Lower School

Altman, Adam - Email
Science - Lower and Middle School
B.S. The Ohio State University
M.Ed. Ursuline College
 

Mr. Altman joined AOA in 2008. After graduating from The Ohio State University with a degree in Sustainable Resource Management, he enjoyed a decade in the private sector as an environmental consultant. "I loved being able to directly apply the science I know to discover historical causes of environmental impacts." Mr. Altman went on to pursue a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Ursuline College. Prior to joining AOA, he taught first grade in the Cleveland Heights/University Heights school district.

"There is no better way to teach young children science than through real experiences that deepen their understanding of the world in which they live."

Bradach, Gail - Email
Kindergarten - Lower School
B.S. Kent State University
M.Ed. Notre Dame College  

Ms. Bradach comes to Andrews Osborne Academy following nine years of teaching kindergarten at St. John Lutheran School in South Euclid. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Kent State University and a Master of Education degree with Reading Endorsement from Notre Dame College. Prior to teaching, Ms. Bradach worked as a childcare director.

"I love teaching kindergarten because of the tremendous progress made by students over the course of the school year. What attracted me to Andrews Osborne Academy was the small class size, which allows for more individualization. The supportive atmosphere on campus is amazing. I truly believe that this school practices teaching as it should be done."

Croucher, Sharon - Email
Enrichment Center Teacher Assistant - Lower School

B.M. Westminster College 

Mrs. Croucher spent over twenty years as a radiology technologist in an inner city hospital. As a parent, she volunteered in the library and many different areas within Andrews Osborne Academy. Eventually she began working full-time in the library as the assistant for four years.

"All three of our children are alumni of the school, Brandon '97, Veronica '02, and Rebecca '04. The solid education program our children received and the emphasis on values such as self-esteem and respect allowed our children the ability to achieve anything. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the children in the Enrichment Center."

DeVault, Nancy - Email
Librarian - Lower School
B.S. State University of New York
M.S. University of Akron
M.L.I.S. Kent State University  

Mrs. DeVault has been the Lower School Librarian since 2002. Prior to becoming the librarian, she was a part-time aide in the library. Formerly a research chemist and tech service representative for a polymer company, Mrs. DeVault entered the library profession after taking time out to raise her two daughters.

"It is a privilege to work with the students and faculty at the Thomas J. Osborne Library. The extensive library collection and enthusiastic faculty who share the vision of the impact of the written word on a student's educational experience allows me to see that full use is made of the library's resources. One of the more satisfying moments of being a librarian comes when I am able to connect a student with a book he or she finds especially enjoyable. Often students communicate their likes and dislikes over a period of weeks, months or sometimes years, allowing me to point out a new author or another genre which they might find appealing. This also helps me in making decisions regarding acquisitions for the library collection which will service the recreational reading of our students in addition to supporting the curriculum."

Dorr, Brian - Email
Music Director
Music - Lower School
Band - Lower, Middle, and Upper School
B.M.Ed. Mount Union College  

After college, Mr. Dorr served for three years in the Army Band program playing euphonium and electric bass guitar. His duty stations were Atlanta, Georgia and Fulda, West Germany. Before accepting the position of Music Director at Andrews Osborne Academy, Mr. Dorr taught music for ten years in the Perry School system where he was recognized as a Jennings Scholar. Mr. Dorr has served the greater independent school community by participating on the Ohio Independent Schools' Professional Services Committee for ten years and the ISACS Professional Services Committee for three years. Mr. Dorr is a working musician who performs with various ensembles in northeastern Ohio.

Having the unique opportunity of working with students as they progress in music from preschool through eighth grade provides Mr. Dorr with weekly moments of reward. As new concepts are explored, reviewed and mastered, the ensuing confidence displayed by the students is an energizing factor. "Whether it is a group of middle school singers harmonizing well, a young clarinetist playing strongly in the upper register or a Kindergartner writing a rhythm that they have just heard, the expression of 'I did it' that brightens their eyes offers a wonderful springboard to new adventures in music. The variety of music and musical styles that are waiting to be explored through listening, singing, playing, writing and movement provide the students with many different ways to experience this art form."

