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Nick Kreischer

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.

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Jocelyn Lynn

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".  

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Damian McClure

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.

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James McDaniel

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.

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Daisha Williams

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. 

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Treeial Dotson

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. 

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Terriona Green

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.

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Shontel Harris

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.

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Ryaann Byrd

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!

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Marcia Eyler

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.

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Keya Hooks

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.

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Destiny Houser

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!

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Hannah Mendes

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. 

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Caitlin Triolo-Knight

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. 

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Tonya Dillard

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. 

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Terry Matthews

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.

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Loretta Christon

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.

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Jodi Miller

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!

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