Employee Spotlight – Jack Macfarlane
Jack Macfarlane is our June Spotlight employee. He teaches math and science at our West Fifth location. Jack is passionate, creative, and driven. He keeps our students engaged with his
creative lessons and an optimistic outlook. He goes above and beyond to ensure a welcoming atmosphere. Jack enjoys spending time with his loved ones and making music. You might find him working on a home project or enjoying a day launching model rockets with the Wright Stuff Rocketeers Club. He really is a ” Jack of all trades.”
Do you have any hidden talents?
“I like to play the guitar. I also enjoy making and launching high- powered rockets. I keep a 5-foot ARCAS model rocket in my classroom and use it as a prop when teaching science.”
Who has made the most impact on your career choice?
“In 2003, our ESO (Navy Educational Services Officer), on my last duty station in Lemoore, California, suggested I go for a master’s degree in education (MSEd) in curriculum and instruction. I’ve been in higher education since then.”
Jack finished up his Newton’s Law of Motion unit by launching a Replica of the Artemis 1 rocket that NASA launched on 11/16/22 Watch on YouTube @mansfieldadulteducationaspire
April 2023 Newsletter
Earlier in March, Ashley, Felicia, Jacob, Antonio, and Ben all graduated from the COST program. This program is a partnership between Madison Adult Career Center and Mansfield Adult Education Aspire.
Find out more about upcoming events and important dates like orientation dates and GED testing dates in our monthly newsletters.
Download the April 2023 Newsletter here.
Employee Spotlights – Andrea Karpiak-Feasel
Meet our November spotlight employee, Andrea Karpiak-Feasel. Andie is our Program Coordinator for the Mansfield Adult Education Aspire Program. She is innovative and leads with a big heart. Her forward thinking ideas and inquisitive mindset have helped the growth of the program.
Andie also enjoys being with her family and friends and making people laugh. Thank you, Andie, for all of your hard work and dedication!
What do you like most about working for MCS Adult Education?
“I get so excited about building new programming for our students and seeing it all come together. Working together as a team with such a great staff makes coming to work every day so much fun!”
How long have you worked for Aspire?
Four years altogether 2016-2018/2020-2022
Who has made the most impact on your career choice?
My teachers at St. Mary School impacted my decision to have a career in education. They brought learning to life, and the small classroom environment allowed the teachers to build relationships with their students.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Math – but only when I got to middle school through high school. It didn’t come easy to me, but I enjoyed the challenge.
What’s your favorite food?
It depends on my mood, but my go-to is Chinese, Italian, and good ol’ American cheeseburgers and fries.
What made you decide to teach?
I had great teachers from elementary through high school. They were very influential during my life.
National Custodial Workers Recognition Day
Meet Tina Mehl. Tina has been with our team for two years and has quickly become part of our Aspire family. She is devoted, trustworthy, and always ensures that we have a safe and clean learning environment.
When Tina isn’t here, you can find her working on her next adventure, spending time with her family, or hanging out with her dog, Rango. We are so fortunate to have her on our team. Thank you, Tina, for all you do!
Employee Spotlight – Becky Simpson
Becky is our August spotlight employee and teaches at our Salvation Army Kroc center site in Ashland, Ohio. Becky is new to our team and has already made an impact. She greets you with a warm hello and welcoming smile. She is dedicated, passionate, and hardworking. When Becky isn’t teaching, she enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and camping. She also loves traveling and spending time with her family.
What do you like most about working for MCS Adult Education?
“Knowing that I am helping to make a huge difference in my students’ lives.”
Do you have any hidden talents?
Looking forward to starting another bee apiary here in Ohio.
Who has made the most impact on your career choice?
My Mom had the biggest influence on my career choice.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Math & Science
What’s your favorite food?
Seafood
What made you decide to teach?
I enjoy helping others and helping others learn. I especially like when people learn new things and the excitement becomes contagious throughout the room.
Employee Spotlight – Lou Tommelleo
Lou currently teaches at our Bucyrus and Madison locations, but you may know him from our West 5th site. His passion and dedication are reflected in his students. He is hardworking, a team player, and takes pride in his work. When Lou isn’t teaching with us you may find him participating in an American History reenactment event or supporting his wife in a bodybuilding competition. He also loves to be outdoors and enjoys hunting, fishing, and hiking. We are so fortunate to have him be a part of our team!
How long have you worked for Aspire?
5 years
Do you have any hidden talents?
My knowledge of Ohio/Early American History
Who has made the most impact on your career choice?
Ron & Deb Reed / Mohican Outdoor School
What was your favorite subject in school?
History, Weight Training
What’s your favorite food?
Anything Italian!!!
What made you decide to teach?
My time teaching for Mohican Outdoor School 1989-1998
What do you like most about working for MCS Adult Education?
“Teaching adults that want to be here, that want to do better in life, and watching the light bulb come on when they get something they thought they never would…. plus my co-workers are the bomb!”
Employee Spotlight – Brandi Walker
Brandi is our Spotlight Employee for the month of June! Brandi wears many hats at our West Fifth location. She is our Transition and our Orientation Specialist. Also, she operates our virtual math and science classes. When she isn’t here fulfilling her passion for teaching, you may find her acting as the worship director for her church, traveling with her husband and kiddos, or watching her favorite sports teams. Brandi has a shining personality and passion for life. We are so fortunate to have her as a part of our team!
What do you like most about working for MCS Adult Education?
“My favorite part of working here is having the opportunity to be most of our student’s first point of face to face contact and being able to give a good first impression of not only our programs services but of our genuine desire to help everyone be successful and help them to feel more motivated and confident in themselves!”
How long have you worked for Aspire?
7 years
Do you have any hidden talents?
Play the piano & sing
Who has made the most impact on your career choice?
Charles Winger gave me so many unique opportunities to grow as a professional
Favorite subject in school?
Physics
What’s your favorite food?
Pizza or Cereal
What made you decide to teach?
My Math teachers in college made it seem SO hard, but I would go home and teach myself/figure it out and decided I should teach Math in a way that’s not so hard and scary!
