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Board of Directors


NOBIDA offers multiple resources, educational events, and an optimistic support network for dyslexic individuals and all advocates seeking a better understanding of dyslexia. Comprised of educators, researchers, and invested community members, we pledge to work tirelessly until everyone can read.

We are a branch of the International Dyslexia Association with an active and passionate board and we serve the northern Ohio community. Whether you are dyslexic or know someone that is dyslexic, we are here to offer hope, support, and resources to help you on your journey.


Executive Committee 


Jennifer Scaffidi, M.Ed., CALT

President

Jennifer Scaffidi is a Certified Academic Language Therapist and a Multisensory Math Instructor. She is currently working in the Plain Local School District as well as assisting Marilyn Zecher in teaching her online Multisensory Math courses. She privately works with students in both reading and math. Jennifer also presents professional development workshops on Multisensory Reading and Math strategies.

Jennifer holds a Master’s degree in School Administration from Ashland University and a BS in Elementary Education from Bowling Green State University with a minor in Psychology. She is a member of the Academic Language Therapist Association.


Nancy Osko, M. Ed.

First Vice-President

Nancy Osko, M. Ed., received her Master’s Degree from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas with a focus on Educational Leadership. She is a Regional Early Literacy Specialist (RELS) with State Support Team Region 2, serving leaders and educators in districts located in Erie, Huron, and Lorain counties. Mrs. Osko has vast knowledge of instructional methods and systemic leadership around the Science of Reading. She is a Certified Local Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling Facilitator (LETRS). She began her journey as a classroom teacher with students from many cultures and diverse backgrounds including English Learners. She was a principal in several buildings across Nevada, and Texas before returning to her native Ohio roots. Mrs. Osko has had additional training in Wilson Reading and Orton Gillingham methodologies to support her passion and work around Dyslexia. She has been a member of the Northern Ohio International Dyslexia Association for the past 8 years and will continue to serve as the 1st Vice President for the next term. 


Jennifer Murphy, Ph.D. 

Second Vice-President

Jennifer Murphy is co-owner and Director of Assessment at Achievement Advantage, a private school psychology practice. Murphy is a school psychologist who is dually licensed through the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio State Board of Psychology. In her role, she conducts psychoeducational assessments for Achievement Advantage Assessment & Services, including private evaluations, Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs), Orton-Gillingham assessments, and assessments for giftedness, with a particular emphasis on learning disorders and executive functioning. Jennifer attended Cleveland State University to pursue her Ph.D. in Urban Education with a specialization in Learning and Development. Her research interests include specific learning disability identification practices, psychologist training, and literacy practices and policies.


Jo Ann Sicafuse, Ed. S. 

Secretary

Jo Ann Sicafuse is a School Psychologist for the Boardman Local School District, providing her services in an elementary K-3 building and outside schools at various grade levels. Her previous work includes a position as the Instructional Specialist at the Rich Center for Autism. A certified Orton Gillingham tutor, Sicafuse has also worked for the Children’s Learning Center and as a private practitioner.  An active NOBIDA member for over 6 years, she is grateful to serve alongside many accomplished individuals dedicated to its mission and excited for her new role as an Executive Committee member. 

 


Kerry Agins, Esq. 

Treasurer

Kerry Agins has devoted her legal practice, Agins and Gilman, LLC to the representation of individuals with disabilities. With a primary focus on special education, she has assisted students with a wide variety of diagnoses in ensuring that their needs are met in Ohio’s public schools. She has represented individuals in eligibility and IEP meetings, administrative reviews and resolution sessions, and in front of state and government agencies for IDEA and Section 504 complaints, due process hearings, state level reviews, and in federal court. As an adjunct professor, she co-taught disability law at Case Western Reserve University. Kerry has also represented parent groups in bringing successful complaints regarding systemic issues to the Ohio Department of Education.


Andrea Thomas, M.Ed., CALT

Past President 2021-2022

Andrea Thomas received her Master of Education Degree from Southern Methodist University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication from Texas A&M University. Andrea’s personal connection with dyslexia began in 2004, with the diagnosis of one of her children. This event proved to be a turning point in Andrea’s professional career. She began a quest for information and education about dyslexia and entered her training at Southern Methodist University.

Andrea has had the opportunity to work in many capacities in multiple states. Her experience includes developing and maintaining a private practice, contracting with schools to implement multi-sensory instruction, teaching Educational Psychology at the university level, serving as the Secretary for the Kentucky IDA Board, working as an instructional specialist at the Learning Center at The Lexington School, and serving as an academic language therapist at West Side Montessori.


Board Members


  • Mara Byers, M.Ed., CRC, CALP
  • Ashley Christen
  • LaMonica Davis, M.Ed.
  • Michelle Elia, M.Ed.
  • Laura Gregg
  • Julie Greenberg-Hicks
  • Sue Gryzbowski
  • Chinnon Jaquay, Ed.S.
  • Trina Jones
  • Jackie Jacoby
  • Jessica Lauer
  • Jenny Lambert, BSBA
  • Emily Long
  • Betty Marko, Ed.S.
  • Debbie Nagel
  • Lyndsey Rouch, Ed.D. 
  • Dan Symons
  • Lauren Tracy
  • Bridget Ulrich
  • Micah Wittmer, Ph.D.
  • Kaitlyn Wooten, MS, CCC-SLP

Advisory Council


  • Tammy Alexander, M.A., CALT
  • Morgan Amend, M.Ed, CALT
  • Ellen Brick, MA
  • Katie Bodnovich, CALT
  • Karen Dakin, M.Ed., Board Liaison
  • Barbara Ekelman, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
  • Stephanie Gordon, MA
  • Monica Gordon Pershey, Ed.D., CCC-SLP
  • Joyce Hedrick, M.Ed.
  • Lori Josephson, MA
  • Theresa Kaska, M.Ed., CALT, CDT
  • Sr. Marcia Kiser, M.Ed.
  • Jennifer LaHaie, M.Ed., CALT-QI
  • Donna Levine, M.Ed.
  • Mary Heather Munger, Ph.D.
  • Mary Jo O’Neill, M.Ed
  • Rebecca Rowell-Malinas, M.Ed., MA
  • Jean Tobias, MS, NCSP, CALT
  • Rebecca Tolson, Ph.D., CALT, QI
  • Gretchen Walsh, MS.Ed.

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