Staff Directory

Before joining the ESCWR, Alissa Arndt spent 9 years volunteering at her local elementary school helping students, teachers, and administrators. She also has been an active PTA member for 9 years as well. During this time she was raising 3 children. Before her children were born, she was a Respiratory Therapist working with children and adults who required oxygen, ventilators, or sleep aides in their homes. 

Glenn Bailey, Jr. began his role as the STEAM Specialist for the ESC of the Western Reserve in August 2022 in addition to being an instructional specialist at iSTEM. His background as a dual certified visual art and education technology specialist in Houston, TX, as well as a career in non-profit arts education and community partnerships with the Kennedy Center, FotoFest International, and Young Audiences, has led to supporting PK-12 administrators, classroom educators, and students in redesigning our classrooms and reframing teaching and learning practices through transdisciplinary and project-based learning. His passion lies within the intersections of art, technology integration, and human-centered design and encourages spaces where inquiry and collaboration are paramount to achievement. Glenn holds a B.F.A in Digital Art from Bowling Green State University, a M.S in Arts Administration from Carnegie Mellon, and was a graduate of the PAST Foundation Fellowship and the Young Audiences and American Express Leadership Academies. 

Wendy Bartolovich serves as the Early Childhood Coordinator for the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve, bringing extensive experience in special education and early childhood services. Previously, she served as an Intervention Specialist at Chardon Local Schools, where she supported students with a wide range of disabilities and worked closely with families and staff to foster inclusive educational experiences.

Wendy's prior roles include:

•  Intervention Specialist – Chardon Local Schools

•  Teacher – Warren City Schools

Wendy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts and Sciences from Kent State University, a Master’s Degree in Reading Specialization from Kent State University, and an Administrative Degree from Youngstown State University. She also holds a reading endorsement and principal license for preschool through sixth grade and has completed coursework in Visual Impairments at The Ohio State University, including a summer internship at The Ohio State School for the Blind.

Currently, Wendy oversees early childhood programming, using her expertise to support children with special needs and guide families through the special education process. She is also committed to collaborating with staff and ensuring best practices in early intervention. Throughout her career, Bartolovich has focused on inclusive education, literacy support, and family engagement to make a lasting impact on early childhood learning.

Ken Bernacki serves as the Program Supervisor for the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve, bringing 40 years of experience in Educational Leadership and Development. Previously, he served as the NE Regional Coordinator for OESCA (Ohio Educational Service Center Association) and the Ohio Department of Education, grant-funded, Future Forward, where he managed statewide initiatives.

Ken Bernacki’s prior roles include:

• Director of Student Services – Fairport Harbor Exempted Village Schools (Present)

• Adjunct Professor – Concordia University, Chicago, IL

• Director of Student Services – West Geauga Local Schools

• Administrator – West Geauga Local, Euclid City, Cleveland Municipal Schools

• President – OAESA ( Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators)

Ken Bernacki holds a Masters in Educational Administration from Ashland University.

Currently, Ken oversees paraprofessional staffing at Broadmoor School in Mentor, OH, and is the Director of Student Services at Fairport Harbor Exempted Village Schools contributing to policies and programs that enhance academic outcomes. He is involved in OESCA and OAESA, contributing to specific projects and initiatives as needed. Throughout his career, Bernacki has focused on leadership and development, driving change and fostering collaboration in education.

Key Areas of Focus:
• Leadership Development

Dr. Teresa Brown serves as a Consultant for the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve’s State Support Team Region 4, bringing over a decade of experience in special education and inclusive practices. Previously, she served as a Consultant with State Support Team Region 4, where she supported districts in developing high-quality inclusive environments and effective early literacy strategies.

Dr. Brown's prior roles include:

•  Consultant – State Support Team Region 4

Dr. Brown holds a Doctorate in Special Education from Kent State University with a focus on authentic assessment, inclusive practices, and promoting early literacy in special education programs.

Currently, she supports educators and programs from birth through age 21, using her expertise to consult on inclusive education and evidence-based practices. She also serves on multiple advisory and workgroups with the Ohio Department of Education. Throughout her career, Brown has focused on inclusion, authentic assessment, and early intervention, helping teams build environments where all learners can succeed.

