Mt. Washington is an EL Education school. The school promotes a three-dimensional vision of student achievement: mastery of knowledge and skills, character and high-quality student work. Staff and students in Mt. Washington School are "Crew." As the Principal, Mrs. Brenner serves as one of the crew members ready to provide an equitable, caring, positive and inclusive space for the students and staff. Maureen Brenner believes that all students can contribute to a better world when they feel safe, have a sense of purpose and belong in the community. 

Mrs. Brenner lives with her husband, stepsons and two dogs in Columbia Tusculum. She enjoys teaching yoga, playing on a golf league, boating and traveling with her family to Florida.

Julie Keininger, Senior Support Specialist

Mrs. Keininger earned her associate in applied business degree from the University of Cincinnati. After working at Delta Air Lines for five years and Deloitte & Touche Consulting firm for two years, she spent the next nine years at home raising her two children. She started working for Cincinnati Public Schools in 2005 at North Avondale Montessori, where she was an instructor assistant for three years and then became the support specialist there for two years. She then transferred to the Human Resources Department as a senior support specialist where she worked for two years. Mrs. Keininger is now working here at Mt. Washington School as the senior support specialist. She transferred here in 2012 because she missed interacting with the parents and students. She enjoys supporting the staff, students and parents.

Sandy Romero, Senior Support Specialist

Mrs. Romero earned a bachelor of arts in management and psychology degree from Marietta College. She worked in management until becoming a stay-at-home mom. She joined Mt. Washington as a volunteer parent and later was hired as a paraprofessional in 2005. In 2017, she joined the office staff as Senior Support Specialist. Mrs. Romero enjoys being a part of the Mt. Washington team and serves on the Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports Committee and Social Committee. It is her hope that she is helpful to the staff and students of Mt. Washington, so they can achieve their very best.

Ebonne Torain, Teacher

Mrs. Torain received her bachelor of science degree in business from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She earned a master of arts in teaching degree from Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is in her 11th year as a teacher with the Cincinnati School District, where she has taught 2nd and 3rd grade, as well as preschool for eight years. Prior to becoming a teacher, Mrs. Torain worked at Fifth Third Bank for five years, training commercial clients on the use of banking software and troubleshooting software issues. Mrs. Torain takes seriously her role as the first teacher for many students and derives great satisfaction from knowing that she is getting students off to a strong start educationally and preparing them for future success.

Roxanne Jennings, Teacher

Ms. Jennings received her bachelor of science in education from the University of Cincinnati. During her years in college, Ms. Jennings student taught in preschool, kindergarten and first grade classrooms. She completed her first grade student teaching internship here at Mt. Washington. Ms. Jennings is passionate about the play-based learning environment that is cultivated in preschool classrooms. Her goal is to help every child reach their academic and personal milestones in and out of the classroom. Ms. Jennings is lucky to teach at Mt. Washington!

Laura Barlage, Teacher

Ms. Barlage received her bachelor of education degree from Northern Kentucky University, and her master of curriculum and instruction degree from Coppin State University in Baltimore, Maryland. She is currently in her 23rd year of teaching, and after working at Mt. Washington in fifth and sixth grade for two years, she is now teaching kindergarten. Ms. Barlage is excited to be helping some of our youngest learners develop their love of learning that will last a lifetime.

Gloria Thomas, Teacher

Mrs. Thomas earned her bachelor of science degree at the University of Cincinnati. She attained her master of reading science degree at the University of Mount St. Joseph in 2016. She started working for Cincinnati Public Schools in 2013. Mrs. Thomas is proud to be a kindergarten teacher at Mt. Washington School.

Amanda Lord, Teacher

Ms. Lord received her bachelor of children and family ministry degree from Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota. After moving to Cincinnati, she earned her master of inclusive early childhood education degree and Reading Endorsement from Mt. Saint Joseph University. She is currently in her ninth year of teaching first grade at Mt. Washington. Ms. Lord strives to challenge each of her students in their academic journey as well as foster their creativity, confidence and character. First grade is a big year! Students are learning how to read and write, researching about the sun, moon and stars, becoming mathematicians and so much more. Ms. Lord is lucky to be able to provide a place for students to learn and have fun!

