Faculty & Staff Directory

Lynn Casto

Lynn D. Casto was named Head of School in October 2017, with the appointment being effective July 1, 2018.

She joined Maumee Valley from the Sanford School in Hockessin, DE, where she has served as Upper School head since 2013.

She brought an impressive background in independent school education to Maumee Valley. She attended the Columbus (OH) School for Girls, discovering a dual love for athletics and the arts. At Davidson College (NC), she earned a bachelor of arts degree in art history while playing NCAA Division I lacrosse. She went on to earn two masters’ degrees in education: one in arts education from The Ohio State University (where she also was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society) and the other in private school leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Prior to Sanford, she held faculty and leadership roles at Charlotte Country Day School (NC) for 13 years. She also served as head of the school’s Department of Fine Arts from 2007 to 2013. She began her teaching career at Brookwood School (GA), where she served as the Middle and Upper School art teacher in addition to teaching AP Studio and AP Art History. She also coached softball and soccer teams.

She was recently appointed to the 20-person Heads Circle, new think tank created by Independent School Management to help independent schools around the country become more effective and sustainable. She is also a member of the Ohio Association of Independent Schools Board of Trustees.

Aikia Carter

Aikia joins Maumee Valley after an 11-year career at the Stellantis Toledo Assembly Complex in North Toledo. Her most recent role was as the administrative assistant to the Executive Committee, where she provided comprehensive office support to committee members. Previously, she served as a logistics analyst, managing inventory and analyzing data to ensure production efficiency. Aikia also has a background in early childhood education, having worked in a five-star childcare facility where she studied Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies. Working with children is her passion, alongside her administrative and analytical expertise. She holds an associate’s degree in applied business from Davis University, a bachelor of science in business administration from Lourdes University, and a Child Development Associate credential.

Martha Chandran-Dickerson

Martha Chandran-Dickerson joined the Upper School as a member of the English faculty in 2023. She also serves as a writing consultant working with students in the Natural and Health Science Residential Community at Bowling Green State University. In addition, she is a freelance writer and cultural literacy consultant. She also served as managing editor for Taylor and Francis’ scholarly journal Science Activities. She has taught English courses to both high school and college students. She has a bachelor of arts in communications and English from Daystar University (Nairobi, Kenya) as well as a master of arts in English (specializing in Literary and Textual Studies) from Bowling Green State University. She is a parent to Amani-Jordan ’24 and Jadon-Christian ’27.

Giridhar Chejerla

The Upper School Science Department is excited to welcome Giridhar Chejerla (Mr. Raj) to Maumee Valley. Mr. Raj will be teaching Biology classes in the Upper School and co-advising with Mallory Brazeau. Mr. Raj comes to us with secondary science teaching experience in Toledo, Detroit, and India. He also served as a graduate teaching assistant in the Chemistry Department at The University of Toledo. He has a bachelor of science degree in biology and chemistry from Osmania University (India); a master of science degree in organic chemistry from National Institute of Technology Warangal (India); and a master of science in physical chemistry from The University of Toledo. Outside of teaching science, Mr. Raj is an experienced and passionate cook. He specializes in Southern Indian cuisine and loves to add lots of spice to his dishes.

Adam Conley

Adam brings a rich background in building and grounds maintenance. In his most recent role, Adam served as maintenance director at the YMCA of Greater Toledo, overseeing all aspects of building care, including pool maintenance and staff management. His experience includes maintenance roles at Bon Secours Mercy Health, Northwest Electrical Contracting, Wood County, and The University of Toledo Medical Center, where he handled various tasks from electrical work to plumbing. With a strong foundation in maintenance, his expertise spans various systems and settings, making him a valuable addition to our school community. He is a graduate of Clay High School, where he served as class president in his junior year.

Rob Conover

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Ryan Evans

Ryan joins us as a second-year teacher who most recently served as a K-5 reading intervention teaching fellow for Federal Hocking Local Schools. In that role, she provided small-group phonics and fluency instruction to her caseload of students. She has also served as a substitute teacher for Athens-Meigs Educational Service Center; as a private literacy tutor; a summer camp teacher at the Toledo Zoo; and as a Learning Community Leader coordinator at Ohio University, a role for which she received Ohio University’s Student Affairs Senior Leader Award in 2023. She holds a bachelor of science degree in early childhood and elementary education and a master’s of education degree in reading education, both from Ohio University.

Salena Ferguson

Salena brings extensive experience as a licensed social worker to Maumee Valley. Most recently, she served as a student assistance program coordinator for the Educational Service Center of Lake Erie West. In that role, she oversaw drug and alcohol prevention programming and provided evidence-based support to students in local school districts. She previously served as a waiver service coordinator at the Area Office on Aging, addressing the psychological and social well-being of clients over 60. At Ohio Guidestone, she supported pregnant and parenting students through individual and group counseling. Salena has also volunteered with organizations such as Lucas County Mental Health & Recovery Services and the Boys and Girls Club of America, demonstrating her commitment to community and mental health. She has over 12 years of experience as a mental health professional, working in schools and building programs. She has a bachelor’s degree and is working towards her master’s degree in social work, both from The University of Toledo.

