child Day Care Association in Washington, D.C.  Rosa is a graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with a B.S. in Child Development.

Spikes, Helena – 513.674.4286
Helena is the Diversionary Court Referee in the Alternative Education Center and a liaison with Hamilton County Juvenile Court. She hears charges of school-related offenses for eleven school districts. Helena also provides some case coordination for families in collaboration with community-based agencies and school districts. In addition she assists with overseeing some conflict resolution groups with the Alternative Education Grant. Helena’s previous experience has been as the Unofficial Hearing Officer of Hamilton County Juvenile Court and has been diverting first time offenders from the Official Court System for 13 years as well as the JTPA Youth Coordinator. She completed her undergraduate degree from the University of Cincinnati in Criminal Justice and her master’s from Northern Kentucky University in public administration.

St. Cyr, Sylvia – 513.674.4268
Sylvia serves as a coordinator and consultant for area districts to enhance gifted services and ensure compliance with state mandates regarding gifted students.  Presentations provided by Sylvia include topics such as differentiated instruction, 21st century strategies and thinking skills, and current developments in gifted practices.  Sylvia authors The Gifted Gazette, a resource for consortium members. Her previous experience includes teaching as a gifted resource specialist using a variety of service models, as well as being a technology teacher for 4th-6th grade students.  Sylvia’s last two years of classroom instruction provided her with the experience of teaching science and social studies to fifth graders while successfully preparing them for state achievement tests.  Sylvia’s gifted certification, M.Ed. and post-graduate coursework have all been completed through Miami University.

Stamper, Rusty – 513.674.4287
Rusty has been the Technology Administrator with HCESC since 2000 and is responsible for the network and any computer- related technologies at HCESC. The network consists of over 200 PC’s and MAC’s in the central office and with HCESC colleagues in various districts. In addition to workstations, there are 10 servers that run various applications crucial to the day to day operations at HCESC. These applications include: email, collaboration, document management, file storage, printing, database, web server and remote access. He has been working with computers since the early ‘90’s and has been a full time “computer geek” since 1997. Before coming to HCESC Rusty spent two years as a network technician with a public school district in Hamilton County.

Stidham, Joan – 513.674.4211
Joan serves as the Director of the Instructional Services Center at HCESC. Joan’s responsibilities involve coordinating the planning, development and implementation of professional development services in the areas of curriculum, instruction, data, assessment, and leadership. She also supports services involving the Ohio Improvement Process. She has experience as a teacher and instructional specialist at both the elementary and secondary levels. Joan received her bachelor’s in chemistry education and her master’s in science education from Miami University, as well as additional graduate coursework for her administrative specialist license in curriculum, instruction and professional development.

Stine, Karen – 513.674.4308
Karen provides consultation to district leadership teams to assist with data-based decision-making and district-wide implementation of evidence-based practices for school improvement within the Ohio Improvement Process. Her professional responsibilities also include leading the coordination and development of training, tools and resources for implementation of research and evidence-based positive behavior interventions and supports. Karen has served as a school psychologist in public and non-public schools for over twenty years, and has served as a regional consultant with the Southwest Ohio Special Education Regional Resource Center. Karen received her bachelor’s in elementary and special education from Miami University and her master’s and doctoral degrees in school psychology from the University of Cincinnati.

Strickler, Wendy – 513.674.4311
Wendy provides consultation to district and building leadership teams to assist with data-based decision making and in district-wide implementation of evidence-based practices for school improvement. Her professional responsibilities also include participation on the Positive Behavior Support, Literacy, and Coach/Continuing Teams Training committees to support work and professional development in these areas. She provides support for English Language Learners in the region. Wendy has served as a school psychologist and intervention consultant. Wendy received her bachelor’s degree in Honors Psychology from McGill University, Montreal, Canada, and her master’s and doctoral degrees in school psychology from the University of Cincinnati.

Struewing, Nancy - 513.674.4323
Nancy currently works as the Early Childhood Education and Curriculum Specialist for the HCESC Early Learning Programs.  In addition to supervising classroom curriculum, and consulting with individual teachers, Nancy works with local district personnel on curriculum matters.  She also plans and delivers professional development trainings for HCESC staff and district early childhood professionals. Nancy holds a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Ball State University and a master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Cincinnati.

