Department Directory
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Administration
As the School Director at the Arts & College Preparatory Academy, Ronnie Brown brings 26 years of experience in education as a teacher, coach, and administrator across several local school districts. He earned his Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Superintendent Certification from the University of Dayton in 2003, and his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Miami University (Oxford) in 1998, where he was also a member of the varsity football team.
Ronnie Brown
He/Him
School Director
Carinne Blackwell
She/Her
MS Principal
ACPA has been my professional home since 2007. While here I have taught Social Studies and Spanish, mentored dozens of teachers, been an instructional coach, principal and interim principal (2x and counting!). I love the students here, their creativity and diversity, their kindness and their hope, their determination and their courage.The students have taught me so much more than I have taught them. My priority is always to provide a safe environment that fosters curiosity, understanding, and deep learning. I am delighted to work with such a strong, caring, and reflective staff.
Catherine McMillin
She/Her
HS Principal
Sarah joined the ACPA community as a High School teacher in 2011. She has served in many capacities throughout her tenure, and is eager to take on her new role as Director of Operations. She will be overseeing many aspects of school operations - from facilities management and compliance to budgetary oversight, ensuring that ACPA operates smoothly and efficiently. When she's not working you can find her drinking coffee, chasing her kiddos, running the streets, or reading a good book.
Sarah Bostelman
She/Her
Director of Operations
Mr. Gatto was on the founding staff of the Arts & College Preparatory Academy (ACPA) in 2002, and has been principal since 2010. Prior to stepping into administration, Mr. Gatto taught Algebra and Geometry at ACPA and various subjects at an arts-focused middle school in Columbus City Schools.
Anthony Gatto
He/Him
Treasurer
Shelby Dawkins
She/Her
Director of Enrollment
Jennifer Dunaway is the Facility and Accounts Payable Director at the Arts and College Preparatory Academy (ACPA), where she oversees facility operations, vendor partnerships, and financial processes with a focus on efficiency, accountability, and collaboration. A mother of six, with two children who have attended ACPA, Jennifer brings both professional expertise and personal investment to her role.
With more than 20 years of experience, Jennifer specializes in using data-driven decision making to create agile workflows, strengthen processes, and lead diverse teams. Prior to joining ACPA, she served as the Director of Institutional Advancement at Seton High School in Cincinnati and as the Director of Membership for the Soccer Field Academy in Columbus.
Beyond her career in education and operations, Jennifer is also an award-winning writer and entrepreneur. She founded Ohio Soccer Moms and Dads and built it into Soccer Moms and Dads, a nationally recognized athlete parenting lifestyle brand. Her work has earned recognition locally and regionally, establishing her as a trusted voice for families navigating the challenges and opportunities of raising young athletes.
Jennifer’s passion for youth sports extends to the field as well—she is a certified soccer referee, active board and committee member for multiple youth athletic associations, and a consultant for youth sports organizations of all sizes, providing expertise in strategic planning and operational development.
Jennifer brings to ACPA her love of community, education, and exercise with a deep commitment to helping organizations and families thrive.
Jennifer Dunaway
She/Her
Director of Facilities & Accounts Payable
Chris Ifill is the new Diverse Learner Program Coordinator. This role was created to support intervention specialists, diverse learners, their families and the ACPA community as a whole. She holds a Master Degree in Educational Leadership and Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and English Literature. She is a licensed Intervention Specialist with an emphasis on mild to moderate disabilities for grades K-12. With five years of hands-on expertise as a school principal, and an additional 15 + years as a special education teacher,She brings a well-rounded background to ACPA as well as the drive and passion to advocate for student success. She loves to sing, cook, knit, crochet, and do puzzles. Stop by the office if you have a need to de-stress. You may find a puzzle in the works.
Christina Ifill
She/Her
Director of Student Services
Fayth has been a member of the ACPA community since 2010, when she began her freshman year as a student! She enjoys taking care of her garden and chickens, reading the latest BookTok crazes, attending music festivals and concerts, and going on adventures with her two kids Lorelei (11), Anthony (5), and husband Anthony, also an ACPA alum. She is so excited head into her 4th year as Events, Marketing, & Communications Director!
