About Us

Summer Crenshaw is an executive and former tech startup founder whose core competencies include marketing, business development, and public relations. As a military spouse to a combat-disabled veteran, Summer has passionately advocated for military service members, veterans, and military families. She has worked in the tri-state area to promote programs that serve the local military community.

As a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor in Communications from Miami University and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University, Summer has used her education in tandem with her passion for community development to support initiatives that bring change to the Cincinnati market.

After Summer spoke to the ChallengeU team about their mission and vision for ChallengeU Ohio Community School, she saw how it aligned with her passions. She felt that taking part in this initiative was “a natural fit.”

Monica Turner is a Channel Sales Executive at Performive with over 15 years of experience in relationship development and consultative selling. Her career includes nearly 13 years as a Development Manager at T-Mobile and recent leadership roles at Nexigen, where she empowered businesses with cutting-edge technology solutions.

A graduate of Miami University with a Bachelor's degree in Business Integrated Studies, Monica is a Leadership Development Program Graduate and active member of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion councils focused on veterans and women. Her expertise spans sales management, strategic planning, and cross-functional leadership.

Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Monica's passion for seeing others grow and succeed drives her work and community involvement. She approaches change with a positive outlook and believes in creating opportunities for all. Monica's commitment to relationship building and empowering others aligns perfectly with ChallengeU's mission to transform students' lives through alternative education paths, giving them the second chance they deserve to thrive.

Juanita Edwards has been caring for children since 2008, providing nurturing and educational environments for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged kids in her home. She creates engaging lesson plans, prepares children for Head Start and Kindergarten, and actively participates in classroom activities. Additionally, Juanita serves as the Human Resources Manager at Prosperous Lawn Care, overseeing day-to-day operations and managing client interactions. With a passion for childcare and organizational skills, Juanita ensures both children and clients receive exceptional care and service.

Believing that every child deserves a second chance, Juanita is committed to the mission of ChallengeU and has joined the board of directors. She believes in providing opportunities for children to thrive and succeed, and is dedicated to supporting ChallengeU's efforts to make a positive impact in the lives of young people.

Sam Hairston Jr. has held work experience in the fields of sales, construction and transportation. Outside of his professional endeavors, Sam spends his time leading the men’s group at his local church. Sam is currently a CCO Certified Operator licensed in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. He received a Career Technology Diploma from Butler Technology & Career Development Schools in Hamilton, Ohio.

Sam reminds us of the value of trade schools and will provide a different lens to the eyes of ChallengeU students that are interested in pursuing trade certifications. For Sam, being a part of the board means “being a part of a group of change-makers.” He says, “I feel like everybody deserves a second chance. Anything that is geared towards drawing in the youth, I am here for it.”

Kalena Marie Robinson has over 30 years of experience in the medical field, serving as a health team leader, caseworker, disability and mental health team leader, and driving school owner. Kalena’s educational background includes Wilberforce University, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Technical and Community College, Brown Mackie College, Good Samaritan Hospital, and Children’s Hospital.

Born and raised in Cincinnati, with so many fond memories of her community, Kalena’s desire to see positive change in her city is deeply rooted. She believes that if she can positively impact just one person’s life by volunteering her time and providing resources or knowledge, that is a tremendous accomplishment.

She says, “I feel very blessed & honored to be part of ChallengeU. I’m honored to be a part of this new adventure that ChallengeU is bringing to Cincinnati, and together we all can make a difference.”

Nic is a serial social entrepreneur specialized in EdTech. Before his involvement in education, he founded three tech start-ups that were later acquired (CESART, CESCOM, I5). He owns mobile advertising patents, has written industry books, and has provided consulting services worldwide. In 2009, Nic started his education journey by founding the Mobilys Foundation, a charity financed by Google, banks, and the Government. The Foundation’s mission is to prevent students from dropping out of school by using social media to connect teachers, parents, and the community to support these students.

The Mobilys program is active in 160 schools. Since 2016, it has been paired with the ChallengeU program, and Nic has focused his dropout recovery program in partnership with public schools to build a better future for all communities.

