2020-2021 Discovery Academy Staff
Noah Campbell - School Leader
Mr. Campbell has been an educator for over 15 years since graduating from Bowling Green State University in 2002 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Having spent over half his life living in the Northwest Ohio area, he sees untapped potential in the students of Toledo. After being offered his "dream job" with Discovery Academy, he is determined to help those students realize their own vision of success. "It is my sincere intention to offer each student that attends Discovery Academy every possible resource to be successful in today’s highly competitive world," says Mr. Campbell. Currently, Noah resides right across the border in Luna Pier, Michigan, with his wife Courtney, their beautiful daughter, Sophia, and their chocolate lab, Wheatley. He also recently completed his Masters degree in Educational Leadership. His motto is a derivative of a John C. Maxwell quote.
"Students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
"Students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
Barbara Kosch - Instructional Coach
Mrs. Kosch graduated from the University of Toledo with Masters Degree in Elementary Education. She joined Discovery as the Instructional Coach after spending 7 years as a 3rd grade teacher at Bennett Venture Academy in Toledo, Ohio. There, she also served as a Teacher Mentor (Resident Educator) as well as the middle school volleyball and basketball coach. She lives in Temperance, Michigan with her husband, Barry, her two children, Tyler and Isabella and her dog, Gus. She enjoys playing sports, swimming, and the great outdoors. Barb is excited to continue her journey as a part of Discovery Academy and undertake this amazing opportunity in her life.
Angela Zagar - Dean of Academics (K-3)
Mrs. Zagar is a graduate of The University of Toledo. Mrs. Zagar has a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education, which she obtained with honorary distinction and plans to continue advancing her education by pursuing a Masters degree. She has a passion for teaching, and is excited to make a difference in her students' lives. Mrs. Zagar comes from a large family and is the eldest of 7 children! She has tutored many students, including her siblings, throughout her college career, ultimately helping each one achieve their goals. She believes that each student can be pushed and encouraged to meet their goals and loves to see their enthusiasm when they do! She currently lives in Taylor, MI with her husband, Brendan, son, Miles and dog, Frey. She is ready to bring her enthusiasm and love of teaching to Discovery Academy for another year.
Nick Jacobs - Dean of Academics (4-6)
Mr. Jacobs is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Adolescent-Young Adult Social Studies Education. Mr. Jacobs began working in students in 2003 as an athletic coach. His first classroom of his own came in 2007 has since gained experience as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and school leader. Mr. Jacobs has also been a certified Resident Educator Mentor Teacher since 2010. He lives in Lambertville, Michigan with his wife (Julie), stepdaughter (Tatum), and three dogs (Brande, Ziggy, and Scout). In his spare time Mr. Jacobs enjoys spending time with family and is very active in his church. He is grateful for the opportunity to join the Discovery Academy family this year and is excited for what the future holds for Discovery students, families, and staff members!
Tammy Knighten - Dean of Students & Family Liaison
Mrs. Tammy Knighten is excited about joining the Discovery Academy family. Tammy graduated from Spring Arbor University with a BA In Family Life Education. Tammy has spent most of her career in various positions of child advocacy. Tammy is a Certified Teaching Parent, Foster Parent Trainer, and ACT Parenting Class Facilitator. Tammy is married to Andre and has one daughter Gabrielle, and a puppy named Mr. Chocolate.
Kristin Boss - Office Manager/EMIS Coordinator
Ms. Boss is thrilled to begin her fifth year with our Discovery Academy family. She has always had a passion for education, and at one time aspired to be a teacher. However, she happily settled into raising a family. Ms. Boss is the mother of 7 children & was a stay at home mom for many years. Since then, she has enjoyed owning her own store, being a flight attendant and even running a small farm in Arizona! Ms. Boss loves reading, sewing and knitting. She has a deep passion for our Discovery Academy students, who know that her door is always open to them for a chat and a cup of tea. Kristin lives in Curtice, OH with her children, St. Bernard, cats, goats, rabbits, flock of chickens and a Cockatoo parrot.