Key Areas of Focus:
 • Inclusive Education and Program Development
 • Authentic Assessment and Early Literacy
 • Statewide Educational Consulting and Support

• Human Resources Manager – Marous Brothers Construction
• Human Resources Manager – Cardinal Commerce
• Payroll Supervisor & HRIS Specialist – Reliance Electric, a Rockwell Automation Company

• Human Resources Leadership and Compliance
• Business Operations and Strategic Partnerships

Frank Carraher has been with the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve since 2022 as the Math Consultant. Frank was a math teacher at the Elementary, Middle School, and High School levels for 12 years. Before joining the ESCWR, he incorporated best practices in the math classroom for Geneva Area City Schools, iSTEM Early College High School, Lakeside High Schools, and Riverside Local Schools. Frank is licensed in 4-9 Math and Language Arts, 7-12 Math, K-12 intervention, is endorsed in K-12 reading and K-12 Computer Science, and has his Master’s Degree in Mathematics Curriculum and Instruction. His skill set in the classroom included blended learning, differentiation, and incorporating technology.

At the ESC, Frank has led multiple curriculum adoptions and implementations for schools and districts, leads Teacher Based Teams and Professional Learning Communities, models lessons in mathematics classrooms in grades K-12, coaches teachers in groups and individually, and leads professional learning opportunities on topics such as the high school math pathways, best practices in teaching mathematics, and the 8 Effective Mathematics Teaching Practices. He is also the state lead facilitator for the Discrete Math/Computer Science Algebra 2 Equivalency High School Math Pathway and one of the Northeast Ohio regional facilitators for the Advanced Quantitative Reasoning pathway. Frank has also written and received grants for districts including the Teach Computer Science Grant and the High Quality Instructional Materials Innovative Impact Grant. He is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics and has presented at state conferences including the Ohio Educational Service Center Association Let’s Connect Conference and the OCTM Conference.

Alison Ciferno joins the team at the ESC of the Western Reserve after spending the past 35 years as an educator with Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools.  She graduated from Kent State University with dual degrees in Elementary and Gifted Education and spent the next twenty two years teaching first and second grade students in a gifted self-contained classroom setting. Alison earned her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Ashland University and joined the W-E curriculum department as the Coordinator of Literacy, Title 1 and Gifted Services. Alison has been a frequent presenter at the Ohio Association for Gifted Children (OAGC) Conference and is a board member of the Greater Cleveland Coordinators of the Gifted (GCCG). She is also a member of the Ohio Association of Administrators of State and Federal Education Programs (OAASFEP) and works with local coordinators to streamline federal program services and compliance.  Alison is committed to facilitating positive communication among all members of the school community to ensure that students remain the focus of our work. 

• Director of Educational Programs and Services – Orange City School District
• Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent Pro-Tempore- ESC of Cuyahoga County/NEOESC
• Director of Operations - ESC of Cuyahoga County/NEOESC
• Special Education Supervisor- Olmsted Falls City Schools/Maple Heights City Schools

Christine Henninger serves as the Integrated Student Support and Wellness Coordinator for the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve (ESCWR), bringing years of experience in leadership within advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and financial operations. Previously, she served as a team leader in the Advanced Manufacturing and Healthcare sectors, leading significant improvements in operations and team development.

Christine's prior roles include:

• Team Leader – Advanced Manufacturing Sector

• Team Leader – Healthcare Sector

• PTA President – Various Schools

• Board Member – Mentor Library Board of Trustees

• Committee Member – Strategic Planning Committee, Mentor School District

Christine holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, and a certificate in Project and Process Management, all from Lake Erie College.

Christine oversees integrated student support and wellness initiatives at ESCWR, utilizing her expertise to foster partnerships and support the well-being of students, families, and the community. She is also involved in various state-wide boards and initiatives. Throughout her career, Christine has focused on relationship-building, community engagement, and leadership, fostering positive relationships and driving change in educational environments.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Integrated Student Support and Wellness

• Community Partnerships and Engagement

 Kristin Llewellyn serves as the Family & Community Engagement Liaison for the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve, bringing over a decade of experience in community social work and advocacy. Previously, she served as a Victim Services Specialist at the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, where she led significant improvements in family support and outreach.

Kristin Llewellyn's prior roles include:

•  Victim Services Specialist – Lake County Prosecutor’s Office

•  Program Coordinator – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Ohio 

Kristin Llewellyn holds an Associate’s Degree in Human Services from Lakeland Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Youngstown State University. She also underwent professional development with the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center at Ohio State University to enhance her effectiveness as a school liaison.

Currently, Kristin oversees school-based and community programming, family engagement, and outreach initiatives, using her expertise to support student and family empowerment. She is also involved in various state-wide family engagement efforts. Throughout her career, Llewellyn has focused on strength-based, judgment-free support that addresses the whole child, fostering positive relationships and meaningful connections within educational environments.