Andrew Pasquinilli brings more than 20 years of K-12 leadership across traditional, blended, and virtual learning environments. Before joining ChallengeU, he held senior operations roles supporting statewide virtual schools and served as founding principal of a blended learning high school, and principal of a brick and mortar dropout prevention and recovery school. A first-generation college graduate, Andrew believes education has the power to drive positive, generational change. He is guided by the conviction that personalized learning, genuine belonging, and a relationship with a caring educator are the keys to ensuring student learns and succeeds. Andrew lives in Columbus, Ohio, with his wife of almost 25 years and their four children — two in college and one each in middle and high school.

Rebecca has over 7+ years of experience working in online schools for the state of Ohio, specializing in administrative roles. As an Enrollment Specialist and Testing Coordinator at ChallengeU, Rebecca brings a diverse skill set to assist students in the enrollment process and ensure a smooth transition into the program. Rebecca is also dedicated to creating a supportive environment for students during state testing, making sure they have access to quiet and safe locations for optimal performance. Currently pursuing her Master’s in Educational Leadership, Rebecca is passionate about helping students succeed and thrive in their academic journeys.

Marie-Pier, once a school dropout in her early years, brings a firsthand understanding of the challenges young people face daily. Having navigated various roles at ChallengeU, she now serves as a Consultant Management Specialist. Her responsibilities involve spearheading multiple projects and optimizing student enrollment processes for greater efficiency.

Erika has 25 years of experience in various educational settings, including traditional and virtual environments. She has worked as a high school math teacher and school counselor. Erika is known for her compassionate, innovative, and inspiring approach to education, always putting students at the center. She is deeply dedicated to her students' success and addresses their holistic needs. Erika is passionate about establishing connections with her students and breaking down barriers to help them achieve academic success and build community ties. She earned her undergraduate degree from Ohio State University and her master's degree from John Carroll University. Go Bucks! In her free time, Erika loves spending time with her husband and two children, being outside in the warm weather and traveling~!

Billy has 14 years of experience working in the classroom and/or on the coaching field, empowering his students across a variety of different settings in the real world. As a devoted advocate to disadvantaged youth, Billy is an optimist to the core and believes in a student-centric approach when framing his educational success. A proud alumnus of The Ohio State University and a lifelong resident of Ohio, Billy is passionate about public service in his community and helping others build a better future.

Karen has over 30 years of experience in the Criminal Justice field, where she has dedicated her career to helping individuals make better life choices. As a graduation coach at ChallengeU, Karen is passionate about empowering students with the tools they need to succeed. She combines her deep understanding of human behavior with her commitment to education, helping students navigate challenges and realize their potential.

Having spent 4 years working in various school districts in throughout Ohio, Logan is passionate about connecting with students and families to help reduce barriers that may limit a student’s ability to succeed. As a school counselor for ChallengeU, Logan will help students discover more about themselves, their interests, strengths, and weaknesses and ultimately help them reach their goals. A Baldwin Wallace graduate who completed his bachelor's degree in Psychology along with playing football for the Yellow Jackets, Logan later pursued and earned a Master's degree in school counseling at Heidelberg University. Logan is also a football coach at Barberton High School, helping students not only remotely achieve their goals, but also on the gridiron.

Born into a family of educators, Amy has spent the last 15+ years both in and out of the classroom. She brings a lifelong love of learning to ChallengeU. A parent of an online learner, she understands the challenges both in front of and behind the screen. Amy looks forward to working with both students and their parents. A Miami University graduate, she is energized by challenge and looks forward to helping ChallengeU students navigate their path to SUCCESS!

Devin, a graduate of a dropout prevention online high school herself, understands firsthand the challenges young teens face while trying to complete their education against the odds. As an Administrative Assistant at ChallengeU, Devin plays a key role in supporting the team by assisting with various tasks, including obtaining transcripts and maintaining student records. Devin’s background gives her a unique perspective, motivating her to support students as they navigate challenges and work toward achieving their educational goals. In her free time, Devin really enjoys teaching her 1 year old new things and loves to go on motorcycle rides!