Collin Glenn

Collin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the international program, supported by a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Law & Social Thought, and a Master of Arts degree in Political Science, all from The University of Toledo. His professional journey includes teaching English, business writing, North American culture, and public speaking at the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in Chengdu, China. Proficient in Mandarin, he has worked on international programs with the University of Delaware, Audencia Business School, and the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Collin has also co-owned Elite Fitness, a mixed martial arts and fitness center in Chengdu, served as a residential coordinator for GP Homestay, and provided academic support at the Cambridge Institute of International Education in Monroe, MI. His extensive background in education and international program management makes him a valuable addition to the school community.

Gabrielle Gurley

Gabi Gurley brings diverse experience from her role as a building substitute at Westside Montessori, where she worked with students as early as 13 months old up to 8th grade. She completed her student teaching at both the Montessori School of Bowling Green, where she taught daily lessons to children ages 3-6, and at Fostoria Elementary School (Fostoria, OH) in a preschool classroom. Additionally, Gabi has provided childcare as a nanny; a toddler aide at the Montessori School of Bowling Green; an assistant with the STARS program at Rossford Elementary (Rossford, OH); and as a daycare team member at Lifetime Fitness (Mason, OH). She has a bachelor of education degree in human development and inclusive early childhood education from Bowling Green State University.

Ashley Harman

Ashley Harman is joining Maumee Valley in the dual roles of part-time maintenance team member and part-time floater in the PreKindergarten/Junior Kindergarten classrooms. Ashley brings a diverse background in property management, customer service, and team leadership. For the past 4 years, she has been staying at home with her children and nannying for other families. She previously served as an assistant community manager at Windsor West Apartments, where she managed maintenance schedules, coordinated with vendors, and ensured timely completion of all facility-related tasks. Her experience in sales management, including roles at Ashley Furniture and Victoria’s Secret, honed her interpersonal and time-management skills. Her career in retail management at Target and Tilly’s further developed her ability to lead teams and maintain operational efficiency. In these roles, she learned the value of adaptability and teamwork, qualities she now brings to Maumee Valley.

Julie Hicks

Julie Hicks has extensive experience as an intervention specialist, including roles at the Educational Service Center Lake Erie West and Oregon City Schools, where she excelled in implementing IEPs, facilitating professional development, and supporting literacy interventions. She has served on various Ohio Department of Education committees and the National Advisory Panel for ETS/Praxis Reading Specialist exams. In addition, she is a certified IMSE Orton-Gillingham Structured Literacy Specialist and a LETRS Regional Facilitator. She is dedicated to fostering personalized learning and resiliency for students with learning challenges and speaks and publishes regularly regarding her work, including this September at the 36th Annual Symposium, sponsored by the Northern Ohio branch of the International Dyslexia Association. She has a bachelor of science degree in speech-language pathology and a master of education degree in special education, both from The University of Toledo. She has Ohio licenses as a reading specialist (PreK-12) and as an intervention specialist mild-moderate (K-12).

Alexandra Kania

PreKindergarten and Junior Kindergarten teacher
akania@mvcds.org

Lindsey Konrad

Lindsey Konrad brings experience as both in-person and online instructor to her role as the part-time math teacher for grades 7 and 8. A passionate and innovative teacher with expertise in 7-12 mathematics, she has taught math at Whitmer High School (Washington Local Schools) and for the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow and Ohio Virtual Academy. She enjoys engaging students with interactive lessons to facilitate critical thinking and problem-solving skills and is adept at using growth mindset techniques to encourage students’ motivation and growth. Lindsey has experience in developing lesson plans and both group and one-on-one instruction. She has a bachelor of science degree in business from Miami University and a master in education degree (7-12 mathematics) from The University of Toledo.

Niki McCoy

Niki McCoy is the new director of residence life. Her most recent position was program manager at Sunshine Communities in Maumee. Other experiences include regional director of the YMCA of Greater Chicago and a social worker and therapist at Steel City Academy (Gary, IN). A graduate of Sylvania Northview High School, she was named to the Division I 1st Team All-Ohio basketball team in her senior year. She earned a bachelor of liberal science degree from Bowling Green State University, where she also played on the girls’ varsity basketball team. She has a master’s degree in social work from DePaul University and served in the U.S. Navy from 2009 to 2012.

