DLA MEET OUR TEAM

At Dayton Leadership Academies, our team is more than a staff — we are a family united by a shared mission to empower every student to lead and succeed. From dedicated teachers and support staff to our leadership team, each member of the DLA community brings passion, purpose, and care to their work every day. Together, we create a safe, supportive, and joyful learning environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

ADMINISTRATION

OPERATIONS

CULTURE

K-2

3-5

6-8

SPECIALS

INTERVENTION

  
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Teachers of Color

ADMINISTRATION TEAM

Featured

Administrative, Operations

Fran Alvis

Administrative, Operations

Fran Alvis was born in Covington, Kentucky and moved to Wilmington, Ohio when she was 9 years old. She remembers loving school, so being asked to join the Dayton Leadership Academies team in 2016 as the Director of Operations was a most welcome career change. Prior to DLA she worked in the non-profit sector for most of her career. Her most memorable experiences include housing and neighborhood development in Dayton, directing a healthcare for the homeless clinic and an HIV/AIDS service center in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and coordinating services for elderly and disabled adults in Lexington, Kentucky. Mrs. Alvis earned her Bachelor’s degree in horticulture and business from the University of Kentucky and her Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science from Wright State University. She and her husband have 4 children and 5 grandchildren, and she enjoys cooking and gardening.

Administrative, Operations

Administrative

Khaled Jaber

Administrative

Family and Engagement Coordinator

Administrative

Administrative, Culture

Zequoia Zackary

Administrative, Culture

K-2 Academy Dean of Students
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Administrative, Culture

Administrative

Nicole Mitchell

Administrative

Intervention Coordinator

Ms. Mitchell has her Masters in Educational Leadership. She has been a teacher for 17 years! She enjoys collaborating with the DLA staff and learning new information to assist student learning experiences.

Administrative

Shontel Harris

Administrative

K-2 Academy Dean of Academics

Shontel Harris is a dedicated third-grade teacher with a passion for creating engaging, inclusive, and student-centered learning environments. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instructional Planning. With over three years of teaching experience, Shontel is committed to helping all students grow academically and socially.

Administrative

Jerry Hahn

Administrative

3-5 Dean of Students

Administrative

Culture, Administrative

Terry Matthews

Culture, Administrative

6-8 Dean of Students
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Mr Matthews graduated from Stivers High School for the Arts. He is certified in Violence Prevention, Youth Specialist, and Rites of Passage.

He has worked with youth for over 15 years and is the founder of Chosen Generation Mentoring Program.

He loves the school culture, friendly environment, and the love for family engagement.

Culture, Administrative

Administrative

Shelicia Brown

Administrative

Family Engagement Coordinator
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Mrs. Brown was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio and graduated from Stivers school for the Arts- Choir and Band. She serviced children and families for 18 years with emphasis in preschool education. She is a wife and a mom of 5 and a bonus mom of 4. She and her Husband are founders of Verb Ministries where they hope to continue to expand. She am also a parent of DLA which has been an added bonus to her position as Family Engagement Coordinator, to be able to share a space with her children while at school. She truly enjoys assisting and being a service to children and families and people in general and helping to make positive changes and connections.

So the role as Family Engagement Coordinator is the perfect fit.

Administrative

Brooke Ellington

Administrative

3-5 Academy Assistant Principal
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Brooke Ellington was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. She graduated from Thurgood Marshall STEM High School in 2014 and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Middle Childhood Education (Grades 4–9) with a certificate from the Urban Teacher Academy at the University of Dayton in 2018. After college, Miss Ellington began her teaching career at Dayton Leadership Academies, where she served as the 5th Grade ELA teacher for six years. During her time at DLA, she returned to school and earned her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Cincinnati in 2022.

