Our Teachers

Our teachers are pivotal to the success of our program. We hire knowledgeable teachers who are passionate about their subjects, teach in a hands-on way, and love and respect our children.

Robyn Adair-Lewton
Coming soon
Judy Beavers
Judy moved with her husband, son & daughter to this area from Massachusetts. She holds a B.A. in Sociology & an M.ED. in Elementary/Intermediate Education. She is certified in OH & MA. With 20 years teaching experience in private, public, and independent schools, including gifted education & enrichment programming, Judy has expertise in individualized learning, integrated curriculum, curriculum development & evaluation, and specializations in language arts, the sciences, and math. Judy received a Professionalism in Teaching Award in MA, & was honored as a nominee for the Disney National Teaching Award. While teaching in MA, she designed & was chosen to teach numerous innovative education programs – created to encourage & facilitate individualized, inquiry-based learning - with a basis in developing problem-solving & critical-thinking skills. To this day, these skills remain key to Judy’s teaching style with her students. Judy wrote a grant & received a commendation for a talented & gifted college-based program serving elementary students throughout the Pioneer Valley in Western MA. She also designed & taught specialized classes within the program. Judy came to L.O.L. after having taught at The Academy of Greater Cincinnati. To Judy, teaching & education are never static, always new! She firmly believes each child is an individual with her/his own distinct potential & learning style; & that learning should be the freedom to “think outside the box”, as well as be “hands-on”, inquiry-based, creative & fun. A love of all things New England, the ocean, nature, animals, snow!!, the arts, her family & teaching are important aspects of Judy’s life. For Judy, “Teaching at L.O.L. is like coming home. Leaves is what school is meant to be!” This is Judy’s 5th year at L.O.L., and her appreciation of Leaves’ students, parents, and fellow staff members continues to grow & deepen. “L.O.L. is a true gift!”

Linda Bergholz
Linda has been a piano and flute teacher for 30 years. Managing partner of the Loveland Music Academy, she has 70 private students. This is her fifth sixth year at Leaves of Learning at Grailville. A graduate University of Cincinnati in 1978--piano studies at CCM; B. A. in English/Journalism. Co-founder and Executive Director of Junior Music Experience, a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging private piano studies involving 1400 students, 100 teachers, and 10 locations twice yearly throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, Linda is the former Staff pianist and choral accompanist for both the Loveland United Methodist Church and the Felicity United Methodist church (and continues to fill in as a substitute andparticipates in the Christmas and Easter cantatas as principal pianist at LUMC). Former teaching positions include Wurlitzer, Baldwin and the Beechmont Music Studios in Cincinnati, before establishing a private teaching practice in Loveland in 1983. From 1985 - 1988, she taught at Summerfield Piano Academy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Upon returning to Cincinnati, Linda established a teaching studio in her home in Loveland in 1988. Her focus on teaching is for the musical enjoyment of the student. Piano and flute "lessons" make it sound like WORK! While working hard is an important element of learning to play the piano, it can certainly be fun going through the process. She wants her students to be excited about playing and she spends a great deal of time attempting to find interesting ways to challenge and motivate them. Each lesson is tailored to the individual student, so they can address the strengths and weaknesses of the individual. And, as Managing Partner of LMA, she is able to not only teach students privately, but can direct them to other types of music education, offering guitar, bass, keyboards, voice, acting, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, harp, music theory and improvisation.

Ann Beyersdorff
Ann has been teaching for fifteen years, has participated in NKU's Teaching Math in The Middle School program, and is especially talented in teaching to various learning styles. She has been at LOL for four years and loves introducing the joys of math to students of all ages. Ann has a B.A. in French with minors in Secondary Education and Bible/Theology and a M. Ed from Xavier University with a concentration in math.
Marlene Boegli
Marlene holds a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Mt. St. Joseph. She was line and lead cook at Cups and Corks in Blanchester, Ohio for two years, and currently caters and teaches cooking classes. A lifelong love of animals has lead to critter rescue, raising rare breeds of sheep, handling and training dogs and horses and writing about natural science. She is a fiber artist and can be seen as a living history demonstrator at the Cincinnati Appalachian Festival.

