Administrative Leadership
Deborah Farquhar Jones
President
dfarquharjones@theelms.org
Studies:
Hiram College:
B.A., Humanities/Fine Arts with a concentration in English, 1984.
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Farquhar Jones’ first grade teacher lives at the Motherhouse Convent -- Sr. Juanita!
Kevin Kelly
Dean of Academics
kkelly@theelms.org
Studies:
Baldwin Wallace:
B.S., Mathematics, 1991.
University of Akron:
M.Ed, 2000.
Certifications:
Licensed Practical Nurse (2012)
Principal's License - State of Ohio/ Ohio Department of Education
Fun Facts:
Mr. Kelly has eight collegiate varsity letters in football and track.
Mary Lindow, CPA
Director of Finance
mlindow@theelms.org
Studies:
University of Akron:
B.S.B.A., Accounting, 1991
Certifications:
Certified Public Accountant
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Lindow enjoys traveling to new places with her husband and two daughters. She is an avid Cleveland Guardians fan and spends her free time doing pilates.
Dana Best-Mizsak ‘96
Director of Engagement
dbest-mizsak@theelms.org
Studies:
University of Akron:
B.A., Interdisciplinary Anthropology- specialties in Archaeology & BioAnthropology
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Best-Mizsak has worked with an international excavation team at a castle in Walhain-Saint-Paul Belgium since 2001.
She’s a huge baseball fan- especially the Guardians and the Akron Rubber Ducks. Her dog's name is Mozzarella.
Amber Hejl
Director of Marketing & Communications
ahejl@theelms.org
Studies:
Greenville University:
B.S., Digital Media, 2005.
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Hejl loves spending time with her family. She enjoys reading with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea.
Jennifer Ingraham
Associate Director of Enrollment Management
jingraham@theelms.org
Fun Facts:
Ms. Ingraham enjoys spending time outside, whether it's working in her gardens or walking in the Metroparks with her four children and their rescue dog. On the weekend, she can be found in her sunroom reading or volunteering at a variety of non-profit organizations.
Ms. Ingraham has made volunteering a family event. When possible, she strongly encourages other families to experience the joy of volunteering as well!
Cindy Kellett
Institutional Advancement
ckellett@theelms.org
Studies:
The University of Akron: B.S., Business Administration, Marketing, 1974
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Kellett loves singing in her church choir, attending her grandchildren's school and sports activities, and traveling anywhere that has an art museum to visit. Her three children have flown the coop, making her and her husband empty nesters.
Courtney Wright
Director of Enrollment Management
cwright@theelms.org
Studies:
Ohio University:
B.A., International Studies with a concentration in French, 2007.
Fun Facts:
In her free time, Mrs. Wright loves to travel with her husband and two daughters. She also loves to hike in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and other Ohio trails.
Betsy Stewart
Director of Human Resources
bstewart@theelms.org
Studies:
Walsh University: B.A., Business Administration, 2001
Fun Facts:
Mother of 3 daughters and grandmother of 2 children. Believes in family first. Enjoys traveling to mountainous national parks and visiting historical buildings and cities. She loves to refinish furniture, listen to podcasts, read and margarita Mondays!
Academic Leadership
Amy Laule
Dean of Students - Lower School
alaule@theelms.org
Studies:
Kent State University: 2005
Notre Dame University: 2021-2022
Certifications:
Middle Childhood Education
Certificate of Theology with a Liturgy Focus
Fun Facts:
She enjoys staying busy and being on the go. She has a passion for music and loves her Catholic faith and coffee, in that order.
Kim Lucas
Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Dean of Students - Middle School
klucas@theelms.org
Studies:
University of Akron:
M.A., Arts Administration
B.A., Sociology with Business Emphasis
Minor, Dance
A.A.S., Business Marketing
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Lucas loves working out, doing crafts, and teaching dance. She especially enjoys spending time with her family. Mrs. Lucas taught grade school and dance for over 15 years. She was the Program Director with The Coming Together Project where she coordinated diversity programs and workshops for middle and high school students.
