Department Directory
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Administration
Dr. Diandra R. Gordon, Esq., is a proud CCS and HBCU graduate, licensed attorney, and 2x TEDx Speaker with over 14 years of experience in the education sector. She currently serves as the CEO of Culture ED, a training and development consultancy that resolves workplace discord so that every leader, team member, and those they impact are empowered to operate in continued excellence.
Dr. Diandra Renée, PhD, Esq., is a global force of intelligence, business, scholarship, and class. Dr. Diandra Renée is a proud HBCU grad with an earned PhD in Human Development and Family Science, a law degree, and a DEI in HR Certificate from Cornell University--she is known for her advocacy for racial equity for Black people, youth, and families, transforming the H.E.A.R.T. of education, encouraging others to pursue excellence, and creatively elevating stories that transform lives through her nonprofit (MORE, Inc.) and her podcast work (Driven While Black).
Dr. Diandra Renée has proven success across seas and disciplines--- transforming the industries of business, education, law, and entertainment. Dr. Diandra Renée is a dynamic speaker, requested around the world, but most cherishes her titles of woman, daughter, sister, and friend.
Dr. Diandra R Gordon, Esq.
She/Her
Interim Superintendent
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
I was lucky enough to start my career in education at ACPA in 2014. During my time here, I moved from mathematics teacher and technology coordinator to HS Assistant Principal and then to HS Principal in 2021. ACPA has and continues to help me grow as a person, and continues to allow me to educate and be educated by our amazing students. I can't wait to watch each of you take to the sky and soar this year!
Aaron Wagner
He/Him
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
Jennifer graduated from Wright State University with a degree in Public Administration and certificate in Nonprofit Management. Prior to moving to Columbus with her husband Nick and 6 children Jennifer served as the Senior Director of Advancement at Seton High School in Cincinnati. Jennifer has spent the last 5 years with the Soccer Field Academy managing soccer programming and developing resources for parents of young soccer players. In her free time Jennifer enjoys writing, watching any and all soccer, live music and singing Karaoke.
Jennifer Dunaway
She/Her
Business Specialist
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 (10), Anthony (4), and husband Anthony, also an ACPA alum. She is so excited head into her 3rd 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
Student Support Staff
This is my second year at ACPA and I love the culture that is being created here. I’ve been in education for 20 years and have served in many different roles such as Intervention elementary, middle school, and high school math teacher, general education math teacher, middle school principal, and director of special education. I believe in empowering young people to be the very best version of who they were created to be as well as teachers. This is my 9th year in Ohio. I am a Georgia native.
Rolltide!
Demetrius Pate
He/Him
Dean of Students
This will be my first year at ACPA, and I couldn't be more excited! The staff here are wonderful and so welcoming! I feel privileged to be working alongside such creative and positive minds! Previous to accepting this role at ACPA, I worked in Special Education for a little over 15 years. I was born and raised in New York and moved to Columbus a little over 20 years ago. I'm a firm believer in positive energy and creative thoughts. I have a daughter (Nora) and two dogs (Dozer & Dori). I enjoy getting out on the golf course, having tiktok dance battles with my daughter or playing video games. Going camping, traveling, and exploring new places. Otherwise, just relaxing at home reading or deciding to start some sort of DIY project I saw somewhere! Excited for this adventure I'm getting ready to embark on here at ACPA. Thank you for welcoming me and allowing me to be a part of the ACPA family! My door is always open so don't hesitate to come in and say hi!
Andrew Habayeb
He/Him
Student Support Coordinator
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
Señora Rivas, more commonly referred to as “Seño”, lives and breathes anything cultural. Her hobbies are salsa dancing and eating international food but her passion is teaching Spanish. With a degree in Spanish Education from Otterbein University, six months experience in Argentina and two years teaching as a bilingual assistant in the public school system in Spain, she is so excited to share her love of Spanish and latino cultural with ACPA.