Susan Boshears
Sue has been with LOL for 5 years as our office manager. She enjoys her job with it's many tasks, but looks forward to working with the children the most. Her husband and 2 daughters keep her busy, however she always finds time to knit and do some gardening. With an associates degree in photography she spends some of her summer doing portrait work.
Lisa Boys
Lisa Boys is our resident artist extraordinaire-sharing her enthusiasm and love of art with students of all ages. Lisa has a B.A. in Fine Arts and a minor in Art History from University of Cincinnati DAPP. Lisa has three girls, all who have been home schooled in the past. Her youngest still attends Leaves. She has been teaching at LOL for five years, and enjoys gardening, decorating, stamping and creative painting.
Paul Breidenbach
Paul learned Spanish as a child in Colombia and Ecuador. He has taught Spanish off and on since 1984, locally at The Schilling School and at Behtany. He likes to use games, songs and skits in his classses, and emphasizes speaking from the beginning. Since 1996 he has lived with his wife and two sons in Glendale, and notes that changing demographics in the area make it ever easier to learn and practice Spanish. He enjoys reading, sports, and guitar, and looks forward to working in the cooperative atmosphere of Leaves of Learning. Paul has his Ph.D. in History and has taught American History and American Government for 4 years at The Edmond Preparatory School in Washington D.C as well for 4 years at The Schilling School. He taught a class on Modern World History at Raymond Walters in 2003.
Terri Burch
What Terri Burch (Russo) has enjoyed most in her eleven years of teaching is the charged excitement that permeates a room as she and her students exchange enthusiasm for stories, information, concepts, and ideas—LEARNING! She has a master’s degree in gifted education from Wright State University and bachelor’s degrees in literature and elementary education from University of Cincinnati. For her seven years as the GATES teacher in the New Richmond School District, her focus was on differentiated instruction for all learners within the classroom. Then she spent 2 years as a Gifted Intervention Specialist in Milford. While most of her time teaching has been spent facilitating the needs of identified gifted children, she celebrates the special beauty, gifts, and talents that every child brings to the world and into a dynamic classroom. In 2005, Terri took time off of teaching to have a daughter, Merina McLane, who is now two and a half years old and absolutely amazing! Last year, Terri enjoyed teaching 5th grade at the Schilling School for Gifted Children. Other teaching experiences include summer school instructor, Camp Invention director and teacher, and Super Saturday instructor for the past five years. During her time as a stay at home mom, she was instrumental in creating Eco-babies, a naturalist group for young children and their parents. Currently she is designing summer enrichment programs and facilitating private and group instruction with children to nurture abilities and explore talents. Terri is excited to join the Leaves of Learning family. The children and atmosphere at the school feel like coming home. Also, she feels strongly connected to the natural world, so teaching on Grailville grounds sings to her spirit. Versatility, energy, and enthusiasm are three words that describe her teaching. Outside of the classroom, she gets her joy mainly from Merina, yoga, gardening, hiking, camping, singing, spending time with friends and family, and teaching herself how to play the guitar. She can be reached at trflowers@fuse.net.

Daniel Carlson
Daniel Carlson has worked as a freelance illustrator for the past eight years. His work has appeared in McGraw/Hill educational products and Spider Magazine for Children among others. He received his BFA from the University of Cincinnati, where he also studied American History and Art Education. He taught a history enrichment class at Norwood Middle School for two years under the 21st Century Learning Center Federal Grant program. He and his wife own the Pleasant Perk Coffee shop in Pleasant Ridge. His son Griffin attends LOL, and wants to be a ninja cowboy when he grows up.