Frisbie, Theresa - Email
Director of Lower School
B.A. Ursuline College
M.Ed. Boston College 

Mrs. Frisbie serves the school as the Lower School Director after teaching fourth and first grades for several years and working as AOA's Curriculum Director. Mrs. Frisbie graduated first in her class from Ursuline College with a Bachelor's degree in Education and Psychology in 1991 and went on to teach kindergarten in the Willoughby-Eastlake Schools for four years. As a life-long learner, Mrs. Frisbie went on to pursue a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College. After graduating with honors, she taught first and second grades in the Westwood Public Schools in Massachusetts for six years before returning home to Cleveland. While teaching in Westwood, Mrs. Frisbie visited Japan on a Fulbright Scholarship that allowed her to meet with Japanese educators and observe Japanese schools and family life. In addition, Mrs. Frisbie worked on many district wide committees to provide quality staff and curriculum development, two areas she feels are critical for schools to be successful.

"As Lower School Director, I will guide our global program and support our dedicated faculty as they move forward in their implementation of differentiated instruction. I believe strongly that each child is a unique learner that should be encouraged on a daily basis to wonder and ask questions because it is the people in life who ask the questions that spur innovative and new ideas in our society. It is this idea that all children are unique learners that drives my belief in and passionate support for differentiated instruction. When children leave Andrews Osborne Academy, I want them to be confident, imaginative problem-solvers who are ready to participate fully in an ever more interdependent global society."

Hegreness, Darcy - Email
Physical Education - Lower School
Swim - Lower and Middle School
B.S. The Ohio State University  

Darcy Hegreness has taught swimming at Andrews Osborne Academy since 1997. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation from The Ohio State University. Mrs. Hegreness has been involved in therapeutic recreation and swimming all her life. She worked as a supervisor for the O.S.U. Aquatic Center and for the National American Red Cross as a liaison between Safety Programs Department and the City of Columbus swimming pools. Mrs. Hegreness has also been employed as an activities therapist, activities coordinator, and therapeutic recreation consultant. She looks forward to taking her recreation degree and incorporating it with the National Association of Sport and Physical Education standards to make the physical education classes fun and beneficial. Mrs. Hegreness hopes that all students will learn to value physical education for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and social interaction.

"Living on the shores of Lake Erie, I feel that it is vitally important that all students become proficient swimmers and safe in and around the water. I work with students at their individual level. I love to see their excitement as they learn to float, pass their deep end test and succeed at their first dive. For the older student I enjoy refining their techniques and challenging them in sports."

Huck, Michelle - Email
Grade 3 - Lower School
B.S. Eastern Michigan University  

Mrs. Huck joined AOA in 2006 when her family relocated from Virginia. She has also coached Middle School Girl's Volleyball.

"The nurturing environment at Andrews Osborne Academy is unique. I really enjoy working with my students as they master concepts. The class size is ideal for helping each student reach his/her potential."

Hunt, Denise - Email
Grade 5 - Lower School
B.A. Bethany College
M.Ed. John Carroll University
 

Mrs. Hunt, who joined AOA in 2008, has previously taught Kindergarten and first, sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. She is certified in both Regular and Special Education. During her teaching career, Mrs. Hunt has coached, provided summer enrichment, and served on professional development and district wide strategic planning committees.

Mrs. Hunt is the proud mother of three wonderful children. She focuses on providing a classroom environment and educational experiences that nurture and develop each of her student's talents and interests.

"If a child does not learn what is taught, then teach the child the way they learn." (Kenneth Dunn)

Libby, Michelle - Email
Learning Specialist - Lower School
 

Lintala, Debbie - Email
Pre-Kindergarten Assistant - Lower School

B.A. Cleveland State University 

Mrs. Lintala joined AOA in 1997 as a kindergarten assistant. In 1998, she became a pre-kindergarten assistant. Her interest in joining the staff blossomed after her two sons, Nicholas '03, and Derek '06 attended the school. The school provided her sons with a solid foundation for a lifelong pursuit of education and the skills to successfully meet the challenges of high school. Mrs. Lintala has also worked as an editor of quarterly newsletters that share many exciting educational opportunities.

"As a Pre-Kindergarten assistant, I enjoy being part of the excitement a child feels during his or her first school experience and seeing this child's pride as he or she develops academic skills. I see Pre-Kindergarten as a 'gateway' to the school, and enjoy welcoming and making these children and their families a part of the Andrews Osborne Academy community."

Marcum, Sylvia - Email
Kindergarten Assistant - Lower School
B.S. The Ohio State University  

Mrs. Marcum's association with Andrews Osborne Academy began in 1987, when she joined the staff of the Extended Day and Enrichment Center programs. As a graduate of The Ohio State School of Nursing, her background was ideal for working with young children in an elementary school setting. After spending several years in the Enrichment Center and Pre-Kindergarten programs, she joined the Kindergarten staff.

