Meet Our Staff 

Cindy has a 30 year background in software, networks and other technology. Cindy is an expert at keeping the office organized and running smoothly.  Cindy also manages and oversees the financial operation of the school and invoicing the Autism Scholarship. Cindy’s big smile and welcoming personality makes everyone feel at home at our school.

 

DeAnna is originally from Pittsburgh, PA.  There she earned her bachelor's and master's degree in Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh.  She worked as a Behavior Specialist Consultant for 11 years where she obtained experience in ABA therapy and facilitating a summer and after-school program for children with Autism.  In 2014 DeAnna and her family moved to Medina, OH where she lives with her husband and 3 daughters.  DeAnna's twin daughters attended MEEC from 2014-2015.  After the girls graduated from MEEC DeAnna was asked to join MEEC as a teacher in the fall of 2015.  DeAnna is a teacher in the big room and loves to help preschoolers learn and grow.  She is very grateful for the MEEC staff and feels the MEEC children and parents are amazing to work with.  She looks forward to going to work everyday!

Dawn earned her bachelor's degree in Child and Adolescent Psychology from Heidelberg University in 2009. Prior to joining the MEEC family, Dawn has had 6 years of experience as a teacher in a wide variety of autism spectrum classrooms as well as a preschool teacher in a typical classroom setting. Dawn started teaching as an assistant at MEEC in 2021 in the Great Beginnings class. She is proud her brother attended MEEC in the mid 90s, and now both of her children are also MEEC graduates! Dawn enjoys coming to her dream job each day and being a part of MEEC students' first school experience.

Mamta has earned a bachelor degree in education with Hindi language from BHU, India. She has completed a childcare professional diploma from Penn Foster Career School. She has experience in the preschool and pre- k settings. In 2023 she joined MEEC very proudly. Mamta loves doing yoga and dancing. She helps kids manage anxiety and stay calm through yoga techniques.  

Laura holds a Masters Degree in Special Education from Baldwin Wallace College. She was an Intervention Specialist for the Medina City Schools for 19 years. She has been a strong advocate for MEEC since her 3 children graduated from here. In her spare time she gardens, swims and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.  We are happy to have her as our Autism Scholarship Coordinator.

Danae Corbett has her Associates degree from Lorain Community College. She is the mother of five children and three MEEC graduates.  She has also worked closely with schools maneuvering the IEP process.  Danae's calmness and problem solving mind is well suited for all our students.

Chelsea earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Slippery Rock University.  She has experience working with preschool aged children and in ABA therapy.  Chelsea has worked in the little room and is transitioning to working as an aide in the big room. Her son is a current MEEC student in the big room and will soon be a mom to a baby girl this October! Chelsea is grateful for all the wonderful memories and people she has met along the way and knows she will continue to do so here at MEEC!  

Sharon Prexta earned her Bachelor’s degree from Baldwin Wallace College and her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Cleveland State University. She specializes in Sensory ”Integration, Apraxia, Augmentative Communication, and Autism and has been with MEEC since 2000. “At MEEC we treat the whole child using evidence-based therapy techniques. We build movement and motor planning activities into every speech session.

Deena has earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Kent State University. She has previous experience working in preschool classrooms, with children of all abilities. She also has experience working closely with families to provide support and community resources. Miss Deena’s daughter is a graduate at MEEC. Deena is a teacher in the little room. 

Sarah earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from The University of Akron, with a concentration in ELA. Upon moving to the Cleveland area, Sarah began her teaching career in a fifth grade classroom. After stepping away to raise her sons, Sarah returned to teaching in 2021 at The Goddard School, where she taught preschool and was in charge of developing lesson plans and curriculum for the toddler and preschool program.. Sarah became a team member at  MEEC in 2022 as an assistant. Sarah became a teacher in the Big Room in 2023.  Sarah has vast knowledge of working with individuals with autism and navigating the IEP process, as well as managing classroom behaviors. 

Kim has been involved in the special needs community for several years, volunteering with Connecting for Kids. She has done countless hours of research and experience with her own children.  Kim's kind and calm personality make her a great match for MEEC.  Ms. Kim will be assisting our little friends in the small and big classrooms on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Sidney Rihvalsky studied at Ohio University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology. Here, she began working in early childhood education and fell in love with it. Once graduated in 2020, Sidney worked as a behavior therapist at a school for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Since then, she was a caregiver for multiple families with young children and has worked as a teacher in an early preschool classroom. Sidney began her experience at MEEC in 2023 and is grateful and honored to be a part of such a beloved school!

Tonya earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Notre Dame College of Ohio, with a concentration in math.  She continued her education to receive her Masters in Mild/Moderate Educational Needs from Baldwin Wallace University.  Tonya has experience working with children in preschool through 8th grade.  In 2003 she started with MEEC in the Great Beginning's Class. Once her five children graduated from MEEC she left to teach in middle school.  In 2013 she was asked to return to MEEC and join the big classroom where she loves to engage learners in STEM activities and some outlandish fun while learning. In 2021 she began her experience as co-director of MEEC and can honestly say she cherishes every day she is part of the MEEC family!

Jennifer has been at MEEC since 1999.  She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College and her Master’s Degree at Kent State University in Speech Language Pathology.  Miss Jennifer has experience  working with children and young adults with Autism, Down Syndrome, Speech Generating Devices, Apraxia and Sensory Dysregulation. She also has a private practice and loves the balance between MEEC and treating clients in her home.  Miss Jennifer respects the neurodivergent student and believes in a whole body approach to treatment.  She believes families are an integral part of the therapeutic process-  "It takes a village".  

Bri earned a Bachelor’s degree from Kent State University and her Master’s degree in Communication from Southern New Hampshire University.  She has previous work experience in an array of social service settings, but most recently in the county board setting working with individuals throughout the lifespan.  This work includes case management services, assisting families with finding community resources, and advocacy.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, traveling, hiking, and reading.  She is most looking forward to being able to help the children learn, grow and thrive.