Sturges, Kathy – 513.674.4322
Kathy serves as the Director of the Center for Regional Educational Services.  In that role she facilitates, coordinates, and evaluates the design, development, delivery and implementation of center projects, products and services.  In addition, she is a member of the State Support Team (SST) for Region 13 working with school districts to build their leadership capacity through the implementation and monitoring of the Ohio Improvement Process (OIP) and the Ohio Leadership Advisory Council’s (OLAC) leadership framework.  She assists with the coordination of the activities of the State Support Team in providing professional development and technical assistance services to identified school districts in the region in the areas of school improvement, special education compliance, early learning and school readiness and early literacy functions.  She also consults and provides professional development around the Surveys of Enacted Curriculum (SEC). Kathy’s previous experience includes twenty-five years of classroom teaching, curriculum facilitation and college administration. She received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College, her master’s degree in Counseling from Northeastern University, and her administrative license from Xavier University.

Tassopoulos, Ritsa - 513.259.4900
Ritsa Tassopoulos serves as an external coach for the Instructional Support Team.  Her focus is working with K-8 grades in Cincinnati Public Schools.  Ritsa has thirty-five years of teaching experience, serving the last seven as a literacy coach with the Oak Hills Local School District. She was one of the first National Board Certified teachers, a former Praxis assessor, and worked on the Ohio Rangefinding Committee for several years. Ritsa earned her B.A. from the University of Cincinnati and her M.A from Marygrove College.

Tekulve, Katie – 513.674.4315
Katie has been a Graphic Designer with the Hamilton County ESC since 2001. Her role entails designing logos, brochures, newsletters, catalogues, posters, etc. for HCESC and affiliates, school districts, and other non-profit organizations. She works together with HCESC’s Printing Department to produce high quality products. Katie came to HCESC first as a co-op student then was hired on full-time after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Mount Saint Joseph.

Thornton, Kathleen – 513.674.4219
Kathy Thornton serves as a consultant on special projects for HCESC and member districts. Kathy’s areas of expertise include system design and planning, team building and facilitation, professional development, and K-12 general education and instructional design. Previous experiences include teaching and counseling at the secondary level and supervisory and leadership roles at HCESC. She has served on numerous state and national committees through professional organizations and is a graduate of The Ohio State University and Xavier University.

Tirey, Kathleen – 513.674.4203
Kathy serves as the Director of the Early Childhood and Literacy Center. Kathy provides early childhood special education itinerant and center-based programming for Hamilton County school districts. She consults with district personnel regarding all aspects of early childhood. She plans and develops professional development in the area of early literacy, special education and Early Learning Standards. Kathy’s educational career includes early childhood education, special education and literacy instruction. She earned her bachelor’s in special education and a master’s in supervision.

Turnbow, Gloria – 513.674.4359
Gloria is a supervisor for the speech/language pathologists.  She proves supervision and professional development opportunities to HCESC SLP’s and affiliate districts.  She worked as an SLP for HCESC with students from ages pre-school through high school in public settings.  Gloria received her bachelor’s from the University of California at Santa Barbara in speech and hearing and African American studies, and her master’s from the University of Cincinnati in Speech Pathology. Gloria completed post-graduate work in supervision and instruction at Xavier University.  She is licensed as a supervisor and as a speech-language pathologist and has been with HCESC over 31 years.

Vanover, Robin – 513.674.4547
Robin Vanover currently serves as a State Support Team Member for Region 13 assisting school districts in implementing the Ohio Improvement Process.  She works to build capacity for effective instruction, standards implementation, and the use of assessment results for instructional decision making.  Robin also serves in the Instructional Services Center as an educational consultant.  She is trained as an Assessment for Leaning Coach and has served as a School Improvement Consultant focused primarily in the areas of Literacy and Mathematics for grades K-8.  Robin has served as a reading intervention specialist and classroom teacher.  She has worked as an associate instructor for Miami University with Project Dragonfly online science courses and Ohio Writing Project workshops as well as an adjunct instructor for The College of Mount Saint Joseph in the College of Education.  Vanover holds master’s degrees from Miami University in the areas of language arts education and educational leadership.