Nannette Roberts
Dean of Students - High School
nroberts@theelms.org
Faculty & Staff
Adam Anzelc
Social Studies - Upper School
aanzelc@theelms.org
Studies:
Ohio University:
B.A., Sociology/Criminology, 2005
The University of Akron:
M.S., Social Studies Curriculum and Instruction, 2012
Fun Facts:
Mr. Anzelc is a lifelong Cleveland Browns fan. He enjoys playing golf, reading and spending time with his wife and three kids (Xander, Claire, and Keegan).
Mary Anne Anderson
English Tutor
manderson@theelms.org
Studies:
Kent State University:
B.S. Ed., 1971
M.A. in Education, 1987
Reading Specialization
Ed. S. in Administration, 2002
Certifications:
Permanent English/Language Arts 7-12; Reading K-12; Curriculum & Instruction
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Anderson loves to read and go to the theater. She has been involved with Power of the Pen since its inception in 1986 as a coach, Tab Room supervisor, and Northeast Regional Director. She has three adult daughters (two of whom were Elms grads!) and three delightful grandchildren. She has been married to her husband Bill for more than 50 years.
Kathy Augustyn
Grade 1 - Lower School
kaugustyn@theelms.org
Studies:
Cleveland State University:
B.S.Ed, PreK- 3rd Grade, 2009
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Augustyn has two cats and one dog, all rescue animals. She enjoys spending time with her husband Wally and children Mallory and Danny. They love to vacation in Florida and relax on the beach.
Carolyn Beeler
College Counselor
cbeeler@theelms.org
Studies:
The Ohio State University:
B.S., 1969
Cleveland State University:
M.Ed., 1993
Certifications:
Ohio Department of Education, School Counselor
Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Beeler has eight incredible grandchildren who keep her busy and live within ten minutes of their home. She loves to garden, is active in their church and takes their dog, Buddy to visit his neighborhood friends almost every day. She and her husband love to travel the world!
Michele Berroteran
Grade 2 - Lower School
mberroteran@theelms.org
Studies:
Youngstown State University: B.S., Education, K-8
Kent State University:
M.Ed., Reading Specialization
Certifications:
Reading K-12
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Berroteran loves to read, run, and spend time at the beach with her family.
Dorothy Boggs
Speech/Language Pathologist
dboggs@theelms.org
Studies:
Thiel College:
B.A., Speech and Hearing Science, 2001
University of Akron:
M.A., Speech-Language Pathology, 2003
Certifications:
Licensed speech-language pathologist through Ohio Speech-Language and Hearing Association Certification of Clinical Competence from American Speech and Hearing Association Ohio Department of Education Professional Pupil Services License
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Boggs lives in Fairlawn with her husband, two kids, their Vizsla, two cats, and bunny! She enjoys the outdoors, going for walks, traveling, reading and spending time with family and friends. Oh, and she LOVES coffee! Mrs. Boggs has 18 years of experience as a speech therapist in a variety of settings.
James Brown
English - Upper School
jbrown@theelms.org
Studies:
University of Illinois:
B.A., English, 1992
Xavier University:
M.Ed., Secondary Education, 1997
Fun Facts:
Some of Mr. Brown’s favorite things include expensive socks, feisty wrens, Cincinnati-style chili, independent bookstores, reading a book during a thunderstorm, mountain biking in autumn, Frost, Twain and Dickinson, silliness, fresh snow, Inuit art, football teams with the color orange in their uniforms, raspberry jam on buttered toast with tea, and early REM sleep.
Erika Bugaj
Grade 4 - Lower School
ebugaj@theelms.org
Studies:
College of Central Florida:
Masters in Elementary Education with Reading and ESOL endorsements, Minor in Spanish
Certification:
Ohio- P-3 Teaching Certificate, Florida- K-6 Teaching Certificate with Reading and ESOL endorsements.
