Middle 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."

Berthet, Veronique - Email
French - Middle and Upper School
B.A. Castleton State College
M.A. Syracuse University 

Ms. Berthet is a native speaker of French. She finished her studies in France and came to the United States as an exchange student nearly twelve years ago. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish Language and Literature from Castleton State College, Vermont. In 2003, Ms. Berthet graduated with a Master's Degree in Linguistics from Syracuse University, NY. Ms. Berthet has taught at all levels of education: K-12 French and Spanish, college level French courses in the United States, and French and English as a Foreign Language to professional adults in Mexico. Ms. Berthet joined the AOA faculty in 2004.

"For me, AOA represents a microcosm of the world with students from different cultures, ethnicities, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. It is fascinating and rewarding to teach in this educational institution. C'est merveilleux! Go AOA!"

Clark, Karen - Email
Choral and Theater Program Director
B.M. Westminster College 

Mrs. Clark teaches Choral Music and directs the Drama Program at Andrews Osborne Academy. Mrs. Clark is a graduate of Westminster College, Pennsylvania where she earned her Bachelor of Music in Education. Her concentrations were in Piano and Voice. She has done graduate work at the Cleveland Institute of Music in Choral Conducting and has spent many summers studying at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, N.J. Mrs. Clark is an active member of the Music Educators National Conference, the Ohio Music Education Association and the American Guild of Organists. Mrs. Clark has taught music, both Choral and Instrumental, to students of all ages. She has helped direct and produce many theatrical productions, both in school and in community theater. She also serves as Organist/Choirmaster at St. Alban Episcopal Church. Mrs. Clark resides in Cleveland Heights with her husband, Andrew, their two children and their two black Labradors.

Devloo, Melissa - Email
Mathematics - Middle and Upper School
Science - Middle School

B.A. Lake Erie College 

Mrs. Devloo teaches 8th grade Mathematics and Science and Upper School Mathematics. Prior to her arrival at AOA in 2009, she graduated from Lake Erie College, majoring in Middle School Education with a minor in Mathematics. In addition, Mrs. Devloo is an 8th grade advisor and a volunteer coach for the Middle School volleyball team.

"I have a true passion for the field of Mathematics. It is my hope to instill that passion in all of my students."

Di Bianca, Gary - Email
Foreign Language Chair
Spanish - Middle and Upper School
B.A. and B.S. Miami University (Ohio)
M.A. Middlebury College 

Señor Di Bianca joined the AOA faculty in 2003. He teaches Upper School Spanish, including AP Spanish Language, and is Chair of the Foreign Language Department. He has lived in Costa Rica and Mexico and has traveled with AOA students to Spain, Canada, and Costa Rica. He is the co-advisor of ROAD: Respecters of All Diversities Club, serves on the Cleveland Council of Independent School's Diversity Committee, and works on other diversity committees throughout the Cleveland area. At AOA, he is a member of the Curriculum Committee, chairs the annual International Day, and co-facilitates the Cleveland Area Arts Experience and Student Diversity Leadership Forum. He is a member of national and local foreign language associations and regularly attends and presents at foreign language, diversity, and technology conferences and workshops. Señor Di Bianca was honored by Ohio Magazine as an Outstanding Private School Educator in 2006.

"When I describe Andrews Osborne Academy, I talk about my wonderful students, the challenging courses we offer, and my great colleagues who all bring so much to the table. I also stress the word "Community" because AOA is community-based school. There is an amazing dynamic that comes together to make this school what it is, and I truly feel this is what sets us apart and makes us special."

Ely, Lynne - Email
English - Middle School
B.S. Bowling Green State University
M.A. Middlebury College Bread Loaf School of English 

Mrs. Ely has taught in Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Ohio and the Netherlands. She has also taught a wide variety of age levels, from grade 6 to college. Her first passion and love is history, but it didn't take her long as a teacher to see that students in all subjects also needed solid instruction in English to be successful writers, readers and speakers about the material. This lead her to the Bread Loaf School of English, where she specifically focused her studies on the process of writing and how to teach writing. As an English teacher, Mrs. Ely has taken a special interest in drama and seeing works of literature come alive through dramatic interpretation. Returning to her native Ohio, Mrs. Ely is excited to teach at Andrews Osborne Academy because of the small classes, diverse student body, excellent facilities and a creative, caring faculty.

Mrs. Ely believes, "History is a river that flows from the past to the present and on into the future. By understanding the various currents, ripples and undertows of our history, we are better able to understand where we are and where we are going. Furthermore the 21st century demands that students become effective communicators. It is essential that students learn to read, write and speak with a precise vocabulary in a well-organized manner so they will be understood and their voices heard."

Emmerich, Lynn - Email
Learning Specialist - Middle and Upper School
B.S. University of Alabama
M.A. University of Alabama in Birmingham 

Mrs. Emmerich joined AOA in 2008 as the Learning Specialist after teaching Pre Kindergarten through college level inclusion classes for over ten years. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor's degree in Education and went on to earn a double Master's degree in Education from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. During this time, Mrs. Emmerich wrote and earned many grants and completed some doctorate level studies in Educational Leadership.

