Brianne Nightingale, M.A. - Director
Brianne founded Dragonfly Academy in 2006 with a vision that given the right supports, all children can be successful to their highest ability. She has taught in various settings and recognized a large need in this area for a provider which specialized specifically in Autism Spectrum Disorder. She believes that with careful planning, a variety of methodologies may be utilized for each child to receive his/her greatest achievement. Brianne graduated from Walsh University with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and completed her Masters degree in Education at Malone College
Rhonda Abbott - Assistant Director
Rhonda has been with Dragonfly Academy from the very beginning. Rhonda was previously the Behavioral Specialist and has now moved up to Assistant Director and is excited to take a new role in Dragonfly. Rhonda is currently finishing up her undergraduate at the University of Akron working toward a Bachelor’s in Sport Studies with her concentration in Sports Management. She will be pursuing her Master’s degree in the fall 2010. Rhonda loves working with the students and staff at Dragonfly Academy!!!
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Aven Snyder - Jr. High/High School Teacher
Aven began her adventure at Dragonfly in fall of 2007 and continues to enjoy the working with the children, parents, and staff at Dragonfly.  She graduated from Baldwin-Wallace College in December of 2005 in Education and completed her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction at Malone College.  She is currently enrolled in Kent State University’s Autism Spectrum Intervention Specialist graduate certificate program.
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Robin Woods - Behavioral Specialist
Robin is entering her third school year at Dragonfly. After spending two years with our preschool aged students, she is excited about her new role in the elementary classroom. Robin is educated in the Human Services and Education field and is trained in multiple disciplinary techniques including ABA, Floor Time and Sensory Processing. Robin loves working with the children at DA and is very proud to be a part of the Dragonfly family.
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Teena Koehler - Co-Teacher Elementary
Teena holds two Bachelor degrees and has 15 years of experience working with special needs children, most having autism.  Her background in music and drama has allowed her to work as a choir director at several churches. She has also written and directed several musicals.  Teena has three grown children and lives in Akron. She is beginning her 4th year at Dragonfly Academy.
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Barbie Ross - Intervention Specialist
Barbie is entering her second year of teaching students with Autism at Dragonfly Academy. Barbie holds a Bachelors Degree and is licensed in the areas of Multiple Disabilities, Emotional Disturbance, Developmentally Handicapped, Orthopedic Handicaps and Learning Disabilities. She holds a Masters Degree in Special Education Supervision; both degrees were obtained from Wright State University.  She has 22 years of experience teaching students with multiple disabilities in both the MRDD system and in the public schools.  Barbie is looking forward to a terrific year at Dragonfly Academy.
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Caleb Kunkel - Behavioral Assistant
Caleb recently graduated from Kent State in May of 2008 with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology.  He is continuing is education to pursue his Masters in Clinical Counseling and is working towards obtaining his L.P.C.C.
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Jason Hamilton - Behavioral Specialist
Jason graduated from Walsh University in 2003 with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology Applied Criminal Justice. He plans on continuing his education and working towards his master's degree in Counseling. This past year Jason was a Prevention Specialist and Mentor Program Coordinator at Alliance Middle School. He is excited to work with the students at Dragonfly Academy.
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Jody Rohr - Intervention Specialist
Jody graduated from Malone College with a bachelor’s in Elementary & Special Education (K-12). She worked as a full-time tutor in both Middle School and High School, and then took time off to stay at home with her four children.  Jody is excited to be a part of the Dragonfly community and is looking forward to starting her second year there.   
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Jim Bixby - Behavioral Assistant
Jim has been trained in the Ziggurat Model, Visual Schedules and Communication, Multi-Disciplinary Approach with children with autism, Sensory Processing, Fine Motor Beyond the Hands, and Visual Impairments and Autism from the Ohio State School for the Blind.  He has also been an adult leader in the Boy Scouts if America for four years.
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Kellie Malone - Behavioral Assistant
Kellie Malone graduated from Walsh University in April of 2008 with a degree in Psychology. She is starting her second year of masters degree in Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling at Walsh University. This will be her second year as a behavioral assistant and she is looking forward to another great year with the students and staff!
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Michele Lingler - Behavioral Specialist
Michele is a 2006 graduate from KSU with a BA in Psychology and Justice Studies and currently working towards a MA in Mental Health Counseling. Michele has 3 years experience as an ABA tutor and has been employed at Dragonfly Academy since March of 2008. Michele is excited and committed to the students success at DA!
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Andrew Arcangel - Behavioral Assistant
Andrew graduated from Walsh University in 2002 with a degree in Marketing. For the past 5 years, he worked as a manager and New Stores Team for Abercrombie and Fitch decided he wanted to work with children. This is Andrew’s second year at Dragonfly and he is looking forward to working with the junior high students and helping further along their education.
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Brad Denham - Behavioral Assistant
Brad has had 3 years experience in the mental health field, including 2 years working in group homes in Northeast Ohio with individuals with autism.  Brad currently resides in Akron with his wife, Holly and sons Drew and Brady.
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Jeff Galliland - Behavioral Assistant
Jeff graduated from Malone University in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in Bible/Theology. His primary work with youth has taken place in youth ministry, both at churches and as a missionary. "I want to stand up for and honor the value of life.  Loving and serving the kids at Dragonfly is an opportunity to put that into action."  Jeff joined the Dragonfly staff in April 2009 and is thankful for the time he can spend investing in the lives of kids.  It is wonderful to have a job you can enjoy and feel good about.  Jeff is excited about the growth he has seen so far in the kids at Dragonfly and the potential this year holds.
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Jordye Joyce - Occupational Therapist
Bio Coming Soon.
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Tom Craig - Occupational Therapist
Tom graduated from Walsh University with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology Applied Criminology and Criminal Justice. He plans to return to Walsh this year to start work on his Masters in Business Administration. Tom is excited to start his first full school year working with the children at Dragonfly Academy! 
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Lauren Cully - Intervention Specialist
Bio Coming Soon.
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Miranda Egan - Behavioral Assistant
Miranda started working with special needs students in middle school, and has many years of experience working with children with autism. Her experience and compassion make her a wonderful asset to the Dragonfly staff. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance. Miranda looks forward to another great year with the wonderful students at Dragonfly.
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Michelle Marano - Intern
Bio Coming Soon.

Dragonfly Academy • 511 Trump Avenue NE • Canton, Ohio 44730
Ph: 330-488-8100 • Fx: 330-488-3128