Following her graduate studies, Miss Ellington took on leadership roles at DLA, first as the 3–5 Teacher Representative on the Lighthouse Team, and then as the English Department Chairperson—a position she proudly still holds. She is thrilled to serve as the 3–5 Dean of Academics, continuing her mission to support teachers and empower students. In addition to her role at DLA, Miss Ellington is also an adjunct professor in the School of Education at Wright State University. Passionate about student achievement and lifelong learning, she is committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of both her 3-5 and college students.

Outside of her professional life, Miss Ellington is a proud mother to two energetic toddlers who keep her hands full and her heart even fuller. She enjoys traveling, spending quality time with loved ones, and making memories that last a lifetime.

Administrative

Sharell Ford

Administrative

Middle School Academy Assistant Principal
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Sharell Ford is the Senior Dean of Academics with more than 25 years of dedicated experience in education. A proud product of Dayton Public Schools, she is a graduate of Colonel White High School and has spent her career committed to serving the community that shaped her.

Ms. Ford earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Central State University and her Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University. Her professional journey reflects a deep understanding of teaching, learning, and instructional leadership, grounded in both strong pedagogy and a genuine care for students.

Passionate about supporting students and families, Ms. Ford is deeply committed to creating a warm, nurturing, and academically rich environment where all students can thrive. Having lived in Dayton her entire life, she takes great pride in giving back to the community she calls home and looks forward to continuing to support the families and students of the area she grew up in through strong academic leadership and meaningful partnerships.

Administrative

Annie Kreischer

Administrative

Principal
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Mrs. Kreischer was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and two Master Degrees in Reading and School Administration from Bowling Green State University. After graduating from BGSU, she moved to Las Vegas, NV where she taught preschool and 1st grade for 5 years. She served as the grade level chair and teacher mentor.

In 2017 she joined DLA as a kindergarten teacher, and shortly after stepped into the teacher coach role. As the Teacher Coach for Data and Instruction, she worked with the administration team to lead professional development, coach teachers, and analyze school data. She also served as the track coach for the past two years and is passionate about helping our students find the best in themselves. She is excited to continue to help grow DLA to be an amazing education opportunity for students in our community.

Administrative

OPERATIONS TEAM

Four women in maroon shirts standing in a school hallway with yellow walls and red columns.

Featured

Administrative, Operations

Fran Alvis

Administrative, Operations

Fran Alvis was born in Covington, Kentucky and moved to Wilmington, Ohio when she was 9 years old. She remembers loving school, so being asked to join the Dayton Leadership Academies team in 2016 as the Director of Operations was a most welcome career change. Prior to DLA she worked in the non-profit sector for most of her career. Her most memorable experiences include housing and neighborhood development in Dayton, directing a healthcare for the homeless clinic and an HIV/AIDS service center in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and coordinating services for elderly and disabled adults in Lexington, Kentucky. Mrs. Alvis earned her Bachelor’s degree in horticulture and business from the University of Kentucky and her Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science from Wright State University. She and her husband have 4 children and 5 grandchildren, and she enjoys cooking and gardening.

Administrative, Operations

Operations

Loretta Christon

Operations

School Office Coordinator
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Mrs. Loretta is a proud graduate of Jackson State University. She has over 30 years experience in traditional education, 8 years in medical education and extensive administrative skills. She likes the love and compassion the teachers exude toward the students and she enjoys the student, parent and staff interaction.

Operations

Jodi Miller

Operations

Health Clinic Coordinator
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Nurse Jodi has been at the Dayton Leadership Academies since February 2011. She obtained her degree locally and attended Miami Jacobs in Troy, Ohio. She has experience in Trauma, Home Health Care, General Practice, Emergency and Pediatrics. She is also a Certified CPR, AED and First Aid Instructor. She is also a Certified A.L.I.C.E instructor and leds DLA school safety drills. Nurse Jodi loves the students and loves health, fitness and the great outdoors. Joining DLA as the Health Clinic Coordinator was the perfect match for her!

