ESCWR - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Community Outreach Specialist
Before joining the ESCWR, Alissa Arndt spent 9 years volunteering at her local elementary school helping students, teachers, and administrators. She also has been an active PTA member for 9 years as well. During this time she was raising 3 children. Before her children were born, she was a Respiratory Therapist working with children and adults who required oxygen, ventilators, or sleep aides in their homes.
Job Titles:
- RESA & Lake Erie Wrap Around Coordinator
Beth Walsh-Moorman joins the ESC of Western Reserve after serving as the assistant professor of literacy at Lake Erie College, where she coordinated the reading endorsement, M.Ed. in literacy and secondary ELA programs. Beth earned her doctorate in curriculum and instruction with a literacy specialization from Kent State University in 2018. Beth's professional affiliations include serving as a member of Ohio's P20 Literacy Collaborative and on the executive board of the Ohio Council of Teachers of Language Arts, as well as editing the Ohio Journal of English Language Arts. Beth has published in several national literacy journals, including The Reading Teacher, English Journal and Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy and has presented at several state and national conferences. Beth's classroom teaching experiences includes 20 years as a high school ELA teacher and instructional coach. Beth was a member of the state literacy team for the 2019 update of Ohio's Plan to Raise Literacy Achievemen t. Her expertise includes supporting adolescent literacy, reading and writing across the curriculum, digital literacies and culturally responsive teaching practices.
Schools, iSTEM Early College High School, and Riverside Local Schools. Frank is licensed in 4-9 Math and Language Arts, 7-12 Math, K-12 Intervention, is endorsed in K-12 reading and K-12 Computer Science, and has his Master's Degree in Mathematics Curriculum and Instruction. His skillset in the classroom included blended learning, differentiation, and
Job Titles:
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Ciferno, Alison Gifted Coordinator aciferno@escwr.org Alison Ciferno joins the team at the ESC of the Western Reserve after spending the past 35 years as an educator with Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools. She graduated from Kent State University with dual degrees in Elementary and Gifted Education and spent the next twenty two years teaching first and second grade students in a gifted self-contained classroom setting. Alison earned her master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Ashland University and joined the W-E curriculum department as the Coordinator of Literacy, Title 1 and Gifted Services. Alison has been a frequent presenter at the Ohio Association for Gifted Children (OAGC) Conference and is a board member of the Greater Cleveland Coordinators of the Gifted (GCCG). She is also a member of the Ohio Association of Administrators of State and Federal Education Programs (OAASFEP) and works with local coordinators to streamline federal program services and compliance. Alison is committed to facilitating positive communication among all members of the school community to ensure that students remain the focus of our work. View More Crow, Kayla Board Certified Behavior Analyst kcrow@escwr.org View More Dawson, Amy Administrative Assistant adawson@escwr.org Office: 440-350-2563 x 734 View More Dowd, Jessica Accounting Specialist II jdowd@escwr.org View More
Job Titles:
- Consultant With the State Support Team Region 4
- Director of State Support Team 4
Dr. Brown has been a consultant with the State Support Team Region 4 since 2014. She earned her doctorate in Special Education from Kent State University with a focus on authentic assessment, inclusive practices, and promoting early literacy in special education programs. Dr. Brown has training and experience in working with individuals with disabilities from birth through age 21, and has consulted with programs to create high-quality inclusive environments. Additionally, she serves on several workgroups and advisory groups with the Ohio Department of Education.
Job Titles:
- Member of the ESC of the Western Reserve Governing Board
Dr. Susan Culotta has been a member of the ESC of the Western Reserve Governing Board beginning January 2020. Previously, she was a member of the Lake County Educational Service Center Governing Board. Dr. Culotta is a Professor of Psychology at Lake Erie College. She also serves on the Board of Health for the Lake County General Health District. Dr. Culotta holds a doctorate from Cleveland University, a Master's Degree from John Carol University, and a Bachelor's from Kenyon College. Dr. Culotta lives in Kirtland with her husband, Judge Vincent Culotta, and their two daughters.
