Faculty & Staff Directory
Lenelle E. Taylor
Principal
Lenelle Taylor began her teaching career with Columbus City Schools at Franklin Alternative Elementary as an intermediate teacher, then entered into administration as a vice-principal at West Broad Elementary. She was then assigned to North Linden Elementary where she served as the principal for 10 years. After advancing North Linden to higher levels of academic achievement, Dr. Taylor was asked to lead Avalon Elementary as the principal in 2013. She is a member of the National Education Association and a credentialed Principal Mentor, a member of the Columbus Elementary Administrators Association, and volunteers for various organizations in her spare time. She was recognized as Principal of the Year for National Alliance of Black School Educators in 2019. Dr. Taylor has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, a Master's in Educational Administration as well as her doctorate degree. She believes in life-long learning and frequently takes classes to sharpen her skills to stay abreast of current trends in education. Dr. Taylor loves working with staff members and students. She considers it an honor to serve the Avalon school community as a principal, partner, and friend. Personally, she enjoys traveling, reading, shopping, floral design, and walking. Together, she and her husband have one grown son.
EuRonda Kenley
Instructional Coach, Test Facilitator, LLI Reading Tutor
Mrs. EuRonda Kenley has been teaching for 24 years and has taught various grades from pre-k through eighth grade. She is passionate about the impact primary teachers make in the early grades in elementary school, "primary teachers set the course and foundation for future success!" Therefore, she enjoys watching and facilitating her students into becoming inquisitive life-long learners. Mrs. Kenley has attended Capital University, where she received her B.S. in Pre-K thru Eighth Grades, and Otterbein University, for her master's degree in Curriculum Instruction. Mrs. Kenley is also Reading Recovery trained and Literacy Collaborative trained through The Ohio State University, and most recently, she has attended Mt. Saint Joseph University where she gained her Gifted Intervention Endorsement.
Mrs. Kenley is married with four children. Mrs. Kenley enjoys spending time with family and friends in her spare time, laughing, traveling, cooking, reading, and being outdoors. Her favorite animal is a sea turtle.
Sarah Martin
Reading Intervention Teacher
Mrs. Martin has taught for Columbus City Schools for 24 years. This is her 11th year at Avalon. She received a Master's in Education from Otterbein University with a Reading Endorsement. Mrs. Martin grew up in Columbus and is a proud CCS graduate from Fort Hayes. She is married and has one daughter in fourth grade. She loves to read, shop, anything Disney, spending time with her family, and watching sports, especially baseball.
Nan Moorman
Secretary II
Mrs. Moorman came to Avalon seven years ago to become Avalon's Secretary II. Prior to that, she worked at Desco Capital, Century Resources, and for seven years as a Classified Advertising Assistant at Suburban News Publications. She has a BA in Communication from the University of Dayton and enjoys reading, singing, and musical theatre. Mrs. Moorman has been married for almost 18 years. She and her husband, Christopher have two sons; Edward, who is 14 years old, and James who is 12 years old. Their family pets are Milo, the six-year-old Golden Retriever, Ginger, the six-year-old orange cat, and Cookie, the three-and-a-half year old bearded dragon who is actually a lizard, not a dragon.
Simone Ooten
A.M. Secretary
Mrs. Ooten first came to Avalon Elementary as a substitute secretary and then was hired permanently.
Mrs. Ooten was born and raised in Germany. She came to the United States to be with her husband. They have been married for 17 years and have a son (13), who plays soccer and a daughter (10), who does Jiu-Jitsu. Together they have three Dachshunds Blink (18), Auggie (4), and Blue (2).
Mrs. Ooten enjoys reading, baking, laughing, traveling, and watching her kids play sports.
Stephanie Dillon, BSN, RN, LSN
School Nurse
Mrs. Dillon obtained her Bachelor of Nursing Degree from Ashland University College of Nursing & her Licensed School Nurse Certificate from The Ohio State University. She has been a nurse in K-12 schools for 13 years with a very diverse background in School Nursing. She has worked as a Public Health Nurse in large school districts, in very small-town schools, as well as in parochial & charter schools. She has a nursing background in Developmental Disabilities and was a School Nurse at The Ohio School for the Deaf. She has been at Avalon Elementary School for six years. She and her husband have a blended family, with four adult children. They live in a little log cabin in the woods. Mrs. Dillon enjoys spending her free time with family & friends through planned activities, homemade meals, good conversation, and very competitive game nights! She has learned to sail Lightning Class series sailboats and has competed in sailing regattas at several sailing clubs across Ohio Lakes. She is a lifelong learner and loves reading as well as exploring the world around her. Music is also a very important part of Mrs. Dillon's family.