Anjelica Smith - Office Assistant
Mrs. Smith is excited for another year at Discovery Academy! In 2009 she attended school at Ross Medical Center where she studied Medical Billing and Coding. Anjelica has worked in various daycare centers and has always had a passion for working with young children. She is a very family oriented person and loves spending time with her husband Clifton and four children; Jeremiah, Kyla, Clifton Jr., and Maizey. In her free time Anjelica enjoys crafting (glitter), shopping, and watching football. This year she hopes to instill a positive influence and to build a close bond with the students at Discovery.
Sherri Grup - Kindergarten A
Miss Grup is a life-long resident of Northwest Ohio and graduated from the University of Toledo with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. For 7 years, Sherri taught preschool and toddler children at Apple Tree Nursery School on the campus of UT and is currently in her sixth year educating Discovery's Kinders, and LOVING it! Sherri lives in Rossford, Ohio with her boyfriend, Eric, his daughter, Starra, and two dogs, a Yorkshire terrier named Oliver and a Chihuahua named Finnigan. She enjoys reading, watching Ohio State and Toledo Rocket football, playing with her pups, movies and hanging out with her family and friends.
Nicole Bores - Kindergarten B
Bio coming soon...
Lisa Bachman - 1st Grade A
Mrs. Bachman grew up in Michigan and received her Bachelor's Degree at Eastern Michigan University in 1991. In 1996, her family moved to New Jersey while raising their three young children, she pursued two teaching certificates. There, she earned her elementary certificate K-5 and a reading and math supplemental certificate. She moved back to Michigan with her family in 2011. She has been an educator in several states, which has molded her beliefs in equity, celebrating diversity, and developing partnerships. She firmly believes that success in education is about building relationships. She is very excited about being a part of the Discovery Academy Community and looks forward to another AMAZING year!
Taylor Duvall - 1st Grade B
Ms. Duvall graduated from Lourdes University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She graduated with honors and played on the softball team. She plans to continue her education with endorsements and a Master’s Degree. She is very passionate about teaching and believes in helping each student based on their individual needs. She currently lives in Newport, MI. She has a one-year-old daughter, Eliana and a three-year-old Goldendoodle, Bella. She is excited to learn and grow with the students of Discovery Academy!
Tyler Johnston - 2nd Grade A
Picture and bio coming soon...
Megan Bengela - 2nd Grade B
Miss Megan Bengela is a life-long resident of the Toledo area and graduated from the University of Toledo with her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Miss Bengela plans to continue her education with a Master’s degree. She is super excited to begin this year as a building substitute and is thankful for the chance to get to learn the ins and outs of teaching. Miss Bengela has always had a passion for teaching and believes that each child is deserving of equal education. Miss Bengela can’t wait to get to know all of the students and begin her first year of teaching!
Megan Hinojosa - 3rd Grade A
Mrs. Hinojosa graduated from The University of Toledo with honors in 2013, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. She is very excited to return to Discovery Academy, after taking last year off as maternity leave, to begin her fourth year teaching 3rd grade. She truly has a passion for teaching children, especially at Discovery, where it feels like a home away from home. Mrs. Hinojosa lives in Toledo with her husband, Stephen, their three children Avery, Amelia, and Alexander, and their two cats. In her spare time, she loves to explore all that Toledo has to offer with her family and is an avid reader and creator of all things colorful for her classroom. She is eager to implement new ideas and help to spark a love of learning in third grade at DSCA!
Casey Black - 3rd Grade B
Born and raised in Toledo, Mrs. Black earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Lourdes College. When Mrs. Black is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the gym, and playing with her dog. Her favorite thing to do is watch her son play baseball. Some of her favorite things are naps and snacks!
Shari Laviolette - 4th Grade A
Mrs. Laviolette is a Lourdes Graduate with a degree in Early Childhood Education, with a 4th/5th grade Endorsement from Notre Dame College. This is Mrs. Laviolette's 2nd year at Discovery Academy and 9th year as a classroom teacher. Mrs. Laviolette lives in Northwood, Ohio with her husband Tony, and 2 children, Luke and Jade. When she is not teaching Mrs. Laviolette enjoys watching her daughter play college softball, and her sun coach football.