Fun Fact:
Mrs. Bugaj was born in Central America (Nicaragua), she speaks, reads, and writes proficiently in Spanish. She loves creating projects on her Cricut.
Michelle Cantwell
Intervention Specialist
mcantwell@theelms.org
Michael Capitena
Intervention Teacher
mcapitena@theelms.org
Amy Cullen
Athletic Director
acullen@theelms.org
Christine Chapelet
French - Upper School
cchapelet@theelms.org
Studies:
University of Hartford: BA Music Theory, 2004
University of Limerick: MA Music Therapy, 2007
Fun Facts:
Mme Chapelet lived in France for 4.5 years. Her husband and her oldest daughter were both born in France. She has taught music in 3 countries and two languages; US, Ireland (English), and France (French). She also taught English to Fancophones while living in France. You can often find Mme Chapelet sitting down with a good mystery, doing puzzles, or going on family hikes.
Katie DiNardo
Counselor
kdinardo@theelms.org
Studies:
Baldwin Wallace College:
B.A., Psychology, 2010
Appalachian State University:
M.A., School Counseling and Expressive Arts Therapy, 2013
Capella University: Courses for clinical counseling, 2015
Certifications:
Licensed professional counselor (LPC)
Expressive arts therapy certification
Fun Facts:
Mrs. DiNardo is the mother of two girls. She enjoys being outside and going on adventures with her family, bike rides, baking allergy-friendly goods, and singing.
Elaine Dria
Mathematics Tutor - Upper School
edria@theelms.org
Studies:
Ashland College:
B.S., Mathematics, 1985
Wright State University:
M.S., Teacher Leadership, 2001
Certifications:
National Board Certification
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Dria enjoys sewing and quilting. She has two cats and one dog.
Tamula Drumm
Chinese Language - Lower & Middle School
tdrumm@theelms.org
Studies:
The College of Wooster:
B.A., Political Science, 1985
The University of Michigan:
M.A., Asian Studies, 1995
Certifications:
Multi Age (P-12) Chinese
TESOL
Fun Facts:
Ms. Drumm lived in China for seven years and in India for one year. She loves to travel and has visited over 20 countries so far.
Kit Dubravetz
Administrative Assistant- Lower School
kdubravetz@theelms.org
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Dubravetz enjoys archery, hiking, and biking with her family. She also enjoys visiting historical buildings, interior design, and reading.
Kathryn Dull-Watts
Visual Arts - Lower School
kwatts@theelms.org
Studies:
Kent State University:
B.F.A, Art & Art Education
Certifications:
5 Year Professional Special All Grades (K-12) License
Fun Facts:
Ms. Dull-Watts enjoys spending time with family and friends. Some of her favorite activities are gardening, walking, camping, and watching baseball.
Gabriel Eiser
Grade 4 - Lower School
geiser@theelms.org
Elaine Fippin
English, Film History & Appreciation - Upper School
efippin@theelms.org
Studies:
Otterbein University:
B.A., Speech and Theater, 1985
University of Akron, 1987
Certifications:
Secondary Teaching Certification, English
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Fippin enjoys reading, walking, theater, movies and spending time with family and friends. Elaine and her family love Williamsburg, Boston, D.C., and New York. They share their home with their cat, Linus. She also has fun coaching the high school writing team and speech and debate. She has directed more than thirty plays at the Elms.
Rebecca Gravenstein
Mathematics - Upper School
rgravenstein@theelms.org
Studies:
The Ohio State University:
B.S., Computer and Information Science, 1985
The University of Akron:
M.S., Education & Integrated Mathematics, 2008
Fun Facts:
Ms. Gravenstein has three amazing children - Viktor, Paige, and Amy, a 2017 Elms alum. She likes to ski, fish, and camp. She is a fan of the former Cleveland Indians and the Browns. Her favorite food is salmon. Her favorite travel destination is any beach - the best so far was in Peschici, Italy.
