Meet the Team!
Mr. Smith
Hi everyone and welcome to Rocky River Early Childhood Center here at Beach. My name is Brian Smith (or "Mr. Smith" if you're under four feet tall) and I'm looking forward to another excellent year of Preschool!
This is my 14th year here with Rocky River City Schools and my 19th year as a teacher. After growing up in Chicago, Bay Village, and Anchorage, I completed my Bachelors degree from Ohio University followed with a Masters in Education from Cleveland State.
Like yourself, I'm a Rocky River resident along with my wife Cristina who is a Special Education Teacher with Lakewood City Schools. We have our own mini-classroom here at home with our children Eddie (15) and Gabby (13), who attend Rocky River High School and Rocky River Middle School, respectively. Can't forget to mention our 4 year-old dog, Rio (Spanish for "River"). In my spare time I work on the house, play drums in a cover band, kayak, paddle board, bike, travel, laugh with - and occasionally at - the family, and coach/cheer/sweat/freeze during Eddie and Gab's various sports and activities.
I'm a strong advocate of Preschool not only preparing students for success in Kindergarten, but for preparing them to become confident in themselves, gain independence, and most importantly, enjoy coming to school everyday. As a child, I too received special education services, in my case for speech (stuttering, which you'll still hear pop up on o-o-o-occasion...ooh, there it is!) and can appreciate the importance of educators helping ALL students become the best version of themselves while learning how to overcome daily obstacles.
I look forward to working closely with you in helping your child become the best version of themselves that they can be. Let’s make it a great year!
Our dog, Rio.
Mr. Smith, Mrs. Smith, Gabby, and Eddie in Yosemite Park this summer.
My bestie.
Miss Patti
This coming school year will be my 30th year in a preschool program and my 6th year here in Rocky River. I believe that my enthusiasm, positive attitude, and hands-on experience working with students has only reaffirmed my passion over the years. I look forward to help shape young minds and make a difference in the lives of the kids in this fabulous community.
Over the past couple of years my family has been very fortunate to have celebrated some life changing events. Two years ago this past July, my husband Don retired from the Cleveland Police Department. We are proud for his years of service to the city and for his devotion to a job that at times was challenging for all of us. We are blessed with two beautiful daughters. Our oldest, Hannah, will celebrate her 2nd anniversary in October with wonderful son-in-law, Colin. Our youngest Olivia, attended Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA. She is home with us now planning her future endeavor.
I look forward to being a part of your child's world this school year. My motto is for ALL kids to feel safe, seen, heard, & celebrated!
Cheers to a fabulous year ahead!
My husband Donnie
With my daughters Hannah and Olivia
Daughter Olivia
Daughter Hannah with son-in-law Colin
Miss Sarah
This is my second year at Beach! I’m a lifelong resident of Rocky River and I’m so excited to be working in the district that I’ve been a part of for so long. Prior to joining the Preschool team I've been a teacher in Parma City Schools for 17 years. My husband, Dave, and I have 2 children, Anna (13) and Alex (10). My son is a graduate of Beach so I know firsthand what an amazing and special place this is. I’m looking forward to meeting and working with you all this school year!
Playing games at Halloween with the Beach staff!