Jaro Zita, Director of Operations for Westwood

Jaro Zita has been committed to working with disadvantaged students since 2010. After serving in the United States Army, he graduated from Kent State University with BS in Integrated Social Studies Education 7-12. He finds joy in spending time with his family (dog and people alike), good music, cooking, climbing, and long-distance running.

Dionne Guerra, Director of Special Education for Westwood

Dionne Guerra is a graduate of Walsh University with over a decade of experience in the field of special education. From teaching in the classroom to becoming a Director of Special Education for Westwood Preparatory Academy, she has found her career fulfilling and motivating as an advocate for disadvantaged students. Dionne strives to ensure the students receive a quality education, the opportunity to be challenged, and to have educational success. She enjoys traveling, and is an avid cook.

Cassie Bierkortte, Assistant Director of Operations for Westwood

Cassie holds a Master of Education degree in the area of Curriculum and Instruction from Ohio University and a Bachelor of Education degree in the area of Integrated Language Arts 7-12 also from Ohio University. She has been working with disadvantaged students for her entire teaching career. Cassie became the assistant director of operations in 2024. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, painting, and spending time with her dog.

Tamara Rieser, Curriculum and Principal Hannah Neil Center for Children

Mrs. Rieser holds a Master of Education degree from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Education degree from Ohio Dominican College.  She worked as a teacher from 1993 - 2017.  She became the Director of Education at WPA and has been in her position at Hittle House since 2018.

Dan Yargo, Principal for Belmont Pines

Dan Yargo is a dedicated educator with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Westminster College and five years of experience teaching social studies. Beyond the classroom, Dan is passionate about developing athletes as a high school soccer coach at South Range High School. He maintains an active lifestyle through exercise and finds rejuvenation in enjoying the outdoors and traveling. Above all, Dan values and cherishes time spent with his family. 

Jennifer Samples, Student Services

Jennie Samples passion for working with disadvantaged students was ignited while working as an instructional assistant. She is currently overseeing new opportunities in partner development for Westwood. In her spare time Jennie enjoys spending time with her family.

Donald Washburn, Principal for Westwood at NECCO and Maryhill Center for Youth

Donald is a licensed superintendent and a licensed professional counselor.  He has been in education for over 20 years.  Donald enjoys learning, running, hiking, and networking with others to better the educational programming for the students he serves.

Sam Jones, Principal for DTAC of Ohio

Sam Jones holds a Master of Education degree in Science, Technology, and Mathematics Education from Pennsylvania Western University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Integrated Science (7-12) from Capital University. Sam spent 11 years teaching a variety of science and engineering courses (including topics from aquaponics to biomedical engineering to chemistry) at a career center and a middle and high school before joining the Westwood team. Sam takes a student-centered and hands-on approach in the classroom. He is excited to bring his enthusiasm and experience to a new role with Westwood. In his spare time, Sam enjoys the nerdy lifestyle befitting his background by reading, watching, and playing games with roots in the world of fantasy and science fiction.

Emily Wilcox, District Administrator for Westwood &Notary Public

Mrs. Wilcox holds an Associates Degree from Columbus State Community College and is a licensed Instructional Assistant with over 20 years of experience in customer service.  Detail oriented and creative, she truly loves helping others accomplish their goals.  Emily is an animal lover who enjoys camping, college football and family time.

Tamara Rieser, Curriculum and Principal Hannah Neil Center for Children

Tamara Rieser holds a Master of Education degree from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Education degree from Ohio Dominican College.  She worked as a teacher from 1993 - 2017.  She became the Director of Education at WPA and has been in her position at Hittle House since 2018.

Kejuana Burris Principal for Webster Street, Northcutt, and Compassion Care Group

Kejuana Burris brings a strong background in instructional leadership and educational equity to her role as Director at Westwood Preparatory Academy. A proud Dayton native, she has many years of experience in urban education, having served as an ELA teacher, instructional coach, and department head supporting K-12 learners. She is currently completing her master’s degree in Educational Leadership, which will be conferred in December 2025. Kejuana is passionate about fostering a culture of high expectations, trust, and student-centered learning.

She is dedicated to helping every student succeed academically and emotionally, especially those facing complex life circumstances. As Director, Kejuana believes in the power of restorative practices, trauma-informed care, and strong community partnerships to foster transformational learning environments.

Outside of school, she enjoys mentoring youth, exploring new restaurants, and creating opportunities for students to express their voices and talents.

Mikyraa Kinnard Director of Education for Mohican Young Star Academy

Hi, I’m Mikyraa! For the past 15 years, I’ve been dedicated to education—supporting students, empowering staff, and helping to build positive school cultures where everyone can thrive. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Mount Union and my Master’s in Special Education from Grand Canyon University. I was born in Cincinnati and raised in Alliance, Ohio, and those roots shaped my passion for learning, growth, and community. When I’m not working toward big goals in education, you can usually find me enjoying sports, reading a good book, listening to music, or traveling to new places.