Angi Shumate--Owner/Director/Teacher/Advocate
Angi Shumate is owner and director of IDEA House Educational Services located in Canal Fulton, Ohio. She has a degree in Special Education and has taught in the public schools from 1991 until she started IDEA House in 2011. Since then, IDEA House has helped hundreds of families. IDEA House started as a tutoring program and became an all-day school within a few months because of need. "I always dreamed of an environment that was tailor made for students to grow and learn in a manner that would best prepare them for adult employment and independence. These kids are accomplishing things each day that may have seemed unimaginable in their previous school settings. To witness that kind of growth is a privilege I never take for granted or stop appreciating." IDEA House is known for reaching the child where they learn. "We are completely different than a public school. These kids are given the best of everything we can offer--provided in a setting that is supportive and most conducive to generalization. We educate the WHOLE child!"
Mrs. Shumate is a behavior interventionist, owner and director of IDEA House. She has three children, of her own. Mrs. Shumate started teaching in 1989. "Since that time, I have worked with hundreds of individuals with disabilities. I have been licensed to teach since 1991 and saw my dream become a reality in 2011 with the creation of IDEA House. Of all the blessings I have been granted, teaching is the one I am most grateful for. When I get into a classroom with students, I feel alive and fulfilled. Thank you for providing me that privilege on a daily basis."
Email: Shumate.ideahouse@gmail.com
Mrs. Shumate is a behavior interventionist, owner and director of IDEA House. She has three children, of her own. Mrs. Shumate started teaching in 1989. "Since that time, I have worked with hundreds of individuals with disabilities. I have been licensed to teach since 1991 and saw my dream become a reality in 2011 with the creation of IDEA House. Of all the blessings I have been granted, teaching is the one I am most grateful for. When I get into a classroom with students, I feel alive and fulfilled. Thank you for providing me that privilege on a daily basis."
Email: Shumate.ideahouse@gmail.com
Michelle Cahoon --Resource Specialist
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Michelle Cahoon has been working and volunteering at local special needs agencies for 15 years. She currently volunteers for ASPIES Greater Akron and Summit County Juvenile Court New Paths Committee. Michelle has had extensive training in community resources. She lives in Portage Lakes with her husband and son Tristan. Tristan is 16 years old and has Autism. |
Leia Ellis--Licensed Behavior Interventionist/Teacher
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Leia is married and the mother of 2 children, a 13 yr. old son and 9 year old daughter who both attend Green Local Schools. She graduated from the University of Akron in 1999 with a Bachelor's of Science in Education, majoring in Special Education and is a behavior interventionist. She has worked various jobs over the years, ranging from working with adults with disabilities in a group home setting to foster children in a group home setting to substitute teaching in Green Local Schools and an inner city charter school to hospice/home health care.
She is extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with the amazing children, staff, and parents of IDEA House. "The mission and philosophy of IDEA House is amazing, and I love working with the children, not only teaching them but learning from them as well. IDEA House is a very special and unique school that I feel blessed to be a part of, and I am looking forward to a wonderful and educational school year!" |
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I graduated from Kent State in Middle Childhood Education with a concentration in Language Arts and Social Studies. I also have a Reading Endorsement. I enjoy reading and writing. I have been teaching for eleven years and just LOVE it! I am happiest when I am with my family or my second family (IDEA House). When I have time off, I miss my students. People always ask me how many children I have and I say 30. I do not have biological children, but I think of my IH students, as my children. IDEA House students are very respectful. They work very hard socially and academically. It is unlike anywhere else I have taught! It is amazing! |
Andrea Mitchell--Intervention Specialist
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Andrea has a BS from Ball State University in biology and an Intervention Specialist/mild to moderate from Notre Dame. She has several years experience working in schools and with homeschool groups teaching upper level math and science. Andrea is also the Children's Pastor at a small church in Canton where her husband and two dogs live.
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Michelle Gonslewski--Instructional Aide
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I am a mother of three wonderful boys. When my middle son was diagnosed with severe autism. I went back to school at Stark Technological College, to get an associates degree in Occupational Therapy. I wanted to go into a field where I could better understand Autism and work with individuals on the spectrum. After years of working in different school districts and private therapy, I took time off to focus on my son's needs. When I came back to work, I wanted a schedule that allowed me to be there for my kids. I have found I love being an aide. I love seeing the kids grow on a daily basis. For obvious reasons. I have a special place in my heart for all people on the spectrum and want to help them reach their fullest potential. I'm so excited working at IDEA House, I love that the staff looks at the whole child and meets them where they are. I love that they encourage them to be the best they can be!
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Beth Eisenbrei--Intervention Specialist
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Beth began studying early childhood education, development, and early intervention in 2008 at the Ohio State University at Marion/ She continued her studies at Kent State and completed them at Walsh University where she became licensed as an Early Childhood Educator and Early Intervention Specialist. She has worked with students from many walks of life and with a variety of unique personalities. She finds great joy in connecting with her students and helping them to realize their capabilities and potential. She earned a BA in Theater from the University of Akron in 2001.
Beth is married and has two children, one of whom is part of the Autism spectrum community. In her experiences, as an educator, she loves learning about the unique personalities of each child and how to best guide them on their unique educational journey. In regards to her role at IDEA House, she states, "From the moment I walked through the door the first time, I could tell there was something wonderfully different about this school. Each child is respected for who they are and their needs are met with love, compassion and firmness when needed. As a mother with a child whom is on the autism spectrum, I would love for my son to be taught and cared for so well. I consider it an honor to serve these students and work with my colleagues." |
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Cody Durbin is an Instructional Aide at IDEA house. He currently attends Stark State and plans to recieve his associate's in education this summer. He plans to go to either Kent or Akron afterwards. Cody was a lifeguard for a year at the YMCA, then later joined IDEA house, where he found what he was passionate about. He plans to become an intervention specialist and is excited to have an impact on these amazing students. |
Cherie Palicka--Instructional Aide
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Cherie Palicka is one of our new Instructional Aides. She has a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Kent State University. She is a few classes away from a Master’s of Arts in Clinical Pastoral Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary. Working at IDEA House Educational Services allows her to follow her passions with children. She loves education and psychology, as well. She is an avid reader and a lover of animals.
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Amanda is an attendant at IDEA House. After graduating Manchester High school, she attended Kent State University and the University of Akron while majoring in photography and painting. In her spare time, she accepts commissioned art projects as extra income. She also continues to create personal art pieces which range from drawings, paintings, jewelry, and digital media. During the summertime, she works as Lead Video Editor at a skydiving center. Amanda is working to further her career in education and hopes to become an art teacher. She enjoys spending time with the students at IDEA House and is grateful to be a piece of the puzzle. |
BRADY--RIP to our Service Dog. You are missed!
Brady is our service dog. He was given to us by W.A.G.S., an organization dedicated to training and placing mobility service and skilled companion animals for children with disabilities. They are driven by their belief in early intervention. They work with families (and organizations like IDEA House) to place a dog as early in a child's life as there is a need an an interest. Their website ishttp://wags4kids.org/.