Granville Schools welcomes new staff members for 2016-17!
GES
Leanna Daniels – Third Grade
Formerly a third grade teacher in New Jersey, Leanna is most looking forward to getting to know the Granville students, staff and community. She likes to run and participates in half-marathons.
“I am inspired by my students and colleagues. And Pinterest,” Leanna said.
Isabelle Thatcher - Counselor
Isabelle looks forward getting to know her students and building relationships. She taught third grade at GES before taking time off to be home with her children, and served as the GES interim school counselor in 2014-15.
“I enjoy reading, traveling, making photo books, cooking and skiing, and am inspired when I witness random acts of kindness,” Isabelle said.
Kelly Tsakanikas – Kindergarten
After teaching in Dallas and substituting in Granville, Kelly is looking forward to learning about her students and creating engaging, student-centered lesson plans that capture their interest and imagination. In her free time, she enjoys reading, photography, art, decorating, gardening and going to the beach.
“Inspiring my students to develop a love of learning is what inspires me,” Kelly said.
Elizabeth Untied – First Grade
A GHS graduate, Elizabeth said she is excited to return to Granville as a teacher and looks forward to providing ways for students to feel successful every day. She enjoys exploring new places and likes to paint, craft and do hand lettering/calligraphy.
“I find inspiration in nature, friends and what I read and learn,” Elizabeth said. “I’m also inspired by my students. I love seeing those ‘lightbulb’ moments, hearing their ideas and seeing their excitement about learning.”
Phyllis Egger
Phyllis Egger is looking forward to helping children in her new role as
educational aide at GES. Before coming to Granville, she worked for Columbus
Public Schools and Heath City Schools.
Phyllis enjoys baking, drawing, spending time with family and relaxing on the deck in her free time. She finds inspiration in her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren!
Gretchen Burkett
New educational aide Gretchen Burkett comes to Granville Schools from Stoughton Area School District in Wisconsin, where she worked for 20 years. She looks forward to building relationships with students and staff at GES.
Among her interest are singing, playing piano, reading, sewing, playing bridge, knitting, crafting and stamping (card making). Gretchen is inspired by “people who stand up for the downtrodden and who fight racism, homophobia, xenophobia, misogyny and all forms of hatred, no matter what the consequences to themselves may be.”
GIS
Kimberly Markle – Sixth Grade English Language Arts
A Granville graduate, Kimberly looks forward to the challenge of meeting the high expectations of students, teachers, parents and the community. She has taught in Gahanna, Southwestern City Schools and Newark, and likes to run, cook and play golf with her husband when they’re not busy with their 1-year-old.
“Seeing students take new steps in their growth and development inspires me,” Kimberly said.
GMS
No’el Fortner – English Language Arts
“I am looking forward to contributing my expertise to the district and, in turn, gaining insights from fellow educators to continue to perfect my craft!” No’el said.
She taught in Columbus and New Lexington, and is an enthusiast of reading, writing, yoga, Dachshunds and technology. No’el seeks and finds inspiration in everyday life.
GHS
Lori Hudson - English
Lori is looking forward to working collaboratively with the English teachers and getting to know her students. She taught at Zanesville High School for eight years and enjoys being active outdoors.
“Reading and learning new things or learning about things on a deeper level inspires me,” Lori said.
Cody Masters - Counselor
Cody comes to GHS from Groveport Madison H.S. and looks forward to assisting students from the unique perspective of a past graduate.
A newlywed, Cody enjoys traveling, cooking and sports. He finds inspiration in experiencing new things and helping people grow.
Craig Wenning – Industrial Tech
Craig is looking forward to meeting new people and getting back into the classroom after a three-year absence. He taught at St. Henry High School for 13 years and worked in construction and industry before coming to GHS.
He enjoys playing softball and running mud races, and is inspired by a challenge.
Janie Zawacki - Math
Janie comes to Granville from Logan Elm Schools and is looking forward to working individually with students, especially the juniors and seniors in AP Calculus. She enjoys all things Disney, running and volleyball.
“Learning new ideas, concepts or techniques inspire me both inside and outside the classroom,” Janie said.
Sean Felder – History
A first-year teacher, Sean is looking forward to meeting students and having the opportunity to share a love of history with them. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer and performing musical theatre.
“My dad and my younger brothers inspire me,” Sean said. “My father is the hardest working man I know and I strive to make him proud every day. My little brothers remind me that I am a role model every day and they inspire me to be the best person I can.”
Joshua Levine - Biology
Joshua comes to Granville Schools from the Flowing Wells Unified School District in Tucson, and looks forward to challenging students to grow as much as possible. When he is not busy with his young family, he enjoys hiking, running, gardening and woodworking.
Joshua finds inspiration in seeing a good lesson have a big impact on students.
Stefanie Stanton – Educational Aide, Special Education
Joe Dowling – Educational Aide, Study Hall
District
Mariah Koons – School Psychologist
In her role, Mariah looks forward to working as part of a team dedicated to improving student outcomes. She previously worked in Columbus City Schools, Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools and with the Child Development Council of Franklin County Head Start, and enjoys being outdoors with her family.
“I am inspired by people!” Mariah said. “I love witnessing the kindness, perseverance and resilience of others.”
Greg Griffith – Bus Driver
Greg is returning to a fulltime position after a brief time away from the district. Greg previously worked in different positions throughout the district, such as grounds and food service along with driving a school bus.
Transfers
There are some familiar faces in new roles for 2016-17:
Tiera Cramer - Receptionist at GHS
Bobbi Seidell - New position: Guidance Office Secretary at GHS
Susan Tallentire – Seventh and eighth grade English Language Arts
Lindsay Ring – Second grade at GES
Stephanie Cantlin Athan - Intervention Specialist at GES