Annelise Malosh, Teacher  

Mrs. Malosh received her bachelor of science degree in early childhood education from The Ohio State University. She obtained her master of inclusive early childhood education degree and earned a Reading Endorsement from the College of Mount Saint Joseph. Mrs. Malosh began her teaching career as a student teacher here at Mt. Washington and is currently in her eighth year of teaching first grade. She strongly believes in the power of learning, teamwork and diversity. She inspires her students to demonstrate confidence, creativity, problem solving and perseverance. Mrs. Malosh loves being a part of the Mt. Washington School Crew!

Mary Davis, Teacher

Mrs. Davis received her bachelor of science degree in elementary and special education from Mount St. Joseph University. She earned her master of education degree from the University of Cincinnati and her Reading Endorsement from Mount St. Joseph University. Mrs. Davis has taught for 28 years; 27 of which at Mt. Washington School. Her teaching experience includes being an intervention specialist, as well teaching first grade and second grade. Currently, Mrs. Davis teaches second grade and serves as Testing Coordinator, Team Leader and is a member of the Social Committee.

Megan Markham, Teacher

Ms. Markham received her bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Wilmington College and later went to Xavier University, where she received both her master of early childhood education degree and Reading Endorsement. Before becoming a Mt. Washington Knight, Ms. Markham taught kindergarten at Brantner Elementary School. Ms. Markham has taught both second and third grade at Mt. Washington School. Ms. Markham strives to make sure that everyone in her class grows together academically and emotionally. Her goal is to build a nurturing community where everyone feels safe to communicate and explore. 

Andrea Sponsler, Teacher

Mrs. Sponsler is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education and obtained her master of arts in teaching degree from Marygrove College. Mrs. Sponsler began her teaching career at Washburn Elementary in Cincinnati Public Schools as a second grade teacher during the 1993–94 school year. Since then she has taught second grade and recently third grade in the Cincinnati Public Schools. In addition to teaching second and third grade, Mrs. Sponsler has been a member of the district's Kagan Coaching Team, English as a Second Language (ESL) Coordinator, and served as the building English Language Arts Content Innovation Specialist. Those teaching and leadership experiences have given Mrs. Sponsler the opportunity to work with a variety of teachers from various backgrounds and children with many different learning styles and needs.

Patti Acus, Teacher

Mrs. Acus is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education and a Kindergarten Endorsement. She has completed the Cincinnati Vermont Math Initiative Program, the Miami Science Program and Orton Gillingham Training. Mrs. Acus began her teaching career in Cincinnati Public Schools at McKinley Elementary. She then taught at Windsor Elementary, and has been at Mt. Washington ever since. Mrs. Acus currently teaches fourth grade math and science. She is currently the Math Curriculum Council Representative for the building. Her teaching experiences have given her the opportunity to differentiate educational programming for students from various social and cultural backgrounds.

Deb Couch, Teacher

Mrs. Couch received both her bachelor of science in education degree and her master of education degrees from the University of Cincinnati. Additionally, Mrs. Couch has earned a Reading Endorsement from Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mrs. Couch began her teaching career in 1991. She has worked for Cincinnati Public Schools for her entire tenure. She has taught English Language Arts (ELA) for grades 4-7, and served as a district ELA Coach. Mrs. Couch is delighted to be teaching fourth grade ELA at Mt. Washington School and she is looking forward to an extremely successful year with her students.

Kate McConnell, Teacher

Ms. McConnell received her bachelor of arts degree in communication with concentrations in writing and peace and justice studies from Marian University in Indianapolis. While in college, she was awarded Outstanding Communication Senior, an award only given to the top student in her class. After attending Marian University, she worked as a program director of Girls Inc. and as an Outreach Educator with the Drake Planetarium and Science Center. In the Fall of 2016, Ms. McConnell was accepted into the 2017 Teach for America Corps. Ms. McConnell is very passionate about driving students to reach their full potential. She is excited about the opportunity to educate America's future leaders, here at Mt. Washington School.

