Staff

Department Directory
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    Administration Leadership

    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.
    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

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    Carinne

    Carinne Blackwell
    She/Her
    MS Principal

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    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.
    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

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    Coming Soon

    Kyle Dudley
    He/Him
    Assistant Principal

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    Human Resources

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    Victoria Frye
    She/Her
    Executive Director of Human Resources

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    Phyllis Gray
    She/Her
    HR Generalist

    Administrative Support Staff

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    Emily Collins
    She/Her
    Director of Records

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    Shelby Dawkins
    She/They
    Director of Enrollment

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    Coming Soon

    Jason Gibson
    He/Him
    Instructional Coach

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    Coming Soon

    Keisha McClelland
    She/Her
    Director of Student Services

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    Fayth Pennington
    She/Her
    Director of Events, Marketing, & Communications

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    Sarah Silver
    She/Her
    Student Access Coordinator

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    Dustin Witten
    He/Him
    Climate & Culture Specialist

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    Administrative Assistants

    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.
    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

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    Nicole Lovett
    She/Her
    HS Administrative Assistant

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    Student Support Staff

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    Caleb Patterson
    He/Him
    Middle School Intervention Specialist

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    Meredith Kiyosue
    She/Her
    High School Intervention Specialist

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    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.
    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
    Healthcare Coordinator

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    Jonneice Ransom
    She/Her
    MS Instructional Aide

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    Coming Soon

    Nina Snyder
    She/Her
    HS Instructional Aide

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    Coming Soon

    Desi Watkins
    She/Her
    High School Intervention Specialist

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    Jasmine Young
    She/Her
    HS Intervention Specialist

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    Academic Arts Staff

    Coming Soon

    Coming soon!

    Noah Demland
    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

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    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.
    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 & Production Manager

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    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, 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

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    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.
    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

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    Brooke Hunter Lombardi
    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

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    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 (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

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    Coming Soon

    Kayley McCormick
    She/Her
    MS Music

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    Sahara Walton
    She/Her
    MS Visual Art

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    Jessie Willmore
    She/Her
    HS Digital Art

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    Core Academic Staff

    English Language Arts

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    Reagan Bray
    She/Her
    English 9

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    Sarah Kuhn
    She/Her
    MS English

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    AJ Mater
    He/Him
    English

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    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.
    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

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    World Languages

    Coming Soon

    Seño Anastazia Bednarczuk
    She/Her
    Spanish

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    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.
    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.

    Seño Emily Horwath
    She/Her
    Spanish 1 & 3

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    Mathematics

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    Kayla Hoffman
    She/Her
    Middle School Math

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    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.
    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

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    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.
    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

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    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.
    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

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    Science

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    Ashley Blaisdell
    She/Her
    Biology, Environmental Science

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    Faith Jones
    She/Her
    Middle School Science

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    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.
    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

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    Coming Soon

    Gloria Philpott
    She/Her
    High School Science Substitute

    Social Studies

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    Luke Baird
    He/Him
    World Studies, Psychology, Cultural Studies

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    Coming Soon

    Danielle Gang
    She/Her
    Global Issues, US History

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    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!
    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

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    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!
    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
    Middle School Social Studies

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    Student Support Services

    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.
    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
    Last Names A-J

    Testing Coordinator

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    Clint Jones
    He/Him
    High School Counselor
    Last Names K-Z

    College & Career Readiness Coordinator

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    Katie McCort
    She/Her
    Middle School Counselor

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    Jill Prout
    She/Her
    Middle School Counselor

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    Coming Soon

    Amanda Smith
    She/Her
    Student Support Services Specialist

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    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
    Student Wellness Coordinator

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    ACPA Café

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    Jeremy Denelle
    He/Him
    Child Nutrition Director
    Executive Chef

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    Ben Payne
    He/Him
    Sous Chef

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    Hilary Santos
    She/Her
    Cafe Chef

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    Morgan Webb
    She/Her
    Cafe Chef

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    Custodial Team

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    Steven Brown
    He/Him
    Custodian

    Coming Soon

    Rhonda McKay
    She/Her
    Custodian

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