KINDERGARTEN
Camille Allen
Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Allen is a proud alumni of Columbus Public Schools and HBCU attending Central State University. After graduation, Ms. Allen started her career in Detroit, MI where she partnered with friends to start a non profit organization for young girls who needed guidance and continued to work in the education field.
Ms. Allen moved back to Ohio to give back to the same community that helped her succeed. Ms. Allen enjoys spending time with family, friends, traveling, trying out new restaurants, jumping rope, swimming, and relaxing outside with a cold drink of Starbucks Frappuccino.
Camille Allen is an accomplished professional with over 13 years of working in the education field. She has experience with recruiting prospective students and proven ability to facilitate classrooms. Ms. Allen has excellent communication and interpersonal skills allowing interaction with all levels of management. To her surprise, Ms. Allen landed her a teaching position as a first grade teacher then moved to teaching kindergarten. She enjoys working at Avalon with the staff, parents, community, and her most pride of all, the students. Ms. Allen’s lifetime goal is to continue to make positive contributions and mentor people.
Laura Bailey
Kindergarten Teacher
Laura Bailey has taught for 13 years, nine years in kindergarten and four years in second grade. She has been at Avalon for 11 of those years. Mrs. Bailey has been married for 13 years and she has three children; Lawna, 11, Logan, 10, and Remmi, 6. In her free time she loves to spend time with her family. They go hiking, play games, and go camping.
Tabitha Fisher
Kindergarten Teacher
Tabitha Fisher graduated from The Ohio State University with a Masters degree in education. She has worked at Avalon for 24 years. Mrs. Fisher has three boys who keep her very busy with band and sports. Will is 20, Ryin is 17 and Aidan is 16. In her spare time she loves to read, take walks, and spend time outdoors.
tfisher1765@columbus.k12.oh.us
Kimberly Reeder
Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Reeder is starting her 26th year with Columbus City Schools. She has taught 25 of those years in kindergarten. This will be her second year with Avalon. She is very excited to be a part of this great staff. Ms. Reeder attended Central State University (HBCU) and received her master's degree from Walden University. She has one son Kristopher, age 16, who is her miracle baby and the joy of her life. Ms. Reeder is passionate about her students and their learning. She focuses on the whole child to ensure each student has their best mindset to grow. She provides learning opportunities for all students to feel growth and success. Ms. Reeder’s students know they belong, they are safe, and they are loved. Ms. Reeder is very active in her church and the choir.
Sameko Whiteside
Kindergarten Teacher
FIRST GRADE
Elizabeth Brown
First Grade Teacher
Mrs. Brown has been an educator for the past 18 years in the states of Arizona, Missouri, and now Ohio. She received her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Arizona. She received her two master’s degrees from the University of Phoenix and Grand Canyon University. The majority of her teaching career has been in grades 4-6. When she joined CCS, she began teaching first grade. She has been reinvigorated in teaching with the move to first grade. Mrs. Brown is dedicated to all her past and present students as well as her teaching craft.
Mrs. Brown was born in Phoenix, Az and moved to Columbus because her husband got a job at OSU. She is an avid sports enthusiast who has also become a huge Buckeye fan! Her loyalties still lie with her Arizona teams. She also enjoys hanging out with friends and family, shopping, and watching movies.
Alice Goldrick
First Grade Teacher
Mrs. Goldrick, formerly Ms. Butterworth, got married over the summer. Mrs. Goldrick is a first grade teacher at Avalon. This is her fifth year teaching at Avalon, and her eighth year with CCS. She has been teaching in the Columbus area for 20 years. Mrs. Goldrick graduated from Kent State University and later completed her Masters in Reading at Ashland University. She grew up in Bellaire, Ohio and moved to Columbus after college. Presently, Mrs. Goldrick lives in Westerville with her husband and Westie puppy, Winnie Lane. When she's not teaching her amazing students you might find her on a beach, cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes or the Pittsburgh Steelers, reading a book, or shopping in the area. Some of her favorite things are chocolate, ladybugs, and her niece and nephew.
