With over 37 years of working with families, children and educators, Cheryl has touched the lives of many people and they have touched hers. Whether as a teacher, director, or a consultant, her life was enriched by the youth and adults she encountered through the years. 

Cheryl is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in Early and Middle School Education and Washburn University where she studied to be a reading specialist. 

Cheryl is part of the State Literacy Network and her role as an Urban Regional Literacy Specialist will focus on providing adolescent literacy support across Region 6 and providing literacy services to Lima City Schools as defined in the Doe Settlement.

Cheryl joined State Support Team 6 in August 2020.

Erin Dechman received her bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and Education from Ohio Wesleyan University. She received her Master’s in Arts Education through Bowling Green State University.  She has spent the last ten years working with children in grades K-12 and helping buildings and districts build, and implement their PBIS programs, some of which have been state-recognized for their continuous implementation of PBIS. Erin joined the SST6 in August 2023.  

Hello, I am Amy Recker and I’m the early learning and school readiness consultant for region 6.  My role here consists of providing professional learning, coaching and technical assistance to support the improvement of districts and community schools to meet the educational needs of preschool students with disabilities.  In addition, I also provide support to early childhood PBIS demonstration sites to decrease discipline, suspension and expulsion incidences, reduce chronic absenteeism, increase student feelings of safety and decrease disproportionality in student discipline incidences.

Some activities I engage in include: 

-facilitating regional support for early childhood leaders and professionals through the early learning leadership and itinerant networks

-building the capacity of leaders to improve systems and practices to improve outcomes for preschool children with disabilities.

-providing early childhood PBIS demo sites professional learning related to the framework and practices, use of data and other specified topics of need, participate in leadership team meetings, and provide technical assistance for the PBIS recognition system.  

Kelly Schattschneider received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Upon moving to Ohio, she completed additional certification in Early Childhood Special Education through Bluffton University, a Master’s degree in Special Education through Bowling Green State University, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, also from Bowling Green State University.  Having spent nearly 30 years working with children with special needs as a teacher and administrator, Kelly joined the SST6 Team in August 2023.  

Kelly focuses on Special Education, Multi-tiered Systems of Support and Literacy.

Christine earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Kent State University in 2007 and a Masters of Education in Administration and Leadership from Bowling Green in 2012. Since entering the field, she has been driven to learn and understand literacy at all levels from emergent to adolescent language and literacy. Most of her experience in schools has been as a classroom teacher at various grade levels, but she has also worked as a literacy coach developing her own leadership capacity. Outside of her work at the SST6, she serves as an adjunct professor at Wright State University Lake Campus in their Early Elementary Education Program instructing reading and writing method courses.  

At SST6, she serves as the Regional Early Literacy Specialist. In this role, she works with leaders throughout the state to build the capacity of others in evidence-based literacy practices that align to Ohio’s Plan to Raise Literacy Achievement. This includes identifying district needs to develop system level literacy initiatives, serving on the State Literacy Network, and facilitating networks where school leaders can collaborate to develop their understanding and implementation of evidence-based practices.

She began working with the State Support Team 6 in August of 2023. 

Heather graduated from Rhodes State College with an Associates Degree in Applied Science and has spent most of her career in healthcare, working with individuals of all ages and disabilities.

You’ll see Heather in the front office greeting everyone and answering your phone calls.

Heather enjoys being outside with her children, gardening, reading, and taking walks. She is looking forward to applying her leadership and organizational skills to support the Region.

Cherie Smith brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as a UDL Consultant at State Support Team Region 6. With a strong foundation in education, she embarked on her journey as a consultant in July 2015 and has been a driving force behind transformative change ever since. Armed with a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and the Inclusive Classroom, Cherie’s career has been distinguished by her dedication to special education. Having held supervisory roles and served as an Intervention Specialist at the secondary level, she possesses a profound understanding of diverse learning needs.

At the forefront of innovation, Cherie currently holds the esteemed position of co-chair for the Universal Design for Learning Implementation and Research Networks Implementation Special Interest Group. Moreover, she is a valued member of the Ohio UDL Collaborative, where her insights contribute to shaping inclusive educational practices statewide.

As a seasoned SST6 Consultant, Cherie’s impact is far-reaching. In her capacity as a Regional Data Lead, she is instrumental in guiding districts through the intricate Ohio Implementation Process. Her leadership as a consultant is complemented by her adept facilitation of IDEA Internal Monitoring, Postsecondary Transition strategies, PBIS implementation, OLi4 coaching, and College and Career Readiness initiatives. Cherie’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident in her collaborative approach, empowering districts to create enriching and accessible learning environments for all students. 

With a track record marked by excellence and an unwavering passion for enhancing education paradigms, Cherie Smith stands as a beacon of inspiration for educators and administrators alike.

Caryn Timmerman is an educational consultant for SST6. Caryn’s focus is primarily special education with a focus on students with Multiple Disabilities, Autism as well as Assistive Technology. Caryn can assist districts with professional development, technical assistance and coaching in the areas of special education and compliance. 

Caryn has been employed with State Support Team Region 6 full time since 2012. Caryn received her undergraduate degree from Ball State University and her Master of Education Degree from the University of Toledo with a degree in the area of Speech and Language Pathology. 

Michelle Vandemark graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.A. in Education (Grades 1-8), a Master’s Degree from The University of Dayton in supervision and later earned her principal license.  She has worked for 29 years as a teacher, spending most of her career as an elementary and middle school teacher in a traditional classroom. Michelle has also worked as a Literacy Leader and a full time onsite Literacy Consultant. In her current role at State Support Team 6 (SST6) she works with districts as a consultant for the Ohio Improvement Process (OIP). Michelle joined the staff of the SST6 in 2016.