Embedded Files
Lenelle E. Taylor
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.
Nan Moorman
Nan Moorman
Secretary II
Mrs. Moorman came to Avalon nine 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 20 years. She and her husband, Christopher have two sons; Edward, who is 16 years old, and James who is 14 years old. Their family pets are Milo, the eight-year-old Golden Retriever, Ginger, the eight-year-old orange cat, and Cookie, the five-and-a-half year old bearded dragon who is actually a lizard, not a dragon.
Simone Ooten
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 19 years and have a son (15), who plays soccer and a daughter (12), who does Jiu-Jitsu. Together they have two Dachshunds, Auggie (6), and Blue (4).
Mrs. Ooten enjoys reading, baking, laughing, traveling, and watching her kids play sports.
Kimberly Gullick
Kimberly Gullick
School Nurse
KINDERGARTEN
KINDERGARTEN
Camille Allen
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 15 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.
Courtney Coman
Courtney Coman
Kindergarten Teacher
Tabitha Huey
Tabitha Huey
Kindergarten Teacher
Tabitha Huey graduated from The Ohio State University with a Masters degree in education. She has worked at Avalon for 26 years. Mrs. Huey is married to Mike Huey and has three boys who keep her very busy with band and sports. Will is 21, Ryin is 18, and Aidan is 17. Mrs. Huey enjoys watching Will march in The Ohio State Marching Band and Ryan and Aidan run in track and cross country meets. In her spare time she loves to travel, read, take walks, and spend time outdoors.
tfisher1765@columbus.k12.oh.us
Kimberly Reeder
Kimberly Reeder
Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Reeder is starting her 28th year with Columbus City Schools. She has taught 27 of those years in kindergarten. This will be her fourth 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 18, 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
Sameko Whiteside
Kindergarten Teacher
FIRST GRADE
FIRST GRADE
Laura Bailey
Laura Bailey
First Grade Teacher
Laura Bailey has taught for 15 years, ten years in kindergarten, four years in second grade, and one year in first grade. She has been at Avalon for 13 of those years. Mrs. Bailey has been married for 15 years and she has three children; Lawna, 12, Logan, 11, and Remmi, 7. In her free time she loves to spend time with her family. They go hiking, play games, and go camping.
Alice Goldrick
Alice Goldrick
First Grade Teacher
Mrs. Goldrick is a First grade teacher at Avalon. This is her seventh year teaching at Avalon and her tenth year with CCS. She has been teaching in the Columbus area her entire career. 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 two Westies, Winnie and Sutton 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.
Emily Seidle
Emily Seidle
First Grade Teacher
This is Emily Seidle's first year in the classroom as a teacher and fifth year with Columbus City Schools. For the past four years, she has worked as an Instructional Assistant while completing her teaching degree at Western Governors University! She is thrilled to begin this new chapter and looks forward to an amazing year of learning, growth, and fun! A few fun facts about Ms. Seidle: she was born and raised right here in Columbus (O-H!) and is proud to call it home. She has a sweet 10-year-old dog named Bailee. While a homebody at heart, she loves to travel and explore new places whenever she gets the chance!
Mischell Bell
Mischell Bell
First Grade Teacher
Mrs. Bell 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 eighth year with Columbus City Schools and the third of many years at Avalon Elementary School. Mrs. Bell 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, Mrs. Bell is very involved in her church.
SECOND GRADE
SECOND GRADE
Carolyn Beck
Carolyn Beck
Second Grade Teacher
Although this is Ms. Beck's 27th 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
James Tyson Bell
Second Grade Teacher
Mr. Bell has been teaching for 22 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.
Rosa Blosco
Rosa Blosco
Second Grade Teacher
This is Mrs. Blosco's 17th 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, 9-year-old son Levi, and pug named Doug.
Elizabeth Brown
Elizabeth Brown
Second Grade Teacher
Mrs. Brown has been an educator for the past 20 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 second 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.
THIRD GRADE
THIRD GRADE
Christine Gould
Christine Gould
Third 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 is currently teaching third grade math, science, and social stuides with Mrs. Mevis as her teaching partner. Mrs. Gould also serves as the Math Content Lead at Avalon working with teachers on using the best math practices. She has taught in grades 2-5 in schools all over the Columbus City School district for the past 18 years, however third grade is her favorite!
Mrs. Gould is married and has two children ages 20 and 17. Her oldest is a sophomore in college and her youngest is a senior in high school who is currently in the recruiting process to play college softball. 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 sports/movies, play games with family and friends, and travel. Mrs. Gould also enjoys reading and spending time outside.
Sarah Martin
Sarah Martin
Third Grade Teacher
Mrs. Martin has taught for Columbus City Schools for 26 years. This is her 13th 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 sixth grade. She loves to read, shop, anything Disney, spending time with her family, and watching sports, especially baseball.