Hannah Rivas
She/Her
Family Translation Services
I graduated from ACPA back in 2017, I fell in love with the culture and having teachers
who really cared about me as a person, not just a student. I began as an instructional aide in
2020 in an all autistic unit K-12 and fell in love with helping make a difference in kids' lives. My
hope for my time at ACPA is to help students learn as well as make a positive impact in their
lives. When I’m not at work you can find me playing video games or watching some Michigan
football while cuddling my cats.
Matt Dinning
He/Him
MS Instructional Aide
Jasmine Young
She/Her
MS Instructional Aide
Noah Jockett
He/Him
HS Instructional Aide
Angela Carnes was born and raised in the lake front town of Sandusky, Ohio where she graduated from Sandusky High School. She went on to attend Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications.
Angela Carnes’ professional career spans over 25 years in the Marketing and PR Fields. Angela currently enjoys being an inspiration to today’s youth as a substitute teacher in Columbus, Ohio. She has always had a passion for helping her community!
Angela resides in Westerville, Ohio and is the proud mother of a very gifted 16-year-old son Micah. He is currently making the most of his interest in the performing arts with his amazing singing and acting talents.
Angela plans to continue promoting healthy, positive, and high self-esteem in our youth! She makes every effort to shine her light as bright as she can in hopes of nurturing the light inside of the youth she influences. She wants them to learn how to shine from within as bright as possible!! This is why she is also aka MS. LIT {Loving, Inspiring, and Transforming}.
Angela is absolutely thrilled to be sharing her LIT qualities with her new ACPA Family! MS LIT is now in the building!!
Angela Carnes
She/Her
Building Substitute
Counseling & Social Work
Our high school counselor, Mr. G is entering his 4th year with ACPA. As a counselor, he provides academic, social/emotional, and college/career support, He is also our District Testing Coordinator and manages the administration of Ohio State Tests, the ACT, and AP testing at ACPA. He has a master's degree in School Counseling from The Ohio State University (2022) and a bachelor's degree in Psychology (with a minor in Mathematics) from Denison University (2020). He loves being a part of the unique ACPA community, where the culture is driven by an emphasis on values and creativity. In his free time, Mr. G explores a vast range of interests that include playing guitar and piano, writing music, painting and drawing, reading, and playing video games.
Eric Gerlach
He/Him
High School Counselor
Hello! My name is Christina Hatzopoulos (Ms. H.) and I am the new Middle School Counselor. I am beyond excited to begin the next chapter of my career with ACPA. Art has such a special place in my heart as it’s something that allows us to be creative, expressive and ultimately brings us together.
Prior to this role, I was a Director of Learning Support, High School Counselor and Teaching Assistant at different schools. My undergraduate degree is in Communication Arts with a minor in Writing while my graduate degree is in Education with a specialization (and license) in School Counseling, grades 5-12.
I grew up and have lived in Boston, MA up until this year; I am new to the state of Ohio and it hasn’t taken me long to love it here! My fiancé and I enjoy going on day trips, exploring local areas by going to shops and restaurants and especially golfing. We are also big time football fans - GO BROWNS!
I am looking forward to making positive connections with students and their families. Thank you for welcoming me to this wonderful community!
Christina Hatzopoulos
She/Her
MS Counselor
Hello! I’m Mr. Winchester, your School Social Worker for students in Grades 10, 11, and 12. I’m a licensed social worker (LSW), and I'm excited to be spending my second 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 other 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
Miss Wise is the school social worker for 7th, 8th, and 9th grade. Their role includes psychotherapy, crisis management, conflict resolution, group facilitation, linking students and families with resources, and advocating to remove barriers to student success. Heather has been working with youth and young adults since 2004 and has a background in community organizing, program development, and psychotherapy. Miss Wise has a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Capital University and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan. Heather loves animals, art, music, drag, social justice, and mental health advocacy. Miss Wise can be found in the Counseling Cove or you can email to schedule an appointment.
