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Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week 2024

Meet some of the terrific people who teach our children – thank you, teachers and staff for all that you do to make Perkins Local Schools an awesome place.

Heather Bodle

Tutor, Perkins High School
Education: Bachelors Degree, Wittenberg University

Year Started At Perkins Schools: 2010

Fun Fact: Mrs. Bodle speaks German and loves to travel.

Travis Crabtree

Health and Physical Education Teacher
Perkins High School

Education: Bachelors and Masters Heidelberg University

At Perkins Schools since 2000

Fun facts: "I have coached four different sports at Perkins Schools, and previously worked for four years at Walt Disney World as a lifeguard."

 

Trent Stamm

Paraprofessional
Perkins High School

At Perkins Schools since 2020

Fun fact: Mr. Stamm has a younger sister that is a doctor.

Renee Barrett

Dining Room Aide
Perkins High School

Education: Nursing school

At Perkins since 1999

Fun fact: Mrs. Barrett loves animals, rescues animals, loves being outside, loves people, and loves the Lord.   

Nicole Lusher

Second Shift Custodian
Furry Elementary

Education: Some college

At Perkins Schools since 2019

Fun fact: I love sunflowers and Snoopy. When I'm not working, I love to be around family and friends, and go for walks at local parks. I like to take my camera and take photos of nature. 

I take pride in cleaning my area at work, and I go above and beyond what I'm told to do. I was a nanny for 12 years before becoming a custodian, and I absolutely love working with kids. My dream has always been to be a mom.

Shelly Roth

4th Grade Intervention Specialist
Meadowlawn Intermediate School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Schools since 2007

Fun Fact: Mrs. Roth has been married for 42 years to Jude Roth and has two grown children, Bryce and Shaina, a granddaughter, Mabrey, two furry kids, Cocoa and Kai, who are therapy dogs; she enjoys her time with Mabrey, knitting, reading, going on walks with the girls, and having adventures with Jude.

Patty Clark

Paraprofessional, Access Class
Perkins High School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Schools since 2013

Fun fact: Mrs. Clark is gluten free.

Randy Gernovich

Choir Director
Briar Middle School and Perkins High School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Malone University

At Perkins Schools since 2015

Fun Fact: Mr. Gernovich gets about 20 pounds of Twix each year.

Teri Vossen

Classroom Aide
Perkins High School

Education: University of Missouri

At Perkins Schools since 2014

Fun Fact: Mrs. Vossen is originally from St. Louis, Missouri, and has four wonderful kids who mean the world to her. Her daughter will have her first grand-baby in September. 

Justy Boggs

Art Teacher
Perkins High School

Education: Master's Degree, The Ohio State University

At Perkins Schools since 2020

Fun Fact: Mrs. Boggs has been an art teacher for 21 years and taught students from Pre-K to Grade 12.

Christopher Zanella

Band Teacher
Briar Middle School, Perkins High School

Education: Master's Degree, Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Schools since 2016

Fun Fact: Mr. Zanella has four pet lizards.

Craig Wessels

Social Studies Teacher
Perkins High School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Bowling Green State University; Master's Degree, Ashland University

At Perkins Schools since 1995

Fun Fact: Mr. Wessels and his wife have two kids. Their oldest, Dalton, is a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, and youngest, Maggie, is a 4th grade Social Studies-Language Arts teacher at the Cherokee Central Schools, on the Cherokee Reservation in North Carolina.  
He also is a huge fan of Australian Rules Football, and has been podcasting about the game ("A Yank on the Footy") since 2019.

Patty Leslie

Paraprofessional
Perkins High School

Education: Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Schools since 2022

Fun Fact: Ms. Leslie has a son on the autism spectrum and takes pride in being his personal advocate throughout life. He is the light of her life. 

Donna Hensley

Art teacher
Perkins High School

Education: Master's Degree, Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Schools since 1998

Fun Fact: Ms. Hensley will retire this spring after teaching for 26 years. She has been a ski instructor in Utah, lived in Bolivia for more than a year as a missionary, and has two sons – her oldest works in "visual arts and virtual learning" for the Ohio State University and the youngest is an aspiring artist in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Michael Mauntler

Science Teacher
Perkins High School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Baldwin-Wallace University

At Perkins Schools since 2018

Fun Fact: "My dog received a certificate for volunteer work with the Department of Defense-US Navy."

Jaimie Hudson

Spanish Teacher
Perkins High School

Education: Bachelors Degree, Heidelberg University; Master's Degree, Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Schools since 2012

Fun Facts: "I'm a mom of three boys, and I've been married for almost 12 years to my high school sweetheart. 