Laura Mevis
Laura Mevis
Third Grade Teacher
Mrs. Mevis had been a Building Substitute at Avalon for two years before becoming a third grade teacher. She is originally from Wisconsin and moved to Columbus for her job in 1996. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While she and her husband raised their now three adult children she obtained her post-baccalaureate teaching license in Early Childhood Education from Otterbein University for grades PK-3. She also student taught 3rd grade in 2016 & 2017 at both Avalon and Alpine Elementary Schools.
Mrs. Mevis loves to get her steps in and can be found walking outdoors, rain, shine, sleet or snow. She is an avid reader and is a member of a Book Club as well. Her favorite hobbies are scrapbooking and traditional board games. She loves spending time with her son and two daughters. Two are still in college and one is in medical school.
She is very excited to be in her new role and continue working with the amazing students, teachers and staff at Avalon!
Lisa Straughter
Lisa Straughter
Third Grade Teacher
Lisa Straughter is a native of Columbus, Ohio. This is her 11th year teaching at Avalon and 28th 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.
ESL
ESL
Araceli Aguado
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 20 years with the district and nine years at Avalon. She really likes to help all the students and parents with language barriers so they can succeed in school.
Paola Flores
Paola Flores
ESL Instructional Assistant
For over three years, Mrs. Flores has been privileged to serve in the ESL department at Columbus City Schools as an Instructional Assistant. In this role, she acts as an important link between families and school administrators, effectively communicating requirements and addressing concerns. She finds great fulfillment in facilitating student learning and supporting our educational community.
Personally, she enjoys exploring cultures through travel, savoring international foods, and appreciating music. She likes dancing and deeply values spending quality time with her family. These interests, combined with her communication skills, allows her to contribute meaningfully to our ESL program.
Nathan Prunty
Nathan Prunty
ESL Teacher
Mr. Prunty has been teaching for 16 years. He has worked for Columbus City Schools as an elementary teacher, instructional coach, literacy specialist, ESL (English as a Second Language) assistant, and now ESL teacher for kindergarten, first, second, and third grades. Mr. Prunty has also taught middle school in Texas, worked for a community nonprofit, and taught ESL in four different countries. He loves teaching, reading, and learning more about different cultures and languages.
Mr. Prunty is pretty competitive and loves to try out new games and sports. He also has the cutest dog in the world and they like to go on walks. Mr. Prunty and his husband love traveling, listening to music, and eating delicious food from all over the world. They enjoy spending time at the beach, hiking, and paddle-boarding together.
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France
Tracy Reiling
Tracy Reiling
ESL Teacher
Mrs. Reiling (Ms. R) is the ESL Teacher at Avalon for kindergarten, first, second, and third grades. She also collaborates with the ESL Team and kindergarten and first grade teachers in planning and testing. Mrs. Reiling has taught in CCS for 17 years as a Middle and High School Theatre Arts Teacher and Director and has taught ESL for eight 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!"
treiling@columbus.k12.oh.us
SPECIAL EDUCATION
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Amanda Mellott
Amanda Mellott
Special Education Teacher
Mrs. Mellott is the High Incidence Intervention Specialist at Avalon Elementary School. This is her 17th year with Columbus City Schools and her ninth 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
Danny Showalter
Special Education Teacher
Mr. Showalter (he/him/his) serves as a High Incidence Intervention Specialist at Avalon. While this is Mr. Showalter’s fourth year at Avalon, it is his 21st 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!
GIFTED INSTRUCTION
GIFTED INSTRUCTION
Jacqueline Galbreath
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 33 years! She spent the last 29 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
SPECIALS
Sarah Kling
Sarah Kling
Art Teacher
Ms. Kling is the art teacher at Avalon Elementary and Northgate Intermediate. She has been teaching art for 12 years, with this year being her 10th 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.
Leenishia Stennis
Leenishia Stennis
Music Teacher
Robert Conley
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 11th year with Columbus City Schools.
INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANTS
INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANTS
Kathy Andres
Kathy Andres
Library Instructional Assistant
Ms. Kathy has worked at Avalon Elementary for 12 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 33 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.
Siraun Cunningham
Siraun Cunningham
PEAK Coordinator, Instructional Assistant
Kim Kirk
Kim Kirk
Instructional Assistant
Mrs. Kirk has been a Kindergarten Instructional Assistant at Avalon for the past 28 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.
Marnita Monden
Marnita Monden
Instructional Assistant
Jane Stoney
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 12 years. She has a 17-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
STUDENT AND FAMILY SUPPORTS
EuRonda Kenley
EuRonda Kenley
Reading Intervention Teacher
Mrs. EuRonda Kenley has been teaching for 26 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.