Jennifer Williams, Teacher

Mrs. Williams is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor of science in communication, a bachelor of arts in elementary education and a master's degree in Elementary Education. Mrs. Williams began her teaching career with Cincinnati Public Schools in 1997. She has taught at Roosevelt Elementary, Schwab Elementary and Mt. Washington School. She became a lead teacher for the district in 2008. As a teacher, she believes that it is essential to develop a rigorous and differentiated instructional program that sets high expectations while allowing each student to exceed his/her ability level. It is important to make sure that a child is exposed to all standards and indicators, while simultaneously meeting their individual needs.

Robert Pride, Teacher

Mr. Pride is a graduate of Mount Saint Joseph University with a bachelor of arts in elementary education degree and obtained his master of education degree from the University of Vermont. Mr. Pride started his career in 1991 with Cincinnati Public Schools at Rothenberg Elementary in the Over-The-Rhine community. He is currently teaching sixth-grade math and science at Mount Washington School. During his 30+ years of teaching, he has worked with children in grades fourth to eighth from various backgrounds with many different needs.

Randy Swantko, Teacher

Ms. Stancliff Swantko has been a reading and social studies teacher for 38 years. She began her career in Cincinnati at Peoples Junior High School. She has also had positions at Windsor Elementary and now Mt. Washington School. Ms. Swantko received her bachelor’s degree at Bowling Green State University and her master’s at University of Cincinnati. She attended the University of Edinburg in Scotland for a semester. She continues to expand her knowledge through professional development offered at the district and attending National Conventions. Ms. Swantko has taught in New York, Virginia, Texas and even Puerto Rico. Most of her teaching has been in grades 5 through 8. Ms. Swantko has been a teacher at Mt. Washington for the past 20+ years and enjoys this community a great deal.

Melinda Dressell, Intervention Specialist

Mrs. Dressell is a graduate of Kent State University with a bachelor of science in secondary education degree in integrated social studies and obtained her master of special education degree from the University of Cincinnati. Mrs. Dressell began her teaching career as a long-term substitute for Norwood City schools. Since then she has worked as an Intervention Specialist for Cincinnati Public Schools. She has worked in various school buildings, including West High, Riverview East Academy, Silverton Elementary School and Mt. Washington School. In March of 2006, Mrs. Dressell accepted a position at a proprietary school, Southwestern College, as Student Services Manager in 2006 and was promoted to the Registrar and then to the Academic Dean. Upon completing her master of Special Education degree in 2009, she accepted a position as an Intervention Specialist for Cincinnati Public Schools and has worked there since. While working as a special educator, she has mainly worked with grades 4–6. Currently, Mrs. Dressell teaches high functioning students who have been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Theresa Martin, Intervention Specialist, Structured Unit

Ms. Martin received her bachelor of arts in elementary education and special education degree from Northern Kentucky University. She began her career as an Intervention Specialist in 2001 and has worked with students in grades kindergarten through high school. She has been at Mt. Washington School in the middle grades Autism Unit for five years.

Devon Schneider, Intervention Specialist

Mrs. Schneider is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University with a bachelor of science in early childhood education and a special education degree from The University of Cincinnati. Mrs. Schneider received her master of reading and curriculum and instruction degree from Grand Canyon University. She began teaching in 2003 for Cincinnati Public Schools. Currently she teaches in the primary Autism classroom.

Tracy Jennings, Intervention Specialist, Grades K–3

Mrs. Jennings received her bachelor of education of the handicapped degree from Bowling Green State University and obtained her master's degree from Mt. St. Joseph University in the Science of Reading Program. She began her teaching with Cincinnati Public Schools as an Itinerant teacher serving both public and private schools. She then taught at Windsor Elementary as an intervention specialist for grades K-3 for 6 years. She has taught at Mt. Washington School since 2000, working as an intervention specialist and case coordinator. In addition to her teaching assignment at Mt. Washington School, she also works as the Project Lead Teacher for the implementation of Expeditionary Learning.