Michelle Crockett
Michelle Crockett graduated from Miami University with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education and from Tennessee Technological University with a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. She was a Middle School Band Director (while assisting at the High School) for 7 years in the public school system until recently deciding to become a stay-at-home mom. She teaches private flute lessons, performs in church often on Flute and in the Bell Choir, and loves spending time with her family outdoors. She is very excited about starting the LOL Band Program! Michelle resides in Lebanon with her husband and son.
Mike Dage
Mike earned his Chemical Engineering degree from Ohio University and is a registered professional engineer. He was a practicing engineer for eight years at Proctor & Gamble and Wright Patterson Air Force Base. This is Mike's fifh year at LOL. His extraordinary knowledge of physics, computers, and electronics, combined with his engaging manner and creativity, have enabled him to motivate our students in new and creative ways to explore science.
Julie Doughty
Julie graduated from James Madison University with a B.S. with honors in Early Childhood Education. After graduation she moved with her husband to Blacksburg, Virginia, where she took classes from a professional potter and participated in an annual art show and sale in Baltimore for several years. Julie has been homeschooling for ten years. While this is Julie's first year teaching at Leaves of Learning, she has been involved with the program as a parent since 2001 and is really looking forward to doing clay work with her class.

Sue Ellen Eatrides
Sue Ellen earned her B.A. with Honors in the field of Linguistics from the University of Cincinnati, with French being the major language she studied in pursuit of her degree. Sue Ellen has practiced various forms of Hatha yoga for over ten years, and became certified by YogaFit to teach yoga to children and teens in 2002. In addition to teaching yoga at LOL, she is the KidShine yoga instructor at Shine Yoga Center in East Hyde Park. Sue Ellen owes her journalistic abilities to Zaring Homes, where she worked as a Marketing Director for seven years, and was responsible for the company’s written communications, as well as having worked with Zaring’s advertising agency to create radio and television spots. The 2006-7 academic year is Sue Ellen’s fifth year at Leaves of Learning.

Becky Flanagan
Rebecca Flanagan is a sign language interpreter who has worked in both Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Her experience as an interpreter ranges from working with deaf children in mainstream classes in a traditional school setting to interpreting for Deaf university, graduate and doctorial students in a variety of studies. Rebecca also has interpreted outside the educational community, working with business professionals, government agencies and arts programs. In addition, she interpreted for President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore at the White House. Since teaming up with Signing Safari in Loveland, she has been teaching hearing babies, toddlers and preschoolers sign language to support their spoken language development. Most recently, she developed a curriculum for hearing students using sign language as a study tool. Rebecca is the mother of three children. She has been using sign language to increase language access and to reduce frustration for all parties since her children were infants. Rebecca holds a B.A. in Deaf Studies from California State University, Northridge and has studied linguistics at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.
Lindsay Greiwe
Lindsay Greiwe graduated from Northern Kentucky University where she studies Drama and Dance Education. She has been actively involved in the performing arts since she was six years old. She has been directing for the past five years. She is thankful for being given the opportunity to educate your children about the arts and giving them the doorways needed to create their own worlds.

Leslie Hamilton
This is Leslie's fifth year at LOL; her teaching style and philosophy mesh perfectly with our program! She's taught swimming for 12 years at the YMCA and Spanish at Colerain Middle School. Leslie grew up in San Antonio, where she was constantly exposed to Spanish, and frequently travels to Mexico. Geography and history are both loves of Leslie, who's thrilled at being able to teach these classes for us next year. Leslie is working on a Middle Childhood Education/History major at U.C.
Evan Holzman
Evan has been making films and videos for forty years - the best of them at Leaves. The video class documents most of the events at L.O.L. and does creative projects that are as varied as day and night. The students will see work created by professional filmmakers, artists and documentary filmmakers. The improvisation class is based on the actor as a impulse creator and controller. Evan studied acting with a number of different teachers and continues to learn. Home schooling is a way for life for his family. Two daughters attended Leaves and are now in University and his son graduated from college and is working for CBS Sports in NYC. Productions made by the Leaves of Learning students have received three nominations for Blue Chip video awards. Evan is the producer of Entertainers in the Tristate, a variety show that appears on most of the cable access systems in the Cincinnati area. Entertainers has won or been nominated for many Blue Chip awards. The videos produced by Leaves' students also appear regularly on these stations. Evan has a B.S. in Accounting from Ohio University.
Julie Klettke
Julie has over 9 years experience teaching in both public and private schools. She has an Associate Degree in Nursing and spent 4 years working in healthcare before taking time to stay home with her children. Julie received a BA in Biology and a BS in Elementary Education from UC. She has completed 12 hours of graduate work in gifted education at XU. While teaching in a public school, Julie attended a series of seminars for “Assessment For Learning” (Rick Stiggins) with a team of teachers from her building. The approaches used in “Assessment For Learning” exemplify her methods of teaching. She encourages children to take part in their learning by sharing ideas and insights, using creative methods to solve problems, and reflecting on their progress and feelings about their work. Julie uses hands on activities and critical thinking problem sets to encourage children to learn in different ways.