Danielle Hale
Grade 3 - Lower School
dhale@theelms.org
Studies:
Ohio University:
B.S., Journalism
Walden University: M., Early Childhood Studies
Mount Vernon University:
Early Childhood Education Licensure Program
Certifications:
Pre-School - Grade 3
Fun Facts:
Miss Hale taught preschool for six years before coming to the Elms. She has a cat named Hope and loves all things Disney!
Anna Hall
English, Study Skills - Upper School
annahall@theelms.org
Studies:
Kent State University:
B.S., Journalism, 1981
University of Akron:
M.S., Education with Licensure, Secondary Education, Integrated Language Arts, 2004
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Hall’s roots in the Elms run deep! She and her sister are both alums- class of '77 and ‘75 respectively. Her daughter Angie graduated in 2009. She and her husband were host parents to two Elms students from China, one of whom graduated in 2016. Outside school, she still writes news and feature articles and is an academic life coach.
Erica Harper
Instructional Aide
eharper@theelms.org
Studies:
Cuyahoga Community College:
Massage Therapy
Certifications:
CPR, First Aid
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Harper loves to spend time with her husband, two sons, and daughter. She enjoys watching her kids play sports, volunteering at their sporting events, training in bodybuilding, and traveling with her family. She has a passion for seeing others live healthy lifestyles, reaching and obtaining goals, helping others with their fitness training, and being the best version of themselves.
Scott Harrison
Maintenance
sharrison@theelms.org
Jennifer Hasbach
Grade 1 - Lower School
jhasbach@theelms.org
Chelsea Hood
Grade 2 - Lower School
chood@theelms.org
Studies:
University of Dayton:
Early Childhood Education, 2012
Certifications:
4th and 5th Grade Endorsement, Pre-K Special Needs Endorsement, Infant and Toddler Endorsement
Fun Facts:
Ms. Hood loves to explore new parks and hike on new trails. She enjoys swimming and participated water polo in college. She is a huge Browns fan. She also loves to travel. One of her favorite spots to visit is Florida. She has 2 cats, Mo and Chance. They are her fur babies and are very spoiled. She likes to go out with her friends and family to farmers markets and new restaurants..
Walt Jacoby
History & Government - Upper School, Varsity Tennis Coach
wjacoby@theelms.org
Studies:
University of Cincinnati:
B.A., History, 1994
University of Akron:
M.A., Education, 1996
Certifications:
Social Studies Comprehensive: 8-12
Fun Facts:
Mr. Jacoby enjoys running and kayaking.
Tia Jameson
Art - Upper School
tjameson@theelms.org
Studies:
Kent State University:
B.A., Art Education
Minor in Secondary Education, 1991
Fun Facts:
Ms. Jameson enjoys spending time with her daughter, family and friends! She also likes creating in a variety of forms, running, playing guitar, and making home improvements with help from her kitty, Sherlie.
Cutrese Jones
Instructional Aide
cjones@theelms.org
Nada Kahwaji
School Health Aide
nkahwaji@theelms.org
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Kahwaji loves Cleveland sports and traveling to Beirut, Lebanon. She has one dog, Jax, and enjoys walking!
Laura Kowalik
Kindergarten - Lower School
lkowalik@theelms.org
Studies:
West Virginia University:
B.S., Elementary Education
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Kowalik is an avid photographer who enjoys documenting the small moments of her family's story.
Heidi Ledbetter
Theology - Upper School
hledbetter@theelms.org
Studies:
Ursuline College:
B.A., English, 1998
The University of Akron:
M.A., in English, 2000
Walsh University:
M.A., in Theology, 2016
Certifications:
High School Master Catechist Certification from the Diocese of Cleveland
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Ledbetter is married and has four children. Her daughters attend Our Lady of the Elms. She loves to read and crochet. Her favorite thing is to spend time at the beach with her family.
