About OCCS
The Benefit of Sponsorship. The Advantage of Choice.
Our Team
The Ohio Council of Community Schools is led by experienced educators who share a commitment to high-quality education for all students. While the OCCS Board of Trustees sets the overall direction and mission for the organization, the leadership team and staff are responsible for its implementation.
Providing Sound Leadership Since 1998
Lenny Schafer, M.ED., PCC-S
Executive Director
Lenny Schafer, M.ED., PCC-S
Executive Director
Lenny has worked at the Ohio Council of Community Schools for 19 years and has served kids in a variety of capacities. He started as a Regional Representative in Northeast Ohio, served as the Associate Executive Director and was responsible for leading the new school development team. Lenny provided leadership over several OCCS departments — academics, special education, and compliance. Prior to OCCS, Lenny was a founding member of two dropout recovery high schools in Canton, Ohio. He holds a Master of Education in counseling and is an independently licensed professional clinical counselor. He founded Life’s Behavioral Solutions, a child and adolescent counseling center in Canton, Ohio. Lenny has a 20 year son, Ethan, who is a Sophomore at The University of Toledo and also has a cat named Tiki.
Jason Wall, M.Ed.
Associate Executive Director
Jason Wall, M.Ed.
Associate Executive Director
Jason Wall is the Associate Executive Director of Development for the Ohio Council of Community Schools. Jason has experience in many facets of Ohio's charter school movement, from teaching to developing an education management organization in 2012 and opening a new charter school. He has worked in the Center for School Finance for the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) where he calculated monthly charter school payments, developed policy, as well as managed the Ohio State Community School Administration System. He previously served as Director of Fiscal Services and Advocacy at OCCS. He received his undergraduate degree in education from Capital University (2000).
Darrin Beconder, BA
Vice President of Internal Oversight
Darrin Beconder, BA
Vice President of Internal Oversight
Darrin Beconder is the Vice President of Internal Oversight for OCCS and joined the company in 2012 as a Regional Representative in the northeast Ohio region. In his current role, he oversees the department that monitors our sponsored schools' compliance with all federal, state, and contractual guidelines. Darrin has been part of the community school movement for 21 years and brings expertise in urban school leadership, school improvement, special education, operations, and management. Before joining OCCS, he served as Director of Support Operations for a management company and as a school administrator in Akron, Cincinnati, and Youngstown. Darrin enjoys watching football and superhero moves and spending time with his wife, five children, and nine grandchildren.
Tony Cardinal, M.Ed.
Vice President of External Oversight
Tony Cardinal, M.Ed.
Vice President of External Oversight
Tony Cardinal is the Vice President of External Oversight for OCCS. He has been working in education for over 21 years, the last seventeen of which were within the charter school movement. Tony has a Bachelor of Arts in science and a master’s degree in educational administration. Prior to joining OCCS, he was a high school teacher for four years and a K-8 principal for nine years. In these positions, Tony was responsible for academics, special education, testing, data, school finances, and ensuring the school was in compliance with state law.
Shelby Sauer, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Shelby Sauer, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Shelby Sauer is the Chief Financial Officer. She is responsible for all financial functions of the organization, including accounting, audit, budgeting, and finance committee relations. She assists the fiscal team with monthly monitoring of school financial reports. Her career spans over 20 years of experience in financial analysis, public tax accounting, budgeting, and human resources. Before joining OCCS in 2006, Shelby worked in the public sector, specializing in tax and business planning. Shelby earned her Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the University of Toledo. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a Licensed School Treasurer. When she's not traveling the country to watch her daughters complete in year-round volleyball programs, you might find Shelby lounging by her backyard swimming pool with her husband, her two girls, and her two dogs.
Jessica Blair, M.Ed.
Director of School Improvement
Jessica Blair, M.Ed.
Director of School Improvement
Jessica Blair joined OCCS in 2016. Before becoming the Director of School Improvement at OCCS, Jessica served as an elementary principal in the Toledo area. She is a licensed Intervention Specialist and began her career as a Special Education Teacher in Texas. Jessica Blair has been in education for over 20 years. She holds a bachelor's in special education from Bowling Green University and a master's in education leadership from the University of Phoenix. She is currently a Doctoral student in special education leadership at Concordia University. You can find Jessica walking her dog at the park outside of her time at the office.
