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.

7-8th Grade Math Teacher

Siobhan Brown is a graduate of Columbia Southern University, where she earned a Bachelor's of Business Administration.  She also attended Sinclair Community College, where she earned her Associates of Science.  She spent over 10 years in the Real Estate industry before deciding to become a teacher and joining Teach for America.   

6th Grade ELA

Ms. Foster has always had a passion for children and education since a young age. She graduated with a Bachelors in Middle Childhood Education from Wright State University. She is currently working on her Master's degree at Grand Canyon University. She has been in the education field and serving students of all backgrounds for 5 years. Ms. Foster is entering her 5th year as an ELA teacher with Dayton Leadership Academy. She is excited to embark on this new journey with DLA, and she is ready for the many opportunities that lie ahead. Ms. Foster believes that education should be engaging, rigorous, and be used as a gateway to new doors in life. 

7th-8th Grade Science, 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.

7th-8th Grade Writing and Social Studies

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".  

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.

7th-8th ELA

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.

6th Grade Math Teacher

Selda Seppala is an experienced educator with over 10 years of teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Masters degree from Lesley University. Selda brings a diverse international perspective to the classroom, having taught in various countries around the world. Recently, she has made Ohio her new home and is excited to bring her passion for education to the local community.

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. 

3rd Grade 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. 

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.

3rd Grade Teacher

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.

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..

4th Grade ELA Teacher

Ms. Willoughby graduated from Western Governors University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. This is her second year in education and she is excited to start her new journey at DLA! She looks forward to creating a successful, joyful and personalized learning environment for each of her students.

Kindergarten 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 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.

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.

Kindergarten Teacher

Miss. Houser has a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education. She has been working with kiddos for a couple of years now. Although this is her first year as a teacher. Miss. Houser is dedicated to ensure student success and leadership. She is looking forward to fostering a supportive and welcoming environment within her classroom. Miss. Houser is excited to work within the DLA community. Go Eagles!

1st Grade Teacher

Ms. McDaniel was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. Attended Wilberforce University and has a Bachelors of Arts in Social Work and has been in the education field for 14 years. Second year working as a First Grade Teacher. What she loves about DLA is being a Voice to the Parents to spread the awareness of how Education is Very Important and Key.

2nd Grade Teacher

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.