Lindsay Burke - 4th Grade B
Ms. Burke is the 5th grade Language Arts and Social Studies teacher. She got her bachelor's degree from Franciscan University and has been teaching in Ohio for 8 years. She is super excited to be joining Discovery Academy! Her favorite part of being a teacher is seeing kids learn to do things they didn't think they could do at first. She loves finding ways to sneak Math and Science into her reading lessons, and is passionate about preparing students for the STEM careers of the future. Her favorite thing to do outside of school is read books and spend time with her family.
Kasey Rogers - 5th Grade A (Math/Science)
Miss Graham is a graduate of Lourdes University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Middle Childhood Math and Science Education. She is very excited to begin her fourth year at Discovery Academy and is eager to implement new and invigorating ideas into her classroom. Ms. Graham's ultimate goal each school year is to create a safe and positive learning environment where every student can achieve their greatest potential. Some of her hobbies include traveling, reading, and kayaking.
Tracy Harmon - 5th Grade B (ELA/SS)
Bio coming soon...
John Hinkle - 6th Grade A (ELA/Social Studies)
Mr. Hinkle earned his Bachelor's degree in Education from Bowling Green State University and his Master's degree in Teaching from Lourdes University. He has taught grades 5-12 as well as having worked at the college level. This will be his fourth year at Discovery Academy. Mr. Hinkle believes in teaching to the whole child, bringing a continuing set of high expectations and academic rigor to 6th graders each day while also empowering them to create a restorative classroom. Mr. Hinkle has two children of his own. He is an avid reader, chess player, and sports fan.
Julie McLaughlin - 6th Grade B (Math/Science)
Mrs. McLaughlin grew up in Toledo, Ohio and is a proud graduate of the University of Toledo. Go Rockets!! The 2018-2019 school year will be her 17th year working in education, having served in both teaching and leadership roles. She absolutely loves working with upper elementary/middle school students and is excited to be teaching 6th grade math and science at Discovery Academy. Mrs. McLaughlin loves spending time with her family – playing games, watching scary movies, traveling and just hanging out together. She volunteers with the American Red Cross and has personally donated over 5 gallons of blood, in total, to help others.
Katie Neece - Intervention Specialist
Katie Neece is in her fifth year of teaching. Prior to joining the staff at Discovery, Katie spent two years in Indianapolis, IN as a 6-7 grade Resource Teacher. She also spent two years in St. Louis, MO as a Pre-K-6th grade Special Education Teacher (Go Blues & Cardinals). Katie received her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education in 2016 from Central Methodist University and then went on and received her Master’s Degree in Special Education in 2019 from Northwest Missouri State University. Katie’s passion for helping children with special needs was fueled at a young age because she has three cousins with special needs. She has always believed that all children are special and have the right to learn in a way that is best fitted to help them succeed. She is committed to that goal.
Katie Heginbotham - Intervention Specialist
Miss Heginbotham is a 2015 graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University, earning dual Bachelor’s of Science degrees in Elementary Education and Exceptional Needs Education. She is thrilled to spend another year with the dedicated teaching team at Discovery Academy! She is passionate about making learning exciting and fun for each one of her students. Believing that every student deserves every opportunity to succeed in the classroom, she is dedicated to embracing challenges and problem solving to create the best possible learning environment for every one of her students. In her free time, Miss H enjoys crafting, reading, practicing her ukulele, and cheering on Cleveland sports teams.
