Amanda D'Amico, our new first grade teacher, is excited to work at Keystone "because of the strong community values and the dedication to the success of each child." She adds, "It is clear that Keystone values the creation of lifelong learners and also focuses on the importance of social-emotional growth in a school environment, which are all things that align with my own beliefs as an educator."
Ms. D'Amico earned her Bachelor's Degree in Pre-K-5th grade from Miami University, and this year marks her second year of teaching. Previously, she was a full-year long-term substitute in first grade at Nordonia Hills. She also worked at The Goddard School and was a nanny during school breaks.
"I love creating meaningful relationships that allow my classroom to be a safe, risk-taking environment. Every day is different, and there is so much to learn from each child," states Ms. D'Amico.
She embraces the philosophy that teaching is an act of love and that successful teachers build lasting relationships with their students.
Writer Bob Talbert stated, "Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts IS BEST." This is Alexis Kading's motto as she begins her work here at Keystone as our 3rd-5th grade counselor. Ms. Kading, a Northeast Ohio native, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her Master's of Education Degree in School Counseling. She has worked as a part-time school counselor, a substitute teacher, and at an in-home clinical counseling office.
Ms. Kading was drawn to Keystone because of our "sense of community and value of the counselors." She adds, "My district growing up didn't have school counselors, and I am so happy to be a part of Keystone's many student-centered programs."
Cara Provenzale is excited to begin her full-time teaching career at Keystone as a fourth grade ELA teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education. Previously, Ms. Provenzale was a substitute teacher and academic tutor at Midview Local Schools.
Ms. Provenzale loves building relationships with students and becoming a part of their support system. She is excited to join our small, close-knit community as it allows for more meaningful friendships and relationships. She adds, "I believe that teaching is the greatest act of optimism!"
"Keystone is my destination teacher job! I've always wanted to teach for a rural, small-town school district with a great culture! I am confident Keystone is a great fit for me, and I am excited to get to interact with students and staff," states Aaron Stevanus, our new KES Physical Education teacher.
Mr. Stevanus earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and Health. Prior to beginning at Keystone, he was a K-8 PE teacher at Albert Einstein Academy in Strongsville and at St. Jude School in Elyria. He also coached middle school football at Fairview Park City Schools.
One of the things he loves most about teaching is the "everyday positive interactions with the students and seeing them confident, happy, and trying their best!"
Keystone graduate Tyler Trakas is excited to return to and reconnect with the Keystone community as a third grade teacher. His wife, Courtney, is a teacher at Keystone Elementary, and his daughters, ages 3, 2, and 1, will become Wildcats as well!
Mr. Trakas earned his Bachelor's Degree from Ashland University in General Education for Pre-K through 5th grade and K-12 Reading. He obtained his Master's Degree in Classroom Technology from Cleveland State University.
For the last 12 years, he taught a combination of fifth grade and kindergarten at Midview Schools. While at Midview, he also coached middle school boys basketball for 10 years and presently works seasonally at the Grey Hawk Golf Club.
Mr. Trakas states, "I look forward to building a solid rapport with my students, engaging them in meaningful, real world-connected learning, and preparing them for the future."
"My favorite thing about teaching is the 'Aha moment' and opportunities for shared experiences and different perspectives," states Chelsea Yates, our new third grade teacher at KES. After earning her Bachelor's Degree from Ashland University, she taught third grade for the past 6 years. While attaining her degree, she worked in numerous positions at American Airlines: ticketing, gates, baggage service, and operations for 11 years.
One of the things she is most excited for as she begins teaching at KES is "being part of a prideful community." She adds, "During the interview process, it was very apparent that everyone was genuinely interested in the school and the community, which make it a very exciting opportunity to be a part of!"
Ms. Yates shares Bill Nye's philosophy: “Everyone you ever meet will know something you don’t."
Lindsay Locke is our new Intervention Specialist in the self-contained classroom at KES. She earned her Master's Degree in Special Education, and for the past 12 years, she has been an intervention specialist for grades Pre-K to eighth.
Ms. Locke loves working with kids and helping them achieve their "light bulb moments." She adds, "I am excited to work in a district that has such a tight-knit community supporting it, and a school district that is just as supportive of its community.
Her teaching motto is "adapt, overcome, and improvise!"
Our new KES Intervention Specialist Kyle Zacharyasz loves being able to connect with his students and unlock their true potential. Mr. Zacharyasz earned his Bachelor's Degree in Education and has worked as a high school intervention specialist at Buckeye Local Schools.
He believes in the saying that "The art of teaching is the art in assisting discovery." He loves the family environment at Keystone as well as the small-town atmosphere and appeal.
Our new eighth grade English teacher Amber Mezera graduated with a Bachelor of English Degree from Baldwin Wallace University and earned her Secondary Education license from Cleveland State University. Thus far in her teaching career, Mrs. Mezera was substitute teacher for Cleveland Metro School District and was an after-school summer program teacher in Akron.
One of the aspects of education that she loves is building relationships with her students and watching them grow. She enjoys helping them realize their potential and teaching them to set goals and reach for the stars!
She is very excited to join the Keystone family, stating "My husband is a Keystone graduate, and I have heard nothing but wonderful things about the District. I am thrilled to be joining this community!"
Megan Shipley is joining the KMS family this year as an Intervention Specialist. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in K-12 Mid/Moderate Special Education. She has been teaching for the past 10 years and has also worked as a camp counselor and soccer coach.
Ms. Shipley states, "I'm excited to be a part of such a supportive and welcoming community! I love watching the students grow and become successful outside the classroom."
Motto: "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss
Hannah Bevelacqua earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education and her Master's of English Language Learning Degree at Western Governors University. Prior to her new position as an Intervention Specialist at KHS, she worked at Murray Ridge School and headed a Positive Education Program.
She takes pride and enjoyment in the "little successes in the classroom and watching their subsequent big impacts!" Keystone is a great fit for her as she is drawn to the closeness of the community and recognizes the difference this makes in the lives of students.
Madison Naylor is eager to begin her career at Keystone as our new nurse at KHS and is "really looking forward to getting to know the district and being a part of the Wildcat family!"
Ms. Naylor obtained her LPN from Lorain County Community College and has been working as a nurse for five years. Prior to her employment at Keystone, she worked in doctor's offices and nursing homes.
Emily Rossi, our new KMS and KHS ELA teacher, earned her Bachelor of Education Degree in Integrated Language Arts for grades 7-12. She was an eithth and ninth grade long-term substitute at Medina City Schools as well as the debate coach. She also was an eighth grade long-term substitute at Highland Middle School.
She enjoys "Getting students to fall in love with reading and being a positive influence they can look up to." She adds, "Keystone is very similar to where I grew up, and I am fond of the small community environment that fosters support for one another."