Angelina Lee
Pre-School - Lower School,
After School Care Lead
angelinalee@theelms.org
Studies:
Stark State College:
A.A., Education
Minor in Graphic Design
Franklin University:
B.S., Primary Education (current)
Fun Facts:
Miss Lee is a proud Our Lady of the Elms alumna. She loves to draw, paint and sew. She enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her family.
Jodi Leiter
Middle School
jleiter@theelms.org
Studies:
Ashland University: 1992
Certifications:
Elementary 1 - 8, Reading Endorsement K - 12, Religion
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Leiter is an animal lover with four dogs and two cats (and five grand-dogs). She loves to sew and crochet. She and her husband are big hockey fans and have season tickets to the Cleveland Monsters. They also spend lots of time at the family farm in West Virginia.
Kellie Ulatoski
Cafeteria Manager - Lower School
Kelly Luck
Mathematics - Upper School
kluck@theelms.org
Studies:
Ashland University:
B.A., Mathematics, 2020
B.S.Ed., Integrated Mathematics
Fun Facts:
Miss Luck has traveled to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Greece. She has one pet guinea pig named Percy who has visited her classroom. She loves reading and working on jigsaw puzzles.
Kalen Lucas
Pre-School - Lower School,
After School Care Lead
kalenlucas@theelms.org
Studies:
Franklin University (current)
Fun Facts:
Miss Lucas enjoys shopping, drinking Starbucks and eating good food.
Lori Lunder
Administrative Assistant - Middle & High Schools
llunder@theelms.org
Corrine Mack
Middle School
cmack@theelms.org
Veronica Maskow
Grade 3 - Lower School
vmaskow@theelms.org
Studies:
University of Mount Union:
B.A., Media Studies, focusing on Print Media, 2004
Walsh University:
M.A., Education, focusing in Reading Literacy, 2012
Certifications:
Middle Childhood Education concentrating in Math and Language Arts, 4-6 Generalist Endorsement
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Maskow’s favorite hobbies include painting, swimming, and walking trails with her husband and two kids. She has a labradoodle (Sadie) and a cat named Corabelle (aka Giggly). She loves traveling to Carolina Beach, Hilton Head, and Savannah. Mrs. Maskow dreams of visiting Australia and Iceland.
Jill Murrin
Math & Religion - Middle School
jmurrin@theelms.org
Studies:
Miami University:
B.S., Secondary Education, 1991
John Carroll University:
M.A., Mathematics, 2000
Certifications:
Permanent Non-Tax Teaching Certificate
Professional 7-12 Mathematics License
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Murrin lives in Richfield with her husband, Jack, and four children: Angela, Elms '20; Clare, Elms '21; Nicholas, St. Ignatius '22; Michael, Assumption Academy '27. She was previously a Wildlife Naturalist for seven years with Lake Metro parks and earned a Black Belt in Taekwondo in the Fall of 2019.
Claire Olds
Middle School
colds@theelms.org
Studies:
B.S. Middle Childhood Education
Minor in Theology from Walsh University, 2023
Certifications:
2 Year Resident Educator Middle Childhood (4-9) License
Fun Facts:
Miss Olds is the oldest of eight siblings and enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys spending time outdoors, learning about history, and finding various ways to be creative.
Annie Reagan
Librarian - Lower School
areagan@theelms.org
Maureen Reymann
Latin - High School, Arts & Crafts - School
mreymann@theelms.org
Studies:
Kent State University:
B.S., Education (grades 7 - 12) in Latin and English, 1974
Post Grad Course Work:
Akron University
Ashland University
Certifications:
Certification in teaching of Reading.
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Reymann enjoys remodeling houses, going to flea markets and antique stores, ballroom dancing, and taking long walks. She finds exploring small towns and shopping in quaint stores fun and fascinating. She admires creativity and those that think outside of the box. She loves being outdoors amidst nature and is fond of all sports, in particular, basketball and volleyball.