Mischell Woodson-Levey
First Grade Teacher
Ms. Woodson is a proud graduate of Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio where she received a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. She also has a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Ohio Dominican University. This upcoming school year will be her seventh year with Columbus City Schools and the second of many years at Avalon Elementary School. Ms. Woodson is passionate about developing students into lifelong independent learners.
She has a pet dog named Coco, and a twin sister named Naomi. During her free time, she loves to take long walks in the park, read books, listen to music, and spend time with her family and friends. Her favorite hobby is cooking a delicious meal for her family and friends because she believes food brings people together. Her specialty meal is served with love on a Sunday afternoon and includes fried chicken, yams, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese. Lastly, Ms. Woodson is very involved in her church.
Kate Wooddell
First Grade Teacher
SECOND GRADE
Rosa Blosco
Second Grade Teacher
This is Mrs. Blosco's 15th year teaching in the Columbus City School district. Mrs. Blosco graduated from The Ohio State University where she received her bachelor's degree in Human Ecology and Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Mrs. Blosco loves to watch movies, go to the park with her son and visit the zoo. She also loves dogs and watching or playing sports. Mrs. Blosco enjoys doing various crafts, and also knitting when she has time. Mrs. Blosco lives with her husband, 7-year-old son Levi, and pug named Doug.
Felicia Fant
Second Grade Teacher
This is Mrs. Fant's third year at Avalon Elementary. She moved to Ohio from Charleston, South Carolina. One of her favorite parts of living in Ohio is that it is much cooler here than in South Carolina. She is a graduate of the College of Charleston and the University of Phoenix. Teaching has been her lifelong passion but is actually her second career. Mrs. Fant loves to read and watch Hallmark movies. She is married and has two children.
Christine Gould
Second Grade Teacher
Christine Gould completed her undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University and received her Pre-K-3 teaching license, 4th/5th grade endorsement, as well as her Reading Endorsement from Ashland University. She has taught in grades 2-5 in schools all over the district for the past 16 years, however second grade is her favorite!
Mrs. Gould is married and has two children. Aside from being a mom and a teacher, she also coaches volleyball in the fall and travel softball year-round. Her kids and their activities definitely keep her busy. In her spare time, she loves to hang out with her family the most! She likes to watch movies, play games, travel, and just be silly. Mrs. Gould also enjoys reading and spending time outside.
Amanda Guglielmi
Second Grade Teacher
Amanda Guglielmi is an Ohio State Grad. She has been at Avalon for nine years. She loves teaching second grade because 'it is the best'! She lives with her husband, her two sons, Grant and Steven, her adorable dog, Gidget and a hamster (on the loose for five years) named TimBit.
THIRD GRADE
Carolyn Beck
Third Grade Teacher
Although this is Ms. Beck's 25th year of teaching, Ms. Beck continues to be an enthusiastic educator that delivers a student-centered approach, applies best practices, and propels students' performance, motivation, and perhaps most importantly, their self-confidence.
Ms. Beck began her educational journey with a degree in Political Science. She has attained an expansive teaching license that includes the areas of Comprehensive High School, Social Studies, Political Science, and History. She also possesses a Reading Endorsement (K-12), PK-3, and 4th and 5th Grade Endorsement. Based upon Ms. Beck's licensure, she has had the opportunity to teach at every level, including high school, middle school, and elementary school. She has found her passion in teaching elementary students, particularly through the challenges of achieving reading and literacy fluency.
During Ms. Beck's free time, she enjoys watching her son, Patrick, play football for Otterbein University. Patrick is an Honors student studying Special Education and Race and Ethnic Studies. He hopes to become a teacher/administrator and coach. Who knows? Perhaps one day in the future, Ms. Beck and her son will be the first Mother and Son team to teach at Avalon Elementary.
Go Eagles!
James Tyson Bell
Third Grade Teacher
Mr. Bell has been teaching for 18 years. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Oakwood University (HBCU) in 2003. While working for Columbus City Schools he taught second and third grade at Weinland Park Elementary School and was the Accelerated Learning Teacher at Valley View Elementary School. He was born and raised in Rochester, NY. He is married and has two children. When he is not at home you can probably find him at the nearest movie theater. In addition to that he loves music and is a huge reader and collector of comic books. He has a great sense of humor and loves to make others laugh. He also enjoys working with his students and helping them to reach their greatest potential.
Lisa Straughter
Third Grade Teacher
Lisa Straughter is a native of Columbus, Ohio. This is her ninth year teaching at Avalon and 26th year as an educator. Ms. Straughter received her bachelor's degree from Otterbein. She also has a master's degree in Education and two endorsements: one in reading and the other as a teacher leader.
