Board of Directors

The Plain Local Schools Foundation and Alumni Association is led by a volunteer board that represents alumni, parents, community members, former educators and advocates for public education.

The foundation is always looking for individuals to serve on event committees, alumni initiatives and community outreach. If you are interested in serving on a committee, contact us today!

Board of Directors

Suzi Lantz

President

Board member since November 2019.

Suzi Lantz serves as President of the Plain Local Schools Foundation Board of Directors, bringing a lifelong passion for education, leadership, and community development. With a background in secondary education, coaching, and curriculum development, Suzi has dedicated her career to helping individuals, teams, and organizations reach their full potential.

A graduate of Malone University—where she attended on a track and field scholarship and majored in Secondary Education—Suzi was recognized early in her career with the 2004 Rookie of the Year Award while teaching locally. Today, she is a Partner and Leadership Consultant at Personal Peak, where she works across industries to build healthy, intentional leaders.

As a proud parent of two Plain Local graduates, Suzi remains deeply committed to the district and is honored to support the Foundation in expanding opportunities for future generations of Golden Eagles.

emily palmer 2026 — Emily Palmer
Vice-President

*Board member since November 2019.*

Emily’s background has allowed her to grow and serve students, educators, and families in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, gifted, athletics, and academic programs for the past 30 years. Her passion has always been to help students grow and learn; because of this, Emily loves serving on the PLSFAA Scholarship Committee to ensure students have as many opportunities as possible to earn funds for college while honoring community and family members of Plain Local.

A graduate from the University of Akron with a B.A. in Secondary Education, an M.A. in Educational Administration, and an M.A. in Assessment, Program Evaluation, and Data Literacy has given her a foundation in education. She is currently completing her M.Ed. at Ashland University in Curriculum and Instruction, Talent Development, while working as an independent educational consultant and academic advisor. Emily also has the privilege to be a member of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Stark County’s 38th Signature Class.

Emily and her family have resided in the Plain Local School District since 2000, and their youngest two children attend GlenOak High School. They participate and appreciate all of the academic, athletic, and arts programs and opportunities in our district. As a family, they love to play music and sports, read, cook, travel, and spend time with their pets.

gina bowers — Gina Bowers
Secretary

*Board member since July 2025.*

Gina Bowers is a third-generation resident of Plain Township and proudly continues this tradition by raising her family here as well. She is a GlenOak graduate who received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Malone University and her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from The Ohio State University. As a social worker, she has worked tirelessly to support residents of Stark County who have experienced homelessness and sexual violence.

Gina is a Licensed Independent Social Worker and Supervisor at a local counseling organization and has devoted her career to working with survivors of complex trauma. Her mission is to help create a more healed community.

Gina enjoys spending her spare time treasure hunting! She loves finding the best deals at thrift shops, searching the Lake Erie shoreline for beach glass, and being outside exploring all of the parks and trails Stark County has to offer.

nick frank 2026 — Nick Frank
Treasurer

*Board member since July 2025.*

Nick has a background in Mechanical Engineering and has worked for Hendrickson Trailer Commercial Vehicle Systems since graduating from The University of Akron in 2004. He received his MBA from Ashland University in 2009. In 2018, he transitioned into an operational leadership role and has been a Manufacturing Plant Manager since 2021. Nick is a 2025 graduate of Leadership Stark County’s Signature Program, and his passions include STEM education and introducing today’s youth to careers in manufacturing and engineering.

Nick and his wife Suzanne moved to Plain Township in 2018 and have been married for 21 years. They have a son, Liam, who is a sophomore at GlenOak High School. Nick spends his free time golfing and enjoying the outdoors with his family.

danielle harper 2025 — Danielle Harper
Executive Assistant

*Board member since January 2023.*

Danielle has A Deep-Rooted Commitment to Plain Township. For over two decades, she has called Plain Township home, building a life deeply interwoven with the vibrant spirit, values, and traditions of the Plain Local Schools community. As the Executive Assistant for the Plain Local Schools Foundation, she serves as a central pillar of support, combining organizational leadership with an unwavering passion for public education. Her daily work is driven by a simple yet powerful belief: every student in the district deserves access to exceptional educational opportunities, resources, and experiences that empower them to reach their full potential.