I have a photography business that I started almost 10 years ago. I'm a big OSU football fan. I love crafting, baking, the sun/beach/water, and coffee.

My favorite color is turquoise.

I love to travel. I hope to see Ireland, Portugal, and Ecuador someday."

Dominic Aceto

IT Technician
Perkins Local Schools

Education: Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Schools since 2022

Fun Fact: Mr. Aceto has been bowling for 20 years.

Darren Majoy

9th Grade Science Teacher
Perkins High School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Ohio State University; Master's Degree, Ashland University

At Perkins Schools since 2002

Fun Facts: Mr. Majoy plays guitar in a band. And, he will retire at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.

Tim Zapdka

Health and Credit Recovery Teacher
Perkins High School, Briar Middle School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, University of Toledo

At Perkins Schools since 2001

Fun Fact: "I am the youngest of five kids."

Amy Schnurr

1:1 Paraprofessional
Perkins High School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Schools since 2012

Fun Fact: "I was Perkin's first full-time building substitute teacher."

Carolyn Stiles

Business Teacher
Perkins High School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Denver; Master's Degree, Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Schools since 2010

Fun Facts: "I grew up in Colorado but have lived all over, from Atlanta, Georgia, to Palm Springs, California. I love cycling, running, swimming, and hiking. Reading is very important to me.
My first career was in the luxury hotel and resort business. I met a lot of cool and not-so-cool people. My daughters live in Philadelphia, Pennyslvania, and Oxford, Ohio. 

Brandi Abel

Behavorial Specialist Assistant
Briar Middle School, Furry Elementary

At Perkins Schools since 2018

Fun Fact: "I am a shark fanatic."

Lori Kleinosky

Paraprofessional
Briar Middle School

At Perkins Schools since 2022

Fun Facts: "My husband and I have six Harleys. I have been married for 31 years this June 21st."

Shane Burrows

Physical Education Teacher
Briar Middle School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Bowling Green State University; Master's Degree, Ashland University

At Perkins Schools since May 1998

Fun Fact: "I competed in an international Track meet in the summer of 1987 in Budapest Hungary."

Jennifer Printy-Venerucci

Visual Art Teacher
Briar Middle School

Education: Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree, Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Schools since 2007

Fun Facts: "I was born and raised a Pirate. I have three children, Drake, Vivian, and Kiki (our 130 lb Mastweiler).  Drake graduated from Perkins in 2023, and Vivian will graduate in 2025. I have taught in Furry, Meadowlawn, and Briar during my teaching years at Perkins. 
I love photography, creating things in lots of colors, and the beach.
And, I love cheesecake."

Christine Smith

Paraprofessional, Access
Briar Middle School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Ohio State University

At Perkins Schools since 2019

Fun Facts: "I have been married for 35 years (36 in August) to my husband, Schuyler, and have two kids. I worked as a substitute teacher for 16 years before going to work full time for Perkins Schools. I love watching my Ohio State Buckeyes play football, the Cleveland Browns and Guardians. I love the water and enjoy boating and going to the beach."

Jennifer Weichel

7th Grade Health Teacher, 8th Grade Science Teacher
Briar Middle School

Education: Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree, Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Schools since 2015

Fun Facts: "I grew up in the Sandusky area and graduated from Perkins in 2003. I went to college at BGSU to study Education (major) and Music (minor). I have had experience working in several school districts while subbing including Edison, Huron, Margaretta, New London, Norwalk, Perkins, Sandusky, and Vermilion.

I went to Nationals in Chicago for the sport of Curling.

Amy Didion

8th Grade Science Teacher, 6th Grade STEAM Teacher
Briar Middle School

Education: Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree, Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Schools since 1998

Fun Facts: "I love being outdoors and enjoy camping, kayaking and paddleboarding. I enjoy traveling and adventures. Touring the Galapagos Islands and swimming with whale sharks in Mexico have been two of my favorites. I am super excited that I became a grandmother in April."

Suella Harvey

Building Secretary
Meadowlawn Intermediate School

At Perkins Schools 2019

Fun Fact: "I front a local band named MojoMix on the weekends. Secretary by day, singer by night."

Kris Dinovo

4th Grade Teacher
Meadowlawn Intermediate School

Education: Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Schools since 1993

Fun Fact: "I am currently teaching 4th grade at Meadowlawn.  I previously taught 3rd grade and music for Perkins. I grew up in a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While attending BGSU, I met my husband, Phil. I will be retiring at the end of this school year and welcoming our first grandchild in July."

