New Staff Welcomed at WHS
Denise Broda: Spanish Dept.
Denise Broda is the newest member of the WHS Spanish Dept. This year she will teach Spanish I and III at WHS. Broda graduated from WHS and then majored in Spanish at the College of Wooster. She went to the University of Akron and got degrees in Spanish literature and teaching. She also studied abroad in Merida, Mexico. She then taught upper level Spanish and took students on trips to Spain at Copley High School for 18 years. Broda says she has a passion for social justice and civil rights. She puts this into action by volunteering at a migrant center in Hartville.
Jennifer Wright: English Dept.
For Jennifer Wright, teaching at Wooster is coming home. Wright is originally from Wayne County and a graduate of Norwayne High School. After high school, she attended the University of Oklahoma before teaching in Vail, Co. The next stop was Northhampton, in the United Kingdom, where she was an assistant principal at Caroline Chisholm School for nine years. She returned when she had her son, who she wanted to raise in Wayne County. One of the prime reasons she decided to return to Wayne was that she missed the student culture in the schools.
Ryan Conrad: Science Dept.
Ryan Conrad is a new Science Dept. member at WHS. Before coming to WHS, Conrad said he previously taught biology and health at Northwestern for seven years. He graduated from Malone University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. After graduation, Conrad taught for one year in London, England. Even though school has only been in session for one week, Conrad has been very impressed with the friendliness of the students and staff at WHS. “I have been made to feel very welcome here,” Conrad said. Outside of school, Conrad enjoys spending time with family, the outdoors and anything Cleveland sports related.
Juliana Hamad: Guidance Dept.
Julianna Hamad is a new addition to WHS guidance counselors. Hamad taught at Jackson High School for one and one half years, completing her practicum and internship for school counseling. Hamad graduated from Akron University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a double minor in Child and Family Development. From there, she completed her master of Education in School Counseling at Kent State University. Hamad fell in love with the small town vibe in the WHS halls. “The banners on the walls, conversations with parents/teachers/students, and notable school spirit are just a few things that scream thriving community,” Hamad said. Outside of school, Hamad enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Beth Hart: Media Center
Julianna Hamad is a new addition to WHS guidance counselors. Hamad taught at Jackson High School for one and one half years, completing her practicum and internship for school counseling. Hamad graduated from Akron University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a double minor in Child and Family Development. From there, she completed her master of Education in School Counseling at Kent State University. Hamad fell in love with the small town vibe in the WHS halls. “The banners on the walls, conversations with parents/teachers/students, and notable school spirit are just a few things that scream thriving community,” Hamad said. Outside of school, Hamad enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Maggie Johnson: Copier Room
Maggie Johnson will be taking the helm of the copy room this year, ensuring that copies are made efficiently and correctly. Johnson’s duties are critical, as teachers often rely upon the copy room to ensure they can supply classes with worksheets and other papers. Johnson was formerly a paraprofessional, working with students at Edgewood Middle School. However, she now holds the position of technology paraprofessional, and no longer works directly with students. She says she enjoys spending time with her family, following her children with their sporting events and baking.
Robert Williams: Intervention Specialist
Robert Williams is a new addition to the intervention specialists at WHS. Previously, Williams worked as an intervention specialist at Garfield High School in Akron. Williams graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education as a Moderate-Intensive Intervention Specialist. Williams enjoys working in General Grounds when given the opportunity. “It’s a great opportunity for students to learn job skills and gives staff the chance to develop a rapport with students in a different setting,” Williams said. When not in the classroom Williams enjoys fishing, golf and spending time with his family.
Mary Teeter: Student Aid
Mary Teeter, student aid, went to Wadsworth High School, and graduated Wayne County Schools Career Center. Teeter likes being at Wooster High School, and she said she, “Looks forward to working with kids and giving back to the community.” Teeter worked as a long-term sub for two years, went to Wadsworth High School and graduated from the Wayne County Schools Career Center. Teeter currently works part time as a landscaper and also quilts and donates the quilts she makes through her church Teeter is married, has two adult kids and has a pet cat.
Casey McGurk: Paraprofessional
Casey McGurk is a new paraprofessional in Credit recovery at WHS. This is McGurk’s first year teaching. She recently graduated from Ashland University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She said she is quite familiar with WHS, as she is a 2012 alumni. “It’s great to be back, everyone is full of school spirit and friendly,” Mcgurk said. When outside of the classroom, McGurk enjoys being outside, shopping, drawing and crafting.
Heather Kurtz: Paraprofessional
Heather Kurtz, paraprofessional, graduated from Norwayne High School, then went on to graduate from Akron University. Kurtz was a stay at home mom and worked at Luk for 10 years, worked at Edgewood Middle School for two years and was a substitute teacher for three years. Her motivation to become a teacher is to, “Help students become the best they can be in life after high school,” she looks forward to helping prepare Wooster students for their lives after high school. Kurtz loves coffee, likes to ride bikes and likes to be outdoors.
April Wackerly: Custodial Dept.
April Wackerly, custodian, started working in the WCS District as a substitute custodian, as well as working at the Warrensville Developmental Center. “My favorite thing about working here at the high school has got to be the people, hands down.” Wackerly has rescued 10 dogs from being euthanized over the years, loves to camp, fish and be outside. She rock climbs; however, tree climbing is still one of her favorite activities.
Matt Ritchey: Tech Dept.
Matt Ritchey, tech department member, is enrolled in his last year at Stark State University. Ritchey said he loves being at WHS and his job at Wooster is what he wants to do for a career.