Ms. Straughter is a Columbus, Ohio native and a mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and sorority member. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and watching sports. She is a true BROWNS FAN! Her favorite color is red and she collects angels. Her favorite place to get decaf coffee and a dragon drink is STARBUCKS. Ms. Straughter likes to travel, and her dream is to go to Hawaii. Her passion has always been to impact the lives of others. Teaching is her calling.
Chad Whyte
Third Grade Teacher
Mr. Whyte graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Bluffton University in Bluffton, Ohio in 2000. Mr. Whyte received his Master’s Degree in Education from Ohio Dominican University in 2012. He also received his TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) endorsement from Ohio Dominican University in 2017. Mr. Whyte has been teaching for 24 years, 20 of those years have been with the Columbus City School. Before coming to Avalon almost nine years ago, Mr. Whyte served as a district Math Coach and Math/Science Leadership Specialist. Mr. Whyte currently serves as one of our third grade teachers.
In his free time, Mr. Whyte likes to spend time traveling with his wife, Mrs. Heather Whyte, who also teaches within the Columbus City Schools. He especially likes traveling to Alaska in the summer. He also enjoys hiking and reading. Mr. Whyte lives with his wife and their dog Maleina. Fun fact about Mr. Whyte that people may not know is that in college, Mr. Whyte was the station manager and on-air radio personality for his college’s radio station, WBCR.
ESL
Araceli Aguado
ESL Instructional Assistant
Mrs. Aguado was born in Mexico and speaks Spanish. She is married and has two beautiful and amazing daughters. She is a bilingual ESL Instructional Assistant. She has being working for 18 years with the district and seven years at Avalon. She really likes to help all the students and parents with language barriers so they can succeed in school.
Heidi Minard
ESL Teacher
Heidi Minard is excited to be an ESL teacher at Avalon Elementary. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Denison University and her Master of Education from The Ohio State University. Mrs. Minard is certified to teach K-12 Spanish and TESOL (ESL). She taught Spanish for 13 years and for the past five years has taught K-3 ESL. She is passionate about teaching, and her students bring her so much joy. Mrs. Minard and her husband have been married for 19 years and have two children, ages 14 and 16, and a sweet cat named Juniper. In her free time she enjoys reading, taking walks, listening to podcasts, and spending time with family. Mrs. Minard looks forward to meeting you and working together this year!
Tracy Reiling
ESL Teacher
Mrs. Reiling is the ESL Teacher at Avalon for grades kindergarten and first grade. She also collaborates with the ESL Team and kindergarten and first grade teachers in planning and testing. Mrs. Reiling has taught in CCS for 21 years as a Middle and High School Theatre Arts Teacher and Director and has taught ESL for six years.
She loves teaching, reading, traveling and being a dog mom. Mrs. Reiling grew up in Columbus and earned a BFA in Acting, a BA in K-8 Education, a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and most recently her TESOL K-12 from The Ohio State University. Mrs. Reiling is excited to be writing a play while she puts her book writing on hold and hopes all the EAGLES SOAR this school year!
"If not now, then when? If not you, then who?"
"If you can dream it... you can do it!"
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Amanda Mellott
Special Education Teacher
Mrs. Mellott is the High Incidence Intervention Specialist at Avalon Elementary School. This is her 15th year with Columbus City Schools and her seventh year at Avalon. Before coming to Avalon she worked at Cranbrook ES, Valleyview ES, Clinton ES, Winterset ES, and Colerain ES. Mrs. Mellott is from Columbus and a Columbus City School graduate! After high school she attended THE Ohio State University for her bachelor's degree and University of Dayton for her masters. She lives with her husband, two children, dog, and cat. Mrs. Mellott enjoys traveling and being active outdoors with her kids. In the winter she likes to snowboard, and in the summer she enjoys the pool.
Danny Showalter
Special Education Teacher
Mr. Showalter (he/him/his) was new to Avalon Elementary last year and will serve as a High Incidence Intervention Specialist. While this is Mr. Showalter’s second year at Avalon, it is his 19th year as an educator with Columbus City Schools. He has taught students at every grade level, with the exceptions of pre-k and fifth grade! Mr. Showalter earned his bachelor’s degree from Otterbein College in 2005 and master’s degree from Ashland University in 2008 before earning his licenses to teach students with disabilities and to lead as a building principal.