Marty Hanrahan, Intervention Specialist, Grades 4–6

Mr. Hanrahan began his undergraduate studies at Bowling Green State University and finished at the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor of arts degree in political science. He then received his master of special education degree from the University of Cincinnati. He began his career working in Florida and Maine for the wilderness school, Hurricane Island Outward Bound, leading 30-day wilderness therapy courses for felony convicted teenagers and eventually becoming the Program Director. He started his teaching career in Cincinnati Public Schools in 1999-2000, and has been teaching at Mt. Washington School for 23 years. Mr. Hanrahan is also currently coaching his 38th season of youth sports that has included baseball, basketball, football, and lacrosse. 

Renita Lewis-Jackson, Gifted Intervention Specialist

Julie Byrne, Speech Language Pathologist

Ms. Byrne received her undergraduate degree from the University of Cincinnati. She earned her master of arts in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Cincinnati. She began her career with Cincinnati Public Schools as an intervention specialist. She taught for seven years at Mt. Airy School and Cheviot School. She worked at multiple Cincinnati Public Schools as a speech language pathologist before coming to Mt. Washington. She has served as a Consulting Teacher for speech language pathologists. During her 28 years in Cincinnati Public Schools she has worked with students in preschool through 12th grade.

Chelsea Gardner, Occupational Therapist 

Ms. Gardner is a graduate of Xavier University with a bachelor's degree in liberal arts and a master's degree in occupational therapy. She began her career with Cincinnati Public Schools six years ago and the first school she began working at included Mt. Washington School. Ms. Gardner has worked at six other Cincinnati Public Schools and has worked with students in preschool through 12th grade. She continues to love working at Mt. Washington with amazing students and staff.

Sara Maurer, Psychologist

Mrs. Maurer is a proud graduate of the University of Cincinnati, where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology, a master's of education degree, and an education specialist degree in school psychology. Mrs. Maurer began her career with Cincinnati Public Schools as an intern school psychologist, and she has worked in a variety of buildings since that time, serving preschool through high school age students. She is currently lead school psychologist for CPS and serves as a mentor and coach for psychologists throughout the district. Mrs. Maurer is involved in many district-level initiatives and committees, which have provided her with valuable opportunities to work with students and families of diverse backgrounds and various needs. She enjoys collaborating with students, families and teachers to meet the educational needs of children.

Kristi May, Reading Specialist

Ms. May received her bachelor of science from The University of South Carolina and her master of arts of teaching degree from the College of Mount Saint Joseph. She also earned her Reading Endorsement from MSJ. Ms. May began her teaching career as a student teacher here at Mt. Washington and is currently in her eleventh year of teaching. Before teaching third grade, Ms. May was the Reading Specialist for three years and taught second grade for one year. She has been involved with Leadership Scholars, after-school book clubs and after-school tutoring, LSDMC, and is now a part of the PBIS team. Ms. May is excited for her students to learn and grow through Expeditionary Learning.

Crys Alexander, Social Worker

Ms. Alexander received her master's degree in social work from the University of Cincinnati in 2013. Prior to joining Cincinnati Public Schools, Ms. Alexander served in a variety of social work roles including program director at a local non-profit working with children impacted by addiction, as a caseworker for the Department of Jobs and Family Services, a case manager at various agencies supporting the needs of homeless individuals and families, and as discharge planner in a geriatric psych unit. Ms. Alexander is thrilled to be at Mt. Washington School and to be working with kids again!

Mrs. Schneider, Reading Specialist

Ms. Schneider is a graduate of Miami University with a bachelor of science in early childhood education. She earned her master’s degree in the Science of Reading at Mount Saint Joseph University. Prior to being a reading specialist, Ms. Schneider spent three years in the classroom. This is Ms. Schneider's third year at Mt. Washington School but will be her eighth year as a reading specialist for Cincinnati Public Schools.

Robert Hale, Art Teacher

Mr. Hale is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati's College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) with a bachelor of science degree in graphic design and obtained his master of art education degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Mr. Hale had a design business in Cincinnati, and then owned a commercial photography studio for many years, specializing in advertising work. He has 20 years experience teaching elementary visual Art in Cincinnati Public Schools.