Key Areas of Focus:
 • Family and Community Engagement
 • School-based and Community Programming
 • Student and Family Empowerment

Favorite Quote:
“We are who we are for a lot of reasons. And maybe we’ll never know most of them. But even if we don’t have the power to choose where we come from, we can still choose where we go from there.” – The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Jake Miller started his role as the Personalized Learning Specialist for the ESC of the Western Reserve and Summit ESC in August 2022. Prior to taking on that role, Jake spent 5 years as a technology integration specialist and 2 years as a science teacher for the Orange City Schools. Before his time at Orange, Jake utilized various principles of personalized learning in his work in the Stow-Munroe Falls City Schools as a math, science, and STEM teacher (11 years) and in the Barberton City Schools (1 year). Since completing his Masters in Instructional Technology from Kent State University, Jake has also worked extensively in the area of educational technology as a speaker, presenter, podcaster, blogger, and author (of the book Educational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset). Jake has presented at a number of local and national conferences, including OETC, ISTE, and at Google’s New York City location.

Kelly Moran serves as the Director of Instructional Programs for the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve, bringing over 20 years of experience in educational leadership. Previously, she served as the Curriculum Supervisor at Chardon Local School District, where she led improvements in curriculum development, professional development, federal grants management, data analysis, PLC facilitation, and literacy initiatives.

Kelly Moran's prior roles include:

•  Curriculum Supervisor – Chardon Local School District

•  Elementary Principal – Chardon Local School District

•  Curriculum Director – Kirtland Local School District

•  Assistant Principal – Kirtland Local School District

•  Literacy Coach – Kirtland Local School District  

• Third Grade Teacher 

Kelly Moran holds a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from Youngstown State University, where her research focused on teacher empowerment in Lake County. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree from John Carroll University. Her work in early literacy and professional development has been recognized statewide, including leading a $1,050,000 grant for literacy initiatives and appearing on Amplify’s Science of Reading podcast.

Currently, Kelly oversees curriculum development, instructional improvement, and federal program compliance, using her expertise to support districts and educators. She is also involved in various state-wide educational initiatives. Throughout her career, Moran has focused on literacy leadership, MTSS/RTI implementation, and professional learning, fostering teacher growth and student success.

Key Areas of Focus:
 • Curriculum Development and Instructional Growth
 • Federal Program Compliance and Literacy Leadership
 • Professional Development and MTSS/RTI Systems

Nancy R. Santilli serves as the Director of Superintendent Support Services for the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve, bringing over 30 years of experience in educational leadership. Previously, she served as the Superintendent at Kenston Local Schools, where she led significant improvements in education.

Nancy's prior roles include:

• Superintendent – Kenston Local Schools

• Assistant Superintendent – Kenston Local Schools

• High School Principal – Kenston Local Schools

• High School Principal – Maple Heights City Schools

Nancy holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Ashland University and certifications in educational leadership and curriculum development. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Education from Hiram College in Ohio and completed extramural studies in art and architecture at Hiram College and Cambridge, England.

Currently, Nancy assists with superintendent leadership and support services, using her expertise to support strategic initiatives and the implementation of research-based educational programs. She is also involved in various state-wide boards and initiatives. Throughout her career, Santilli has focused on fostering collaboration, driving change, and promoting student and staff success in educational environments.

Key Areas of Focus:
• Superintendent Leadership and Support Services
• Educational Improvement and Strategic Planning

Kelsey Schuenke serves as the Coordinator of Pupil Services for the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve, bringing years of experience in special education and student support. Previously, she served as the Dean of Students at Brown Middle School in the Ravenna School District, where she led initiatives focused on student well-being and school climate.

Kelsey Schuenke's prior roles include:

•  Dean of Students – Ravenna School District

•  Intervention Specialist – Ravenna School District

•  Intervention Specialist – Southwestern City Schools

Kelsey Schuenke holds a Bachelor of Education from Kent State University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Youngstown State University.

Currently, Kelsey oversees pupil services, using her expertise to support special education programming and student services across districts. She is passionate about empowering students through inclusive practices and individualized support. Throughout her career, Schuenke has focused on special education, school leadership, and creating supportive environments for all learners.

Key Areas of Focus:
 • Special Education Services and Compliance
 • Student Support and School Leadership
 • Inclusive Practices and Family Engagement

Robert (Bob) Scott serves as the Director of Superintendent Support Services for the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve (October 2023 - Present), bringing over four decades of experience in educational leadership. Previously, he served as the Superintendent of Avon Lake City School District for 18 years, leading significant improvements in education.

Bob’s prior roles include:

• Superintendent - Warren Consolidated School District 

• Superintendent - Belpre City School District 

• Middle School Principal - Lake Travis Independent School District, Austin, TX 

• Elementary School Principal - Lake Travis Independent School District,   Austin, TX 

Bob holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Illinois State University, a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Texas University, and a Superintendent's Certificate from the University of Texas. 