Outside of school, Mr. Showalter enjoys spending time with his husband and two children. When not busy with family and school life, Mr. Showalter enjoys going for a nice run. He has completed a marathon in 16 states and looks forward to completing even more in the coming months and years!
Eleanor Gibson
Intervention Specialist
GIFTED INSTRUCTION
Jacqueline Galbreath
Gifted Instruction
Ms. Galbreath has brought Columbus City Schools' newest K-2nd grade gifted reading program to Avalon. She serves Avalon as our K-2 Gifted Intervention Specialist. She also serves students at Devonshire, Forest Park, Parkmoor, and Northtowne elementary schools. Ms. Galbreath has worked for Columbus City schools for 31 years! She spent the last 27 years serving the gifted and talented students in Columbus City Schools. She loves to challenge kids to think deeply and to love researching. She can’t wait to build Avalon’s Gifted and Talented program! She grew up in the Columbus community and lives in New Albany. Ms. Galbreath lives with her daughter and two small dogs, Coco and Christy. She enjoys biking, hiking, and spending time outside. She spends most of her time surrounded by horses.
SPECIALS
Sarah Kling
Art Teacher
Ms. Kling is the art teacher at Avalon Elementary and Northgate Intermediate. She has been teaching art for ten years, with this year being her eighth at Avalon. She went to Ohio State University and earned a Bachelor's in Art Education. She has always wanted to be an artist, ever since she was a kid!
When not at school, Ms. Kling likes to read books and play video games. Her favorite books are Harry Potter, and her favorite games are Pokemon and Spyro the Dragon. She also likes learning new things like cooking and sewing and hopes someday to own a house and garden. She has a fiancé and the two cutest cats you'll ever see.
Elizabeth Hoetger
Music Teacher
Mrs. Hoetger (aka Mrs. H.) has been teaching music for 12 years with nine of them being at Avalon. She received her bachelors degree in music education and trumpet performance and masters degree in curriculum and instruction. She loves to spend time with her 7-year-old son (Alex), 4 year-old-daughter (Ellie), husband (Ryan), dog (Luna), and cat (Milo). Mrs. H loves to cook and bake, paint, hike, watch movies, swim, go to the beach, and scuba dive. She loves mermaid decorations and mermaid colors like blue, green, and purple. Fun facts are: her mom and sister are also music teachers within Columbus City Schools! Also, she's been playing the trumpet since she was nine years old.
Robert Conley
Physical Education Teacher
Mr. Conley is married to his beautiful wife Karen and between them they have four amazing children. They live on a small farm and have over 30 animals. When they are not working or taking care of the animals, they enjoy going camping, working out, and spending time with their children. Mr. Conley has a BS in Health and Physical Education. This is his ninth year with Columbus City Schools.
INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANTS
Kathy Andres
Library Instructional Assistant
Ms. Kathy has worked at Avalon Elementary for ten years, starting out as a Kindergarten Assistant, now as the School Librarian. Helping children has been her passion since she discovered education, through volunteering at her kids' school when they were little. She and her husband have been together for 31 years and they have two beautiful, college-aged daughters. Ms. Kathy moved to Columbus, from small-town Ohio, to attend The Columbus College of Art and Design. She also studied Social Work and Women’s Studies at The Ohio State University, as well as horticulture at Columbus State College. In her spare time she enjoys living in her Northland Neighborhood, eating international food, and tutoring students. She is also an avid reader of non-fiction books, like biographies and histories of social movements.
Genia Butler
Instructional Assistant
Mrs. (Gee) Butler has been a Library Instructional Assistant at Northgate Intermediate; and Latchkey Instructional Assistant at Avalon before becoming an Instructional Assistant last year for kindergarten. She has instructional and resource experience as a SPED Educational Associate previously with Pflugerville ISD (Austin TX). Her passion is working with K-5 students to enhance reading comprehension, at differentiated levels, to help make learning fun and exciting!
Risa 'Sarge' Jennings
PEAK Coordinator, Instructional Assistant
This is Mrs. Jennings' sixth year as the PEAK IA at Avalon Elementary. She retired from the military in September 2013 after serving 25 years. She served eight years in the United States Navy and 17 years in the United States Air Force. Some of her jobs included Military Pay Clerk, Training and Education Clerk, First Sergeant, Personnel Specialist, and Human Resource Supervisor.