Mark Bray brings over two decades of IT support expertise to ChallengeU, complemented by a diverse background in printing, graphic design, music production, and web development. His extensive experience in both in-person and remote support ensures that students and counselors receive top-notch assistance for all their needs. Originally from Indiana and having lived on both coasts, Mark now calls Ohio home. In his free time, he enjoys exploring local parks, skateboarding, and creating music and art.

Deborah is an experienced educator, administrator, and spreadsheet fanatic! Her educational background is TESOL (teaching English to Speakers or Other Languages), and she has experience teaching students 3yo to 60+. Deborah is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments where students from all backgrounds and cultures can thrive. She is currently pursing a data analytics certificate so she can crunch even more numbers! 

When not working, Deborah enjoys reading, writing, and cuddling with her two cats, Sam and Priscilla.

Elizabeth, who has spent the past seven years serving students as a school counselor, is thrilled to transition her passion for student advocacy and building connections to the role of a graduation coach. In this new role, she will continue to empower students to stay engaged and achieve their educational goals, especially those facing unique obstacles. She received her undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee State University and master's degree from the University of Memphis.

In Elizabeth's free time, she enjoys attending comedy shows, relaxing on her porch, and supporting her hometown's NBA team, the Memphis Grizzlies. Grit and Grind!

Graduation Coach-IC Coordinator-With nearly three decades of experience in education, Kelli has dedicated her career to helping students discover their potential and thrive in their learning journeys. She began with 5 years in traditional brick-and-mortar classrooms before moving into online and blended learning, where she has spent the past 24 years—and found her true passion. This is Kelli's first year at ChallengeU and is very excited to be here with her online learners. As an educator, Kelli is deeply committed to motivating and encouraging learners, meeting them where they are, and guiding them toward growth and success. Her love for the online learning world drives her to create meaningful, engaging, and supportive experiences that empower students to reach their goals and realize what they’re capable of achieving. Kelli graduated from BGSU with a BS of Mathematics and Education in 1995, where she met her husband who is also an educator. She earned her Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 2007, while teaching full time and raising her four young children. Kelli's pride and joy are her four children: now 27, 26, 25, 24 years old. Kelli also loves football, rollerblading, everything Disney and shopping.

With over 11 years of experience in education, 5 years in traditional classrooms and 6 years in online learning environment, I specialize in special education and am deeply committed to helping every student exceed their own expectations. My passion lies in empowering learners to discover their strengths, build confidence, and go beyond what they believe is possible. Outside the classroom, I find joy in spending quality time with my family, adventuring the outdoors-hiking, kayaking, paddleboard, exploring locally owned coffee shops, sharing yoga with others, and challenging myself to grow both personally and professionally.

Shawn Kahan is an experienced educator with over 10 years of service in diverse learning environments, including brick-and-mortar schools as an English Language Arts teacher, adult ESL classrooms, and residential facilities supporting students with special needs. He has worked as a youth counselor and behavior therapist, bringing a trauma-informed, student-centered approach to his practice. Shawn earned his bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Urban Education from Cleveland State University, where he also completed certifications in K–12 Reading, Mindfulness, and Autism. Additionally, he earned a certification in Instructional Design and Technology from Bowling Green State University, further expanding his ability to create effective, inclusive, and engaging learning experiences.

After spending twenty years in the Banking and Accounting fields, Sarah discovered a passion for working with youth through coaching sports and tutoring. This new direction lead her to transition into education, where she took the role of a Credit Recovey Specilaist helping high school student obtain the credits needed to graduate. Sarah has worked closely with students from diverse backgrounds who are at risk of not graduating. She has provided one-on-one support in a traditonal setting, focusing on academic assisatance, mentorship, and motivation. Sarah believes that by building strong relationships rooted in trust and accountability, all students can be successful. She is passionate about empowering students to take ownership of their education and future. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and friends, attending sporting events, concerts, and staying busy with her sons busy schedule.