Todd Burger, MA
Director of Special Education
Todd Burger, MA
Director of Special Education
Todd Burger joined OCCS in 2012 and currently serves as the Director of Special Education, providing oversight, technical assistance, and support to all OCCS schools. Todd has over 20 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, coach, and administrator in both traditional and community schools. Todd earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Ohio Northern University and a Master's Degree in Education Leadership from The Ohio State University. As a licensed administrator, Todd has experience with curriculum design and development, special education program compliance, and school improvement processes. He is also a certified instructor in Crisis Prevention and Intervention.
Scott McClain, MA
Director of Regional Representatives
Scott McClain, MA
Director of Regional Representatives
As the Director of Regional Representatives at OCCS, Scott McClain brings knowledge and expertise gained from over two decades in education. Equipped with a Bachelor's degree in Management and a Master's in Project Management, Scott has a unique perspective that spans classroom instruction, leadership, and governance. Before joining OCCS, he wore many hats—quite stylish ones, in fact—serving as a dedicated classroom teacher, a high school leader, and a school board member. When he's not orchestrating educational initiatives, Scott can be found perfecting his golf swing, whipping up dishes for his catering hobby, and skillfully avoiding cameras to maintain an air of enigmatic charm.
Sarah Sánchez Everett, BS
Director of Communications
Sarah Sánchez Everett, BS
Director of Communications
Hailing from the great state of Texas, Sarah is a graduate of Bowling Green State University where she studied Broadcast Journalism. Shortly after earning her degree, she was asked to assist in launching an arts network in the Toledo area. After six years of hosting, editing, and production in the TV industry, Sarah is now the Director of Communications for OCCS and is responsible for managing and maintaining the OCCS social media accounts, the website, planning events and working to build partnerships with organizations across the state.
Adrianne C. Shreve, BS
Director of Fiscal Oversight
Adrianne C. Shreve, BS
Director of Fiscal Oversight
As the Director of Fiscal Oversight, Adrianne Shreve analyzes and monitors the fiscal viability of OCCS-sponsored schools. She has been a member of the OCCS team since April 2012. In 2015, Adrianne obtained her Ohio school treasurer license. Adrianne attended Bowling Green State University, receiving her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration (Aye, Ziggy Zoomba!). Before joining the organization, Adrianne spent ten years in public accounting, where she obtained a specialization in the preparation of non-profit entity financial reporting and tax compliance. Outside the office, she enjoys yarn crafts and looks forward to having an alpaca farm one day.
Elisabeth Webb, MA
Director of Compliance
Elisabeth Webb, MA
Director of Compliance
Elisabeth Webb is the Director of Compliance for OCCS. Elisabeth has worked for OCCS since 2006, focused in the areas of compliance and governance. Elisabeth holds a master’s of arts in security studies from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s of arts in governance and business from Skidmore College. Her additional work experience includes, serving as a Director of Outreach for the Institute on Religion and Public Policy and a Research Assistant on the Global Terrorism Database project for the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism.
Danielle Hier, Ph.D.
Northeast Ohio Regional Representative
Danielle Hier, Ph.D.
Northeast Ohio Regional Representative
With three decades of educational experience, Danielle Hier is well-versed in virtual and traditional settings. She has advocated for school choice, special education, and research in various leadership and administrative positions, overseeing elementary and high school students, staff, and teachers. Danielle holds a Bachelor of Science in education, a Master of Education in administration, and a Doctor of Education in school leadership.
Megan Howard, M.ED.
Northeast Ohio Regional Representative
Megan Howard, M.ED.
Northeast Ohio Regional Representative
Megan Howard is a Northeast Ohio Regional Representative. She has worked in the education field for the past 11 years, with a background in both public and charter schools. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and master’s degree in Elementary Education. Her experience includes teaching elementary school for several years, working as a data coach where she assisted administrators and staff on how to collect, analyze and utilize data to improve school outcomes, and most recently as a testing coordinator where she helped manage and facilitate district wide testing. During her free time, Megan loves to spend time with her husband Kyle, daughter Lainey, and her two dogs Clyde and Kimber.