Teresa Ott

Paraprofessional, Access
Meadowlawn Intermediate School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Schools since 2020

Fun Facts: "I ran 2 marathons and raised money for both: Columbus, Nationwide Children's Hospital and Chicago, American Cancer Society."

Barbara Mazur

Lunch Room Manager
Meadowlawn Intermediate School

At Perkins Schools since 1990

Fun Fact: "I love to bake. Baking helps me to relax."

Emily Cutler

4th Grade Teacher
Meadowlawn Intermediate School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Ashland University; Master's Degree, Western governor's University

At Perkins Schools since 2023

Fun Fact: "I am a 2014 Perkins High School Graduate and the current 8th grade cheer coach at Briar. In my free time, I am an Erie County 4-H Volunteer and teach dance at the Moving Company School of Dance. I love to travel, bake, and spend time with family."

Kamryn Gerold

Intervention Specialist
Meadowlawn Intermediate School

At Perkins Schools since 2021

Fun Fact: "I did competitive gymnastics for 12 years."

Erich Fahr

5th Grade Teacher
Meadowlawn Intermediate School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Lake Superior State University

At Perkins Schools since 2010

Fun Fact: "I'm married to my best friend and we have three amazing sons and two Golden Retrievers. I love to coach any and all sports, mow my grass, and work with animals.  

While I have had many jobs in my life prior to being a teacher, my favorite was when I got to be Vanilla Ice's bodyguard for a night."

Bruce Smith

Therapy Dog
Furry Elementary School

Education: Riley's Angels

At Perkins Schools since 2021

Fun Fact: Bruce walks sideways, snorts like a pig, and loves working with the students at Furry.

Ashlee Cullen

Kindergarten Teacher
Furry Elementary School

Education: Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree, Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Schools since 2004

Fun Fact: "(I'm) always staying busy with my three boys and all of their sports. My favorite place to be is on a beach reading a book."

Brittany Stacey

1st Grade Teacher
Furry Elementary School

Education: Bowling green State University

At Perkins Schools since 2009

Fun Fact: "I'm a 2001 Graduate of Perkins High School and I also coached high school volleyball here for eight years. Since I was a kid, all I ever wanted to do was teach and coach. I'm lucky to do what I love in my home district."

Bethany Binette-Ommert

Preschool Intervention Specialist
Furry Elementary School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Southeastern University; Master's Degree, Ashland University

At Perkins Schools since 2013

Fun Fact: "I've swum with sharks in Punta Cana."

Jennifer Gardin

Bus Driver
Perkins Local Schools

Education: Associate's Degree, Cuyahoga Community College

At Perkins Schools since 2015

Fun Fact: "I have lived in Ohio all my life."

Megen Kania

2nd Grade Teacher
Furry Elementary School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Baldwin Wallace University; Master's Degree, Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Schools since 2005

Fun Fact: "I love to travel, with Kauai being my favorite place to visit. I am a huge baseball and Cleveland Guardians fan. I have taught every grade level at Furry."

Terri Mullins

Administrative Assistant
Furry Elementary School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Miami University

At Perkins Schools since 2000

Fun Fact: "I am a Perkins graduate along with my three children being Perkins graduates, as well. My first grandchild is now attending preschool at Furry. I have the cutest Goldendoodle named Princess Peach."

Pamela Shirtz

1st Grade Teacher
Furry Elementary

Education: Master's Degree, Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Schools since 2010

Fun Fact: Mrs. Shirtz loves to be involved with theater and enjoys being on the stage. She teaches dance and choreography at Heidelberg College. Mrs. Shirtz has two fur babies, Charlie and Hazel.  She has danced at Disney World and lived in South Africa for a summer to teach young children and teachers. 

Debbie McCarthy

Paraprofessional
Furry Elementary School

At Perkins Schools since 2022

Fun Fact: "I love anything Winnie the Pooh. I graduated from Perkins years ago, lol."

Karis Kimble

Paraprofessional
Furry Elementary School

At Perkins Schools since 2023

Fun Fact: "I’m having my first son in June."

Diane Smith (with Bruce)

Counselor
Furry Elementary School

Education: University of Dayton, Heidelberg College

At Perkins Schools since 1999

Fun Fact: "I love to scuba dive."

Sherry Porter

Assistant Lunchroom Manager
Meadowlawn Intermediate School

At Perkins Schools since 2008

Fun Fact: "I love scrapbooking, card making, flowers and spending time by the water ... And, my children are my world!"