As a parent of 4 GlenOak graduates, Danielle’s connection to Plain Local Schools is not just professional—it is deeply personal. She has walked the journey that so many district families experience. Over the years, she has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of the district’s dedicated educators, robust academic offerings, and diverse extracurricular activities. Watching her own children grow, learn, and succeed through the Plain Local system provided her with a unique, firsthand appreciation for the school system’s vital role in shaping confident, capable young adults. This personal journey as a Golden Eagle parent fuels her enthusiasm and dedication in her role at the Foundation every single day.

Before joining the Foundation team, Danielle was an active and familiar face throughout the Plain Township community. Her commitment to local youth extends across years of volunteerism, involvement in local youth programs, and enthusiastic support of community athletics. Whether cheering from the sidelines, organizing events, or supporting youth development initiatives, she has consistently championed programs that foster character, teamwork, and school pride. Her longstanding dedication to community service reflects her deep-seated belief that strong schools and strong communities go hand in hand.

In the staff role as Executive Assistant, Danielle works behind the scenes to ensure the Plain Local Schools Foundation operates seamlessly and effectively. She assists in coordinating key organizational initiatives, managing vital communications, supporting board governance, and facilitating donor and alumni outreach. Her organizational skills, attention to detail, and approachable demeanor help foster meaningful relationships with community partners, local businesses, alumni, and district staff. By keeping the Foundation’s operations running smoothly, she plays a direct role in advancing grant programs, student scholarships, and innovative classroom resources that enrich the learning environment across all district schools.

Looking to the Future: As Plain Local Schools continues to innovate and grow, Danielle remains honored to play a part in shaping its future. She takes immense pride in contributing to an organization that directly elevates the educational landscape for current and future generations. For Danielle, working with the Plain Local Schools Foundation is more than a job—it is a continuation of her lifelong commitment to the families, students, and community of Plain Township.

Board Members

Nick Deering June 2025 — Nick Deering
Board Member

*Board member since September 2024.*

Nick has been in leadership for 20+ years and is currently the COO at Henderson Roofing. He has led a business professional Connect Group through his church (Faith Family) for the last 12 years and currently serves on the Legacy Team. He was recently asked to join the Multipliers Group as a facilitator through The Lookout at the Hall of Fame and enjoys the strong leadership dynamic of the group. For the last several years, he has coached youth soccer through Eagles Select and Stark United Premier. He also coaches the JVA team and serves as an assistant coach at GlenOak High School. Working together on projects and bringing the best out of people and situations is something that brings him great joy.

He and his wife, Ryanne, have been married 19 years and have two sons, Roman (16) and Hudson (15), who attend GlenOak High School. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing soccer or a round of golf, and going to the beach.

just frazier — Justin Frazier
Board Member

*Board member since July 2025.*

Justin Frazier is a proud GlenOak High School alumnus who believes that the strongest communities are built when people are equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and opportunity to succeed. As Community Outreach Coordinator for CSE Federal Credit Union, Justin has dedicated his career to making financial education accessible, practical, and engaging for individuals of all ages. His passion is simple: helping people connect money to opportunity and empowering them to build brighter futures.

With more than a decade of leadership experience, Justin has become a recognized advocate for financial wellness, community development, and lifelong learning. As a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC), Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE), and Certified Credit Union Facilitator, he has helped hundreds of individuals and families navigate important financial decisions while creating educational programs that strengthen entire communities.

Throughout his career, Justin has developed partnerships with schools, nonprofits, businesses, and local organizations to deliver meaningful financial education where it matters most. Whether speaking to elementary students about saving their first dollar, guiding high school seniors through budgeting and credit, coaching entrepreneurs on business finances, or counseling families toward financial stability, he believes education is one of the most powerful investments a community can make.

