Elementary Staff BIOs

Jeani Thomas -

Mrs. Jeani Thomas (JT), I teach Grade 4 and 5 for math and science.  This is the beginning of my 21st year of teaching!  17 years at OSD, three in mainstreamed deaf program in Westerville.  Since being at OSD, I have only taught in the elementary department.  I have taught k-5 during that time.  A quote I identify with is by Tobias Wolff, “We are made to persist.  That’s how we find out who we are.”  I always tell my students to try and do their best at all times.  I attended Otterbein College for my BS degrees And Gallaudet for my MA.  I am currently working on my educational doctorate as Ashland University.  I started working with deaf and hard of hearing students as I was fortunate to get my job at OSD 17 years ago after having taught deaf students in a mainstream program.  I attended a school in New Mexico growing up that had dormitory students and I liked the idea of family that is brought to a residential school.  My passion for working with Deaf students stems from my passion for teaching children in general plus I find that ASL is the most beautiful language around!  I have a passion for making it possible for any child to learn to succeed in life by giving them the tools they need to become an independent adult. 

Emily McDermott

I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from West Virginia University (GO MOUNTIES!!!)  and a Master’s in Deaf Education Intervention Specialist K-12 from Kent State University.  I got hired as a teacher at OSD in that following summer after I graduated from KSU in May. I have been teaching in the elementary department since I joined OSD in August of 2013.  Since joining OSD, I have taught 2nd grade in all subjects, 4-5th grade in Math and Science, and K-2 in Math and Social Studies.  I am currently teaching Math and Social Studies in Kindergarten through 2nd grade.  I feel very blessed to be a part of OSD, and I hope OSD will be my one and only school to teach at because I have grown to love Columbus so much and this place has become my HOME! 

One of my favorite quotes is “Itis not how good you are.  It’s how good you want to be!” 

Jessica Sloan -

I joined OSD in August of 2012.  I originally applied to OSD because it wasn’t too far from home (MI).  When I interviewed here, I loved the campus and most of all the people I interacted with.  Then I found out that the mascot was Spartans and I knew it was meant to be (I’m a Spartan from MSU). 

Since joining OSD I have taught K-2 all subjects, K/1 ELA and Science, and now 4/5th grade ELA and Social Studies
This is my first teaching job at OSD.  Prior to getting the job, I had a year-long internship with 2 different placements.  The first part of the year I was in a 1st grade general ed classroom.  The second part of my internship, I was at Indiana School for the Deaf in a Kindergarten classroom. 

I am a proud Spartan!  I graduated from Michigan State University in 2011 with a B.A. in Deaf Education.  GO GREEN!  I am currently enrolled at the University of Dayton and will start pursing my Master’s Degree in January of 2016. 

Teaching is in my blood!  Many of my family members are in education and I knew I wanted to become a teacher as well.  Once I started learning ASL and volunteering in deaf education programs, I loved the language and culture and decided to pursue Deaf Education as a major.  I want to impact children’s lives in the most effective way.  What I love most is seeing the students grow and become confident learners and individuals. 

One of my favorite quotes is “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door!” 

Anthony Coy-Gonzalez

Since joining OSD in 2013, I have taught elementary and middle school specials, high school English, and Leadership Development.  I chose OSD because I am passionate about the residential school's approach to Deaf Education, including an ASL rich environment, Deaf Culture, and of course the students and staff.  I received my Bachelor of Arts in Deaf Education and Elementary Education from Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida.  As a youth, I always enjoyed learning and knew I wanted to teach.  After meeting a Deaf friend in middle school, Deaf Education became my career path.  I love helping students develop their dreams for the future and connecting learning to the real world.  The OSD family has become a home to me and many others.  My favorite quote is: "Be the change you want to see in the world."  -Mahatma Gandhi