Ray served as Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach for Baldwin Park Unified School District in California, leading his teams to three consecutive state championships. Known for his motivational leadership and strategic approach, he emphasizes teamwork, discipline, skill development, and athletic conditioning both on and off the court. Ray also supports student-athletes academically, helping them achieve balance and success beyond athletics.
Read MoreSam Smith is joining Our Lady of the Elms School as a 5th Grade Classroom Teacher for the 2025-2026 school year. With a solid foundation in English Language Arts and Social Studies, as well as extensive experience in Catholic education, Samuel brings a passion for teaching and a commitment to student success.
Read MoreAlexis Wisniewski, M.Ed., L.P.S.C., has joined the Our Lady of the Elms School community as the new Upper School Counselor, serving students in grades 6-12. In this role, Alexis will oversee both college guidance and student support, helping to guide students academically, socially, and emotionally.
Read More“With Christina joining our faculty, our students will have the opportunity to explore theology in a meaningful and engaging way. Her leadership and experience make her an invaluable addition to the Elms family.” Mr. Jacoby, Upper School Director
Read MoreKelli L. Hohenadel shared, “I believe it is my role and responsibility to create an environment that fosters the love of learning. Engaging and interactive lessons allow students to not just listen to a lecture but to be involved in their own learning experience. I am looking forward to starting this school year, teaching Jr. High Social Studies as well as Elms Eats at the Elms. ”
Read MoreMr. Eiser, Director of the Lower School, shares, “Her dedication to our students, coupled with her strong educational background and years of experience at the Elms, will make her a wonderful asset to our Lower School. We look forward to seeing her create a positive and enriching classroom environment for her students.”
Read MoreGabe Eiser, Director of the Lower School, shares, "Her background in curriculum development, leadership, and student-centered teaching aligns perfectly with our mission to nu
Read MoreLuke Varner shared, “The reason I enjoy teaching is the students. I get so much energy from their positive attitude and character. I love watching their growth from the beginning to the end of the year. They are so wonderful to be around and have many great thoughts and ideas that demonstrate their intellectual curiosity. Their developing sense of humor always gets me to laugh. I really enjoy getting to know each and every one of them throughout the year.”
Read MoreAnanya Sharma, a distinguished member of the Class of 2025, has been named a 2025 Greater Akron-Canton Star Student by the Akron Beacon Journal. The prestigious honor recognizes top graduating seniors from high schools across the region who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, service, and strong character.
Read MoreThe OSDA State Finals, hosted by Austintown Fitch High School on Friday, February 28, and Saturday, March 1, proved to be an exhilarating weekend of intense competition for Our Lady of the Elms students.
Read MoreIt’s already nearing mid-December and with the holiday season in full swing, the spirit of giving is on many of our hearts and minds. As we grow older, we learn to appreciate the fulfillment that giving to others brings. This year, as we consider ways to give back, either through gifts, service, or charity, let’s remember one other significant way that we can help – by giving the gift of life through blood donations.
Read MoreLama joins us with a wealth of knowledge and experience from her diverse academic and professional background. She is currently completing her PhD in Computational Ecology at Kent State University and holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences from the American University of Beirut.
Read MoreLaTisca Henderson-Watkins is our school counselor at Our Lady of the Elms School. LaTisca holds a Master of Education with a focus on School Counseling and a B.A. in Psychology from Kent State University, where she graduated cum laude. With her extensive background in academic and social-emotional counseling, LaTisca has already made a significant impact at schools like St. Hilary and St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.
Read MoreOn Monday, September 9, Our Lady of the Elms School in Akron, Ohio officially kicked-off the school year with a 'Mass on the Grass'.
Read MoreWe are excited to welcome Alise Johnson as the new 2nd-grade teacher at Our Lady of the Elms School. Mrs. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Kent State University, where she excelled academically, earning a place on the Dean’s List. With her Ohio Resident Educator license for Pre K-5 and certification in International Baccalaureate Teaching and Learning, Alise brings a well-rounded, global approach to education that will enrich our students’ learning experiences.
Read MoreWe are pleased to welcome Steven Liptak as one of the newest members of our Middle School teaching team at Our Lady of the Elms School. Steven recently completed his Bachelor of Arts in Middle Childhood Education from Bluffton University, with concentrations in Science and Social Studies and a Minor in Coaching. His diverse teaching experiences, including field placements in various Ohio schools and a cross-cultural experience in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, have provided him with a broad perspective on education.
Read MoreWe are pleased to introduce Sarah Zetts as the new 4th grade teacher at Our Lady of the Elms School. Sarah comes to us with a rich background in education, having taught a range of subjects and grades. Her career began at St. Matthew Parish School, where she taught language arts, history, and religion to 7th and 8th graders. She later spent over a decade at Norton Middle School, focusing on 8th-grade language arts and American History.
Read MoreOur Lady of the Elms School is excited to welcome Hannah Stump to our Lower School faculty as the new 3rd-grade teacher. Hannah's experience includes serving as a long-term substitute teacher for first grade, kindergarten, and third grade in the Copley Fairlawn City Schools. Her hands-on experience in these roles has equipped her with the skills to foster a love of learning and academic excellence among young students.
Read MoreThere’s been a change at Our Lady of the Elms, although few will notice. The Dominican Sisters of Peace have transferred the Akron parochial school and three others to Dominican Veritas Ministries, a civil corporation recognized by the Vatican to oversee Dominican educational ministries.
Bishop Edward C. Malesic of Cleveland and the Vatican have approved the transfer, which is effective immediately.
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