Kim has spent nearly two decades working as a teacher and advocate in Ohio schools, building connections with students and families from diverse backgrounds. With experience as a mentor and teaching English, History, Character Education, and Career Based Intervention, Kim has a deep understanding of challenges students face and pathways available to support their educational journey. Guided by the belief that every student can achieve more than they can imagine, Kim approaches the graduation coach role with empathy and encouragement. Kim is a graduate of Bowling Green State University and is an avid fan of the BGSU Falcons. She lives in the Cleveland area where she also cheers on the Cleveland sports teams (yes, even the Browns), with her 3 sons and adorably ornery Maltese, Oscar.

This is Jessica's first year on the team and she is dedicated to supporting students with a strong focus on connecting with parents and students, accuracy, and organization. Known for her commitment to providing exceptional support, she plays a key role in ensuring smooth operations and helping students navigate enrollment.

Christine has 7 years of experience in education. First as a high school Math teacher, teaching algebra and geometry, then as a tutor, and now as an orientation coach for the first year at ChallengeU. She has been in leadership roles, such as department chair and on the Senior Advising Team as well as Freshmen Orientation team in her past experiences and continues to work on building those positive relationships with all students as that is what she is most passionate about. Holding a Master's degree in Education from Ohio State University, a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from the Ohio State University, and working on her Master's of School Counseling at Ohio University, Christine has continued her love of learning and educating here at ChallengeU, finding it so rewarding to work with kids of all ages, but especially high school. She works to ensure each student feels seen and heard, even online! She enjoys socializing through a screen and outside of it with a love for music, sports, art, outdoors, traveling, as well as anything Ohio! Her goal is to empower as many students as she can to become the best verison of themselves -- for today and for their future.

Mellody has 15 years of experience teaching high school English in virtual classrooms. She has held various leadership roles and has pioneered curriculum development for online learners. She has a strong ability to connect with students in an online learning environment, creating engaging and supportive lessons that foster both academic growth and a love of language. In addition, Mellody holds an endorsement as an English Learner (EL) teacher and has extensive experience supporting English learners in Gahanna City Schools, helping them build language skills while achieving success in core English courses. Mellody holds a Master's Degree in Education from Miami University and a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, also from Miami University. She is passionate about writing and worked for years as a freelance business writer. Her goal is to empower ChallengeU students to reach their full potential through thoughtful instruction and meaningful connections. She lives in Columbus with her husband and three children ages 22, 20, and 14. She loves to travel and be outdoors.

Carrie brings a unique background to education, having worked as a film, theatre, and commercial actress in Los Angeles before becoming a math teacher. She holds a BFA in Theatre from Miami University, a Master's in Teaching from Pepperdine, and a Master's in Educational Leadership from the University of Cincinnati. She taught 7th-grade math and trained teachers in LA for six years before moving to Ohio, where she has spent the last six years teaching high school math in Cincinnati's West End and online. Outside of school, she enjoys collecting vinyl, playing bass guitar, and spending time with her two young sons, Oliver, 2, and Liam, 6.

Samantha has spent nearly 20 years supporting students on their educational journeys. A licensed school counselor for 18 years, she has worked with learners from kindergarten through young adulthood, helping them develop new skills, reach goals, and grow both academically and emotionally. Prior to joining ChallengeU, Samantha worked in youth workforce development, after previously serving as an elementary school counselor for 14 years and, before that, supporting students in an online school setting.
She believes in caring for the “whole student” and is passionate about helping each learner set and achieve meaningful goals — while hopefully having some fun in the process. Samantha earned her Sociology degree from the University of Mount Union and her Master’s in School Counseling from Walsh University. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, traveling, spending time with her family and pets, getting to the gym, and cheering on Cleveland sports with her husband and two kids — often with a true crime show playing in the background.