Jessica Van-Ness

English Teacher
Perkins High School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Cleveland State University; Master's Degree in Creative Writing, Ashland University; LMT, Ohio College of Massotherapy

At Perkins Local Schools since 2009

Fun Fact: "I played volleyball in college in Brooklyn, New York for three years. I am obsessed with nail polish, Birkenstocks, and books. My first concert was Waylon Jennings at the Sandusky County Fair when I was 9-years-old. My favorite movie is Groundhog Day.

Shannon Neigel

Cook-Cashier
Perkins High School

Education: Associate's Degree, Social Work

At Perkins Local Schools since 2012

Fun Fact: "I like to bake, love animals, like to read, and taking walks."

Meghan Smith

7th Grade Science
Briar Middle School

Education: Master's Degree, Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Local Schools since 2012

Fun Fact: "I studied at Ulster University in Coleraine, Northern Ireland."

Michael Leffler

Computer Science, Academy Experience Advisor
Perkins High School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, The Ohio State University

At Perkins Local Schools since 1996

Fun Fact: "College roommate with one of the rock stars."

Krista Hartung

3rd Grade Teacher
Meadowlawn Intermediate School

Education: Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree, Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Local Schools since 2002

Fun Fact: "I was born and raised in Sandusky, and attended St. Mary Central Catholic School. I live in Perkins with my husband, my 19-year-old son, who attends Ohio State University, my 16-year-old daughter, and our dog, Miley. I love all things Disney, Ohio State football, reading, and summertime!"

Rhonda Peiffer

Paraprofessional
Perkins High School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Local Schools since 2017

Fun Fact: "I'm obsessed with Bon Jovi and I have been to a ton of concerts in not only every major city in Ohio, but also in Pittsburgh, Boston, NYC, and even on a Caribbean Jon Bon Jovi cruise. I have met him twice, been backstage, and onstage!!"

Melissa Zeller

Paraprofessional
Furry Elementary

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Local Schools since 2021

Fun Fact: "I have two kids, a 3-year-old boy and a 10-month-old girl. Spending time outside with family and friends is my favorite!"

Lindsay Bookshar

Intervention Specialist
Perkins High School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Ashland University

At Perkins Local Schools 2023

Fun Fact: "In my spare time I volunteer with a non-profit organization called Superheroes To Kids In Ohio. The group's mission is to spread goodwill through simple acts of kindness and recognize individuals who have battled through adversity.   We make costumed visits to children’s hospitals, special needs centers, and various charitable events, whenever we are needed."

Laura Frisbee

Assistant Head Cook
Perkins High School 

Education: Firelands-Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Local Schools since 2017

Fun Fact: "After 30 years, I retired from ECSO as a 911 Dispatcher. Working a law enforcement job is 24/7-365-days-a-year, including holidays and weekends.  The cafeteria is Monday thru Friday, off by 2 and no weekends or holidays, dream hours, and taking care of the kids is a whole lot easier than taking care of cops."

Stephanie Mapus

2nd Grade Teacher
Furry Elementary

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Bowling Green State University; Master's Degree, Ashland University

At Perkins Local Schools since 2009

Fun Fact: "I am a grandma to three energetic grandsons who keep me young at heart. I have seven siblings, all who graduated from Perkins High (all have moved away) & 21 nieces/nephews. I was a Licensed Cosmetologist for 17 years before going back to school to obtain my Bachelor's Degree in Education and Master's from Ashland University. I love sunshine, beaches, walking, playing cards and my family."

Jamie Halbisen

Paraprofessional
Perkins High School

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Business, Tiffin University

At Perkins Local Schools since 2022

Fun Fact: "I'm married and I have 3 sons and a daughter-in-law. I was the first softball player at Sandusky St. Mary Central Catholic's history to go to college on an athletic scholarship."

Bonnie Fantozzi

Secretary
Briar Middle School

At Perkins Local Schools since 2010

Fun Fact: "I have four poison dart frogs and 10 geckos."

Kathy Zirkle

1st Grade Teacher
Furry Elementary

Education: Master's Degree, University of South Carolina

At Perkins Local Schools since 2014

Fun Fact: "I grew up in the Carolinas, but all four of my kids are Perkins graduates."

Gena Staley

1st Grade Teacher
Furry Elementary

Education: Master's Degree

At Perkins Local Schools since 2009

Fun (or not-so Fun) Fact: "My house was hit and destroyed by a tornado when I was in second grade."