Justin’s work extends far beyond the classroom. He serves as Ohio Development Educators (DE) Alumni Chair, helping unite credit union professionals across the state through community service initiatives. He has also collaborated with organizations such as Stark County Community Action Agency, Ohio State University Extension, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, YWCA, Stark Economic Development Board, and numerous local school districts to support programs that improve financial capability and expand access to resources.

His commitment to service has resulted in thousands of students, employees, entrepreneurs, and community members participating in financial education workshops, reality fairs, business development programs, and one-on-one financial counseling sessions. Justin believes that every conversation has the potential to change a life, and he approaches each opportunity with enthusiasm, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.

A servant leader at heart, Justin is passionate about giving back to the community that helped shape him. He proudly serves on the boards of the Plain Local Schools Foundation & Alumni Association and other local boards, where he works alongside other dedicated leaders to strengthen educational opportunities, celebrate local excellence, and create lasting community impact.

Those who know Justin describe him as energetic, approachable, and someone who genuinely enjoys bringing people together. Whether he’s leading a financial workshop, volunteering at a community event, mentoring a young professional, or speaking before students, his goal remains the same: inspire confidence, create opportunities, and remind people that success is achievable with the right knowledge and support.

For Justin, being a GlenOak alumnus is more than a title; it is a lifelong commitment to giving back. He considers it both an honor and a responsibility to invest in the next generation of Eagles, ensuring today’s students have the encouragement, education, and opportunities they need to become tomorrow’s leaders. His journey reflects the belief that when communities invest in people, everyone wins.

katherine herrmann 2026 — Katherine Herrmann
Board Member

*Board member since July 2026.*

I am a proud 2018 graduate of Plain Local Schools, and my time in the district played a significant role in shaping both my personal values and professional path. Throughout my years as a student, I embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and serve. I was actively involved in the performing arts, participating in drama, choir, and musical theater, where I developed confidence, creativity, teamwork, and lifelong friendships. The arts provided me with a sense of belonging and taught me the importance of collaboration, perseverance, and self-expression.

In addition to my involvement in the arts, I participated in the Teacher Pathways Career Technical Education program, which sparked my passion for working with and supporting others. My experiences in the classroom, combined with my involvement in the National Honor Society and numerous volunteer opportunities, reinforced the importance of leadership, service, and giving back to my community. Plain Local Schools encouraged me to pursue excellence while reminding me that success is measured not only by personal achievements but also by the positive impact we have on others.

Today, I am a licensed social worker and have the privilege of serving others in two meaningful roles. In private practice, I work alongside children and their families as they navigate life’s challenges, helping them build resilience, improve their mental health, and achieve their personal goals. I also work with LifeBanc, where I support organ, tissue, and eye donation. Being part of a mission that provides hope and healing to donor families while giving others the gift of life is incredibly rewarding. Both of these roles allow me to live out my passion for helping others every day, and I am grateful to have found a career centered on compassion, advocacy, and service.

One of the aspects of Plain Local Schools that I continue to value most is the diversity of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives that the district embraces. Learning alongside students from different cultures and walks of life broadened my worldview and strengthened my appreciation for inclusion and community. Those experiences continue to influence the way I approach my work and relationships today.

My connection to Plain Local Schools remains strong. I have family members who continue to call the district home, and my nieces and nephews are proud students in Plain Local Schools. Watching them benefit from the same supportive environment that shaped my own journey has only strengthened my appreciation for the district and everything it offers students.

I am incredibly proud to be a graduate of Plain Local Schools and am always eager to share where I came from. The education, opportunities, and relationships I gained within the district helped lay the foundation for the person and professional I am today. I remain committed to giving back, supporting future generations of students, and advocating for a school district that continues to invest in excellence, opportunity, diversity, and community. It is an honor to have the opportunity to support the Plain Local Schools Foundation and its mission of enriching educational experiences for students today and for years to come.

Judy L 2025 — Judy Leszczynski
Board Member

*Board Member since January 2017.*

Judy Leszczynski was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in Elementary education. In 1980, she and her family moved to Canton. Judy took a teaching job with Canton City Schools in their Early Childhood Department, where she was an Intervention Specialist for 27 years. She went on to get a Masters Degree from Ashland University. In addition, she was an adjunct Professor at Walsh University teaching classes in Special Education and Integrated Arts. Judy also worked with the SPARK program, a program that worked with young children and their parents in the area of literacy and Kindergarten readiness. She also taught Playright, a class for Early Childhood teachers that was based on integrating the arts in all areas of the curriculum.