Dr. Todd Rickel
Physics & Statistics - High School
trickel@theelms.org
Studies:
Kent State University: B.S., Biology, M.A., Cultural Anthropology, Ph.D., Education K-12 science, K-12 social studies
Fun Facts:
Dr. Rickel builds and repairs Rosaries. Also, he enjoys fly fishing, reading, writing, astronomy, ancient cultures, and futuristic gizmos. Plus he’s a Doctor Who and Star Trek fan.
Searra Rinearson
Biology - Upper School
srinearson@theelms.org
Studies:
Kent State University:
B.S., Zoology, 2021
University of Wisconsin-Stout:
M.S., Conservation Biology, 2022
Fun Facts:
Some of Mrs. Rinearson's favorite things to do are to read a good book, to spend time outside, and to crochet. She loves to hike and has a passion for traveling.
Rachel Roberts
Music - All School
rroberts@theelms.org
Studies: The University of Akron: B.A. in English, 2019
NEOMFA: M.F.A. Creative Writing, 2022
Fun Facts:
Miss Roberts is a singer-songwriter-guitarist and has performed over 2000 shows across the country. Her passion is creativity, whether it is through music, writing, art, movement, imagination, innovation, or expression. She likes to sing around campfires and make wishes on shooting stars. She has a dog, Piper, and two cats, Pow-pow and Boo.
Holly Schrantz
Middle School
hschrantz@theelms.org
Studies:
Kent State University: B.S., Middle Childhood Education Grades 4-9 Math & ELA, 2013
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Schrantz enjoys spending time with her family and friends, Working out at the Orange Theory, swimming, and singing. Florida and South Carolina are a couple of her favorite places to vacation.
Alison Schuster
Kindergarten - Lower School
aschuster@theelms.org
Anne Suntken
English, Language Arts & Social Studies - Middle School
asuntken@theelms.org
Studies:
Cornell College:
B.A., Elementary Education and Classical Studies, 1991
Colorado College:
M.A.T., Education, 1996
Certifications:
Ohio Professional License:
Elementary Education grades 1-8
Social Studies Middle Grades 4-9
Language Arts Middle Grades 4-9
Reading Middle Grades 4-9
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Suntken has lived in Minnesota, Colorado (three times), Iowa, Washington, DC, Illinois, New Jersey and Ohio (twice). She currently lives in Hudson with her husband, her three daughters, and her beagle, Penny. She loves the Minnesota Vikings and all things hockey.
Dominic Tomei
Spanish, Physical Education - Upper School
dtomei@theelms.org
Studies:
University of Akron:
B.A., Spanish, 2016
Fun Facts:
Señior Tomei has played and coached rugby for 20 years! He loves dogs, traveling (anywhere, anytime) and all kinds of foods.
Carol Ungvarsky
Chemistry - Upper School
cungvarsky@theelms.org
Studies:
John Carroll University:
B.S., M.Ed.
Cuyahoga Community College:
A.S., Applied Science
Fun Facts:
Mrs. Ungvarsky enjoys bowling, tennis, and cycling. Her favorite movie is Gone With the Wind. She loves seafood! Her favorite travel destination is Hilton Head. She is a pet owner of cats, dogs, a gecko, a snake, and a fish.
Carolyn Ziegler
Health & Physical Education - Lower School
cziegler@theelms.org
Studies:
The University of Akron:
B.S., Physical Education; K-12 certification
B.A., Health Education; K-12 certification
Certifications:
NASM: Youth Exercise Specialist Certification
Certificate Life Span Development & Gerontology
AFAA Group Exercise Instructor Certification
CPR certified through AHA
Fun Facts:
Ms. Ziegler’s favorite activities include hiking and biking in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Summit County Metro Parks. She has family in the most amazing places and enjoys visiting them there--Vermont, Colorado, San Francisco and Northern Michigan.