Mrs. Jennings has a Master's Degree in Education as a Youth Development Specialist from University of Dayton. She enjoys reading, listening to Old School R & B music, playing board games with her family, watching Law and Order, and photography (she's not a professional photographer but loves taking pictures, especially of her son). Hobbies include exercising (riding her bike, walking the neighborhood, treadmill, or trails), playing basketball, and sleeping in late whenever possible. She's the youngest of ten siblings and has a twin sister. She's been married 16 years and has a wonderful son named Jordan B. Jennings.
Out of all the jobs she's had in her life, her favorite is being the PEAK IA at Avalon.
Kim Kirk
Instructional Assistant
Mrs. Kirk has been a Kindergarten Instructional Assistant at Avalon for the past 25 years. She enjoys spending time with her family and likes playing games. Mrs. Kirk also likes spending time in the outdoors, especially going on hikes in the Hocking Hills.
Jane Stoney
Instructional Assistant
Ms. Stoney is a Kindergarten Instructional Assistant for Ms. Reeder and Ms. Allen. She assists her teachers in class and works with students that need extra help with learning to read. She has been at Avalon for ten years. She has a 15-year-old daughter and fun and crazy dog, Stella. Ms. Stoney makes all kinds of arts and crafts. She is an amateur rockhound and loves digital photography.
STUDENT AND FAMILY SUPPORTS
Stacy Callahan
School Counselor
Ms. Callahan is excited to be the school counselor at Avalon Elementary School. She is passionate about removing barriers to learning and equipping all students with the skills to be successful in school and life. She provides a comprehensive data-driven, evidenced based school counseling program, that addresses your child’s social emotional learning, academic, and career development needs. This is delivered through Tier 1 classroom lessons, Tier 2 targeted SEL small groups, and Tier 3 individual brief-solution focused counseling. Ms. Callahan is in her 15th year as a school counselor; she previously served diverse populations in several states in the Southwest region of the United States, before joining Columbus City Schools four years ago. Ms. Callahan earned her bachelor's degree from Ohio University and her master’s degree in School Counseling from West Virginia University. She is an avid supporter of the visual and performing arts and enjoys traveling.
Michelle Meffley
School Social Worker
Michelle Meffley is the school social worker at Avalon Elementary School. She has been a social worker for 13 years now. Ms. Meffley's experience includes having been a school-based counselor with North Community Counseling Centers working in Columbus City Schools and Worthington City Schools as well as running their school-based program for four years. She truly enjoys working with children and families. Her goal is to positively impact others as much as she can.
Ms. Meffley's favorite forms of self-care are spending time with her family, rooting on her Buckeyes, and running! She is very excited to be a part of the Avalon family!
Mildred Poindexter
School Psychologist
Ashley Callicott
Physical Therapist
Ashley Callicott "Ms. Ashley" is the school physical therapist and loves working at Avalon! She is from Westerville and is a proud Ohio University Bobcat but came back to Columbus for graduate school to become an official Ohio State Buckeye. She has been a physical therapist for 16 years and has worked at Nationwide Children's Hospital and The James Cancer Center and even spent a few years in that "state up North" before joining the Columbus City Schools team. This is her sixth school year with CCS and she has loved seeing kids back in school again this year! Ashley lives with her husband, three-and-a-half year old daughter and two small but old dogs, Gus and Buddy. She enjoys playing the piano, spending time with family and friends (bonus if it's outside!), dancing, and live music...she can't wait until all these things are safe again! Fun Fact: Ms. Ashley has a giant sweet tooth (as pictured!), and her favorite ice cream is Whit's Penguin Tracks 😊
Kate Butler
Speech Therapist
Katherine Butler is a speech-language pathologist. She has been with Columbus City Schools for 29 years and at Avalon for nine years. She is a Cincinnati Bearcat and went to the University of Cincinnati for her bachelor and master degrees. She lives with her husband, Martin and two dogs (Everest and Meadow). Her children are grown now. Adam (34) is a structural engineer who lives in Mississippi. David (31) is a jazz pianist who plays at many Columbus venues and also gives piano lessons. Mrs. Butler's favorite hobbies are her backyard gardens and her chickens. That’s right! She has chickens in their backyard! They are all different breeds and lay beautiful eggs of many different colors.