Angela McCray-Hancock

Kara Nachtrab

Kara Nachtrab brings diverse professional and community experience to Maumee Valley. Most recently, she served as a special education teacher at Sylvania Schools, where she planned lessons, graded assignments, and supported students in a mild/moderate classroom. An active community member in Sylvania and Toledo, she has held roles such as chairperson for St. Joseph’s Church Giving Tree and PTO Secretary at St. Joseph’s School. Her background also includes a successful career with Takeda Pharmaceuticals, where she excelled as a sales representative, earning top regional awards. Kara is known for her organizational skills, enthusiasm, and ability to work effectively with diverse personalities. She has a bachelor of science degree in marketing from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree in education from Lourdes University.

Ashley Ouimet

Ashley Ouimet joins Maumee Valley from Fostoria City Schools (Fostoria, OH), where served as a Middle School technology teacher focusing on advancing students’ technology skills and integrating lessons across subjects. She also worked as an academic interventionist at Springfield Local Schools, specializing in phonics intervention and student development. Her role as a curriculum designer for Ink Splash involved creating tailored curriculum and assessment materials. At Whiteford Agricultural Schools (Ottawa Lake, MI), she taught 6th grade, chaired the department, and led curriculum development efforts. She also has taught 7th and 8th grade for Toledo Public Schools. She emphasizes project-based learning, critical thinking, and leveraging educational technology to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. She has a bachelor of science degree in international relations from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree in middle childhood education from The University of Toledo.

Heather Rakosik

Heather Rakosik begins a new role as the 7th-8th grade physical education teacher and assistant athletic director. She joined Maumee Valley in the fall of 2022 as the Lower and Middle School physical education, heath and wellness teacher. She previously taught at The Columbus Academy in (Gahanna, OH) as a middle/lower school physical education and aquatics teacher and basketball and lacrosse coach. Heather also taught and coached softball and basketball collegiately for 18 years at Kenyon College, Bucknell University, Ohio Wesleyan University, Hiram College, and Defiance College. She has a bachelor of arts degree in health and physical education from Muskingum University and a master of arts degree in education from Defiance College.

Andrew Ross

Andrew Ross brings a strong background in history education and dedication to student success in his new role. He also has extensive experience from his role as a history instructor at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Upper School (San Jose, CA), where he taught AP U.S. History and World History with an impressive AP pass rate of 96 percent. He also coached cross country and track and field and advised several extracurricular clubs. Previously, he taught history, logic, and economics at Challenger School (San Jose). He has experience as a researcher, guest lecturer, and teaching assistant at Baldwin Wallace University and has tutored students for AP history exams. He has a bachelor of arts degree in history and theater from Baldwin Wallace and a master of arts degree in history from San Jose State University.

Kristen Sanders

Kristen Sanders has more than 21 years of experience in art education. She has served as an art instructor at the Toledo Museum of Art for students ages 5-18 since 2003 and taught grades Kindergarten through 8th grade at Christ the King Elementary School. Kristen excels in two- and three-dimensional arts, including sculpture, ceramics, jewelry making, printmaking, drawing, painting, and photography. She is a Golden Apple nominee, certified yoga instructor, and has organized numerous student art exhibitions. Her work has been showcased in exhibitions at the Toledo Museum of Art and the Ohio Jewelers Association, among others. She is known for her dedication, flexibility, and effective integration of core subjects into art curriculum. She has a bachelor of arts degree in painting and photography from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in art education from The University of Toledo.

Morgan Seavolt

Morgan Seavolt joins Maumee Valley having taught and observed a wide range of age groups, from young 5s to 12th grade, across various schools. She has worked in elementary and middle schools for Hudson Area Schools (Hudson, MI); elementary, intermediate, and high schools for Tecumseh Public Schools (Tecumseh, MI); and elementary schools for Adrian Public Schools (Adrian, MI). Her hands-on experience includes developing and teaching health and physical education lessons, facilitating diverse activities, and supporting students’ overall physical well-being. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in health and physical education from Adrian College, where she was a four-year member of its acrobatics and tumbling team.

Dona Schwalm

Dona Schwalm returns to Maumee Valley this year in the new role of Middle School math teacher. She served last year as a Middle School science and social studies teacher for 4th and 6th graders. She has been a substitute at Maumee Valley since 2007 and a teacher assistant for both the Lower School and Middle School. She has served in teaching and substitute roles for school districts in southeast Michigan and northwest Ohio. She has a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Eastern Michigan University and a master of education degree in curriculum and instruction from Walden University.

Jasmine Smith

Jasmine Smith joins with a background in both education and community engagement in the Toledo area. For the past 10 years, she was a math educator for Toledo Public Schools (Bowsher and Scott high schools). In that role, she implemented state curriculum and collaborated with other educators on student progress tracking. Her leadership roles include serving as an education liaison with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toledo and as a participant in Leadership Toledo’s SPARK Program, where she honed grant writing skills for nonprofit support. She also has worked in donor engagement with the nonprofit Young Life Toledo City. She has a bachelor of arts degree in education from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in educational theory and social foundations from The University of Toledo.