Fayth Pennington
She/Her
Director of Events, Marketing, & Communications
Administrative Support Staff
Ms. Collins began working at ACPA in July 2011, and could never imagine working at another school again. Ms. Collins loves the creative energy at ACPA and is constantly amazed by what students here are able to accomplish. Outside of ACPA, you can find Ms. Collins spending time with her kids and exercising during all hours of the day.
Emily Collins
She/Her
Records Director
Ms. Sarah joined ACPA in 2021 working in the High School front office. Sarah grew up in Atlanta and graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Spanish. She is passionate about supporting our students getting to and being at school in her role as attendance and transportation director. Outside of school, Sarah enjoys spending time with her son, taking care of her plethora of plants, and reading.
Sarah Silver
She/They
Transportation Director
I graduated from ACPA in 2019. I am now a full time student at Mount Carmel College of Nursing, going for my BSN. My time at ACPA was always really amazing and fun. I love the energy and vibe that the school has. Getting to be back as a part of the administrative team is a really amazing experience for me.
Molly Jordan
She/Her
HS Administrative & Enrollment Assistant
Nicole Lovett
She/Her
HS Administrative Assistant
Student Support Staff
As the first Dean of Students at ACPA, Demetrius brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. His career in education includes serving as a Special Education Math Teacher across elementary, middle, and high school levels, Director of Special Education, and Middle School Administrator.
Demetrius has a strong passion for educating and mentoring all students, with a special commitment to those who come from challenging backgrounds. He views it as an honor to be entrusted with guiding and shaping the next generation. His ultimate goal is to inspire, motivate, and challenge mindsets—helping students reach their fullest potential both inside and outside the classroom.
Demetrius Pate
He/Him
Dean of Students
I’ve spent over 15 years teaching Special Education, and throughout that time I’ve been driven by one passion: helping students see their own potential and giving them the support they need to shine. Now, stepping into my role as Assistant Dean of Students at ACPA, I’m excited to continue that work in new ways—walking alongside our students as they grow into the next generation of leaders.
When I’m not at school, life stays lively thanks to my 12-year-old daughter, who keeps me on my toes, and our two dogs, who make sure there’s never a dull moment at home. I’m truly grateful to be part of the ACPA community and can’t wait to keep building meaningful relationships with our students and families.
Andrew Habayeb
He/Him
Student Support Coordinator
Hi! I’m Amber Toth and this is my 7th year at ACPA, but only my 2nd year as your College & Career Readiness Coordinator (fancy way of saying I help you plan life after high school). I’ve got two dogs—Croix and Eve—who think they run my house, and when I’m not with them, you can probably catch me reading or rewatching Gilmore Girls (yes, again). I live for fall, comfy outfits, and cozy vibes. Come find me in the Diva Den—I promise I’m friendly and might even have snacks.
Amber Toth
She/Her
College & Career Readiness Coordinator
Youth and art have always been my passions, however, the medical field has always been my gift. ACPA is home to both for me, and I'm an ACPA alumni. I'm so happy to dedicate my services to such an amazing community. Outside of school, I enjoy food and music from all over the world.
Nonha Powell
She/Her
School Nurse
Summer Crews
She/Her
MS Instructional Aide
Jonneice Ransom
She/Her
MS Instructional Aide
Ada Wilcox
She/Her
HS Instructional Aide
DeAsia Walker
She/Her
HS Instructional Aide
Arts Department
Darreyon Anderson
She/Her
Dance
As a classically-trained percussionist who grew up playing in garage bands, Mr. Demland has found his dream job at ACPA. Since joining the ACPA family in 2005, he has worked to develop an innovative music program that blends the best of those two worlds to produce creative and capable young musicians.
Noah Demland
He/Him
HS Instrumental Music
Mr. Dodge originally came to ACPA as a guest director and quickly decided it was a place he wanted to stay. While he still works in the arts, teaching Improv and directing the fall play, he now spends most of his time in the English department, where the plays usually stay on the page.