Brooke Sterling - Intervention Specialist
Ms. Sterling grew up in Toledo, Ohio and graduated from Springfield High School. She received her Bachelor’s degree as a Mild to Moderate Intervention Specialist from Bowling Green State University in May of 2007. Her first four and half years of teaching were spent at Centaurus High School in Lafayette, Colorado. While in Colorado, she began working on her Master’s degree in Educational Psychology. Ms. Sterling moved back to Toledo in January of 2011 to work primarily on her Master’s degree. She took a job as the 6th grade teacher at Rosary Cathedral School in August of 2011. She spent one year with Rosary, and finished up her Master’s degree. She hopes someday to receive a PhD in Educational Reform. Ms. Sterling loved teaching in Colorado. She felt it was a great teaching experience, but she is really looking forward to working with the younger kids, here at Discovery Academy. She looks forward to the new challenges and learning curves that will come with working with the K-3 students.
Jennifer Colletti - Intervention Specialist
Picture and bio coming soon...
Jennifer Colletti - Intervention Specialist
Picture and bio coming soon...
Julie Jacobs - Lead Teacher of Autism Wing
Mrs. Jacobs has been in education for 22 years since graduating from the University of Toledo with a degree in Special Education. While this is her first year at Discovery Academy, she has been with the Leona Group for nine years. Mrs. Jacobs has dedicated her energy and time to support her students through roles as Intervention Specialist, Dean of Students, Instructional Coach, and School Leader. She is overwhelmed with excitement to contribute to the inaugural year of Discovery Academy’s Autism Wing. Mrs. Jacobs loves spending time with her husband (Nick), daughter (Tatum) and dogs (Ziggy and Scout).
Bailee Rinderle - Autism Wing Teacher
Bio coming soon...
Kyle Konold - Autism Wing Teacher
Picture and bio coming soon...
Heather Dassouki - Music
Ms. Dassouki is very excited to start her fourth year with Discovery Academy. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Theatre from the University of Toledo in 2007 and her Master’s degree in Education and Training from the University of Phoenix in 2011. She has worked with children of all ages, at various schools since 2006, but spent most of her time in an early childhood education setting. In her spare time she likes to spend time with her family and friends,amazing coworkers and her six year old son Michael. She also is an active community theatre member, is a board member of a new production company called Stone Productions, and enjoys being onstage! Occasionally, she also enjoys playing in CCHS Marching Irish and UT Rocket Marching Band alumni events.
Jacqueline Hatcher - Art
Bio coming soon...
Olivia Hernandez - Building Sub
Picture and bio coming soon...
Spencer Grivanos - Behavioral Specialist
Bio coming soon...
Venessa Moya - School Psychologist
Bio coming soon...
Jennifer Loeffler - Speech Therapist
Mrs. Loeffler has been a Speech Language Pathologist for over 25 years, and has been with the Leona Group since 2014. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor's of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She has worked with students of all ages, from preschool to those transitioning from high school, helping students with a variety of communication needs. She lives in Bowling Green, Ohio with her husband Tim, son Logan and dogs Cooper and Maddie. When she's not watching her son play baseball, she can be found trying to improve her very poor photography skills, doing any DIY home improvement project from painting to tile work or dreaming of a trip to Disney World!
Sarah Boerst - Occupational Therapist
Since 2003, Sarah Boerst has been working as an occupational therapy practitioner. In 2014, Sarah earned a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toledo and has worked in a variety of traditional and non-traditional settings throughout her career. Currently, Sarah lives in a rustic cabin in the woods with her husband, two children, and three dogs. Sarah enjoys cooking, being outdoors, and hiking in the woods with her dogs. Sarah is very proud to work with the Discovery team!
Lindsay Navarette - Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)
Miss Lindsay graduated from The University of Toledo with a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science Pre-Occupational Therapy. She then went to Owens Community College and graduated as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. She recently bought her first home in Sylvania, Ohio with her husband, Garret, and her fur baby, Maggie. In her spare time, Miss Lindsay enjoys to complete DIY projects to her new home with Joanna Gaines inspirations. Miss Lindsay is excited to begin her career at Discovery Academy!
Tiffany Tower - Kindergarten A Aide
Mrs. Tower is excited to continue her journey with Discovery Academy! She grew up in Bedford with her mom running a home daycare and has 4 years experience in a 5-star preschool center. She lives in Erie, Mi with her husband Tyler and their three children, Tanner, Trevor, Teagan, and golden retriever, Tootie. In her spare time she loves to go camping, play games, crafts, and spend time with family.
