Meet Our Amazing Staff @ Mansfield
Expansion is in the air - for your life, and for your choices at Buckeye Community School (BCS). We now have three schools and are taking this opportunity to introduce you to our teachers and staff in a series of blogs.
Today, we are celebrating the amazingly supportive staff that are here for you at BCS. Our Enrollment Specialist, Family Engagement Specialist, Intervention Specialist, and School Psychologist are dedicated to showing up for you anytime you need. We asked them a few questions to introduce you to these great people. Check out their answers below:
Brenda Kohli - Enrollment Specialist/Office Manager
How does the mission of Buckeye Community School align with your personal value system?
Buckeye Community School has a mission that is perfect for my values. I love kids, I am a caretaker by nature and I get my energy from interacting with others. Therefore working with students in need makes for a perfect day for me! We have a wonderful staff who have the same values as myself.... They have a heart for our kids!!!
When did you know you wanted to work in education?
I wanted to be a teacher from the time I was in middle school. Due to life situations I was never able to achieve that goal. But I still have the ability to work with students and encourage them to get an education and have good goals in life.
Fun fact: what are your personal interests or things you like to do outside of work?
I love to garden, feed my hummingbirds, camp, boating, fishing, and most of all.... be an awesome grandma to my grandchildren!!!
Amy Minner - Intervention Specialist
How does the mission of Buckeye Community School align with your personal value system?
I believe that in order to reach students/adolescents who have had negative experiences in school and life, you need to build a positive and trusting relationship with not only the student, but the student's support system as well (family, friends, etc.). The students need to be willing to take risks and show their vulnerability without fear of being made fun of, ridiculed, etc. They will only do that if they trust who they are working with.
When did you know you wanted to be an educator?
6 months after graduating from high school
Fun fact: what are your personal interests or things you like to do outside of work?
Just for fun, I like to boat, golf, jet ski, yardwork, and PLAY!
Diana Barthlow, Ph.D. - School Psychologist
I am a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, a licensed School Psychologist with the Ohio Department of Education, and also a Licensed Psychologist with the Ohio Board of Psychology.
How does the mission of Buckeye Community School align with your personal value system?
I believe all students have a right to a free, appropriate, public education that meets their individual needs. Buckeye Community School supports and respects students of all backgrounds, abilities, and skill levels. I also feel strongly that students should have access to mental health services in schools. At Buckeye Community School, school psychologists are available to support the mental health needs of students in addition to the more traditional school psychology role of psycho-educational assessment and intervention.
When did you know you wanted to be an educator?
While working with my husband as Teaching-Family Model group home parents, we experienced firsthand the need for psychologists who understood the needs of at-risk youth in our care. My husband encouraged and supported me to earn my doctorate in school psychology. As a school psychologist, it has been my honor and privilege to serve students and their families who may have otherwise been unable to access assessment or counseling services.
Fun fact: what are your personal interests or things you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy dinner time with my family. We enjoy trying new recipes and converting recipes to gluten-free. Learning is also a fun activity, and I enjoy continuing to learn about new discoveries in the fields of education, health, and mental health.
Kelly Barthlow - Family Engagement Specialist
I work with students and families to identify and reduce barriers that prevent students from being successful and reaching their educational goals.
How does the mission of Buckeye Community School align with your personal value system?
Buckeye Community School’s individualized approach to providing a path towards high school graduation fits with my admiration for someone who strives for success regardless of the obstacles they face.
When did you know you wanted to work in education?
I was drawn to the educational model after years of working in the business sector.
Fun fact: what are your personal interests or things you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy home improvement projects and spending time with family and friends.
Heidi Hoy - Intervention Specialist
How does the mission of Buckeye Community School align with your personal value system?
The mission of BCS is to help change the way students see education by building relationships, breaking down barriers and setting personal goals. I love being able to get to know my students as individuals and use their goals to set up a specific plan to meet those goals. There is nothing cookie-cutter about my job and every day is something new.
When did you know you wanted to be an educator?
I have wanted to become an educator for as long as I could remember. I really enjoyed school as a kid and wanted to be able to help others enjoy learning as much as I did.
Fun fact: what are your personal interests or things you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy hiking, kayaking, and camping with my family. I also enjoy taking care of our mini farm.
Jill Hudgel: Special Education Coordinator
As Special Education Coordinator, Jill supports students at all BCS schools, including Mansfield, Marion, and London.
How does the mission of Buckeye Community School align with your personal value system?
Buckeye Community School works to meet the educational needs of all students, no matter what life events may have caused a disruption. I believe that all students have the right to learn at their own pace, in an environment that is suited to their desires, and with staff that encourages them every step of the way.
When did you know you wanted to be an educator?
It wasn't until I went to college that I realized that I wanted to work with students. Entering my 16th year of education, I couldn't imagine doing anything else. I learn so much from our students every year and I love watching them achieve their goals throughout the year. Our students transform in ways that no one can predict and it feels good to support them along the way.
Fun fact: what are your personal interests or things you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my husband, our 2 children-Judah, 9 and Lilah, 4, and our 2 dogs-Hugo and Ophie. We enjoy camping, boating, swimming, going to sporting events, concerts, Cedar Point, and spending time outside.
We’re All Here for You
Now that you know a little more about our amazing staff, come in and say hello. If you need an understanding, supportive, and flexible option for earning your high school diploma, BCS is the alternative path you have been looking for. Talk to our enrollment team today.
About BCS
At Buckeye Community School (BCS), we create positive educational experiences that empower every student to overcome personal challenges and pursue their unique goals. We meet the needs of the whole student in our productive, safe, and nurturing learning environment. Our high expectations for achievement and student success are matched by our commitment to quality instructional leadership and positive home-to-school and school-to-community relationships. Get to know BCS, today. We’re enrolling!