Alex Dodge
He/Him
HS Theater & Stage Tech
McKenzie Gilbert
She/Her
MS Art
Melody Harris, an Art Educator working with ACPA, has dual
degrees from Kent State University: She holds a B.F.A. in
(Figurative) Ceramics/Metalsmithing, a Bachelor of Arts , in Art Education and a Minor in Educational Psychology.
She is a multidisciplinary artist who specializes in the creation of large-scale, hand-built figurative sculptures. Several of her piecesare in private collections.
Melody is an award - winning Inter disciplinary Arts Educator and Educational Lead, with years of experience. Her expertise includes constructing complex curriculums containing layers of ideas with a focus on learning through the Arts. She uses an Arts-Integrated approach to STEAM education to enhance her student’s artistic journey. She does this by designing lessons that engage with multiple disciplines with in a transdisciplinary space, enabling her students to connect their work to real world settings.
Melody Harris
She/Her
HS Visual Arts
Ms. Hunter-Lombardi received her Bachelor of Fine Art degree from Columbus College of Art & Design and her Master of Fine Art from The Ohio State University. Ms. Hunter-Lombardi's current body of work incorporates her love of science, history and storytelling through ceramics, watercolor, mixed media, printmaking, book arts and assemblage. Teaching since 1994, she seeks to facilitate maximum learning, as she works with all age groups including 16 years' experience teaching college art foundations and over a decade of teacher training.
Brooke Hunter-Lombardi
She/Her
HS Visual Arts
Theo Jackson (sounds like TAYO) has been making music around Columbus since...well, for a very long time! When making music, you will catch him playing piano, bass, drums, guitar, trumpet or singing - and often more than one instrument at a time! He has a written 100+ original compositions for bands and theaters - and even one weird commercial you can still hear on the radio. Theo has a BA in Vocal Performance from Otterbein and is Guest Faculty at The Ohio State University teaching "The Singing Actor" class to develop young actors' ability to act through song. He has music directed over 30 musicals including our local Wagnalls Community Theater, CATCO and Actors Theatre, and The Ohio State University.
Theo Jackson
He/Him
Instrumental & Vocal Music
Ms Mientus is from the western suburbs of Chicago, where she lived for the majority of her life. In 2019, she graduated from Columbia College Chicago where she studied Film and Fiction Writing. After a few years in various careers, she made a leap into teaching and graduated from National Louis University with a Masters in Secondary Education. Ms. Mientus is thrilled to be returning to ACPA where she is able to combine her love of Film and English!
Madison Mientus
She/Her
Videography
Ms. Laney (Ms. LJ) has her Bachelor's Degree from the Capital University Conservatory of Music, has worked as a character and parade performer at Walt Disney World in Florida, toured Ireland with a singing group and has performed at Carnegie Hall. She has also done film work, teaches voice and acting lessons out of her home studio, and performs regularly around Columbus.
She is beyond excited to be teaching at ACPA specifically for its arts and academic integrative approach. Ms. LJ loves to read, hike, and study languages and history in her free time, and is excited to share that she will be getting married in March of this school year! She also is extremely fond of coffee and board games, and always strives for students to know that learning is continuous. Mistakes will be made, but how we succeed is by getting back up and trying again.
Marrett Laney
She/Her
MS Performing Arts
Malik Carrington
He/Him
2025-26 Resident Art Educator
Diverse Learning Program/Special Education
Hey! My name is Akilah Boldware and I teach 7th-12th grade intervention for our diverse learners community. I have been married for 20 years and together we have two girls Shaiyah and Aniyah. Shaiyah is an ACPA '24 alumni and Aniyah is a senior at ACPA this school year. This is my 14th year in education; I received my Master's degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University and I am currently working on my 2nd Master's Degree which is in Mental Health Wellness and Prevention (again from GCU). I graduate this fall and I cannot be more excited to complete another chapter of grad school. I enjoy music, relaxing with my family, traveling and watching tv. Cooking and baking is my happy place and I love hosting big family dinners. Fun fact: I was a court stenographer before joining the education world and I am a Cleveland Cavaliers fan!