Jim Lawson
After a career in public administration, Jim Lawson now records and produces music in his own recording studio, and will teach guitar at LOL beginning in the fall of 2006. Jim has played guitar for more than 35 years, and is proficient in many styles of music. A multi-instrumentalist, Jim has participated in many studio sessions, both locally and nationally, and can currently be found performing with well-known musicians at many local venues. He and his wife, who also performs locally, live in Anderson Township with their two children, one of whom attends LOL. For more information, contact Jim at fcstudios@fuse.net, or 513-231-0615.
Diana Mattson
This is Diana's fifth year of spreading her enthusiasm for science to her LOL students. Her creative projects and experiments are well known throughout the program. Diana earned her degree in chemical engineering from Purdue University and worked in the Plastics Industry for eight years. She discovered the joy of sharing her enthusiasm for science with children when she started teaching an after-school science outreach program. Diana lives in Loveland and has three children.
Michelle Miranda
Michelle is an inspiring, experienced teacher who takes time to get to know her students and understands the importance of mutual respect. Her creativity and enthusiasm about language and communications make her lessons come alive. Michelle was recognized as Teacher of the Year by Loveland parents, students and teachers in 2003. She has a Bachelor's degree in secondary education from Miami University and a Masters in Education from Nova Southeastern University. She is certified in English, Language Arts, Speech and Communication for grades 7-12.

Diana Osborn
Diana is the founder of Leaves of Learning and has been the director for the past 11 years. She loves working with children of all ages and has a passion and commitment to individualize education. She feels that while an education certainly provides skills and opportunities for a child's future, it is also an important part of the journey, and as such, should be enjoyed. She believes that education should meet children where they are and take them where they want to go, through caring guidance, enthusiasm and support. Her favorite moments at LOL are when students discover their talents and passions for learning. She has three children in college -all former L.O.L. students. Diana has taught Hands-on Science classes for NSF and L.O.L. She was a chemist for DuBois Chemical and a pharmaceutical representative for Whitehall Robbins. She holds a BS in Chemistry.
Katie Reilly
Katie graduated from Miami University with a BS in marketing and finance. After a few years in corporate America, she decided that teaching was her ultimate goal so she earned a M. Ed from DePaul University in Chicago. She taught in the Chicago Public Schools for a couple years before moving back home to Cincinnati. Katie teaches with a hands-on approach and makes each lesson memorable. She lives in Montgomery with her husband and three children.
Mary Beth Rieth
BS Biology from Baldwin-Wallace College. Teaching Cert. for Biological Science/Chemistry. Worked 10 years in Environmental Industry. She resides with her husband and children in Bridgetown.
Laura Samuels
Laura has been teaching for over twenty years in a variety of venues, with a wide age range of students, and many different subjects. Her youngest students were seven and her oldest was ninety-four. She has an undergraduate degree from Indiana University in Religious Studies. She has a master’s degree from Brandeis University in Jewish Education and Communal Service. She has an Ed.D. from The University of Cincinnati in Educational Foundations with a concentration in educational anthropology. Laura’s teaching experiences range from teaching graduate students about cultural differences, qualitative research methodology, and curriculum development, to teaching second graders Hebrew reading and writing. She was the Principal of a supplementary Jewish high school for seven years in one school and four years in another school. She taught in junior high schools for seven years. She was an adviser and researcher for a national program of educational change. She has worked with principals for many years facilitating study sessions about the philosophy of education and leadership. She was the recipient of a Wexner Graduate Fellowship from 1989 – 1993. She has been homeschooling her two children, both of whom attend LOL off and on for the past six years. She is looking forward to working in a caring educational environment like LOL where each child’s uniqueness is truly valued and allowed to grow.