Wagner, Dotti – 513.674.4210
Dotti is the Supervisor/Consultant for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program. As the supervisor for the Hearing Impaired Program, Dotti offers guidance and leadership to a staff of deaf education teachers working in both resource and itinerant positions as well as to a staff of educational interpreters. She also provides consultation to area school districts on deaf and hard of hearing students and their needs. Dotti received her bachelor’s in speech pathology and her master’s in audiology from the University of Cincinnati with post-master’s work in supervision from Xavier University. She is also an adjunct professor at Xavier University in the special education department. The Ohio Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology licensed her as a speech language pathologist and an educational audiologist. Her state certification and licensing is in the areas of speech language pathology, educational audiology, and supervision.

Washington, Yvette - 513.674.4340
Yvette serves as the Nutrition Manager for the Early Learning Program.  She is also a registered and licensed dietitian. Prior to coming to the Early Learning Program, Yvette worked as a registered dietitian for the Women, Infants, and Children program.  Yvette earned her bachelor’s degree in Dietetics from the University of Cincinnati and she successfully completed her dietetic internship at Good Samaritan Hospital.

Way, Mary – 513.674.4556
Mary serves as a school improvement coach. She has been a 7th and 8th grade teacher in both urban and suburban schools and was science department chair and science teacher for 17 years at a large high school. She has done extensive curriculum work and lesson design in science curriculum and standards based science education. She was most recently an Assistant Principal at a small suburban junior/high school. Mary received her bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Edgecliff College and a master’s degree in emotionally disturbed children from Xavier University. She has additional certification in guidance and counseling and has licensure as an elementary, secondary principal and assistant superintendent from Xavier University.

Williams, Cedric – 513.674.4305
Cedric currently serves as the ELI/Family and Community Partnership Coordinator for the Early Learning Program. He is responsible for managing enrollment, recruitment and marketing. He also works as the parent advocate and liaison with the Community Action Agency. He is a Licensed Social Worker and has been in the field of children and family services for more than 22 years. He is a graduate of Ohio University with a degree in criminal  justice. He has served as an attendance officer and Diversionary Court Referee. He also worked as the coordinator of the alternative education program.

Wong, Patrick – 513.368.7649
Patrick is the Secondary Education Transition Specialist for the State Support Team Region 13 serving the four county region of Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties. His role is to provide technical assistance to the region and districts to increase the quality of secondary transition services and post-school results.  The mission is to coordinate secondary educational services through the course of study and to improve the educational achievement for students with disabilities. Previously, Patrick served a supervisor for special education services in the area of early childhood, multiple disabilities, and cross-categorical services in a district. He has been an adjunct professor at Xavier University and the University of Cincinnati.  Patrick served as a consultant to the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission and the Ohio Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.  He is a published author in the Early Childhood Journal and has co-authored a supported employment grant.  Patrick received his bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University and a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati.

The Field Staff
The Hamilton County Educational Service Center also employs a large staff who provide direct services to students, parents, schools, and school districts and an additional group of staff who provide a wide variety of support services. Space will not allow us to introduce each of these individuals to you, but the following list helps show the scope of our work being done at multiple locations throughout Hamilton County and elsewhere.
Type and Number
Administrative Assistants 33
Braille Paraeducator IV 1
Cooks 2
Early Childhood Assistant Teachers 56
Early Childhood Head Teachers 36
Early Childhood Intervention Specialist 15
Early Childhood Managers/Coordinators/Specialist 9
Educational Interpreter 21
Instructional Specialist 31
Intervention Specialist - DH 3
Intervention Specialist - HH 7
Intervention Specialist - LD 1
Intervention Specialist - SBH 7
Maintenance/Custodian 4
Occupational Therapist 11
Occupational Therapist Assistant 4
Physical Education Teacher 1
Physical Therapist 7
Physical Therapy Assistant 1
School Counselor 8
School Nurse 16
School Psychologist 46
Speech/Language Pathologist 86
Supplemental Service Teacher - VI 5
Teacher Assistant - HH 1
Teacher Assistant - Pathways 2
Teacher Assistant - SBH 11
Technology Support 2
Work Study Coordinator 1
Total 428