Welcome to the new staff at AEA for this school year! We are excited for the year to kickoff and for all the students to meet new faces and have a great year. Below is a quick intro created by each staff member so that you have the chance to know a bit more about them prior to our first day of school on Wednesday, August 21st.
New Staff Biographies
My name is John Komperda. I serve AEA as the Director of Instruction and Leadership. I have been an educator for 49 years as a middle school teacher and Elementary and Middle School Principal. I have been a State Support Team School Improvement Consultant in Ohio for the past 14 years with a particular focus on building equitable school cultures that focus on student data-based decision making that will lead to the use of effective instructional practice. I have been married to Patti (Lakewood City Schools Staff Hall of Fame) for 43 years. We have two sons. The Reverend Doctor Jonathan is married to Lauren and they are the parents of Leah, Asher and Baden. Our son Michael is the Instrumental Music Director in the Rocky River City Schools and a Co-director of the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony. I love to cook, run and listen to music of all kinds. A week without live music is a bad week. Finally, Seventh Graders are my favorite group of people.
My name is Max Logterman and I will be teaching Middle School English Language Arts at AEA in Strongsville. I am certified to teach ELA for grades 7-12. This is my first year teaching and I am very excited to start. I did my student teaching with grades 9-12 and have experience as a study hall monitor with grades 8-12. My education experience includes starting my undergrad at the University of Mount Union, where I played football for 2 seasons, and finishing up my Bachelor's degree in Sport Business and Communications at Ohio State University. I got my Master's Degree in Secondary Education from Cleveland State. I am also going into my 4th year coaching high school football. Outside of the classroom I enjoy hanging out with friends, playing xbox, lifting weights, and am a diehard Cleveland and Ohio State fan. I am excited to start and am looking forward to a great year!
Hello! My name is Macey Zivcsak, and I am thrilled to join Albert Einstein Academy Strongsville as the College and Career Specialist. I completed my undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Studies at Kent State University and earned my Master’s in Leadership in Higher Education from Baldwin Wallace University. In addition to my professional journey, I have a passion for reading, exploring tropical destinations, baking, playing tennis, and skiing. I also enjoy watching Disney and Pixar movies—there's nothing like a good animated film to brighten the day. I look forward to contributing to the growth and success of our students!
My name is Brittney Mazzarella and I am the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant at AEA at Strongsville and Lakewood campuses. This is my 6th year being a COTA at AEA and I love watching my students grow and achieve their goals. I have worked in various settings and with a multitude of different populations, but my favorite always has been working in a school setting with children - the best and most fun! When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our kids Mia (3) and Enzo (1), they are my whole world. I also enjoy going on beach vacations, listening to music, and just enjoying life! I am looking forward to another year at AEA!
My name is Cassandra Fleming and I will be teaching high school math for AEA in Strongsville. I graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2016 and this is my 9th year teaching. I have my teaching license in 7-12 social studies but I have taught everything from 6th grade math to 12th grade credit recovery. Outside of school I have many hobbies that keep me busy. I tend to several animals including chickens and peacocks. I love to play soccer and still play in a co-ed league in North Royalton. I also enjoy star wars, video games, and spending time with friends and family. I’m so excited to be part of the AEA team and can’t wait to get started!
HOLA, my name is Nahun Lagos and I am proud to be part of Albert E. Academy!!! I am from Honduras, raised in NYC. I received a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies from the University of Buffalo and a Masters in Spanish Literature and Humanities. I am certified by ACTFL to teach Spanish k- 12. This will be my first year at AEA and my 11th year teaching Spanish. I have a true passion for teaching Spanish and my Culture to non natives. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun environment. Tennis, Soccer and baseball are my passions! I also enjoy reading , cooking, music, relaxing at the beach and spending time with friends and family. I look forward to working together with you as partners in your child’s growth and development!!
Hello everyone, my name is Mr. Sako. I will be teaching Physical Education and Health this school year at AEA! I recently graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Physical Education and Sport Performance. This will be my first year teaching and I could not be more excited! I am from Twinsburg Ohio and I live with my mom and dad. I am a huge sports fan. My favorite teams are The Cleveland Browns and The Cleveland Cavaliers. I am so excited to take this journey this year and get to know all of you!
My name is Melissa Landis and I am excited to teach Middle School Science in Strongsville. I have my degree in Education, Secondary Science. This is my first year teaching and I am excited to begin my teaching career at AEA. I have three awesome kids that are amazing human beings that I love being a mom to. I also have three cats that are super cute, but also annoying! I love to read and will always have a book on hand. I love to spend time outdoors hiking or just relaxing in the sun. I also enjoy crocheting and doing random art projects. I will do my best to make all students feel welcome and excited to learn about science.
My name is Julia Lefurge and this will be my first year teaching music at AEA in Strongsville. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Music in 2021 at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee. I was a TA (teaching assistant) for Freshman seminar courses and tutored music theory while in college. I also have experience giving private piano and voice lessons, and have worked with students from ages 3–50+. This will be my third year as a K–12 teacher and I am very excited to be here at AEA! Outside of music I enjoy creating art, playing disc golf, and learning about psychology and neuroscience. At home, you are most likely to find me watching movies with my boyfriend or spending time with my three pet rats. I’m looking forward to a great year in music class!