Job Titles:
- Principal and District Director
Dr. Vanessa Karwan is the Chief Academic Officer for the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve in Northeast Ohio directly supporting over 55,000 students in districts and schools across Lake and Geauga counties. In just one and a half years, Dr. Karwan has created a Curriculum Department and expanded online learning, Student and Family Resource Centers (tutoring and case management support) across 10 partner districts by way of securing 9 grants totaling over 4 million dollars and employing 27 staff. Dr. Karwan has dedicated 25 years to public education school systems as a Turnaround and Transformative leader implementing evidence-based practices, and successfully turning around two of the lowest performing schools in the state of California. Vanessa is committed to social justice advocacy and creating equity and access for all students.
Job Titles:
- Special Education Coordinator
Dr. Pam Epler, currently the Special Education Coordinator at the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve in northeast Ohio, has a rich background in the field. She previously served as an assistant professor at Youngstown State University, educating both undergraduate and graduate students in exceptional education. With experience as an educator and school administrator in Cleveland and Columbus school districts in Ohio, Dr. Epler's expertise is highly regarded. She is also a prolific author on special education topics. Dr. Epler holds a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Capella University, a Master's degree in special education from Western Maryland University, and a Bachelor's degree in education from Bloomsburg University.
Before the merger of the Lake and Geauga County Educational Services Centers (ESC) in January 2020, Superintendent Felker served as both the Geauga County ESC Superintendent and the Lake County ESC Superintendent.
In addition, Superintendent Felker serves on The State Board Legislative Council, and as an Executive Committee Member and FY22 Secretary for the Executive Board for OESCA, a BASA Women's Committee Member, State Department Committee Member
Job Titles:
- Director, Vocational Programs
Glenn Bailey, Jr. began his role as the STEAM Specialist for the ESC of the Western Reserve in August 2022 in addition to being an instructional specialist at iSTEM. His background as a dual certified visual art and education technology specialist in Houston, TX, as well as a career in non-profit arts education and community partnerships with the Kennedy Center, FotoFest International, and Young Audiences, has led to supporting PK-12 administrators, classroom educators, and students in redesigning our classrooms and reframing teaching and learning practices through transdisciplinary and project-based learning. His passion lies within the intersections of art, technology integration, and human-centered design and encourages spaces where inquiry and collaboration are paramount to achievement. Glenn holds a B.F.A in Digital Art from Bowling Green State University, a M.S in Arts Administration from Carnegie Mellon, and was a graduate of the PAST Foundation Fellowship and the Young Audiences and American Express Leadership Academies.
In the summer of 2023, Paul Hagan joined the ESC of the Western Reserve as a STEAM Integration Specialist, bringing nearly 25 years of educational experience. He spent a significant portion of his career at Eastlake Middle School in the Willoughby-Eastlake School District, teaching subjects ranging from 6-8 Social Studies to Mathematics and Language Arts, thanks to his Elementary 1-8 Certification. Paul holds a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, specializing in Integrating Technology. His proficiency in this area was evident through his active role in addressing and creating technological solutions within the school environment. Paul has been trained in HQIM (High-Quality Instructional Materials) and is a part of the team working to revise and implement the new Discrete Math/Computer Science Course, serving as an alternative to Algebra II in Ohio high schools. Outside of education, Paul's love for technology and music led him to establish his own DJ company and serve as the director of modern worship at his church. He enjoys a happy marriage of over 20 years with his wife Denise and together they have three wonderful daughters. Now at the ESC of the Western Reserve, Paul is excited to share his creative energy in supporting districts within our community and beyond.
Heather Miller graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Development Family Studies. Upon graduation, she completed volunteer work with a nonprofit organization, NAMI Geauga County. She recently graduated In December of 2022 from Ohio University with her Masters of Social Work after completing an internship with the Education Service Center of the Western Reserve. Heather recently accepted a position as the Project Coordinator of the Drug Free Communities Grant with Jenn Sabol, and the Grant Writer for Cardinal City Schools.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator, Prevention Services
Christine joins the team as the Integrated Student Support and Wellness Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Legal Studies and a Master's Degree in Business Administration. Christine has also received a certificate in Project and Process Management. She has years of experience leading teams within the Advanced Manufacturing and healthcare fields as well as a strong financial and budgeting background.
Building relationships and cultivating partnerships is essential to Christine. She loves to volunteer and make a difference in the lives of students, families and the community. She takes a hands on approach and has been PTA President at one school or another for the last 7 years, on the PTA board of another school at the same time, part of the strategic planning committee for her school district, coaches youth softball over the summer and she is currently President of the Mentor Library Board of Trustees. She has sought after and earned grants to support the schools that she was PTA President of and to support organizations in her community. Christine and her husband Tim have been married for 23 years and have four wonderful children together. Please join us in welcoming Christine to the ESC of the Western Reserve and in wishing her continued success as part of our team.