"As our school's Learning Specialist, I will provide assistance to students with learning plans, both one-on-one and in small groups. As part of my duties, I will serve as a resource for classroom teachers to help with differentiated instruction for stuggling students. It is also my goal to always be available for consulting and communicating with faculty, families, and students on effective teaching strategies for each student's learning. I do believe that all students have their own extraordinary gifts, and it is in part our responsibility to engage the student, enrich their search for knowledge, and explore all avenues of instruction with them."

Mrs. Emmerich and her husband, Chad, have two sons, Nicholas and Jonathon.

Fain, Carol - Email
English as a Second Language - Middle and Upper School
B.A. Michigan State University 

Mrs. Fain is a native of New Jersey. After studying French and English at Michigan State University, she moved to Berlin, Germany, where she lived for eleven years. Mrs. Fain was the Foreign Language Coordinator for the US Army in Berlin and taught for many years at The University of Akron and several private language schools.

Mrs. Fain is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Education and ESL.

"Having gone to Germany on my own with no contacts and only a smattering of German, I am excited to work with students who are learning a new language and trying to adjust to a different culture. Andrews Osborne Academy provides a wonderful opportunity for international students to experience life abroad in a supportive and challenging environment, and I am happy to be part of that experience."

Greene, Joe - Email
English as a Second Language - Middle and Upper School
 

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."

Hines, Kathie - Email
History - Middle and Upper School
B.A. Oakland University
M.A. Ursuline College 

Mrs. Hines earned a Bachelor's degree from Oakland University in Michigan and a Master's degree in Education from Ursuline College. Prior to arriving at AOA in 2008, she taught at Greater Heights Academy. Mrs. Hines has taught World History, U.S. History, Government, Economics, and Sociology. At AOA she teaches World Studies II, Eighth grade U.S. History, Government, and Ethics.

"In my classroom, learning is student-centered and students are actively participating. Education is not a process of filling one's mind with facts. On the contrary, it is supplying my students with facts and ideas, incorporating the necessary tools, and showing them the means to succeed. Also, by expressing my passion for teaching my content area I hope to inspire my students to be life-long learners and productive citizens."

Jones, Polly - Email
Librarian - Middle and Upper School

B.S. Duke University and Kent State University
M.L.S. Kent State University
M.S. Wheelock College 

Mrs. Jones earned a Master's degree from Kent State University in Library Science, a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Kent State, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Duke University. Prior to arriving at AOA in 2007, Mrs. Jones served as a librarian at the United Elementary School and the Minerva Public Library. She has more than ten years of teaching experience in schools in Hawaii, Texas, and here in Ohio.

"Having attended boarding school as a high school student, I was excited for my family and I to join the AOA community; the close-knit environment and rigorous academic curriculum were appealing to me. As the Librarian for the middle and upper school students, I particularly enjoy collaborating with teachers and helping students with the research process. I strongly believe that as young adults transition from high school to college, they need solid information literacy skills. My work with the students centers on them being able to find, access, evaluate, and cite reliable information. Our students move on to the next stage of their lives with the necessary skills to succeed."

Lash, Maggie - Email
Physical Education - Middle and Upper School
B.A. Notre Dame College 

Ms. Lash has taught health and physical education and served as Athletic Director at St. Augustine Academy and Regina High School. She coached swimming at Regina High School, Laurel School, and Magnificat High School prior to joining Andrews Osborne Academy.

"As a physical educator, providing students with physical activity opportunities both in and out of school is critical. Helping them to develop the knowledge and skills to select and participate in physical activity safely, competently, and with personal satisfaction is my goal as an educator. It is my role to help students develop health related fitness, physical competence, and positive attitudes about physical activity so that they can adopt healthy and physically active lifestyles."

Marsh, Katharine - Email
Science Department Chair
Science - Middle and Upper School
B.S. Quinnipiac University
M.S. Southern Connecticut State University 

Ms. Marsh is Chair of the Science Department, Advisor for the Ecology Club, and an Advisor for the Freshman Class.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science, she managed and was resident technician for a large and small animal veterinary practice in rural Connecticut outside of New Haven. From there, Ms. Marsh worked at the University of Connecticut Medical School as a researcher on a vaccine against bacterial meningitis, and at the Connecticut Chemosensory Research Center. In 2000, she was awarded "Top 20 Outstanding Advanced Placement Teachers in the New England Region" by the College Board.

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."