Operations

CULTURE TEAM

Featured

Administrative, Culture

Zequoia Zackary

Administrative, Culture

K-2 Academy Dean of Students
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Administrative, Culture

Culture

Jeremiah Lewis

Culture

Subsitute Teacher

Mr. Lewis attended Sinclair Community College and received his Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. He also has a B.A. in Organizational Leadership. He has served as a mentor in the inner city group for 17 years, been a youth Pastor and a youth specialist at Omega Baptist Church and Fort McKinley Church. He loves the flexibility, resources and loving atmosphere of DLA.

Culture

Tonya Dillard

Culture

Student and Attendance Support
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Ms. Dillard was born in Dayton Ohio. She graduated from Roth High School and attended Central State University where she major in Communication/ Radio and TV. Since 2010 she has been humbly honored to work at Dayton Leadership Academies. As Office Manager, Ms. Dillard has learned best practices to operate with excellence in a school office setting, as well as assisting students to make good choices and to become a positive leader. For the past 20 years, Ms. Dillard has served as Neighborhood Assistance Office with the Dayton Police Department. Her favorite part of DLA are the students and being able to serve her community! She loves the great outdoors and spending time with family.

Culture

Jerron Jones

Culture

Building Substitute

Culture

Culture, Administrative

Terry Matthews

Culture, Administrative

6-8 Dean of Students
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Mr Matthews graduated from Stivers High School for the Arts. He is certified in Violence Prevention, Youth Specialist, and Rites of Passage.

He has worked with youth for over 15 years and is the founder of Chosen Generation Mentoring Program.

He loves the school culture, friendly environment, and the love for family engagement.

Culture, Administrative

K-2 TEAM

Featured

Administrative, Operations

Fran Alvis

Administrative, Operations

Fran Alvis was born in Covington, Kentucky and moved to Wilmington, Ohio when she was 9 years old. She remembers loving school, so being asked to join the Dayton Leadership Academies team in 2016 as the Director of Operations was a most welcome career change. Prior to DLA she worked in the non-profit sector for most of her career. Her most memorable experiences include housing and neighborhood development in Dayton, directing a healthcare for the homeless clinic and an HIV/AIDS service center in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and coordinating services for elderly and disabled adults in Lexington, Kentucky. Mrs. Alvis earned her Bachelor’s degree in horticulture and business from the University of Kentucky and her Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science from Wright State University. She and her husband have 4 children and 5 grandchildren, and she enjoys cooking and gardening.

Administrative, Operations

K-2 Team

Ryaann Byrd

K-2 Team

1st Grade Teacher

Ms. Byrd has a degree in Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University. She brings a solid foundation in child development and effective teaching techniques to the classroom. Her approach emphasizes cultivating a love for learning through hands-on activities, interactive lessons, and collaborative projects. In our warm and inclusive environment, your child will be encouraged to explore, ask questions, and build important social-emotional skills. She values open communication with parents and believes that together, we can create a supportive community for your child's growth. She looks forward to a year of exciting discoveries and meaningful learning experiences!

K-2 Team

Marcia Eyler

K-2 Team

K-2 Instructional Aid

Mrs. Eyler graduated from Wittenberg University in Springfield Ohio

B.A. psychology She also studied at Mount Saint Mary’s University in

Emmitsburg, Maryland MBA. She worked as a Detention Counselor in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She also worked as a Special Education Teacher in Hagerstown, Maryland and a Probation and Parole Officer in Martinsburg, West Virginia. She has also worked as an Instructional Aide in Special Education at Northmont Schools.

She likes the supportive culture of the staff as well as the students here at DLA. The teachers are dedicated to educating the students and helping them excel. She feels the various ceremonies are great self esteem and motivational concepts.

K-2 Team

Keya Hooks

K-2 Team

1st Grade Teacher

Ms. Hooks has 10 years of experience in the Early childhood education field. This is her first year being a first grade teacher! She is a graduate from Ponitz ctc, Alumni of the sister school to DLA (Dayton Academy), She has 2 children (girls). She is excited to work with dla helping enhance children's learning experience.