Jake Miller started his role as the Personalized Learning Specialist for the ESC of the Western Reserve and Summit ESC in August 2022. Prior to taking on that role, Jake spent 5 years as a technology integration specialist and 2 years as a science teacher for the Orange City Schools. Before his time at Orange, Jake utilized various principles of personalized learning in his work in the Stow-Munroe Falls City Schools as a math, science, and STEM teacher (11 years) and in the Barberton City Schools (1 year). Since completing his Masters in Instructional Technology from Kent State University, Jake has also worked extensively in the area of educational technology as a speaker, presenter, podcaster, blogger, and author (of the book Educational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset). Jake has presented at a number of local and national conferences, including OETC, ISTE, and at Google's New York City location.
Job Titles:
- Superintendent for the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve
Jennifer Felker serves as the Superintendent for the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve. Before coming to the ESC, Mrs. Felker was the State Associate Superintendent for Public Instruction for the Ohio Department of Education and was responsible for overseeing the Division of Learning: Center for Curriculum and Assessment, and the Center for Student Support and Education Options.
Jennifer Sabol began working with the ESCWR in October 2022. She serves as the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Grant Program Director. The DFC has a coalition that is composed of school community members and aims to reduce youth substance use through environmental change. The Geauga Community Forum Coalition (GCFC) is always recruiting and looks forward to hearing from you! If you would like to learn more, visit their website at www.gcfc.us.
Job Titles:
- Nutrition Services Supervisor
Dr. Vanessa Karwan has Principal and District Director experience at all grade levels Pre-K, Elementary, Middle, High School, Alternative, Vocational Education and Higher Education settings. Dr. Karwan has served as a Principal Coach, national education consultant, the Professional Development Director for TIDES, a San Diego Nonprofit organization, supporting San Diego County Schools to grow Professional Learning Communities, District Leadership Teams, as well as Project and Problem Based Learning. Vanessa is an OTES 2.0 Lead State Trainer for Teacher Evaluation and presents in local and state conferences and webinars on inquiry and project and problem based learning, co-teaching models for general and special education teams, best practices for English Language Learners, implementation of HQIM high quality instructional materials' curriculum adoptions, instructional rounds and collaborative practices across Educational Service Centers, to name a few. In addition, Dr. Karwan is bilingual in Spanish and English and is an expert in teaching English to speakers of other languages and bilingual and multicultural education practices.
Job Titles:
- Director of Instructional Programs
Kelly Moran is the Director of Instructional Programs and seeks to empower districts and teachers in curricular development and instructional growth. Prior to joining the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve, Kelly worked as the Curriculum Supervisor for the Chardon Local School District. Her work there focused on curriculum development and revision, overseeing professional development, Federal grants management, data analysis, PLC facilitation, and leading literacy initiatives. She has extensive experience in overseeing the monitoring and compliance of Title I, Title II, and Title IV grants. Prior to serving as a Curriculum Supervisor, Kelly worked as an Elementary Principal. Her work in that role focused on developing strong systems of MTSS and RtI as well as implementation of early literacy supports focused on explicit phonics instruction.
her role as a school liaison. Areas of emphasis that Llewellyn has additional expertise in are school
Job Titles:
- Supervisor of Transportation
Job Titles:
- Personalized Learning Specialist
Job Titles:
- Director of Instructional Programs
Before her principal position, Kelly served as a Curriculum Director, Assistant Principal, and Literacy Coach for the Kirtland Local School District. During this time she developed a school-wide system of literacy screening, trained teachers in evidence based practices for reading and writing instruction, and created RtI protocol for the district. Kelly started her career as a third grade teacher.
Kelly has been selected to present at numerous state and national professional conferences including the Ohio Educational Technology (eTech) Conference, Ohio Association of Administrators of State and Federal Programs (OAASFEP) conference, Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) Conference, Northwest Evaluation Association Measures of Academic Progress (NWEA MAP) conference, and National Reading Recovery conferences. She led the Chardon Local School District in receiving a $1,050,000.00 grant from the state of Ohio to support elementary literacy initiatives. Her work in early literacy and professional development was featured in her guest appearance on Amplify's Science of Reading Podcast.