Kelly Walczuk - Kindergarten B Aide
Bio coming soon...
Remi Lower - 1st Grade Aide
Bio coming soon...
Robbie McCrary - 2nd Grade Aide
Ms.McCrary, is very thrilled to become a member of the Discovery Academy team this year. She is a mother of three boys, Ayden(14), Adreyan(12), and Aundre (11). She has an associates degree from Herzing University in Medical Assisting. She has an passion for working with children, she also enjoys cooking, shopping, reading and spending time with her family and the family pup "Levi". Ms. McCrary looks foward to growing with the staff and kiddos here at Discovery.
Marcia Polin - 3rd Grade Aide
Marcia Polin is in her sixteenth year at the Leona Group. She is the proud mother of three children. She attended Bowling Green State University, where she studied journalism. Mrs. Polin is excited to bring her love for children and her skills to Discovery Academy! In her personal time, she likes to spend time with her husband Keith, as well as going to church, reading, playing scrabble, and attending musical events.
Stacie Jones - 4th Grade Aide
Miss Jones joins the Discovery team after almost a decade of serving as a team leader for the Kids Unlimited after-school program. She loves working with students, and it excited to be a part of the Discovery team!
Sarah Englehart - 4th Grade LRE Aide
Bio coming soon...
Austin Pase - 5th Grade Aide
Bio coming soon...
Clarence Nedd - 6th Grade Aide
Picture and bio coming soon...
Nikole Ninni - 1st/2nd Grade RTI Aide
Bio coming soon...
Jeremy Mann - 3rd/4th Grade RTI Aide
Mr. Mann graduated from Waite High School in 2011. After graduation, he started his schooling for Physical Therapy Assistant. During his time pursuing a higher education, Mr. Mann started leading the Teen Ministry in his church and he found his new passion for working with and mentoring youth. His goal is to have a positive impact on the youth in his community. Mr. Mann is excited to make a impact on the students at Discovery and to be a part of the Discovery family.
Paul Spates - 5th/6th Grade RTI Aide
Bio coming soon...
Kelley Brown - Autism Wing Aide
Miss Brown is thrilled for another year with Discovery Academy staff this year. She attended Owens Community College where she plans on obtaining her Early Childhood Education degree. She has always loved working with young people; has been a tutor and volunteer through her church and many other educational organizations in the past and is happy to return to the education field. She enjoys spending time with family (including her godson), outdoor activities, animals, and is a sports enthusiast!
Ronald Dukes - Autism Wing Aide
Bio coming soon...
Robin Grames - Autism Wing Aide
Bio coming soon...
Nellene Arnett - Autism Wing Aide
Picture and bio coming soon...
Abby Schieb - Autism Wing Aide
Picture and bio coming soon...
Clifton Smith - Custodian / Cafeteria
Mr. Clif is a former Bowsher Rebel who is attending Owens Community College to earn a degree in Business Management. He was married to his wife of nine years in May of 2010. Together they have four children; Jeremiah, Kyla, Clifton Jr., and Maizey. Clifton's passion for family and his faith in God are two of the most important things to him. In his spare time he enjoys fishing, playing basketball, and going to church. Being new to Discovery Academy he hopes to instill integrity, hard work, and perseverance to make for a successful school year.
Kylie Carter - NYAP Therapist
Miss. Kylie graduated from University of Toledo with her Bachelors degree in Social Work and after a few years of working as a Domestic Violence Court Advocate she went back to school at Eastern Michigan University, graduating with her Masters in Social Work. Miss. Kylie has been working within Discovery Academy since the Fall of 2013 and loves the family that Discovery has built and the involvement that the Discovery staff takes in each students life. Miss. Kylie and her husband taking walks in the Metro Parks with their daughter and two dogs.
Amy Horton - NYAP Therapist
Bio coming soon...
Kelsey Hampton - NYAP Therapist
Bio coming soon...
Asha Pearson - NYAP Therapist
Bio coming soon...