Heather Wise, LISW-S
She/Her
School Social Worker
Diverse Learning Program/Special Education
Hello! My name is Akilah Boldware and I teach middle school intervention to our diverse learners. Prior to becoming an educator, I worked as a court stenographer which was a cool experience. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music and relaxing with my loved ones. I also enjoy cooking, baking and painting. I am grateful to be among an amazing community here at ACPA.
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
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
Hello there, I'm Mr. Renner! I’m looking forward to my third year here at ACPA as an Intervention Specialist. I love the unique potential of every person on this planet and I have had the pleasure of supporting wonderful humans on individualized plans for over 7 years now. When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, relaxing with my cats Morris & Peaches, editing videos, working as a care provider for my client who is basically my younger brother, and frolicking through meadows.
Nathan Renner
He/Him
HS Intervention Specialist
ACPA Café
Paul Snyder
He/Him
Child Nutrition Director
Executive Chef
Ben Payne
He/Him
Sous Chef
Hilary Santos
She/Her
Cafe Chef
As an ACPA alum, I always felt grateful for the opportunity to attend such a special school. Now as a staff member, I feel grateful to have such a special job! I love serving exciting and delicious meals to our wonderful students every day, I truly couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else.
Morgan Webb
She/Her
Cafe Chef
Morgan Friend
She/Her
Cafe Chef
Arts Department
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
Hello my name is Cole Garlando. I am a choreographer, dancer, radio show host, and somatic wellness educator who earned a BFA in Dance from Ohio University in Athens (2001); state licensure in Massage Therapy (2008); an MFA in Dance from Ohio State (2017); and will study Library and Information Science online for the next few years via Kent State. I am grateful for the activist community in Columbus and have enjoyed teaching in Ohio and beyond for more than twenty-five years as an artist-in-residence with PreK-12, University, and adult students. I love facilitating interdisciplinary creative processes; dance improvisation and composition; performance; somatic awareness and meditation experiences. I am happy ACPA exists for the students and I feel grateful to be here.
Cole Garlando
They/She
Yoga & Movement
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
Dallas is originally from Nashville, TN, where she started dancing at a local dance studio at the age of 3 years old. Since then, Dallas has had a wide range of accomplishments including performing in a piece choreographed by Britney Spears' choreographer ,Andre Fuentes, and traveled the country participating in competitions and conventions. Before becoming part of the ACPA team, Dallas worked for BalletMet teaching dance classes to the company trainees, students of Columbus State Community College, and high schoolers in the Reynoldsburg area. She is so excited to be a part of the ACPA team and get the opportunity to work with so many talented students and faculty!
Dallas Karr
She/Her
HS Dance
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
Nikki Solomon
She/Her
MS Visual Arts
Middle School Academic Staff
Ms. Blackburn is beginning her third 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 2024, David Jones is beginning his fifth 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 Sycks
She/Her
English
High School Academic Staff
English Department
Captain Eberhart received their BA in Integrated Language Arts Education from Ohio University in May 2023, and has been in love with reading, writing, and all things art since they were 3 years old. They teach 9th grade English and all Media Arts classes at ACPA, and end every day of teaching by going home to their cat, Vegas. They also enjoy long walks in the park, video games (Minecraft & Fortnite), listening to music while staring at the ceiling, and creating their own art!
Grace Eberhart
They/Them
English 9
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
Originally from the Cleveland area, Mx. Perkins studied philosophy, English literature, and peace, justice, and human rights at John Carroll University. After receiving their masters in philosophy at Ohio State University, Mx. Perkins realized that teaching high school was their passion. Mx. Perkins received an M.A. in Teaching, English in 2023 and promptly found a home at ACPA. In the classroom, Mx. Perkins combines their love for literature and writing with a deep commitment to justice and ethics. Outside of school, you'll often find them rock climbing, competing in trivia, or indulging in reality 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
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 as a second language. 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
Spanish 2 & 4
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 second 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