Earning a doctoral degree from Youngstown State University, Kelly devoted time researching teachers and administrators in Lake County for her dissertation studying teacher empowerment and personal development. Kelly is from northeast Ohio and attended John Carroll University. She and her teacher husband are the proud parents of two girls. In her free time Kelly enjoys bonfires in her backyard, running, reading, and studying personal development.
Job Titles:
- Supervisor of Related Services
Mr. Ken Burnett has been a lifelong resident of Burton and a graduate of Berkshire High School and Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Banking. Except for a 10-year period of non-profit administration he has consistently worked within the Banking/Mortgage Financing area throughout Cleveland's eastern suburbs. Ken has actively served his community with over 30 years of service as a Board Member of the Geauga County Educational Service Center and is currently serving his third 4-year term as a Burton Township Trustee. He has been married to his wife Ruth for almost 47 years, and has two children and 4 wonderful grandchildren who all attend Geauga County Schools.
Job Titles:
- Member of the ESC of the Western Reserve Governing Board
Mr. Kenneth Cahill has been a member of the ESC of the Western Reserve Governing Board beginning January 2020. Previously, he served on the Lake County ESC Governing Board. Since 1991, Ken Cahill has been practicing family law, working toward outcomes that are in the best interest of families and children. Ken is a noted speaker on issues of family law and serves as chair of the Family Law Committee. Protecting dependent, neglected, and abused children was the role of Family Law attorney Kenneth J. Cahill at the Lake County Prosecutor's Juvenile Division representing the Lake County Department of Jobs & Family Services. Practicing Family Law since 1991, Ken started first as an Assistant Lake County Prosecutor enforcing and modifying child support orders before joining the Lake County Prosecutors Juvenile Division. Ken has also prosecuted criminal cases against juvenile offenders. In 1993, he commenced his private practice primarily focusing on Family Law before joining Dworken & Bernstein in 2000. Ken Cahill has frequently lectured on several topics related to divorce and family law matters including legislative developments involving family law, marital & separate property issues, and child custody matters. He is frequently appointed by trial courts to serve as Guardian Ad Litem to represent the best interests of children.
Mr. Steve Remias was appointed to the vacancy on the Governing Board effective January 1, 2022. He was the former president and vice-president of the Geauga County ESC Governing Board. Mr. Remias has been a lifelong Geauga County resident, married with two children and one grandchild. His past accomplishments and experience include work as a professor teaching Criminal Justice courses, and administrator handling basic police academies across Ohio. His educational accomplishments include a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement Administration, a Master of Science in Technical Education, and CAI accreditation from the Auction Marketing Institute. Mr. Remias is a member of the VFW Post 1863, Buckeye Sheriff's Association, Geauga Farm Bureau, Geauga County Department on Aging, and the National Auctioneers Association. He also worked with the Geauga County Umpires Association.
Mr. Thomas Hach was elected to the ESC of the Western Reserve's Governing Board in January 2024. He was born and raised in Concord and is a 1982 graduate of Riverside High School. He attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and earned a BS in Chemistry, and he later earned an MBA from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He resides in Concord with his two children, who are former students in the Riverside District. He has over 20 years of experience as a Project Manager and he is also a retired Commander from the Navy Reserve. He is involved in the community as a member of the Painesville Salvation Army Board of Advisers and he has been very active in his son's Boy Scout Troop as a member of the Troop Committee.
Mr. Timothy H. Snyder, Esq., was elected Member of the ESCWR Governing Board commencing January, 2022. He earned a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from Hiram College, an M.A. in Psychology from Cleveland State, and Juris Doctor degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law. Tim is still active with over 35 years of state and local law enforcement experience, and over 25 years of experience as a private practice attorney, college professor, and police academy instructor. He volunteers for many community activities including flipping pancakes for the Burton Fire Dept., donating blood over 130 times, and organizing bone marrow donor registration drives. Tim and his wife live in Burton where they raised their three children and now enjoy visits from their grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Member of the ESC of the Western Reserve
Mrs. Jean Brush has been a member of the ESC of the Western Reserve starting January 2020. She served previously on the Lake County Educational Service Center Governing Board since 1990. She is active in her church. Seeing children succeed and helping families step up in life are the rewards she receives from her countless hours of volunteerism. Prior community involvement includes service at Forbes House, the YMCA, St. Clair School, the Rape Crisis Center, Lake Health, the Lake County courts, and Neighboring. Mrs. Brush lives in Painesville and has two grown children, Dr. James J. Brush and Betsy Chen. She has three grandchildren, Sarah, Adrian, and Colin.