Shana DeRose-Smith

English Teacher
Perkins High School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Eastern Michigan University; Master's Degree, Ashland University

At Perkins Local Schools since 2001

Fun Fact: "I once ran a marathon without training."

 

Jacqueline Schroeder

Band/Choir Teacher, Grades 6-12
Briar Middle School and Perkins High School

Education: Bachelor's of Music Education, Ohio State University

At Perkins Local Schools since 2019

Fun Fact: "I have a cat named Chai. She is named after my go-to Starbucks order."

Megan Elmlinger

Behavior Specialist
Perkins Local Schools

Education: Master's Degree, American College of Education 

At Perkins Local Schools since 2021

Fun Fact: "I was a national cheerleading champion in high school and my biggest fear is birds, but I own a chicken farm."

Jennifer Ott

Building Secretary
Perkins High School

At Perkins Local Schools since 1998

Fun Fact: "I was born and raised in Perkins, and a graduate of Perkins (1988). I have two children and one granddaughter, who is 6 and another little girl on the way. Grandparenting is my favorite role in life so far. I love boating, the lake, the sun and anything outdoors in the sunshine."

 

Fun Fact(s) -  I moonlight as a bartender and have run 3 Full Marathons and countless half marathons, 10k's and 5k's.

Baranda Adams

Behavior Specialist Assistant
Briar Middle School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Grand Canyon University

At Perkins Local Schools since 2012

"Fun Fact: "I am married to my husband, Brent and we have two children, Emily, who is senior at PHS, and Mason, who is a sophomore at PHS. I have been coaching cheerleading at the high school for eight years. In my spare time I enjoy traveling with my family. Our favorite place to go is the beach."

Kelsey Gillespie

3rd Grade Teacher
Meadowlawn Intermediate School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Bowling Green State University; Master's Degree, Concordia University

At Perkins Local Schools since 2018

Fun Fact: "I've been in 10 musicals!"

Ali Lange-James

Career Coach-Credit Recovery
Perkins High School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Eastern Michigan University; Master's Degree, Baldwin-Wallace University

At Perkins Local Schools since 2005

Fun Fact: "I went to Perkins K-12. 'Once a Pirate, Always a Pirate!' I own and operate Snowie Sandusky, a mobile shaved ice business."

Kaylin Schaefer

6th Grade Science and Health
Briar Middle School

Education: Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree, Ashland University

At Perkins Local Schools since 1997

Fun Fact: "I have never had to teach on my birthday." (Well, it is on is December 26.)

Martha Loroff

Study Hall
Perkins High School

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Central Michigan University

At Perkins Local Schools since 2000

Fun Fact: "My son (USMC Veteran) and daughter-in-law (both Perkins grads) live in Belgium. After four years living in Germany, she is now serving in the Army and works as an HR Officer at SHAPE/NATO. My grandchildren ages 2 1/2 and 1 are along for the globetrotting adventure, too. NATO Strong! ARMY Strong! Semper Fi!  And yes, I plan to visit again."

Andrea Baker

6th Grade English
Briar Middle School

Education: Master's Degree, Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Schools since 1999

Fun Fact: Mrs. Baker is among three generations graduated from BGSU.

"1. My father graduated from BGSU in 1971.
2. I graduated from BGSU in 1999.
3. My daughter will be graduating from BGSU in 2026."

Kelly Scott

Paraprofessional
Meadowlawn Intermediate School

At Perkins Local Schools since 2021

Fun Fact: "I worked at the Youth Center at South Weymouth Naval Air Station and dressed as the base mascot  'Wally the Whale' for special events."

Kelley Sumner

2nd Grade Teacher
Furry Elementary

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Malone College; Master's Degree, Marygrove

At Perkins Local Schools since 1994

Fun Fact: "I graduated from Perkins High School. I teach at the only school I did not attend as a student, I have taught in the same grade my entire career except for one year. I have two former students who are teachers in the building I work at."

Brittany Sallee

Preschool Teacher
Furry Elementary

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Bowling Green State University

At Perkins Local Schools since 2016

Fun Fact: "I am very competitive and I do not like to lose #boymom :)"

Barbara Mazur

Lunchroom Manager
Meadowlawn Intermediate School

Education: High School

At Perkins Local Schools since 1990

Fun Fact: "I love to bake."

Hannah Hill

Paraprofessional
Furry Elementary

Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Tiffin University 

At Perkins Local Schools since 2024

Fun Fact: "I have never lost a Mario Kart match."