Lukas is a dedicated student support specialist with three and a half years working in a traditional school setting as a dropout prevention specialist and career skills teacher. He has acquired his bachelors degree in education from Youngstown State University, and his masters degree in History from the same. As a graduation coach with ChallengeU, Lukas will help students unlock their full potential and step forward to embrace their bright futures.

Intervention Specialist/ Graduation Coach -Tamarickia has 10 years of experience in education—eight of those in online learning—Tamarickia is passionate about meeting students where they are and helping them achieve their goal of earning a high school diploma. As both an educator and a parent of a child with an IEP, she deeply understands the importance of flexibility, individualized support, and inclusive practices.
Tamarickia has spent eight years co-teaching high school Math and Physical Science, building strong relationships with students and families to foster academic growth and confidence. She brings empathy, creativity, and dedication to her role as a Graduation Coach, supporting each student in discovering their strengths, overcoming challenges, and reaching their full potential.
Outside of work, Tamarickia is a proud parent of two—her sassy 13-year-old daughter, Tatyanna (8th grade), and her energetic 5-year-old son, Tabias (kindergarten).

Brittany has 18 years of expereince in special education. She has spent time in a brick and morar setting as well as the last several years teaching online. Brittany has taught everything from kindergaten to high school. Building positive rapport and relationships with her students is extremely important to Brittany and she feels communication is vital for the success of her students.
In her spare time, Brittany enjoys sports, being outside, and spending time with her friends and family. Brittany has two children, one dog, and three cats that keep her company during the day. She looks forward to helping her students be successful.

This school year is his 5th as a counselor working in 3 different schools all in Ohio, Terrell is driven when it comes to working with students and families to help reduce stress they may incur that comes with the roadblocks that hold back a student’s chance to be successful. As a school counselor for ChallengeU, Terrell is dedicated to helping students discover that their goals are not only achievable but well within reach if we work together. He is from New Jersey where he graduated from William Paterson University with a bachelors in Sociology. Terrell later went on to earn a Master's degree in school counseling at the University of Akron. Terrell is a football and basketball coach outside of being a school counselor at ChallengeU.

Brittany brings over 8 years of experience supporting educators and a decade in Human Resources to her work strengthening the teams that serve students and families. With a background that blends instructional insight with people-centered leadership, she is passionate about helping educators and support staff thrive so they can make an even greater impact in students' lives. Based in central Ohio, Brittany balances her professional work with life at home, where she and her husband raise four kids and two dogs. She's excited to support the dedicated people who make a difference every day in students' journeys.

Sarah brings experience in student admissions and HR from her time working at a cosmetology school, where she developed a passion for helping students achieve their dreams. She believes enrollment is the very first step in that journey, and is excited to connect with students and families to make their transition to ChallengeU as smooth as possible. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys exploring the outdoors, making art, and spending time with family and her two cats.

Brittany brings a unique and personal perspective to her role as Outgoing Records & Truancy Specialist at ChallengeU. As a graduate of a dropout prevention online high school herself, she understands firsthand the challenges and triumphs that students experience on their educational journey — making her not just a specialist, but a true advocate. With 8 years of administrative experience, Brittany combines professionalism with a genuine passion for helping others succeed. She is dedicated to supporting every student in crossing the finish line and believes in making someone's day a little brighter, every single day. When she's not championing students, Brittany enjoys spending her days with her husband and son — fishing, hunting, off-roading, and caring for their backyard farm animals. She also manages her 6-year-old son's fishing business & social media. That same grit and heart she brings to the great outdoors are exactly what she brings to work each day.

Emily started in education by providing lectures on disease prevention topics to high schoolers in the Dayton Public Schools through the local health department. She quickly realized that her passion for health could be translated into a broader passion for holistic education. Dropout prevention high schools had the holistic approach that she was looking for, and for the last 3 years she has committed to supporting students based on their individual needs. When Emily is not coordinating testing (including STAR, EOC, ACT, and more), she is spending time with her family (Auntie life is the best), going on walks with her rescued pittie, finding new local eateries, or traveling to see new landscapes around the world.