K-2 Team

Destiny Houser

K-2 Team

Kindergarten Teacher

Miss Houser graduated from Wright State University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and is currently in her third year at DLA. She is passionate about making a difference in her students’ lives and believes that teaching is more than a profession—it’s a calling. As a teacher, she has found that her students quickly become like her own kids, which inspires her dedication to their success and growth. Miss Houser fosters a supportive and welcoming classroom environment while encouraging leadership and confidence in every student. She is excited to continue working within the DLA community. Go Eagles!

K-2 Team

Hannah Mendes

K-2 Team

K-2 SEL Instructor

Hannah Salaiz graduated from Wright State University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She loves that the DLA community is supportive, welcoming, and dedicated to fostering leadership.

K-2 Team

Caitlin Triolo-Knight

K-2 Team

Kindergarten Teacher

Caitlin Triolo-Knight is a third year Kindergarten teacher. She moved here after teaching in Cincinnati for two years. Before Cincinnati, she lived in Colorado and grew up in California. She just finished her Teach for America program and graduated from University of Colorado Springs in 2022 with her Masters in Sociology. In her free time, Caitlin likes to spend time with her husband and one year old son. She has one very orange cat and one dog. She also likes to hike, build Lego sets and swim.

K-2 Team

Operations

Loretta Christon

Operations

School Office Coordinator
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Mrs. Loretta is a proud graduate of Jackson State University. She has over 30 years experience in traditional education, 8 years in medical education and extensive administrative skills. She likes the love and compassion the teachers exude toward the students and she enjoys the student, parent and staff interaction.

Operations

3-5 TEAM

Featured

3-5 Team

Shirmaine Vaughn

3-5 Team

4th Grade Math

My name is Shirmaine Vaughn, 4th grade Math teacher. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Major in Speech and Theater Art at Philippine Normal University - National Center for Teacher Education. This is my 7th year teaching. I taught 2nd grade in the Philippines for 2 years, preschool in Japan for 2 years, and 3rd grade here in the United States for 2 years as well. I love how DLA invests and supports their teachers to make sure students get the best education and be successful in everything they do..

3-5 Team

Jazsmine Motley

3-5 Team

4th Grade ELA

3-5 Team

Jameelia Stately

3-5 Team

3rd Grade Teacher

3-5 Team

Angelina Harmon

3-5 Team

4th Grade Science/SS

3-5 Team

Damian McClure

3-5 Team

5th Grade Science

Introducing Mr. McClure, a dedicated 5th-grade teacher with a passion for empowering students to make a positive impact on the world. With prior experience as a science teacher at Fairview Elementary and as the head swim coach for Ponitz High School, he brings a dynamic approach to education. Mr. McClure believes in creating a safe, inclusive space where students can explore their interests and grow as responsible global citizens. Join his class at DLA and embark on an inspiring journey of learning and personal development.

3-5 Team

Treeial Dotson

3-5 Team

5th Grade ELA Teacher

My name is Treeial Dotson I have a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education from Central State University. I have a Master's Degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University. I have taught in the Education Field for sixteen years and I really enjoy what I do. I love inspiring the minds of the future.

3-5 Team

Terriona Green

3-5 Team

5th Grade Math Teacher

Hello! My name is Terriona Green, and I am excited to join Dayton Leadership Academies as the 5th grade math teacher. I am a proud graduate of the University of Cincinnati, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in education. As a first-year teacher, I am passionate about helping students build confidence in math by making learning engaging, meaningful, and connected to real-world experiences.

3-5 Team

6-8 TEAM

Featured

6-8 Team

Nick Kreischer

6-8 Team

7th-8th Grade Math Lab, Athletic Director

Mr. Kreischer went to college at BGSU and majored in Middle School Math and Science Education. He graduated in 2014.

DLA was his first teaching job and this is his 9th year here. He loves DLA for so many reasons but his favorite would have to be the students, staff, and focus of DLA. Education is important but making sure the learning is fun makes the whole journey enjoyable and more worthwhile for the students and the staff as well.