Akilah Boldware
She/Her
MS Intervention Specialist
This is my second year teaching here (tenth year ACPA mom). I love this school because
incorporating arts into academics is an ongoing challenge–it keeps our learning community
flexible, quick on our feet, and passionate at work. After hours, you may run into me kayaking,
thrifting, or reading novels on a picnic blanket. Also buying greens that I’ll inevitably forget to
eat.
Eleanor Brown
She/Her
MS Intervention Specialist
Profe. is excited to be returning to ACPA! Profe. D. graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.A. in Spanish and a B.A. in English. She received her Master's in Education from Ashland University. Throughout her career, she has taught Spanish 1 - 4 and English to non-native English speakers. ACPA fosters Profe's love of the arts, creativity, and culture. She is most excited to be teaching in an inclusive and diverse environment.
Anna Devault
She/Her
English Learner Coordinator
Hello there! My name is Keisha, but everyone calls me Mac and I’m looking forward to my first year at ACPA as an Intervention Specialist. I have been working with students with special needs for over 15 years but this will be my 7th year in a typical school environment. I’ve been married for 10 years to a wonderful man and we have 2 cats in our loving home. I enjoy playing board games and singing the wrong words to popular music.
Keisha McClelland
She/Her
HS Intervention Specialist
Jasmine Young
She/Her
HS Intervention Specialist
Middle School Academic Staff
Ms. Blackburn is beginning her fourth year teaching science at ACPA middle school. She runs the middle school social POD where they plan school events such as dances and spirit weeks. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in middle childhood education specializing in science and language arts. Ms. Blackburn loves animals and has two cats named Stinky and Milo. Ms. Blackburn is eager to share her love of science with ACPA middle school.
Jenna Blackburn
She/Her
Science
Kayla Hoffman
She/Her
Math
In August 2025, David Jones is beginning his sixth year teaching Middle School Social Studies at ACPA, as well as his second year running the after school Creative Writing Club, helping young writers share their brilliance in poetry and prose. Prior to entering middle school education, Dr. Jones taught African History at Ohio State, and before that had stints as a newspaper reporter and baseball historian, among other adventures. But his real passion is teaching history, and he is eager to help ACPA students connect the lessons of the past with the challenges of the present. He believes history is fundamentally about empathy, and recognizing the shared humanity of people from every time and place. He encourages his students to see themselves as historians, actively interpreting the past in order to shape the future!
David Jones
He/Him
Social Studies
Sarah Kuhn
She/Her
English
High School Academic Staff
English Department
Ms Mientus is from the western suburbs of Chicago, where she lived for the majority of her life. In 2019, she graduated from Columbia College Chicago where she studied Film and Fiction Writing. After a few years in various careers, she made a leap into teaching and graduated from National Louis University with a Masters in Secondary Education. Ms. Mientus is thrilled to be returning to ACPA where she is able to combine her love of Film and English!
Madison Mientus
She/Her
English 9, Film Studies
With a background in both English literature and philosophy, Mx. Perkins loves to encourage critical thinking and strong argumentation in the classroom. Outside of school they love climbing rocks (real and plastic), playing trivia, picking up a new craft project, or watching TV with their two cats.
Lily Perkins
They/Them
English 11, Queer Literature, and Utopian, Dystopian, & Apocalyptic Literature
Mr. Renaud joined ACPA this year as a teacher of English 10 and journalism. Entering his 10th year in education, Mr. Renaud is excited to explore with students the intersections between language arts skills and the broader world. Although he grew up in Ohio and received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio State University, he has spent the past 18 years living and working in New York, New Mexico, and Rhode Island. Mr. Renaud is currently pursuing an M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction, and when he’s not neck-deep in textbooks for his coursework he enjoys playing guitar, writing music, going to shows, cycling, exploring nature, and road tripping.
Joe Renaud
He/Him
English 10, Journalism, and Mythology
Foreign Language Department
Lisa Fontenot
She/Her
Spanish 2
Seño H. (ah-chay) is excited for another year at ACPA! She graduated with a degree in Foreign Language Education with a concentration in Spanish from the University of Dayton. After studying Spanish for over half her life, she is thrilled to share her love of the Spanish language and its connected cultures with her students. Seño H. enjoys going to concerts, eating international foods, and traveling to familiar and unfamiliar places.