Kait Pizzimenti
Associate Director of Special Education
Kait Pizzimenti
Associate Director of Special Education
Kait Pizzimenti is the Associate Director of Special Education, providing comprehensive support to OCCS schools. With general and special education expertise, Kait holds a Bachelor of Science in Integrated English Language Arts Education from Miami University, supplemented by graduate coursework to earn her Mild/Moderate Intervention licensure. She has over 10 years of experience as a classroom teacher, intervention specialist, and technology coach. Beyond her professional pursuits, Kait finds fulfillment in teaching and practicing yoga.
Keith Hutcherson
Associate Director of Information Technology
Keith Hutcherson
Associate Director of Information Technology
With over 35 years of experience in the computer industry, Keith joined OCCS in 2008 and is now the Associate Director of Information Technology. Keith is an A+ certified computer technician specializing in several computing areas: desktop operating systems, Microsoft Office, Adobe ConnectWise Manage, UNIFI Systems, Filemaker Pro, and Malwarebytes. He supports and coordinates the IT department's various activities, conducts analysis of departmental procedures, and maintains multiple databases for OCCS. Keith also contributes to OCCS projects that require innovative technological and data solutions. Keith is an award-winning photographer who loves to take pictures of wildlife, nature, and people.
Tara Jones, BS
Central Ohio Regional Representative
Tara Jones, BS
Central Ohio Regional Representative
Tara Jones is the Central Ohio Regional Representative. She has been an educator throughout Ohio for the last 28 years, including 7 years as a teacher at a virtual charter school. Her experience includes working as a high school and middle school mathematics instructor, an intervention specialist, curriculum consultant, and a district math coach. During her career, Tara held the position of Director of Education for the Ohio Osteopathic Association acting as the liaison with Ohio University Heritage College of Medicine and providing educational opportunities for association members. Tara is a Bobcat earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from Ohio University, but her long-time residency in Columbus has also made her a Buckeye too.
Kristin Katakis, M.Ed.
Northwest Ohio Regional Representative
Kristin Katakis, M.Ed.
Northwest Ohio Regional Representative
Kristin Katakis is the Northwest Ohio Regional Representative. Kristin has been a part of the OCCS team since 2019. She works closely with school leaders and governing boards and supports her schools with legal compliance. She has worked in education for the past 17 years, seven of those years at a virtual charter school. Her experience includes teaching high school social studies, mentoring teachers, working closely with administrators, and planning and leading professional development. Kristin earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Bowling Green State University and a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Educational Technology from Cleveland State University. When Kristin isn't busy remodeling her home, she loves traveling with her family, hanging out with her cat, thrifting, and watching the Browns, Guardians, and Buckeye games.
Judy Sgambati, M.Ed.
Data Analyst
Judy Sgambati, M.Ed.
Data Analyst
Judy Sgambati joined OCCS in 2007 and is currently the Data Analyst. She analyzes academic data and supports schools in curriculum, instruction, English as a Second Language, and Special Education. Judy has over 24 years of experience in charter schools as a teacher, board member, and administrator, as well as experience at the EMO and sponsor levels. She also served as a member of the State Advisory Panel for Exceptional Children. Judy earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Cincinnati. She also holds a Master's degree in Education Administration from Xavier University. Judy loves hanging out with her three teenage kids in her free time. Seriously, she really does. Most of the time...
Stephanie Trawick, BS
Central Ohio Regional Representative
Stephanie Trawick, BS
Central Ohio Regional Representative
Stephanie Trawick joined OCCS in August 2022 as the Central Ohio Regional Representative. In her current role, she supports and provides guidance to several community schools in Columbus to ensure compliance. Stephanie enjoys visiting her schools and seeing the outstanding education they provide for their students. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Middle Childhood Education from Ohio University. Before joining OCCS, she taught for ten years in Columbus. She is passionate about literacy education and providing reading intervention for struggling readers. She avidly enjoys many sports, especially Ohio State football and Boston Red Sox baseball. Stephanie is a massive music enthusiast and enjoys attending concerts of all genres. She is a mother of three boys and is happiest spending time at home with her family and two dogs.
Matthew Trzcinski, BA
Contract Analyst
Matthew Trzcinski, BA
Contract Analyst
Matthew Trzcinski joined OCCS in 2006 and currently serves as the Contract Analyst. Prior to joining the organization, Matthew worked for a former member of the Ohio House of Representatives who was instrumental in bringing charter schools to Ohio. He is a graduate of the University of Toledo and began his work with OCCS as a member of the compliance team. Since then, he has worked in all aspects of charter school oversight, from being a regional representative in Columbus, to working with school governing authorities in charter contract renewal, and working through the process of new school development.