O'Connor, Jennie - Email
English as a Second Language - Middle and Upper School
B.A. The Ohio State University
M.A. Cleveland State University
M.Ed. Cleveland State University
 

Prior to joining AOA in 2010, Ms. O'Connor taught ESL and English Composition at Lakeland Community College and Cuyahoga Community College for six years. She has traveled in Mexico, Peru, Russia, England, Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, and Germany, always staying with friends, family, host families, or in International students' housing, in order to better understand the local culture. Ms. O'Connor has studied Spanish, Russian, Swahili, German, and American Sign Language. While she has many years of managerial and other teaching experience, her current career combines her passions for teaching and interacting with people of other cultures with her love of English and linguistics.

"AOA provides international students the opportunity to develop skills they need to flourish at universities in the United States: a solid foundation in the English language and other subjects, and exposure to the style of education in the U.S., which aims to develop critical thinking and creativity."

Roote, Natalie - Email
Mandarin - Middle and Upper School
Residential Assistant - House 5 Dorm
 

Sarns, Mary - Email
Art - Middle and Upper School
B.F.A. Kansas City Art Institute
M.F.A. Illinois State University and Ohio University 

Ms. Sarns experience includes teaching courses in Painting and Drawing at Illinois State University, University College of Santa Fe, Lakeland Community College, Eastlake Adult Education, The School of Fine Arts, and Cleveland Museum of Art. She has lead Artists-in-Resident Programs for Children at various locations such as Willoughby- Eastlake Schools, Mentor Gifted Programs, West Geauga Middle School, St. Williams School, St Roberts School, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Mary Magdalene School, and St Gabriel School. Ms. Sarns was Gallery Director for the School of Fine Arts from 1977 to 2003. She has shown in local, regional and national art shows and in galleries.

"Art is not just something that you do, it is a way of life."

Schulz, Laura - Email
Mathematics and Science - Middle School
B.S. Bowling Green State University
T.E.E.L. Notre Dame College 

A certified Middle School Mathematics and Science teacher, Mrs. Schulz comes to AOA with experience from two careers: teaching and health care management. Most recently she was with the Painesville City and Mentor Public School systems. Prior to teaching, she managed the Medical Records department at Hillcrest Hospital for several years. Mrs. Schulz is equally passionate about Math and Science and hopes to inspire her students to feel the same. With the integration of the two subjects, the students are able to build a solid foundation in both content areas.

Mrs. Schulz is thrilled to be teaching at AOA. "Teaching at Andrews Osborne Academy is truly a dream job. The small class sizes allow me to challenge each student and assist them in realizing their potential. The international component of the school further enriches the education process and cannot be found elsewhere in the area. The students here at AOA are confident, well-rounded, and community service oriented individuals who graduate ready for college."

Mrs. Schulz also serves as an advisor to the Middle School Math Counts and Environmental clubs. She is married and has two children, a senior at Mentor High School and a junior here at AOA.

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."

Starkey, Matt - Email
Spanish - Middle and Upper School
B.A. The Ohio State University 

Mr. Starkey joined AOA in March of 2009. He graduated from The Ohio State University with Bachelor of Arts degrees in History, Political Science, and Spanish. Mr. Starkey has lived in Spain as a student at la Universidad de Granada. Prior to coming to AOA, he was a substitute teacher for the Mentor Public School District as well as a learn-to-swim instructor and director at several different aquatic facilities. Mr. Starkey teaches Middle School Spanish and the Upper School Spanish II classes. In addition to teaching, he coaches both Middle and Upper School Swimming.

"It is my goal to not only provide the students with the tools necessary to learn a second language but to take them on a journey that gives them an insight into the history and culture that goes with the language they are studying, embodying the school mission and pushing them one step closer to global literacy and awareness."

"Education is the best provision for the journey to old age." Aristotle

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."

Thompson, Tasha - Email
History - Middle and Upper School
B.S. Lake Erie College
 

Mrs. Thompson teaches Middle School History as well as ESL Humanities courses. She received her Bachelor's degree in Social Science from Lake Erie College and completed an education licensure program at Notre Dame College. Prior to arriving at AOA, Mrs. Thompson worked as a family advocate for a local nonprofit organization.

"It is my goal to connect what the students do in school to what the students do after school. I believe that it is that dynamic and comfortable learning environment that will promote continuous improvement of successful and constructive people. I enjoy being an advisor for the Middle School Student Council and the Model UN."

Vladova, Marina - Email
English - Middle and Upper School
B.A. The American University
M.Ed. Ursuline College 

Ms. Vladova teaches American Literature, AP Language and Composition, Media Studies, and Film History and Criticism in the Upper School. Ms. Vladova has worked as a magazine editor and writer in New York and London before returning to Ohio to be closer to family and pursue graduate studies in education and language arts. She has experience teaching in public and private schools and has attended the AP Language Summer Institute at Northwestern University. Ms. Vladova holds the view that learning is a methodical yet also an idiosyncratic process and strives to create conditions in the classroom for students to explore various learning preferences, advance personal interests and question long-standing assumptions. Her goal is to help students to master the art of close reading and critical oral and written response. As film and creative writing are two of her favorite pastimes, Ms. Vladova enjoys serving as advisor to the Film Club and Literary Magazine.