Hello! My name is Leah Stromberger and I am very excited to be joining the AEA Strongsville team as a Title 1 Reading Teacher. I graduated from Kent State University with my Bachelors in Education, I am certified to teach PreK-3. I then went to Walsh University and got my reading endorsement K-12. This is my 9th year in education. I started my journey at Tuslaw Elementary in Massillon as a Title 1 Tutor, which I did for 7 years. Last year, I taught 3rd grade at Canton South but now I'm back to Title because I love working with small groups! Personally, my husband and I just got married last July, moved into our first house this June, and are expecting our first child in December. So I have a lot to be thankful for and have been very blessed. I am ecstatic for this new school year!
I’m Dr. Heather Marzenski, and I’m beyond excited to join the AEA family as your new Title One Literacy Instructor. My journey started at Baldwin Wallace University, where I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in History and Literacy, continuing to Walden University for my doctorate in Reading, Literacy, and Assessment. With six years of K-12 teaching and seven years of university instruction under my belt, I’m all set to dive into this new role with enthusiasm and passion. When I’m not helping students unlock the magic of reading, you’ll find me listening to some tunes, lost in a good book, camping in the great outdoors, or spending quality time with my family. I can’t wait to bring my love for literacy to the team and make a positive impact together!
My name is Jake Lasky and I have the privilege to be teaching third grade here at Albert Einstein Academy in Strongsville. I am certified to teach PreK-3 and have a minor in online education. This is my first year teaching and I cannot begin to express my excitement enough for this opportunity. I currently coach high school basketball and baseball. In addition to that- during the summertime I work for a landscaping and concrete company. I have a dog named Sadie who loves going on walks and playing outside. Our students are going to smile a lot as I learn alongside them creating an environment where every student feels welcomed and wanted in the classroom.
My name is Jasmine Baxter and I am the elementary Intervention Specialist for AEA in Strongsville. I will be finishing my Masters degree in 2025 in early childhood education and special education from Grand Canyon University. I have my bachelors degree in biology and originally worked as a zoo keeper. I started with substitute teaching 4 years ago then transitioned into a Title 1 teaching position for 2 years. I really enjoyed the dynamic of helping students who need more support which is when I decided to pursue my Masters in special education. I also am coaching Junior Varsity volleyball at Clearview High School this year, I have coached junior olympics prior and have been playing myself for 20+ years. I have a 6 year old step son who actually got me started in one of my favorite hobbies, racing dirt bikes! It is an awesome experience to get to learn with him and spend that time together. I also have a dalmatian named Riddle, a black lab/pit mix named Ozzy, and a savannah cat named Leo. I love music and Taylor Swift, but I will listen to pretty much anything. A fun fact that will help pick me out of a crowd is I get my hair braided with different colors all the time and I love bringing smiles to peoples faces when they see them. I am so excited to start this journey with AEA and getting to know everyone.
My name is Lindsay Helmholtz & I have the pleasure of teaching fifth grade for AEA in Strongsville. I graduated from Heidelberg University with my Bachelor’s in Primary Education! This is my first year teaching fifth grade, though I have taught Pre-K for a couple years. I have one sweet fat cat at home named Oslo, who is my whole world. I love being outside, seeing my family & friends, and making crafts! I also enjoy thinking outside the box, trying new things, and being as creative as I can.
My name is Christopher Strong and I was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. I am the Security Specialist for the Strongsville campus. I have significant experience with the safety team at akron public schools and I also worked at the Summit County Juvenile Center. My hobbies are fitness, gaming, and anime. I have watched all of the Marvel movies in order, in one sitting...75 hours.
My name is Renee Onderak and I am excited to be the K-5 elementary school counselor here at AEA in Strongsville. I graduated from The University of Akron with my master's degree in school counseling and earned a certification in counseling children and adolescents. I provide support through classroom lessons, small groups, and individual counseling. All are welcome here! I absolutely love my hamster and three guinea pigs, I can talk about them all day! My favorite season is autumn when the weather cools down and the leaves change colors, so I like to spend a lot of time outside. I also enjoy crafting and shopping for seasonal decor, especially Halloween! I want my students to know my room is a safe place, I am here to help, and we will work together to have a great school year!
My name is Annmarie Leasure. I'm honored and excited to be embarking on my first year as an Intervention Teacher at Albert Einstein Academy! I come to this wonderful and diverse team with over 3 decades of private tutoring, mentoring, and classroom facilitation experience. I've worked with learners of all ages, grade levels, and capabilities. Notable highlights include participating in school district Supplemental Services programs and the Jon Peterson Scholarship Program, which has given me unique insight into learning with special needs. While all subjects and teaching opportunities light me up, I'm especially drawn to algebra/geometry, creative writing, public speaking, and English as a Second Language. Academically, I hold a master’s degree in HR Management (with concentrations in diversity & inclusion and learning & development) from Indiana Wesleyan University and am working towards my Intervention Specialist license. I'm the proud mom of one grown daughter, a big foodie, a crafter, a Halloween fan, and an 80's music buff! I'm really looking forward to jumping into the new school season and helping my students discover, nurture, and celebrate their uniqueness, passions, strengths, and talents!