From teachers to front office staff to administrators, the roles vary, but the mission is the same. To recognize our team members, we will begin a Staff Spotlight Series! Every week, we will be spotlighting a staff member at each Intergenerational School!

Meet Mrs. Lasko

Danielle Lasko has been teaching for six years in total; this is her fourth year at Lakeshore! Mrs. Lasko graduated from The College of Wooster, and she is currently getting her master's degree through Bowling Green State University. Mrs. Lasko teaches Primary Cluster!

What drew you to working education?

I just always felt like it was what I was meant to do. I never really questioned it.

What is your favorite thing about our school?

I love the students and staff! I love knowing all of the students in the building and the fact that our staff feels like a family.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I love to read, listen to music and spend time with my family and pets! Also, I am usually introverted, but when I am comfortable, I am very outgoing.

Meet Ms. Connie

Ms. Connie has been been teaching yoga at Near West for the past four years. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan. Ms. Connie got her master's in Special Education from Bowling Green State University. She has her Children's Yoga Teacher Certification and has been teaching for over 20 years!

What drew you to working education?

I've never wanted to do anything else. My high school had a teaching experience, and I was all in from the first time I entered the classroom!

What is your favorite thing about our school?

We teach from the heart and have a holistic approach! Our close community makes us special!

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I teach at Ashland University, too. I love adventures outdoors! Running, hiking, skiing, golfing and kayaking.

Meet Ms. Colan

Mary Colan has been teaching at TIS-East for the past seven years, although she has been teaching for over 15 years. Ms. Colan received her bachelor's degree from John Carroll University and master's degree from Cleveland State University. Ms. Colan is a Developing Stage teacher!

What drew you to working education?

I love sharing knowledge with anyone that wants to know! My brothers and sisters all have memories of me teaching them things, like how to read, tie their shoes, and lots more. I was just born to be a teacher.

What is your favorite thing about our school?

I love that I get to make such strong connections with my students over two or three years, rather than just one year.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I taught and lived in Japan for three years; I loved it, and I can't wait to go back someday! Also, I love hiking with my dogs throughout all of the beautiful Cleveland Metroparks.