Emily Horwath
She/Her
Spanish 1 & 3
Mathematics Department
Mr. Holman graduated from Muskingum University in 2014 and has been teaching Algebra and Geometry ever since, including being at ACPA since 2020. Mr. Holman loves math (obviously) and is an avid sports fan. He is often watching a football or baseball game in the evenings or on weekends. In the summer, Mr. Holman spends a lot of time coaching baseball. If he is not watching, coaching, or playing a sport, Mr. Holman is likely watching a movie or TV show and enjoying some pizza or popcorn with his wife and new baby.
Jason Holman
He/Him
Geometry, Honors Algebra II, Probability & Statistics
I am Sindhu Sreedevi, and I am passionate about teaching Math and helping students to understand the subject. With 16 years of experience in teaching, I have dedicated my career to fostering a love for this subject and helping students unlock their full potential. My graduate degree in Math equipped me with a strong foundation in mathematical concepts, which I enthusiastically share with my students.
My teaching philosophy revolves around making mathematics accessible, engaging, and enjoyable for every student. I believe that mathematics is not just a subject; it's a tool for critical thinking, problem-solving, and exploring the world around us. I strive to create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and, most importantly, learning from them.
Beyond the Math classroom, I love to travel to explore new places, watch movies and cook. I am excited to continue my educational journey and share my love for mathematics with my students at ACPA.
Sindhu Sreedevi
She/Her
Algebra I, Personal Finance, Math Beyond the Classroom
Mrs. Yeung received her Bachelor of Mathematics and Masters in Education from Ohio State University. She discovered ACPA during her student teaching and decided to stay! She has now worked at ACPA for 4 years teaching Algebra 2, Precalculus and AP Calculus. She is currently the advisor for National Honor Society and one of the advisors for Senior Leadership. In her free time, Mrs.Yeung enjoys DIY projects, watching movies, spending time outside and ice cream.
Maekenzie Yeung
She/Her
Pre-Calculus, Algebra II, AP Calculus
Science Department
Mr. Kirkman grew up in Illinois right across the Mississippi River from St Louis, Missouri, got his degree at Elmhurst College near Chicago, then eventually moved to Ohio and taught Biology, Paleontology, and Zoology for 6 years at East Knox High School before moving to Columbus and joining ACPA. Mr. Kirkman has always been fascinated by the scientific mindset that encourages us to learn more about the world around us, and is continually awestruck by just how confusing and incredible those discoveries can be! He also enjoys riding bikes on trails, reading books people recommend to me, discovering new music, playing video games, watching movies, going to museums to point at fossils and say wow, breathing, and picking up critters that I probably shouldn't.
Ryan Kirkman
He/Him
Health, Physical Science
Lydia Gabric is from Northeast Ohio and graduated from Miami University. This is Ms. Gabric’s first year teaching biology and chemistry. Ms. Gabric’s goal as a teacher is to encourage students to experiment with science and challenge their “I can’t do science” mindset. She is also an artist and loves to find ways to overlap science and art in her teaching. Ms. Gabric is excited to get to know her students and support them all in their journey!
Lydia Gabric
She/Her
Biology, Chemistry
Mr. Wise is originally from Northwest Ohio and went to a small country high school. He then went on to receive his Bachelor of Science in Education from Ashland University. From there he found his home at ACPA teaching life science, and absolutely loves it! Mr. Wise truly enjoys teaching students about the wonderful world of Biology, the huge diversity of life, and everything that comes together to make life on Earth possible. Outside of school, Mr. Wise enjoys reading (Stephen King is the greatest author of all time), golfing, geocaching, disc golfing, and loves to watch scary movies!