6-8 Team

Jocelyn Lynn

6-8 Team

8th Grade ELA Teacher

Ms. Lynn has a Bachelors of Science from Wright State University College of Education and Human Services.

She has been working in the Education field for over 2 years and has volunteered with children for over 2 years before working with DLA.

Ms. Lynn is dedicated to making sure our students have a voice and feel that they are important. "I found my passion for working with students at Dayton Leadership Academy and I could not imagine working anywhere else".

6-8 Team

James McDaniel

6-8 Team

7th ELA Teacher

James E. McDaniel III was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, and has always had a heart for teaching. James’ alma martyr is Stivers School for the Arts where he served as the school ambassador and Sergeant at Arms. James has successfully completed his Associate of Art in Teacher Education at Eastern Gateway. He is now studying Middle Childhood Education 4-9th grade, focusing on ELA and SS. He was a Life Coach for Males of Color in The Office of Cultural Engagement and Inclusion at Dayton Public Schools where he has served at Roosevelt Elementary School, Kiser Elementary School, Ruskin Elementary School, Edison Elementary School, and Horace Mann Elementary School. James’ ministry is teaching others, especially young adults. James is a force of power, with a heart of service to serve others.

6-8 Team

Daisha Williams

6-8 Team

7th-8th Social Studies

Daisha Williams grew up in West Dayton, attending Thurgood Marshall STEM High School and furthering her education at the University of Dayton. This is where she received her Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a certificate in the Urban Teacher Academy, specializing in cultivating a culturally responsive classroom for a new generation of students. Ms. Williams pursued education because of the impact teachers left on her throughout her school career. She believes in advocating for all students and their unique needs, as they are the future of the country and need to be supported, challenged, and cared for as much as possible.

6-8 Team

Debra Walls

6-8 Team

6th Grade ELA Teacher
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Debra Walls was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. She graduated from Dunbar High School. She attended Wright State University where she received her Bachelors of English degree to teach Middle and High School English. She received a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Antioch University. After completing her education, she left Ohio to move south, She has lived and taught middle school English in Little Rock, Arkansas and Memphis Tennessee.

She returned to Dayton six years ago where she began working at DLA as a 6th grade English teacher. In the time she has been at DLA, she has been a Teacher Leader in multiple ways. She was the English Department Chair for two years and spent one summer as the Summer Launch Coordinator. Ms. Walls has also been the DLA cheerleading coach for the past 5 years. After teaching 6th grade English for five years and being a Reading Interventionist for one year, Ms. Walls is excited to step into her new role as the Middle School Coordinator.

Ms. Walls has one child, a five year old daughter who keeps her very busy and young at heart. Ms. Walls has always been passionate about working with middle school inner city students. She finds great joy in helping grow students academically as well as socially. Ms. Walls strives to prepare students for not just high school, but the real world and help them realize that they are capable of anything they put their minds to.

6-8 Team

SPECIALS TEAM

Featured

Specials Team

Cam'Ron Brown

Specials Team

Health and Movement

Specials Team

Ron McCall

Specials Team

Music Teacher

Mr. McCall is the Music Teacher/ Music Director of Voice of DLA Choir, here at The Dayton Leadership Academy with over 25 years of experience in General Music Education, Choral Singing, Music History. He is a Native of Detroit ,MI., where he began his education. He received his B.A. in Vocal Performance from Wilberforce University. He also has a Degree in Audio Recording Engineering from International College of Broadcasting. McCall has done Graduate studies work at University of Dayton and is currently working on his Master’s in Education at Grand Canyon University. Mr. McCall is an excellent singer who has appeared on 10 cd’s .McCall has Produced, Arranged , and Composed music for himself and Artist around the country. His latest song being The DLA school song completed .