Chris Santoro
Chris Santoro and her two boys were part of L.O.L. for the first 7 years, until her boys wanted to play baseball at Madeira High School. While Philip and Ryan attended L.O.L., Chris was assistant director and substitute teacher. Chris left L.O.L. in 2004 to write a book on World War One and to work and volunteer at a non profit for children in foster care. Chris has a degree in Communications from Ohio University, and 20 years of experience in advertising and marketing. Her real love is history and writing, and working with kids—especially teens. She's thrilled to be able to combine all her interests by returning to L.O.L. as a teacher. Chris loves everything British, and to read, garden, quilt, eat, and hike. Ask her about kids in foster care and she'll recruit you for ProKids! Chris, her husband Bob, Philip, and Ryan live in Madeira surrounded by an overwhelming garden that she has no one to blame for but herself.
Christie Sawyer
Christie is an LOL teacher as well as the Assistant Director. Her positive attitude, commitment and caring attitude make her stand out as an effective teacher and administrator. She has been working at Leaves of Learning since 2003. She taught in Cabrini Green housing projects in Chicago, IL, for five years before moving to Cincinnati. She has a Masters Degree from Xavier University in Educational Administration and her Bachelors in Elementary Education from Ohio University. She believes that experiencing the excitement and joy that a child expresses when he/she learns something new is one of the greatest benefits in the business of education. Christie loves to read, run, bike, travel and experience new and exciting things. She is looking forward to watching your children grow in their knowledge and enthusiasm during the upcoming year.

Susie Schickel
Susan Schickel has been a professional musician and music instructor for over 30 years. She holds a degree in voice and music education from the University of Dayton. Her teaching experiences include both classroom and private students, grades k-12. She is currently the music/choir director at St. Veronica Church. She has been active in musical theater as both a performer and director, playing such roles as Lucy in YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, Fanny Brice in FUNNY GIRL and Princess Winifred in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS.

Jennifer Showalter
Jenny graduated from Miami University in 2000 with a BA in Mathematics and Statistics and a BS in Secondary Mathematics Education. She taught everything from Algebra to Calculus at Middletown High School for 4 years before becoming a stay-at-home-mom. She has since been teaching part time at Miami University Middletown. This is her second year at Leaves. She lives in a historic Franklin home with her husband and two children.

New Teacher
Soon to come
R.J. Trusty
R.J. has been studying Martial Arts for over 15 years, 12 of those years have been under Grandmaster Randolph Smith Senior. He currently studies Tae Kwon Do Moo Duk Kwon, Kobajitsu, Hapkido, Tai Chi Chuan, and Yoga. In the past R.J. has also studied Kung Fu, & Sho Rhin Ryu for a brief time. His purpose for studying Martial Arts is for personal growth & the joy of being able to share what he has learned with others.

Robyn Williams
Robyn moved to Cincinnati in 1998, with her husband and two boys. Prior to her move here, she owned her own small business, Proactive Fitness. She has a Degree in Physical Education /Recreation and a Business Diploma. She taught Physical Education at The Academy (for gifted children), held a long term sub position at Loveland Elementary School and this will be her third year at Leaves! She is an outdoor enthusiast and you may see her out cycling or running! One of her favorite quotes,” Sustained enthusiasm is life’s most precious habit, life’s healthiest attitude!”

Mark Woods
Coming soon! Mark has extensive experience directing plays and mucicals. He recently directed the Loveland Stage Company prodcution of "The King & I". He is known for his creativity and kindness.

Tammy Wright
Tammy is a dedicated teacher committed to making the sciences accessible to all of her students. She is known for individualizing her approach to learning to challenge her students. Her excitement for science is inspiring. She holds a BS in Chemistry and Physics and a secondary teaching certificate. She is also close to finishing her Masters in Education. Tammy has two daughters.

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Catherine developed and has been teaching this intensive history/language arts course for nine years. Her love of history, literature and writing inspired her to develop this integrated program, which utilizes both Montessori and Core Knowledge techniques to encourage students' love of learning. Catherine holds degrees in fine art and nursing, has two children, and has been homeschooling for nine years. This is Catherine's sixth year teaching at LOL.




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