Andrew Hutchinson, Spanish Teacher

Señor Hutchinson received his bachelor of arts degree in the Spanish language from the University of Cincinnati in 2016. During his time at the university, he developed his language skills by participating in work trips to foreign countries, including a six-week immersion in Guatemala. After exploring teaching opportunities with high school and junior high school students in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas, he began teaching in Cincinnati Public Schools in 2018. When he is not at Mt. Washington School, he is teaching Spanish to the students of Covedale School during B weeks.

Elena Ivanova, Music Teacher

Mrs. Ivanova received her undergraduate degree from Plovdiv Academy of Music in Bulgaria. She earned her master of music education degree from Wright State University, Ohio. She earned her second master’s degree in humanities from Wright State University. Mrs. Ivanova began her teaching career in Bulgaria as a music teacher and working in Yambol City Children's Choir. She started teaching in Cincinnati, Ohio, during the 1999–2000 school year. During her more than 20+ years in Cincinnati Public Schools she has taught K–8 general music and completed level 3 of Orff Schulwerk Teacher Education course.

Donald Klein, Band Teacher

Mr. Klein has earned bachelor of music, bachelor of music education and master of arts in education degrees from Northern Kentucky University. He has completed additional graduate course work at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and Drake University. He began his career as a band director in Cincinnati area parochial schools before beginning work in Cincinnati Public Schools in 1979. In his 41 plus years in CPS, Mr. Klein has taught in 22 different schools and is currently in his 22nd year as band director at Mt. Washington. He has been a private instructor in clarinet, saxophone and flute for 46 years and is in his second year as clarinet instructor for the CPS Jazz Academy band. He has also been active as a freelance professional musician in various ensembles and bands in the Cincinnati area as well as performing as a church musician and music director in area churches.

Marva Rasmussen, Strings Teacher

Mrs. Rasmussen has earned her bachelor and master of music education degrees from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance. She is a registered Suzuki teacher with the Suzuki Association of the Americas for Violin Books 1 through 10. She began her career in the Kansas City, Kansas, public school system as an elementary string teacher, and in the Olathe, Kansas, public schools teaching elementary and junior high strings. After moving to Cincinnati, she directed the Chamber Orchestra at Ursuline Academy, and founded the strings program at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy. Now in her fourth year at Cincinnati Public Schools, she has taught strings at 7 different schools. She is active as a freelance musician with La Chiesa String Quartet, the Southwest Ohio Philharmonic and various churches, and directs the Northern Cincinnati Youth Orchestra.

Robert Veite, Physical Education Teacher

Dr. Veite attended Xavier University and earned a bachelor of science degree in physical education and health. He continued at Xavier University obtaining his first master’s degree in health and nutrition sciences while teaching full-time. He attended the University of Cincinnati where he finished two additional master’s programs in educational administration and elementary education as part of his doctor of education program in curriculum and instruction with a primary concentration in science. He was awarded a Gabbard Fellowship to conduct primary research at UC. Completing his fellowship he taught graduate and undergraduate coursework in science, kinesiology, health, physical education, various education methodology courses, and continued to produce primary research in multicultural education in Inner City Schools and Diversity in Instructional Leadership at the Elementary School Level. He just completed a doctorate at Northcentral University and published research on Title IX compliance. Dr. Veite taught k-12 in language arts, physical education, and science, was a principal, and coached baseball, basketball, football and track. Dr. Veite started teaching physical education at Mt. Washington School in 2001 and is the building representative, serves on the Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) and various other committees. He works in the after-school program and loves being a part of the Mt. Washington Crew.

Kallie Day, Paraprofessional

Ms. Day earned her bachelor of science in art from Skidmore College. She has worked as a photographer, floral designer, and retail manager before realizing she wanted to pursue a career in education. She joined the Cincinnati Public Schools team in 2019 as a part of the Mt. Washington School family. She always brings a creative approach to anything she does and loves to help her colleagues and students in any way she can, as we all learn and grow and get better together!

Ronda Dillon, Paraprofessional

Mrs. Dillon earned her bachelor of liberal arts degree from Xavier University. Prior to beginning her career as a paraprofessional at Mt. Washington School, she worked for several years as a preschool teacher and a substitute teacher. Mrs. Dillon likes to volunteer in her community and enjoys spending time in nature in her free time. She is very happy to be a part of the Mt. Washington School crew and values helping the students achieve their goals.