"My position as Assistant Teacher allows me to assist the classroom teacher to meet the mission and instill the core values of Andrews Osborne Academy in our students. In my daily contact with children, I strive to help them become critical thinkers and active problem solvers in their education. Fostering creativity is also an important part of my focus, as I assist the children with art activities in the classroom. I constantly learn from each student as we spend our days together."

Marlow, Sallie - Email
Grade 4 - Lower School
B.S. Lake Erie College  

Mrs. Marlow began her teaching career at James A. Garfield School in Willoughby, Ohio where she taught grades three through six and instructed adults in an English as a Second Language evening program. After eight years, Mrs. Marlow "retired" to raise three sons with her husband, Kip, and to pursue graduate classes in learning disabilities and gifted education.

"As our oldest son Kurt reached kindergarten age, we looked for a school that had an outstanding staff who guided children in a caring learning community. After visiting Andrews Osborne Academy, the choice was apparent. During the boys' elementary and middle school years, we watched the magic happen as Kurt, Kevin, and Kasey became enthusiastic self-directed learners. All three are college graduates who still maintain their Andrews Osborne friendships and today appreciate the school that encouraged their individual accomplishments and successes."

In 1997, Mrs. Marlow returned to Andrews Osborne Academy as a teacher who wanted to spark the same interest and passion for knowledge in students that her children had experienced in the 1970's and 1980's. Today, Mrs. Marlow continues to promote her love of reading and writing in the school's new language lab where she teaches fourth grade students communication skills.

Matchinga, Olivia - Email
Pre-Kindergarten - Lower School
B.S. Bowling Green University 

Mrs. Matchinga previously taught first grade and preschool. She taught Kindergarten at Andrews Osborne Academy and is teaching Pre-Kindergarten during the 2008-09 school year. She has stayed current in her field by attending classes, workshops, seminars, and tutoring other students.

"Teaching at Andrews Osborne Academy is a good fit for me. Philosophically, the small size of the classes matches my ideal classroom environment. Each student I have the privilege to work with receives my full attention. I approach each child as a unique individual by nurturing strengths, encouraging initiative, and working on areas of academic challenges. I believe in establishing a strong learning environment where students feel they belong and are encouraged to succeed. I want to create an atmosphere where the students listen and learn from their classmates, as well as from me. My ultimate goal is to have each child learn life long skills while having fun."

Melesky, Lara - Email
Spanish - Lower and Middle School
B.A. Duquesne University 

Senorita Melesky earned a Bachelor's degree in Spanish Language and Literature from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. Prior to arriving at AOA in 2007, she student taught at a small parochial school during college. Ms. Melesky is now sharing her passion and energy for language with students in the EC program through sixth grade.

"I think back to Plato's Republic when considering how best to teach. Socrates instructs us, "Therefore, you best of men, don't use force in training the children in the subjects, but rather play. In that way can you better discern toward what each is naturally directed." To discover that special place where work and play merge together to create joyful, meaningful - and therefore valuable - learning is to discover the underlying philosophy of an AOA education. AOA embraces this Greek wisdom wholeheartedly; and so for that, along with many other reasons, I am grateful to be part of such a wonderful academy."

Naso, Mary - Email
Grade 3 - Lower School
B.A. Ohio University
M.Ed. Cleveland State University 

Mrs. Naso, who teaches third grade, also previously taught second grade at AOA. She received her Bachelor's of Art in Psychology at Ohio University and continued her education at Cleveland State University where she received her Master's in Early Childhood Education. Her years in social work and working with families bring a unique insight and understanding to the challenges many families face. Previous to joining the staff at Andrews Osborne Academy she taught second grade in Madison Local Schools. Mary and her husband are raising two children in their hometown of Madison.

"Teaching at Andrews Osborne Academy is very rewarding for me. Due to the class size, I am enjoy spending meaningful one on one time with my students, making their education fit their needs and personalities. I approach each child with respect and understanding. I strive to build a learning community where every child can succeed."