Currently, Bob assists with superintendent leadership support services at the ESC of the Western Reserve, using his expertise to support superintendent searches. He is also involved in various state-wide boards and initiatives. Throughout his career, Bob has focused on leadership, school improvement, and fostering positive relationships within varied educational environments.

Key Areas of Focus:
• Superintendent Leadership and Support Services
• Educational Improvement and Strategic Planning

Greg Slemons serves as the Treasurer/CFO for the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve, bringing over 35 years of experience in public school finance and leadership. Previously, he served as the Chief Financial Officer for Youngstown City Schools under HB70, where he played a crucial role in overseeing financial operations and strategic fiscal planning.

Greg's prior roles include:

• Chief Financial Officer - Youngstown City Schools

• Treasurer – Orange City Schools

• Treasurer – Warren City School District

• Treasurer – Hubbard Exempted Village School District

Greg holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration majoring in Accounting from Youngstown State University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Akron University. Greg has held an active Ohio School Treasurer’s License for 40 years and has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1996. He is a past President of the Ohio Association of School Business Officials (OASBO) and currently serves as the President of the Ohio Treasurers of Educational Service Centers Association (OTESCA).

Currently, Greg oversees financial operations, budgeting, and strategic fiscal planning for the ESC of the Western Reserve, using his expertise to support financial sustainability and efficiency. He is also involved in various statewide financial leadership initiatives. Throughout his career, Slemons has focused on financial leadership, compliance, and fiscal responsibility, fostering strong financial strategies to support educational success.

Key Areas of Focus:
• School District Financial Leadership and Compliance
• Budgeting and Strategic Planning

Kayla Stephens, BCBA, COBA

Kayla’s education includes an undergraduate in Psychology, a Master's in Mental Health Counseling, and Post Masters Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. Her background includes working with children in private school settings, public school settings, center-based settings, and home-based settings.  She has worked with individuals with a variety of developmental and behavioral needs for over 5 years.  Kayla has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2022.

When Kayla is not providing services to children and their families, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three large dogs. To relax, she enjoys the solitude of reading. However, on the other hand, Kayla appreciates a good challenge, so you will often find her in a gym improving her health and fitness. 

Dr. Taylor is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with the ESC. She holds a Doctorate in Psychology and a Master’s in Human Behavior. Her dissertation focused on intervention development with behavior modeling programs.

Her background includes program development for organizations with a particular focus on human behavior. She has experience assisting diverse individuals with meeting their personal behavioral goals in school settings, community-based settings, clinic settings, and home-based settings. Before the ESC, she was the Clinical Director for a center-based ABA program.  She has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2015.

During her spare time, you will find her climbing and hiking in a National Park. If she is not there, then she may be paddleboarding or fishing on a lake somewhere with her two adult sons. As a fun fact, she enjoys writing stories and scripts, and acting them out for fun with family and friends.

Amy Vernick, BCBA, COBA

Amy received her Bachelor's of Science in Criminal Justice from Kent State and her Master's in Education from Ursuline College.  It was while teaching that Amy began to see a need for additional training to support students with diverse needs, so she began to study the science of Applied Behavior Analysis.  She received her board certification in 2015 and moved from the academic field to a clinical setting in 2020 where she worked specifically with children with Autism. An opportunity to return to the schools as a BCBA presented itself, and in 2022, Amy joined the ESC in supporting students and teachers within the educational environment.

Beth Walsh-Moorman joins the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve after serving as the Assistant Professor of Literacy at Lake Erie College, where she coordinated the reading endorsement, M.Ed. in literacy, and secondary ELA programs. She earned her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with a literacy specialization from Kent State University in 2018.

Beth’s prior roles include:

•  Assistant Professor of Literacy – Lake Erie College

•  High School ELA Teacher – Lakewood Highschool

•  Instructional Coach – Lakewood Highschool

•  Member – Ohio P20 Literacy Collaborative

•  Executive Board Member – Ohio Council of Teachers of Language Arts

Beth has published in several national literacy journals, including The Reading Teacher, English Journal, and Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, and has presented at several state and national conferences. Her classroom teaching experience includes 20 years as a high school ELA teacher and an instructional coach. She was a member of the state literacy team for the 2019 update of Ohio’s Plan to Raise Literacy Achievement.

Currently, Beth oversees literacy initiatives, utilizing her expertise to support adolescent literacy, reading and writing across the curriculum, digital literacies, and culturally responsive teaching practices.

Key Areas of Focus:
 • Adolescent Literacy
 • Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices

• Associate Superintendent – Center for School Finance and Accountability, Ohio Department of Education
• Treasurer – Parma City Schools, Shaker Heights City Schools, Canton City Schools, Stark County
• Board of Education, South-Western City Board of Education, Woodridge Local Schools
• Search Consultant for K-12 Public School Leaders