Lesley George
Occupational Therapist
This is Mrs. George's 21st year at Columbus City Schools as an occupational therapist. She has also worked for Marion City Schools, Delaware County Board of DD and Grady Memorial Hospital. She graduated from Ohio State and is married with two kids (a 15-year old daughter and 19-year old son) and three step children (all boys - ages, 16, 18, and 22). Mrs. George enjoys almost any outdoor activity such as walks and hiking with her family and dog and kayaking. She also enjoys hanging out with her friends, Bible studies and vacations at the beach and lakes.
Mary Hart
Latchkey Teacher
Ms. Hart has been at Avalon Elementary since 2019, moving here when the latchkey program combined with Northtowne Elementary. She has been with CCS for 11 years. In addition to working as a latchkey teacher, Ms. Hart works part time at The Ohio State University as a Redcoat at home football games and mens' and womens' gymnastics meets. She attended The Ohio State University and graduated with a degree in Health Education. In the past, she and her three children, now ages 25, 23, and 22, raised two hedgehogs as pets. Currently, her youngest daughter has a pet axolotl named Richard that lives in a freshwater tank at OSU.
Fun fact: Axolotl’s are better than Pokémon. 1. They can regenerate body parts. 2. They don’t fully develop to live on a land environment, like their relative the tiger salamander. They rely on their gills to breathe underwater. Scientists can morph them into land animals, although it shortens their lifespan.
Gabby Hill
Latchkey Instructional Assistant
Mike Whitlow
Building Substitute
Michael Whitlow has always enjoyed starting and running a business around food. In fact, by the time he was 16 years of age, he was one of the first young men to take home economics at Linden McKinley High School Columbus, Ohio. Soon afterward, Dr. Whitlow spent time in the United States Air Force (USAF) starting in April 1972 lasting until May of 1974. Then, he attended Columbus State Community College in Columbus, Ohio earning two Associate's degrees, one in Food Service and one in Hospitality as well as a baking certificate. He went on to get his Bachelor of Art's degree in Business Management and Master's degree in Managerial Management from Ohio Christian University. Dr. Whitlow went on to receive his Doctorate of Christian Education degree from Grace International Bible University in Baltimore, Maryland.
When he is not working on his cookbook, Table of Four (linked on Amazon), he is bowling, fishing, cooking, going to church, or teaching school. Dr. Whitlow considers himself a wise and humble small business owner, writer, devoted father, granddad and great granddad from East Columbus, Ohio who loves his family. The things Michael Whitlow loves most in life are Jesus Christ, home, and family.
Tiffany Edwards
Family Ambassador
This is Mrs. Edwards' fourth year as Family Ambassador and 15th year at Avalon. She has three children ages 20, 16, and 11 that each attended Avalon and has been a parent and community volunteer. You may have seen her or her husband, Mike in carline during morning drop-off. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards work together in their video and film business and have partnered in a design/consultation business for over 25 years. They have hosted a small group for families in their home for nearly 17 years. Mrs. Edwards still works in interior design from time to time and is a Girl Scout Troop Leader for her daughter's troop. She enjoys hiking, biking, RV'ing, camping, traveling, discovering history, yoga, gardening, and sharing life with her family, which includes a Whoodle named Buttons, a variety of fish, and their church family.
Candace Walker
Family Ambassador
The 2023/2024 school year will be the second school year for Candace Walker as a Family Ambassador at Avalon Elementary School. Mrs. Walker is a current Avalon parent and volunteer with the school’s Parent Advisory Council. She and her husband, have five children, ages 5-16.
Mrs. Walker is excited to assist the families of the Avalon community in her new role and looks forward to the opportunity to engage and connect with our families this year. Please feel free to reach out to her with any questions, concerns, or other feedback you may have throughout the school year.
BUILDING SUPPORTS
Shawn Felts
Head Custodian
John Anderson
Night Custodian
Tara Hansbrew
Head of Food Services
Ms. Hansbrew grew up in Erie, PA where she graduated high school and went on to receive a certificate for medical secretary. She then worked in an assisted living facility. In 2011, Ms. Hansbrew moved to Columbus with her best friend to whom she recently became engaged and her two fabulous young men (sons), Tervon (31) and Tyriece (27). She loves spoiling her four-year-old, Grandboo and 15-year-old, Grandman. Ms. Hansbrew enjoys food, life and loves music. She's been a Pittsburgh Steelers fan all of her life. Ms. Hansbrew has previously worked in middle schools and is a treasured team player at Avalon Elementary School.