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. Rutz

We want to introduce another new members of Lakeshore Community, Paige Rutz! Mrs. Rutz joined the Developing Stage team this year. She graduated from Allegheny College for her undergraduate degree; she later graduated from American University with her master's degree.

What drew you to working education?

My major at Allegheny Collage was Values, Ethics, and Social Action which basically explored everything that was wrong about the world. In my quest to find beautiful ways to make the world a better place, I stumbled into working in daycare. I found such joy in helping children find their way and learn the amazing opportunities and wonders of the world. I felt like my place in making the world more beautiful was connecting with youth to help make those moments meaningful and long lasting.

What makes our school special?

The student and staff culture is so beautiful. Even in an online setting, I feel really connected.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

In 2016, I took a solo trip on a train called the California Zypher all the way across the country! I started in San Francisco, stopped in Denver, Salt Lake City, Chicago, and ended up in Cleveland. I moved here shortly after!

Anything else you want to add?

I can't wait to meet and work with everyone in-person!

Meet Ms. McAllister

As we continue our Staff Spotlight Series, we are recognizing Beth McAllister! Ms. McAllister is beginning her second year at Near West Intergenerational School after joining the Developing Stage team last year. Ms. McAllister received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Religion from Grove City College. Her Master's coursework is in Curriculum and Instruction through Kent State University. She has been teaching for over 20 years!

What drew you to working in education?

I had a great third grade teacher who made a tremendous positive impact upon me and taught me a great deal about the difference a teacher can make in a person's life. Thank you for singling me out to play a part in the third grade school play and reading such wonderful books to our class, Miss Hamburg! I will never forget you!

What is your favorite thing about our school?

My favorite thing about Near West is the people - children, families and staff!

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I have a pretty awesome nature collection. My best find was a gastropod fossil I found in a limestone quarry when I was 8 years old. My husband has also been a nature collector for a long time and our three children seem to have inherited our interest. We have a cabinet in our house of all of our "treasures" which includes snake skins (not my favorite), petrified wood, turtle shells and a rock that can float in water!

Meet Mrs. Gamble

We are excited to recognize Mrs. Gamble! Mrs. Gamble has been teaching at the Intergenerational Schools for 20 years after graduating from Hiram Collage. Mrs. Gamble teaches Refining Stage at TIS-East.

What drew you to working in education?

I have always loved children.

What makes our school special?

Our school is special because of the many intergenerational relationships that we build each year!

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I want to retire early and remodel homes.