Michelle, who most people simply call Pratt, brings 22 years in education to her role as Director of Special Education at ChallengeU, including 17 years working with students in the online environment. Licensed in Early Childhood, as an Intervention Specialist, and in Administration, she has built her career around making special education compliance organized, transparent, and reliable for an entire team. She has a particular knack for translating support built for a traditional classroom into a virtual setting where it actually reaches students. Grounded in a solutions-over-blame approach, Pratt is passionate about helping young people in dropout and credit-recovery programs cross the finish line and build a real plan for what comes next.

This is Katharina's first year at ChallengeU and her 12th year in education. Throughout her career, she has taught English and worked as an Intervention Specialist in traditional school settings in Cleveland, where she grew up. Outside of school, she has been married to her husband for eight years, and they have two children. Her son, Rocco, is six, and her daughter, Renella, is three. Life is certainly busy with two little ones! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, and traveling. She is passionate about helping every student reach their goals and achieve success. She is here to support, encourage, and guide you throughout the school year.

This is Maggie's first year with ChallengeU, and she is excited to work with students to accomplish their academic goals. Over the past 4 years, Maggie has worked in various community and school settings, focusing on connecting youth to supports. Maggie is very passionate about education and supporting individuals in accomplishing their goals by connecting them to programs, such as tutoring or social groups, that will help them succeed. Maggie attended Wright State University for her bachelor's degree and the University of Cincinnati for her master's degree. Throughout her personal education journey, Maggie discovered her passion for supporting others in accomplishing their goals through a strengths-based approach and building connections to the community.

Heidi is an experienced educational professional with more than 17 years of experience supporting students, families, and school communities. Her expertise includes student support, attendance and truancy intervention, family engagement, educational data, compliance, and school operations. Throughout her career, Heidi has worked with at-risk youth and collaborated with educators, families, and community partners to help remove barriers to student success. In her free time, she loves to spend time with family and friends swimming in their pool, traveling, or shopping.

Katie has been an educator since 2016, with experience teaching English Language Arts, music, and social-emotional learning across a variety of learning environments. She holds two master’s degrees in Education and Communications, along with a bachelor’s degree in English and Music, and has additional training in trauma-informed education and social-emotional learning. Katie is passionate about building genuine relationships with students, meeting them where they are, and helping them recognize their strengths and potential. She especially loves working with students who may not have always felt successful in traditional educational settings and believes that success can look different for every learner. Outside of teaching, Katie enjoys spending time with her dogs and cats, being outdoors, gardening, reading, and finding any excuse to be near a good cup of coffee.

Kaitlin is entering her eighth year in education, with experience across a variety of public school classrooms and a strong background in special education. She has previously worked in middle school special education, where she developed a passion for supporting students with diverse learning needs and helping them build confidence in their abilities. This year, Kaitlin is excited to begin a new chapter as a High School Graduation Coach, focusing on special education credit recovery and helping students stay on track toward graduation. She is passionate about building meaningful relationships, advocating for students, and helping every learner recognize their potential and achieve their goals.

Rebekah Maynard has been teaching math for nine years, working with students from 7th grade all the way through seniors. She's thrilled to join the ChallengeU team this year and can't wait to support students in finding success in their math classwork. Outside of school, Rebekah loves baking, reading, and getting outdoors, and cherishes making memories with her husband and 8-month-old son.

This is Emily's first year with ChallengeU! She comes to us with 8 years of experience a school counselor, and a huge passion for helping students succeed. Emily has her undergraduate degree in psychology, and her Masters degree in education for School Counseling. She loves getting to know her students and being able to be a part of their journey! Emily LOVES THE Ohio State Buckeyes and can usually be found spending time outdoors with her two dogs.

Megan has been an intervention specialist for 11 years in both traditional and online environments and has a bachelor's degree from Kent State University. Megan has worked with elementary through adult students and loves helping students bridge the transition into adulthood. Building relationships and engaging students through their interests is her passion. When she's not in the classroom, Megan enjoys spending time with her husband and 4 children, being outdoors, exercising, or traveling!