Judy’s three children attended Plain Local Schools and she became involved in several parent organizations, including the GlenOak Booster Club where she served as President.

Judy enjoys traveling and loves to go to Colorado to visit with two of her children, Scott and Jori, and their families. Her other son Ryan and his family live near Pittsburgh. Judy is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a group whose mission is to support teachers. She enjoys walking and taking fitness classes. She likes playing Mahjongg with her friends and is an avid reader.

angela lewers — Angela Lewers
Board Member

*Board member since July 2025.*

Angela Lewers is a 2018 GlenOak High School graduate with a B.S. in Communication from Ohio University. She has experience in social media content creation and strategy, previously working with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Pro Football Hall of Fame. Angela currently works as a medical receptionist while providing freelance social media services to local businesses.

A former GlenOak ballet student, Angela now serves as co-chair of the Ballet Committee, giving back to the program that supported her as a student. She has also worked as a substitute teacher at GlenOak, where she enjoyed guiding students as they prepared for their futures.

Angela values the opportunities Plain Local Schools provides in academics, athletics and the arts, along with the community’s strong support of its students. She looks forward to using her communication and community engagement experience as a board member, joining her father, Michael Lewers, in serving the Plain Local community.

michael lewers 2026 — Michael Lewers
Board Member

*Board Member since January 2017.*

Michael is a 1991 graduate of GlenOak High School and earned his BBA in Finance from Kent State University in 1995. He serves as a Senior Home Lending Advisor (NMLS ID: 271175) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., bringing more than 30 years of experience helping homebuyers and homeowners achieve their goals.

Michael and his wife, Jennifer, are proud parents of two daughters, Angela (GlenOak Class of 2018) and Payton, who attends Plain Local Schools. He enjoys spending time with family, fishing, traveling, and volunteering in the community.

chris lewis 2026 — Chris Lewis
Board Member

*Board member since July 2026.*

Chris is a 2001 graduate of McKinley High School. After high school, Chris moved west, earning a B.A. in English Writing from Boise State University and a B.S. in Computer Science from Oregon State University. He returned to the area in 2010 and now resides in Plain Township, where he works as a Business Intelligence Specialist for Schumacher Homes. His older son, Soren, is a 2026 GlenOak High School graduate, and his younger son, Ryker, is set to graduate in 2029.

Deeply committed to community service, Chris actively participates in local organizations and serves on several boards spanning arts, athletics, and community development. While not a Plain Local graduate himself, watching his sons thrive in the district over the years has given him a strong passion for Plain Local Schools. He is excited to bring his energy and skills to the Plain Local Schools Foundation Board.

Outside of work and board service, Chris enjoys competitive swimming, exploring local restaurants, and spending quality time with his family.

madison mcguire — Madison McGuire
Board Member

*Board member since July 2025.*

Madison McGuire is a proud 2017 graduate of GlenOak High School and a lifelong member of the Plain Local School District. She went on to attend Ohio University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Energy Engineering in 2022. While at OU, she also completed a minor in Dance Performance and Choreography, along with certifications in Leadership and Entrepreneurship, reflecting her belief that creativity and innovation go hand in hand.

Madison currently works as an Engineer in the Transmission Operations Department at FirstEnergy. Through her role, she has remained actively engaged in the Akron community, participating in FirstEnergy’s Society of Women Engineers, Ohio Phase III, and the Akron Public Schools Ambassadors Networks. She is committed to empowering young women and students to explore opportunities in STEM while building confidence, curiosity, and resilience.

This fall, Madison is excited to deepen her involvement in Plain Local Schools by joining the Saturday Enrichment Program as a dance instructor. She looks forward to helping students develop creativity and a love of movement while reconnecting with the district that played such an important role in her own journey.