Papageorge, Christine - Email
Grade 2 - Lower School
 

Ranallo, Sheila - Email
Grade 1 - Lower School
B.A. Notre Dame College 

Mrs. Ranallo's experience in working with children extends over a fourteen year period and includes students ages three through thirteen as well as special needs and autistic children. She was also an assistant teacher at the Willoughby United Methodist Nursery School, Andrews Osborne Academy, and has taught fourth grade Parish School of Religion at Immaculate Conception School in Willoughby. Upon graduating from Notre Dame College, Mrs. Ranallo substituted in the Kirtland, Mayfield, Mentor, Painesville Township, and Willoughby/Eastlake School Districts. She is currently working on her Master of Education with an emphasis on reading at Ursuline College.

Mrs. Ranallo believes that Andrews Osborne Academy is recognized as an academic institution that promotes and celebrates cultural diversity. She works diligently and enthusiastically to help students reach their fullest potential and foster open-mindedness towards people of all nations in this increasingly global society. She says, "It is important to instill in children a love for knowledge and empower them to become lifelong learners." Her philosophy is that every child has a right to a developmentally appropriate program. The program should stimulate creative expression, develop self-awareness, nurture language skills, promote physical growth, encourage critical thinking, facilitate social development, and meet the changing needs of every child.

Revolinsky, Terttu - Email
Enrichment Center - Lower School
B.S. Kent State University 

Born in Karstula, Finland, Terttu Revolinsky came to the United States on the Queen Mary on December 24, 1952. Her family settled in Fairport Harbor where her grandparents lived.

Mrs. Revolinsky has over 30 years of teaching experience in preschools and kindergarten. She taught for 10 years at Lakeland Community College, including supervising student teachers in the Early Childhood field.

"Having taught for over 20 years at Andrews Osborne Academy has brought much joy and fulfillment. The very loving and home-like environment atmosphere at the school has been inspiring. The families have been so supportive. This is very conducive for a creative learning environment."

Scott, Nancy - Email
Computer - Lower and Middle School
B.S. Keene State College 

Mrs. Scott came to AOA from working with a company called "Computer Tots" where she would travel to different schools and teach computer classes to students and teachers. Prior to that she was a stay at home mom who volunteered at her children's schools helping with the computers.

Here at Andrews Osborne Academy her job is to teach computer classes to students from three years old to eighth grade. For the students in the middle school she works cooperatively with their teachers to design integrated lessons that incorporate the computers and all the different learning styles.

"I feel it is important to teach the students how to use the computer to enhance their learning and to be a useful tool as they go through school and life. I also work with Middle School students to produce the school yearbook. I am the advisor and director of the school news show The Herald. I love working with children, drawing out their creativity and instilling in them a joy of life-long learning and exploring."

Sulak, Jeanette - Email
Art - Lower, Middle, and Upper School
B.A. Cleveland State University 

Mrs. Sulak was born in Barquisimeto, Venezuela and grew up in Ohio. After graduating from CSU, she substituted in the Madison, Mentor and Wickliffe schools before coming to Andrews Osborne Academy. She is a member of the Ohio Art Education Association and participates in the Teacher Resource workshops offered by the Cleveland Museum of Art each month.

She promotes students in seventh and eighth grades to create award-winning art for the Lake and Geauga County Secondary Art Awards. Mrs. Sulak coordinates art work for display featuring pre-kindergarten through eighth grades at the May Fine Arts Show.

"I've always enjoyed teaching children to find a sense of wonder about the world around them. Art helps them express their values and emotions. Students learn about other cultures and the historical importance of symbols and ideas. I choose to teach here because as teachers we are encouraged and challenged to instill a love of our subject by being creative and innovative in new approaches. Imagination is the beginning of creation, that is what I desire to instill in all my students."

Wintersteller, Friederike - Email
Grade 2 - Lower School
B.S. Westfaelische Wilhelmsuniversitaet Muenster, Germany 

Prior to joining the Andrews Osborne Academy faculty in 2008, Mrs. Wintersteller was an elementary school teacher in Germany for nine years. During that time, Mrs. Wintersteller taught first through fourth grades and Special Needs children in Niederaula. She was promoted to Assistant Principal and relocated to Essen, where she continued her teaching duties as an instructor in grades one through three, therapeutic horseback riding, and swimming. Mrs. Wintersteller is currently working on her Masters of Education at Lake Erie College. She lives in Willoughby with her husband Jim.

"What I enjoy most about teaching is that students learn to appreciate and like the benefits of a successful educational and social experience that are achieved via our curriculum. I seek to create an energizing, creative and active learning environment that will bring out the best in each child. The small class size at AOA is ideal to meet every child's needs. Having a background rooted in the European perspective, I will also contribute to the multi-cultural atmosphere within Andrews Osborne Academy."