Jaro Zita, Director of Operations for Westwood

Jaro Zita has been committed to working with disadvantaged students since 2010. After serving in the United States Army, he graduated from Kent State University with BS in Integrated Social Studies Education 7-12. He finds joy in spending time with his family (dog and people alike), good music, cooking, climbing, and long-distance running.

Dionne Guerra, Director of Special Education for Westwood

Dionne Guerra is a graduate of Walsh University with over a decade of experience in the field of special education. From teaching in the classroom to becoming a Director of Special Education for Westwood Preparatory Academy, she has found her career fulfilling and motivating as an advocate for disadvantaged students. Dionne strives to ensure the students receive a quality education, the opportunity to be challenged, and to have educational success. She enjoys traveling, and is an avid cook.

Cassie Bierkortte, Assistant Director of Operations for Westwood

Cassie holds a Master of Education degree in the area of Curriculum and Instruction from Ohio University and a Bachelor of Education degree in the area of Integrated Language Arts 7-12 also from Ohio University. She has been working with disadvantaged students for her entire teaching career. Cassie became the assistant director of operations in 2024. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, painting, and spending time with her dog.

Tamara Rieser, Curriculum and Principal for Westwood OES

Mrs. Rieser holds a Master of Education degree from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Education degree from Ohio Dominican College.  She worked as a teacher from 1993 - 2017.  She became the Director of Education at WPA and has been in her position at Hittle House since 2018.

Renee Houser, Principal for Belmont Pines

Jennifer Samples, Student Services

Jennie Samples passion for working with disadvantaged students was ignited while working as an instructional assistant. She is currently overseeing new opportunities in partner development for Westwood. In her spare time Jennie enjoys spending time with her family.

Donald Washburn, Principal for Westwood at NECCO and Maryhill Center for Youth

Donald is a licensed superintendent and a licensed professional counselor.  He has been in education for over 20 years.  Donald enjoys learning, running, hiking, and networking with others to better the educational programming for the students he serves.

Jennifer Randle, Principal for Hittle House and Gracehaven

Jennifer Randle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Ohio University in 1993. She wrote and edited for small newspapers in Cleveland before transitioning to academic publishing in 2001. She continues to work as a copy editor for scientific journals. Her interest in the treatment and well-being of children whose lives are impacted by juvenile justice or children services began during her time as a journalist and ultimately led her to a role as a special education coordinator for Westwood Preparatory Academy. Besides coordinating special education services for her students, Jennifer also instructs them in therapeutic martial arts. In addition to various martial arts disciplines, Jennifer also has an abiding interest in the neurobiology of trauma, polyvagal theory, and trauma-informed education.

Emily Wilcox, District Administrator for Westwood &Notary Public

Mrs. Wilcox holds an Associates Degree from Columbus State Community College and is a licensed Instructional Assistant with over 20 years of experience in customer service.  Detail oriented and creative, she truly loves helping others accomplish their goals.  Emily is an animal lover who enjoys camping, college football and family time.

Ken Ehrman, Principal for Hannah Neil

Ken holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education (OSU), and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership (Ashland) and Special Education (Mt Vernon). He enjoyed his role as a regular education teacher for 25 years before switching to special education and serving as an Intervention Specialist for 5 years. Mr. Ehrman joined Westwood Preparatory Academy in 2019 in the role of IEP Coordinator/IS at Hittle House. He is currently starting his second year as Director of Education at Hannah Neil. He has been happily married for 39 years and has three adult children. He loves spending time with his three granddaughters and being out in God’s creation. He also enjoys taking walks with his wife, playing guitar/singing, working with his hands, and landscaping.

Craig Walder, Principal for Northcutt, Ranch of Opportunity, and Oesterlen Services for Youth

Craig Walder has been committed to working with disadvantaged youth since 2005. After serving in the field of criminal justice, as a juvenile parole officer. he switched over to the field of education. He finds joy in spending time with his family, church, cycling basketball, and just helping people achieve their purpose in life.

Brittany Kucnick, Director of Education for Mohican Young Star Academy

Brittany holds a teaching license for grades 7-12 in both English and Integrated Mathematics. She is currently working toward a master's degree in Educational Leadership through Ashland University. Outside of work, she has had unique experiences such as swimming with a dolphin in Florida and walking through a rainforest in Washington state. Additionally, she has served in a volunteer position as a regional president of a non-profit organization since 2019. In this capacity, she has led and trained numerous local volunteers who work with children ages 18 months to eleven years old. Brittany enjoys spending time with her husband and six children. As a family, they enjoy challenging ropes courses, exhilarating zip lines, and traveling.