Ms. Marilyn Percic was elected and sworn in as Vice President of the ESCWR Governing Board in January 2022. Marilyn has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is a Registered Nurse. Her professional service was spent primarily in emergency and trauma nursing with some experience with school nursing, both in and out of Geauga County. She and her husband have always enjoyed and embraced all that comes with a more rural community. They were happy to have found their niche in Burton. Since 2007, they have raised their family in Geauga County. Their children's growth opportunities in K-12 and college institutions, community sports, and 4H have also offered many opportunities for Marilyn to become engaged and support her community. She has led healthy school initiatives, helped organize fundraising efforts, and even "stirred" at the Apple Butter Festival. She has also enjoyed continuous involvement in their church and community.
specialist. Deborah has 30+ years of expertise providing educational leadership and directing
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant, HR Generalist
Job Titles:
- Curriculum and Data Specialist Coordinator
Prior to coming to Lake County ESC, Mrs. Ranta taught math, ELA, and science at the middle school level for ten years. Throughout her time in the classroom Mrs. Ranta served as department chair, mentor teacher, and instructional coach. After completing her Masters in Educational Administration, Mrs. Ranta served as a private curriculum consultant for five years where she assisted schools in all areas of curriculum, including: mapping, common assessment, instructional coaching, resource selection, data-driven classrooms, and technology integration. In addition to her roles with the ESCWR, Mrs. Ranta currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Partners for Science Excellence, a Lake County non-profit promoting hands-on and inquiry based science instruction for grades K-12.
Nancy's administrative style can best be described as shared vision, shared leadership, and shared teamwork. As an administrator of a public school district, her primary role is being a leader for both staff and students to develop a sound, research-based educational program. Through years of experience in the educational field, teaching, and administration, Nancy has developed an open administrative style and effectively communicates decisions to achieve the highest standard of excellence.
While practicing her profession as an art teacher, she went back to school to earn her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Ashland University, so she could pursue her passion in educational administration. She became a school Assistant Principal and progressed to a high school Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent. She desires to foster an educational culture that encourages collaboration with local school districts, students, staff, and the community through articulating programs using a diverse combination of educational and leadership experiences promoting success and growth.
Nancy has numerous professional and community affiliations, including the Alliance for High-Quality Education Executive Committee, Schlechty Center Superintendents' Leadership Network, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Benedictine High School Board of Trustees, and the Chagrin Valley Rotary Club. She has accomplished different honors and awards such as the Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, Superintendent's Outstanding Performance Award, Martha Holden Jennings Superintendent of the Year Nominee, and Blue Angels VIP Flight.
Nancy was born, raised, and lives in Ohio. Next to being dedicated to her career, Nancy is a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister. She enjoys spending time with her family and is very attentive to everyone at all times, including her close and extended family members and her friends and peers.
Job Titles:
- Director, Superintendent Support Services
Job Titles:
- Member of the Lake County ESC
Job Titles:
- Executive Chair of the Lake / Geauga Information Technology Center
Superintendent Felker also serves as the Executive Chair of the Lake/Geauga Information Technology Center (ITC), and Superintendent of iStem Geauga Early College High School.
Job Titles:
- Chief Academic Officer of ISTEM
Mrs. Tucker has been with iSTEM for 6 years. She earned her BA and MEd from John Carroll University. She earned her Superintendent license from Cleveland State University and completed doctoral coursework, with a focus in STEM education, at Northcentral University. In addition, she has been an adjunct professor at Notre Dame College. She began her career as a classroom teacher, promoting cross-curriculum instructional strategies and encouraging students to experience the wonders of science. Prior to joining iSTEM she served as a school administrator for Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools, Newbury Local Schools, and Mayfield City Schools. With a rich history of individualized education, both intervention and enrichment, her focus is on providing opportunities that increase the rigor of academic experiences for all, based on the individual needs of all students.
Mrs. Tucker is a long-time resident of Geauga County, where she resides with her husband. She enjoys spending her free time with her husband, adult son, and her two fur babies, Larry and Hank.
Job Titles:
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Job Titles:
- Online Learning Academy Administrative Assistant
Job Titles:
- Director of Business Development