As a GlenOak student, Madison spent countless hours performing on the Abbey E. Foltz Stage through the district’s dance and choir programs and was actively involved in STEM and science clubs. Those experiences sparked lifelong passions in both engineering and the arts, and she credits the Plain Local Schools Foundation and Alumni Association for supporting the programs that made them possible. Now serving on the Foundation and Alumni Association Board, she is proud to give back to the district that invested so much in her by helping create meaningful opportunities for current and future Plain Local students.

Sarah Michel 2026 — Sarah Michel
Board Member

*Board member since July 2026.*

I am a dedicated educator, passionate advocate for children, and proud parent who believes that every student deserves to feel valued, supported, and inspired to succeed. As both a teacher and a mother of two children who attend Plain Local Schools, I have a unique perspective on the importance of strong partnerships between schools, families, and the community. I am deeply invested in the success of Plain Local—not only as an educator but also as a parent who has experienced firsthand the impact that caring, committed schools can have on students and their families.

I am entering into my 12th year teaching in Plain and I am passionate about creating a classroom where every student feels seen, heard, and respected. I strongly believe that meaningful relationships are the foundation of learning and I strive to foster an environment where students are encouraged to take risks, celebrate their individuality, and grow both academically and personally.

My commitment to education extends beyond daily instruction. I continually seek opportunities to grow professionally, embrace innovative teaching practices, and advocate for the needs of all learners. My goal is to inspire confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning while helping students develop the skills and character they need to thrive in Plain Local and beyond.

I am honored to serve the district that my family calls home. I consider it a privilege to educate the next generation while contributing to a school community that values excellence, inclusivity, and student success. I am committed to making a lasting and meaningful impact on the lives of every student and family I serve in the Plain Local School District.

stacey pancher-rippey — Stacey Pancher-Rippey
Board Member

*Board member since July 2025.*

Stacey moved to Plain when her daughter was five years old and enrolled her in the 1st grade at Frazier Elementary. They have remained in Plain and her daughter is now a Junior at GlenOak High School, participating in Dance, sideline cheer and competition cheer.

Stacey graduated from Kent State University in 1992 with a Major in Psychology and a Minor in Sociology. She then went on to obtain her Masters in Counseling at the University of Cincinnati.

Stacey started her career in Counseling, working with high-risk and behavior-disordered youth at the Shipley Day Treatment Program for 12 years, during which time she began her role as a clinical supervisor providing supervision to therapists seeking to obtain their independent licensure. She then worked providing school-based therapy to children in both the Alliance and Plain local school districts. After this, she began managing several different programs for youth, including the School-Based Program, Transitional and Peer Program, and the Care Pathway Program for suicidal and high-risk youth. Stacey has also spent time working in private practice with youth, adults and couples.

Currently, Stacey is employed by a company out of Akron, providing Clinical Supervision and other administrative duties in addition to providing some therapy services. Stacey’s hobbies in the recent past included spending some time investing in real estate, renovating and leasing properties.

Stacey enjoys spending time with her daughter, her family and two Frenchie Puppies. She enjoys supporting her daughter in her many activities.
Stacey joined the Plain Foundation to give back and be a part of all of the great things that the Plain Foundation does for the Community.

Emily Weiss

Board Member

Board member since May 2021.

Emily Weiss attended the Plain Local School District for most of her life and graduated from GlenOak High School in 2014. She also stayed close to home for college, graduating magna cum laude and with Honors from Kent State University at Stark in 2017 with a B.A. in Applied Communication. She was then a Digital Marketer with TKG for about nine years before stepping back to spend more quality time with her daughter, Aria. While working at TKG, she gained various marketing skills such as keyword research, understanding and applying SEO (Search Engine Optimization), blog and webpage writing, social media scheduling and advertising, and general website maintenance.

When Emily’s not working, you can find her spending time with her husband (Andy) and their daughter, traveling, taking photos, and seeing shows at local theaters. She has also volunteered for multiple local organizations, including Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron for their annual Easter Egg Hunt and Murder in the Mansion event, United Way of Greater Stark County and its Young Leaders Society, and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce’s ystark!.