Wendy Rowland, M.Ed.
Assistant Director of Regional Representatives
Wendy Rowland, M.Ed.
Assistant Director of Regional Representatives
Wendy Rowland joined OCCS in 2010 as the Southwest Ohio Regional Representative. In addition to serving Southwest Ohio, she now supports other OCCS regional representatives as the Assistant Director of Regional Representatives. Wendy enjoys interacting with the various stakeholders and supporting students within the schools. She earned a master's in Educational Administration from Xavier University and a bachelor's degree from Miami University. Before joining the OCCS team, Wendy was a middle school teacher at a Cincinnati charter school for four years. Wendy is a mother of four children and enjoys reading, running, and traveling.
Miriam Dia
Administrative Specialist
Miriam Dia
Administrative Specialist
Miriam joined OCCS in 2023 as an Administrative Specialist. Prior to joining the OCCS team, she was an office manager at a K-8 charter school. She graduated in May of 2019 from the University of Toledo, with her Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration and a minor in Business Administration. In her role, Miriam assists with a wide range of administrative and personal assistant duties. Miriam loves going for long walks and swimming.
Willa Bundy
Compliance Specialist
Willa Bundy
Compliance Specialist
Willa began her career with OCCS part-time in 2006 as a bookkeeper. Since then, she has transitioned full-time, supporting the compliance and administrative teams. In her current role, she serves as a Compliance Specialist. Willa enjoys being part of a student-focused organization that is dedicated to advancing educational choice. Before joining OCCS, she managed an after-school program at a Toledo-area private school and has over 20 years of experience as a legal secretary. Willa earned her associate degree in Business Management from the University of Toledo and is a notary public. Willa enjoys road trips with her husband and adult children and is an avid bird watcher.
Felicia Hunt
Communications Specialist
Felicia Hunt
Communications Specialist
Felicia joined OCCS in 2013 as an Administrative Specialist, after nearly a decade of retail management experience. In her role, Felicia assists with event and conference planning, travel arrangements, graphic design, and overall administrative support. She has completed coursework at Huntington University and International Business College.
Paige Gorsuch, BBA
Compliance Specialist
Paige Gorsuch, BBA
Compliance Specialist
Paige Gorsuch is a Compliance Specialist for OCCS. She graduated from the University of Toledo with her Bachelor’s in Business Administration in May 2020, with a major in Business Management and a minor in Digital Marketing. Prior to joining OCCS, she was at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo as a Resource Development & Grants Coordinator and helped with events and marketing.
Diane Russell
Fiscal Analyst
Diane Russell
Fiscal Analyst
Diane joined the fiscal services team in 2015. Diane has been a QuickBooks ProAdvisor since 2000 and has worked on behalf of a member of the Sage Accountant’s Network for the past 15 years. She is also experienced with SAP and Great Plains software. Diane spent more than a decade in public accounting firms providing a wide range of accounting services including bookkeeping, payroll filing and compilation work. She has worked with multiple nonprofit organizations implementing accounting software and offering technical support. Diane also has experience as tech support for QuickBooks and Sage software and spent some time in private industry accounting.
Lori Rysz
Compliance Paralegal
Lori Rysz
Compliance Paralegal
Lori has worked with OCCS for the past 12 years and is currently in the role of Paralegal for the Compliance Department. Lori has 21 years of compliance-related experience, 16 years of school related experience, and 12 years of compliance database management experience. Lori also handles parental complaints, provides fingerprinting services for background checks to the Ohio Attorney General, and is a Notary Public. Lori attended Monroe County Community College and recently received her Paralegal Certificate. Prior to her employment with OCCS, Lori’s business experience included working as a Student/Family Services Coordinator for the Performing Arts School of Metropolitan Toledo, President and Peer Grief Counselor for the Greater Toledo SIDS Support Network, and Assistant to the Regional Leasing Manager for Simon Property Group, LLC and Property Manager for Nationwide-Northtowne, LLC.
As A Matter of Fact:
Over the past four school years, at least 75% of OCCS-sponsored schools have earned an equal or better Performance Index Grade than their local district.