Brandon Wise
He/Him
Anatomy & Physiology, AP Biology, Zoology
Social Studies Department
I’m from a small town in Ohio called Tiffin. I attended The Ohio State University in order to obtain my Bachelor’s Degree and am currently working towards my Master’s at the University of Findlay. I am teaching U.S. History this year and am most excited to cover the Civil Rights Movement as well as the rise of Popular Culture. Outside of school I enjoy playing the piano, going on walks with my dog Kimber and most of all, exploring new restaurants even though nothing can beat McDonald’s. I love the inclusive atmosphere that exists at ACPA and look forward to helping students find their own definition of success and happiness.
Ryan Alvarado
He/Him
Global Issues, US History
Mr. Hedrick joined the ACPA staff at the beginning of the 2019 school year. He has a BA with a double major in history and philosophy and a PhD in philosophy. Mr. Hedrick enjoys philosophizing, learning new things, reading books (Brandon Sanderson is his favorite fiction author), watching shows on Netflix, and spending time with his wife and pets. Mr. Hedrick absolutely loves the community of teachers and students at ACPA, and considers himself lucky to play a small role in this great educational program, surrounded by some of the kindest people he’s met!
Landon Hedrick
He/Him
Government
Mr. Pennington is excited to enter his third year teaching at ACPA! Mr. Pennington is a graduate of the Ohio State University and a former ACPA student. In his classes, he hopes to provide students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to move through the world as active and informed citizens. Outside of teaching, Mr. Pennington enjoys playing the drum set and learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Zach Pennington
He/Him
Personal Finance, World History
Counseling & Social Work
Hello, I’m Mr. Burt! After being the High School Counseling Intern last year, I couldn’t be more thrilled to enter my first year as the full-time Middle School Counselor. I teach the 8th grade social emotional learning course with an emphasis on building self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, and school belonging. I will also be working with students and families on an individual level to support their academic, social, emotional, and career goals. Outside of ACPA, I love running, movies, music, video games, and just about anything else pop culture-related. Feel free to reach out any time!
Bobby Burt
He/Him
Middle School Counselor
Mr. G has been at ACPA since 2021. As high school counselor he provides academic, social/emotional, and college/career support to students both individually and in the classrooms. He is also our District Testing Coordinator and manages the administration of state and national testing at ACPA. He loves being a part of the unique ACPA community, where the culture is driven by an emphasis on values and creativity. Outside of ACPA, Mr. G is a swim coach with 11 years of experience and works with swimmers ages 6 to 18 years old. In his free time, Mr. G explores a vast range of interests that include competitive swimming, guitar, painting and drawing, reading, and video games.
Eric Gerlach
He/Him
High School Counselor
Hello! I’m Mr. Winchester, your High School Social Worker. I’m a licensed social worker (LSW), and I'm excited to be spending my third year at ACPA. My role includes counseling, crisis management, facilitating small groups, linking students and families with resources and assistance, and advocating to remove barriers to student success. I am also the homelessness liaison for students in all grades at ACPA. Before obtaining my master’s degree in Social Work from Ohio State University, I earned a master’s degree in Negotiation & Conflict Resolution with a concentration in education from Creighton University School of Law. So, finding healthy ways to engage conflict – both internal and external – is a special interest of mine! My hobbies include music, dad jokes, sweater vests, and spending time with my two Goldendoodles. Always feel free to reach out with questions or concerns.
Christopher Winchester, LSW
He/Him
School Social Worker
I am excited to start my first year at ACPA as the Middle School Social Worker. I am a Licensed Social Worker. My role includes mental health consults, community referrals, crisis management etc. I received my formal education at Capital University (BSW) and Washington University in St. Louis for my Masters. Many of my social work positions have been school based and running mental health groups. I have a passion for mentoring programs. Some hobbies of mine are traveling, reading, and watching the Cincinnati Bengals.
Ovajunise McCallum, MSW
She/Her
School Social Worker
Shelby Brown
She/Her
High School Counseling Intern
ACPA Café
Jeremy Denelle
He/Him
Child Nutrition Director
Executive Chef
Ben Payne
He/Him
Sous Chef
Hilary Santos
She/Her
Cafe Chef
Morgan Webb
She/Her
Cafe Chef
Custodial Team
Rhonda McKay
She/Her
Custodian
Kenneth Frye
He/Him
Custodian