Ms. Rhonda Porter is a dedicated educator and intervention specialist with over 15 years of experience supporting students in elementary and middle school settings. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Criminal Justice, as well as a Master of Education in Special Education. Ms. Porter is a proud alumna of the University of Dayton, Western Governors University, and the American College of Education. She is passionate about creating inclusive and engaging learning environments where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

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..

K-2 Intervention Specalist

7th Grade Intervention Teacher

Mrs. Ellis has a BA in Communications from Central State University, MA in Curriculum Instruction from University of Phoenix, and in Dec. 2026 an MA in Special Education from Grand Canyon University. She has 19 years of experience working with youth from infancy through high school, but her experience at DLA working in intervention has been her most rewarding and cared for position. She has a passion to see others grow in skill and confidence regardless of any perceived limitations. Mrs. Ellis feels blessed to serve the DLA students/families by trying to meet their individual needs and helping them realize their God given potential with hopes that they will do the same as they develop into the leaders of our future society.  

K-2 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 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.

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.

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.

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.