Mike Valentine

Mike Valentine is the new superintendent of building and grounds. His most recent role was as operations director/working operations director at Mason Consolidated Schools (Erie, MI). He also has held general maintenance, boiler operator, and groundskeeper roles at Monroe Public Schools (Monroe, MI) and as a machinist at Colonial Tool (Taylor, MI). He earned his operations director certification from the Michigan School Business Officials organization. His other operator certifications include boiler, powered industrial truck, and aquatic facility operations.

Holly Wallace

Holly Wallace brings a wealth of experience in both teaching and educational leadership. She served as principal and director of summer programming for Monroe Public Schools (Monroe, MI) from 2018 to 2023 and as the district’s curriculum specialist from 2015 to 2022, where she implemented K-12 adoptions in all content areas. Holly has extensive experience in curriculum development, professional development, student and family engagement, and school improvement. She has led numerous initiatives, supervised and evaluated educators, and coordinated programs to enhance student learning. She has taught many grade levels, including all grades 1st through 6th. She has a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in the art of teaching from Marygrove College.

Morgan Weber

Morgan Weber joins Maumee Valley from Sylvania Public Schools, where she recently served as a 1st grade long-term substitute. Her other Sylvania experiences include student teaching in a kindergarten classroom, substitute teaching across various elementary grades, and as a Kindergarten long-term substitute. She also has worked as a tutor to close academic gaps with students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Previously, she has taught science education at nature centers and metroparks. Morgan has also worked as a zookeeper before transitioning into education full-time. She has a bachelor of arts degree in zoo and wildlife biology from Malone University and a master’s degree in teaching elementary education from Western Governors University.

Kathryn Weinberg

Jade West

Jade West is the new director of human resources. She has seven years of experience in private K-12 education, including five years at Brightside Academy in Toledo where she was academy director. In that role, she oversaw all HR functions for a staff of 30. Most recently, she was the admissions and enrollment manager at Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School and Academy. A graduate of Start High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Toledo in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in human resource management.

Robin Wheeler

With over three decades of experience in private K-12 education, Robin Wheeler brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our community. Her diverse background includes roles as a teacher, principal, and director, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape.

Most recently, Robin served as the Lower School director at Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma, WA, where she made a significant impact on student learning and community engagement. Her dedication to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment aligns perfectly with our values here at Maumee Valley.

“I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to join the Maumee Valley Country Day School community,” Robin said. “During my recent visit, I was truly touched by the warm welcome I received and the dedication of the faculty. Instantly, I felt a profound connection to Maumee Valley’s program, as it perfectly aligns with my core beliefs. I firmly believe that experiential and place-based education lays the groundwork for lifelong curiosity and resilience, equipping students to tackle challenges with confidence. I am thrilled to step into the role of interim director of Lower School Director and contribute to a community that shares these values.”

Robin’s extensive international experience, including teaching and leadership roles in Brazil, Ecuador, and Colombia, further enriches our global perspective and enhances our commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding.

In her previous positions at Vail Mountain School, Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro, The Overtake School, and Eastside Preparatory School, Robin demonstrated her passion for empowering students to reach their full potential. Her dedication to creating meaningful learning experiences and nurturing each child’s unique talents will undoubtedly have a profound impact on our Lower School community.

Robin holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Emporia State University, a master’s degree in K-12 administration from Michigan State University, and an advancing leadership certificate from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Colleen Wilson

Colleen Wilson brings extensive experience from roles in various educational settings. She has demonstrated her versatility by teaching across multiple grade levels and adapting lessons to meet diverse needs. Her commitment to student progress is evident through her data-driven approach and strong communication with parents and colleagues. She has a range of leadership experiences, from serving as a grade band (3-5) lead teacher, a building (K-8) lead teacher, and a member of the building leadership team where she co-authored a school improvement plan. She is excited to provide students the opportunity to engage with nature, find their passion, fuel their curiosity, and encourage creativity and imagination along the way. She has a bachelor of arts degree from The Ohio State University and a master of education degree in early childhood from The University of Toledo.

Wei (Vivian) Zhang

Vivian Zhang joins the school as a residential life associate in Dayal House. With extensive experience as the owner of Speakeasy English Tutoring Services in Chengdu, China, since 2016, she has successfully managed a tutoring business by offering customized English language programs and maintaining high client retention rates. Previously, she served as an international student host parent with GP Homestay (Monroe, MI) and as a regional manager for Hello Kitty in Chengdu. Vivian also worked as a tour guide with Sichuan Everbright International Tours. Fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English, she is deeply committed to mentoring and supporting students. A Tai Chi competitor and certified cook, she holds a bachelor of science degree in international finance from Sichuan Tian Yi College.