Michelle Gallivan, Paraprofessional

Ms. Gallivan is a graduate of Miami University with a bachelor of science degree in business administration. Before she joined Cincinnati Public Schools, she worked for many years in the legal field for law firms and consulting firms researching laws and regulations on various issues. She then decided to make a transition into education and joined Cincinnati Public Schools in 2008. She has worked at various schools within the district, including Sands Montessori, Schiel, School for Creative and Performing Arts, North Avondale Montessori and now Mt. Washington School. She currently works in the Autism Unit and likewise joins the general education classrooms. Ms. Gallivan enjoys being a part of the Mt. Washington team. It brings her joy that she contributes to making a difference for each student's academic, social and emotional growth and when the student discovers that he/she can do it.

Kathy Graves, Paraprofessional

Mrs. Graves earned her bachelor of science in business degree from Ball State University. She worked for many years in retail management. She began working for Cincinnati Public Schools in 2008. She enjoys being a part of Mt. Washington School and seeing the students learn and grow.

Teresa Michael, Paraprofessional

Carol Mussio, Paraprofessional

Mrs. Mussio worked at Cincinnati Hamilton County Community Action Agency as a Head Start teacher for 10 years and earned her child development associate degree. She opened a daycare in her home in 2002 and loved it for 14 years. This is her fifth year with Cincinnati Public Schools and she is excited to meet all the children, learn their names and interests as well as their families here at Mt. Washington School.

Lindsey Petrovitch, Paraprofessional

Ms. Petrovitch received her bachelor of science in criminal justice from University of Cincinnati in 2017. She minored in sociology. During her final year of college, Ms. Petrovitch worked with troubled youth as a developmental coach, and tutored second and third grade at Cincinnati Public Schools. She has worked with children at all different age levels with a variety of different educational, cultural, and behavioral needs. Ms. Petrovitch is excited to be a part of the Mt. Washington School team and enjoys working in the preschool classroom.

Jodi Petty, Paraprofessional

Mrs. Petty earned her associate of business management degree from Cincinnati State. She grew up on the east side of Cincinnati and lived in Mt. Washington for several years. She worked for many years as a volunteer at Mt. Washington School and served as a board member on the PTO for three of those years. She served on the Local Decision Making Committee for two years and is in her third year on the Instructional Learning Team. She is currently in her fifth year as a paraprofessional in the primary Autism Unit.

Laura Snyder, Paraprofessional

Ms. Snyder earned her bachelor of science in graphic design from The University of Cincinnati. She has worked as a designer for companies and as a freelance designer. Ms. Snyder has also practiced as an artisan in several capacities. She has previously worked in growth programs for children and adults with disabilities. Ms. Snyder joined the Cincinnati Public Schools team in 2020 for the intermediate Autism Unit and is really pleased to be able to contribute to the Mt. Washington School crew.

Travis Sterett, Paraprofessional

Mr. Sterrett (Mr. Travis) is an operational paraprofessional supporting students and staff from preschool to the sixth grade. He enjoys the interaction he has with the varying grade levels as they work towards becoming better students and community members. While attending Indiana University, Mr. Travis participated in a student mentorship program that matched college students with local elementary students who were in need of a positive role model in their lives. This experience stuck with him and helped shape his decision to become a positive role model to the students here at Mt. Washington School. When not at school, Mr. Travis enjoys tending to his chickens, playing and taking naps with his French bulldog, Lola, and eating his favorite food, pizza! Mr. Travis is also an advocate for school being a safe place where students can express themselves without fear of discrimination.

Reagin Raymond, Assistant School Community Coordinator and Technology Coordinator

Mrs. Raymond received her bachelor of arts degree in media informatics from Northern Kentucky University, the College of Informatics. She spent many years in software development, implementation and training in Cleveland, Chicago and New York. She has a passion for facilitating learning that fosters 21st-century digital fluency skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration and problem solving. Mrs. Raymond joined Mt. Washington School in 2013 and truly enjoys collaborating with the Expeditionary Learning Leadership Team and providing technical support and training for staff, students and families. She is also thrilled to be a part of the 2021 Leadership CPS program.