Mark Hatoff
Board Secretary
What are three words that describe you?
Empathetic, conscientious, friendly
What are you the happiest doing?
Spending time with my wife and son, playing tennis, immersing in pop culture
Who is someone you admire and why?
My mom – She raised my younger sister and I as a single mom for a time after she got divorced, while working full-time as an educator and earning her doctorate. She helped develop my love of sports when I was seven by taking me to Cleveland Indians baseball games and Cleveland Cavaliers basketball games and I am still a die-hard fan of all Cleveland sports teams today as a result. She also taught me tennis until I surpassed her! But mostly, I learned about hard work and perseverance from her. Today, she still keeps busy and has a bigger social calendar than I do.
Robert Worley
What are three words that describe you?
Caring, Listener, and “Doer”
What are you the happiest doing?
Relaxing by my lake
Who is someone you admire and why?
Desmond Tutu for his passionate and positive outlook despite nearly insurmountable adversity
Zahirah Sabir
Interim President
What are three words that describe you?
Humble, energetic, witty
What are you the happiest doing?
Anything outdoors or involving great food!
Who is someone you admire and why?
Every person who has to juggle the demands of a family/children and outside projects (careers, education, etc.).
Amanda Yeager
Board Treasurer
What are three words that describe you?
Compassionate, trustworthy, determined
What are you the happiest doing?
Watching football and traveling with my family
Who is someone you admire and why?
My sister. As a nurse, the amount of dedication she has to her patients on a daily basis and personal sacrifice that she makes for their well-being is incredible. She has persevered through the recent health crisis with poise and grace. She lives in the present every day, looking forward and never back.
Maria Veglia
What are 3 words that describe you? Loyal, energetic, and compassionate
What are you the happiest doing? This is a hard question because I can be happy doing almost anything if I know that my family is happy and healthy. However, my favorite things to do are to travel and experience new things.
Who is someone you admire and why? Ruth Bader Ginsburg is someone who I greatly admire. She is an amazing example of someone who lived her beliefs and wasn’t afraid to voice them. Her vision, determination and courage opened doors and paved new paths for all.
Donna Kaklamanos
What are three words that describe you?
Outgoing, caring, and inquisitive.
What are you the happiest doing?
Going to the beach and traveling with my husband.
Who is someone you admire and why?
Dr. Carol Gavin. She encouraged me to go to college and pursue a degree. Her passion for education and helping students was contagious. I owe her my education. I wouldn’t have come this far without her guidance and support.
Emily capella
What are 3 words that describe you? Compassion, Empathy and Optimistic
What are you the happiest doing? Helping others.
Who is someone you admire and why? I admire educators. They unselfishly work with their students to help them become the best versions of themselves.
Michael Barson
What are 3 words that describe you? Dedicated, Curious, Innovative.
What are you the happiest doing? Spending time with family and friends, outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking, and learning new things.
Who is someone you admire and why? My father, who demonstrated how to build a successful business while taking an active role in family life and community involvement. Watching his example as we’ve transitioned through generations (from caring for us, then his parents, and now his grandchildren) has taught me what it looks like to show up and give my best to the people I love and our community.
Nicole Gillespie
What are 3 words that describe you? committed, curious, caring
What are you the happiest doing? Reading a good book and exploring new places
Who is someone you admire and why? Every teacher. I taught high school for a few years, and it’s still the hardest job I’ve ever tried to do. The work of teaching well is so much more complicated than most people realize and we keep demanding more and more of our teachers, and at the same time, treating them with less and less respect.