Stacy Callahan
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 data-driven, evidence-based, comprehensive school counseling program. Students receive Tier 1 classroom lessons, Tier 2 targeted SEL small groups, and Tier 3 individual brief-solution focused counseling addressing social emotional learning, academic, and career development needs. This is Ms. Callahan’s 17th year as a school counselor, previously serving as a school counselor in New Mexico and Arizona before joining Columbus City Schools seven years ago. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Ohio University, master’s degree in School Counseling from West Virginia University, and M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Ashland University. Ms. Callahan holds a principal license for grades PK-6, 4-9 and 5-12 in Ohio.
Joy Hostetler
Joy Hostetler
School Social Worker
This is Joy Hostetler's 25th year in Columbus City Schools. She has worked in multiple buildings throughout the city and is very excited to be at Avalon this year.
Originally from Cary, IL (a suburb northwest of Chicago) Ms. Hostetler travels there to see family about once a month. Ms. Hostetler earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work and Master of Science in Education from THE University of Dayton. Go Flyers!
She has two adult daughters, a grand dog and two grand kitties. Alyson lives in Gillette, Wyoming with Finnick and Hannah lives in Chicago, IL with Luna and Caleb. Ms. Hostetler loves to travel, spend time with friends and family and see live music. This summer, she was lucky enough to spend 17 days in Europe visiting cities in Italy, France, and Switzerland with her mom and sister!
As a School Social Worker, she is also looking forward to supporting students, families and staff members at Avalon Elementary School!
Leisel Parsons
Leisel Parsons
School Psychologist
This is Dr. Parson's 19th year with Columbus City Schools and 10th year at Avalon. Originally from Cleveland, she went to Ohio State for her Master’s degree. Dr. Parsons lives in Westerville with her husband, son (18), daughter (15), two dogs, and a cat. Her hobbies include reading, traveling, watching her kids play sports, and yoga.
Ashley Callicott
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 18 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 ninth school year with CCS and she has loved seeing kids back in school again this year! Ashley lives with her husband, and two daughters almost six and four years old. She enjoys playing the piano, spending time with family and friends (bonus if it's outside!), dancing, and live music. Fun Fact: Ms. Ashley has a giant sweet tooth (as pictured!), and her favorite ice cream is Whit's Penguin Tracks 😊
Kate Butler
Kate Butler
Speech Therapist
Katherine Butler is a speech-language pathologist. She has been with Columbus City Schools for 31 years and at Avalon for 11 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 (36) is a structural engineer who lives in Mississippi. David (33) 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
Lesley George
Occupational Therapist
This is Ms. Lesley's 23rd 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 17-year old daughter and 21-year old son) and three step children (all boys - ages, 18, 20, and 24). Ms. Lesley 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
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 13 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 27, 25, and 24, 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.
Noel Kellenberger
Noel Kellenberger
Latchkey Instructional Assistant
Mary Branham
Mary Branham
Building Substitute
Tiffany Edwards
Tiffany Edwards
Family Ambassador
This is Mrs. Edwards' sixth year as Family Ambassador and 17th year at Avalon. She has three children ages 22, 18, and 13 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 27 years. They have hosted a small group for families in their home for nearly 19 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, an orange tabby named Tango, a variety of fish, and their church family.
Dominique Gunn
Dominique Gunn
Family Ambassador
Mrs. Gunn is in her second year as a parent at Avalon and excited to serve her first year as Family Ambassador. She loves connecting with parents, providing support, and being a resource for the Avalon community. Feel free to reach out anytime!
BUILDING SUPPORTS
BUILDING SUPPORTS
Tara Hansbrew
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 (33) and Tyriece (29). She loves spoiling her six-year-old, Grandboo and 17-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.
Shawn Felts
Shawn Felts
Head Custodian
Mr. Shawn is Avalon's Head Custodian. He's worked for Columbus City Schools since 2013 starting in food service for two years. He then switched to custodial staff at Northland High School then become Head Custodian for Avalon. Mr. Shawn is also a part-time truck driver. He was born and raised in Columbus Ohio.
Mr. Shawn attended Independence High School for his first two years then South High School until graduation in 2005. He then attended and played football at the Universities of Akron and Arizona. He now plays pro flag football.
Mr. Shawn has two older sisters, one younger sister, and a three-year old daughter. He is very family oriented and the one everyone loves to see at all the family functions. All in all he loves being around family and friends, playing football, working out, watching sports, playing video games, traveling, and cooking on the grill. Favorite sports teams are: Cleveland Cavaliers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and The Ohio State Buckeyes.
John Anderson
John Anderson
Night Custodian
Mr. Anderson came to Avalon after working 20 years at Honda. He also served as a certified home health aid for a year-and-a-half to care for his brother. He has been with Columbus City Schools for four years. He floated at several schools for two years before coming to Avalon full time as the Night Custodian.
Mr. Anderson has a daughter at Beechcroft and a daughter at Alpine. He graduated from West High School in 1983. He has been a basketball coach for the Nike league coaching both girls and boys, lifeguard, youth leader, and security guard. He enjoys fishing, shooting pool, bowling, and spending time with his girls.
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