Mr. McCall has enjoyed developing the young minds of thousands of youth and young adults around Montgomery Country as they explore the journey into the never ending world of Music. McCall believes by teaching them music, it will make a lasting impression in the world. Last year Mr. McCall started the Voices Of DLA and they had great success. The Choir consists of 25 Voices starting at 3rd - 5th Graders. They finished the year with four Performances.

“Music is a Universal language that reaches all, starting from the heart”, (RMcCall).

Specials Team

Davine Phelps

Specials Team

Physical Education Teacher

Miss Phelps is a native of Dayton, Ohio and joined Dayton Leadership Academy in 2015. She is a graduate of Colonel White High School and Central State University where she received her Bachelor’s in Physical Education. She has been able to leave a mark in the education field for over ten years serving in the areas of administration, counselor, tutor, and educator. She enjoys basketball, something that secured her scholarship to Central State University, and she still plays today. She is currently Assistant Coach of the girls basketball and track teams at Dayton Leadership Academy.

The unique thing about DLA is everyone is integrated well and all want the best for each student. It truly is a team effort for the better good of the students and the staff. Becoming a part of the DLA staff was an easy decision once she realized how the school’s goals for student success aligned with her goals. She aspires to empower students with the belief that they can do anything if they set goals and work hard.

Specials Team

Maiya Thronton-Hodge

Specials Team

Art Teacher

Miss Maiya graduated high school in Yellow Springs Ohio and obtained a bachelors of science in Fine Art from Skidmore College in upstate NY in 2014. She had the privilege to study abroad in Florence Italy where she furthered her Art education at (SACI) Studio Arts College International.

She has over 7 + years of experience teaching Art with various techniques to ALL ages.

She loves that DLA is such a close-knit community and could not ask for a better working environment. She thinks the staff pushes her to be a better version of herself.

Specials Team

INTERVENTION TEAM

Featured

Intervention

Kelly Wallace

Intervention

K-2 Intervention Specalist

Intervention

Letecia Ellis

Intervention

7th Grade Intervention Teacher

Intervention

Cionna Herron

Intervention

4th Grade Intervention Teacher

Mrs. Herron was born and raised in Dayton,OH. She has her Associates Degree, and is currently attending Central State University to finish her Degree in Education. Mrs. Herron has six years of experience in Education; three of those years were spent with DPS. She has two children that inspire her everyday to be a better educator.

Intervention

Roberta Kisker

Intervention

4th Grade Reading Intervention

Mrs. Kisker grew up in the Detroit area of MI. She earned a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Wheaton College in IL; a Master's of Fine Arts degree from Brandeis University in MA; and a Certificate of Shakespeare performance from the London Academy of Performing Arts in the UK. She created her one-woman cabaret show of Shakespeare songs, sonnets, and speeches and performed it in various cities from New York to San Francisco. She was a founding member of Gads Hill Theater Company in NYC. She has taught middle school drama, Kindermusik, and preaching to MDiv students for a total of 20 years. Twelve years ago, Mrs. Kisker and her husband moved from Washington, D.C. to Dayton, OH with their five children. Mrs. Kisker loves being a Reading Interventionist at DLA and now holds training certificates in Wilson Phonics and The Writing Revolution. She enjoys collaborating with her colleagues and loves their rich sense of humor. Mrs. Kisker believes that each student has genius and must find their way to love being a reader and writer through joyful, daily discipline.

Intervention

Jenise Stanley

Intervention

Reading Intervention 3rd Grade

Ms. Stanley has her Bachelors in Early Childhood Education, from Lourdes University. She has been teaching for 4 years as a 3rd grade teacher and, 5 years in preschool. She loves that the DLA community feels like a family.

Intervention

Tracey Weimer

Intervention

7th/8th Grade Intervention Specialist

Mr. Weimer received his BS in Secondary Education from Indiana University. He is currently attending the University of Dayton in pursuit of a Graduate Degree. He is married, has three grown children, and also has a five month old grandson. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and listening to music.

Intervention