Cionna Herron
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.
Roberta Kisker
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.
Nicole Mitchell
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.
Jenise Stanley
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.
Tracey Weimer
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.
Ron McCall
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).
Davine Phelps
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.
Maiya Thronton-Hodge
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.