Name: Chase Edwards
Hometown: Flint, MI
High School: Flint Southwestern Academy
Previous Institutions: Central Michigan University/ University of Michigan Flint/ Mott Community College
Major: Dual Enrolled (Primary and Special Education)
Intended Graduation Date: May 2025

“My name is Chase Edwards, I have been working with students in a professional capacity for 14 years now. I have worked with all ages from preschool to special needs adults. I have worked for YouthQuest, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Flint and AMERICORPS VISTA. I used to say I chose education because I love expanding young minds, but honestly it’s just because it’s fun. Children see the world differently, in a way we lose as we grow older and that perspective can teach us much about them, ourselves and the world around us.”

Name: Daniela Rodriguez
Hometown: Toledo, OH
High School: Woodward
Previous Institutions: N/A
Major: Primary Education PreK-5
Intended Graduation Date: May 2026

“Hello! Im Daniela Rodriguez, currently a Junior at Lourdes University. I graduated from Calvin M.Woodward High school. My major is Primary Education. I chose education to bring new learning techniques into my own classroom. Letting students explore learning w/engaging activities to retain the curriculum is something that I will like to incorporate in a classroom rather than have students learn through traditional teaching. Having students come into the classroom w/out feeling left behind or afraid to ask for guidance on anything is something I am passionate about.”

Name: Mia Lopez
Hometown: San Diego
High School: Mt. Carmel
Previous Institutions: None
Major: Primary Education Prek-5
Intended Graduation Date: May 2025

“My name is Mia Lopez, and I am a senior Primary Education major with a minor in Psychology. I am from San Diego, California, and graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 2021. I have played for the Lourdes Women’s Volleyball team for all four years of my undergraduate study! My choice to become an educator was driven by my passion towards connecting with underprivileged youth, and making a difference in their lives. I have been working with children since I was 16, and was immediately inspired and drawn to their innate curiosity and eagerness to learn. After graduating next semester, I plan to teach kindergarten- and eventually continue my journey in higher education. As an educator I hope to be a consistent source of light for my students, and help them grow in becoming kind, driven, and curious people. ”

Name: Justin Kruczkowski
Hometown: Toledo, OH
High School: Start HS
Previous Institutions: The University of Findlay
Major: Masters in Special Education K-12
Intended Graduation Date: May 2025

“I was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio before graduating from the University of Findlay with a degree in Studio Art ‘08. After graduation I spent over a decade working in frontline and big picture leadership in various manufacturing settings. During this time I have been coaching wrestling at my alma mater of Roy C Start HS, leading their men’s and now women’s team. Over the last few years I have decided to work towards my degree and enter the world of education.”

Name: Sharonda Galloway
Hometown: Toledo, OH
High School: Scott High
Previous Institutions: Spring Arbor
Major: Masters in Special Education K-12
Intended Graduation Date: May 2025

“Completed undergrad at Spring Arbor University in Social services and family life Education. Employed with Lucas County/State of Ohio for the past ten years working in case management, community inclusion, specialized services, adult Protection and work activities. I have a desire to help the undeserved and feel that quality education is important to everyone no matter their disabilities or differences.”

Name: Fizza Khan
Hometown: Sylvania, OH
High School: Notre Dame Academy
Previous Institutions: BGSU
Major: Primary Education PreK-5
Intended Graduation Date: December 2026

“Hello, my name is Fizza. I am from Sylvania, Ohio. My major is Primary Education. I previously attended BGSU. I’ve had countless teachers who have made a difference for me throughout my educational career, so following in their footsteps now is my own special way of giving back!”

Name: Adrianna Cooper
Hometown: Toledo, OH
High School: Whitmer High School
Previous Institutions: N/A
Major: Middle Childhood Education
Intended Graduation Date: May 2028

“My name is Adrianna Cooper and I am a first year Middle Childhood Education major here at Lourdes University. I am also apart of the Track and Field team. I have always wanted to become a teacher, ever since I was little. The many impactful teacher leaders in my life inspired me to become the person I am growing to be today.”

Name: Nia Flagg
Hometown: Toledo, OH
High School: Hilliard Davidson Highschool
Previous Institutions: Lourdes University
Major: Primary Education PreK-5
Intended Graduation Date: May 2028

“My name is Nia. I am 22 almost 23. I have a previous associate degree from Lourdes but I’m coming back to get my teaching degree. I am hoping to do the best I can in the new season I’m in!”

Name: Simone Stewart
Hometown: Toledo, OH
High School: Penta Career Center and Rossford
Previous Institutions: Dual enrollment from Owen’s in high school
Major: Primary Education PreK-5
Intended Graduation Date: May 2028

“Hi, my name is Simone Stewart. I am a cheerful, ambitious, and kind person. I love working with children and helping them learn in grow. In the future I hope to graduate college with a bachelor’s degree in for Early Childhood Education and become a kindergarten teacher. I have wanted to be a kindergarten teacher since I was in fifth grade after helping take the kindergartners to their buses and working in child ministry at my church helping children learn about God.”

Name: Kimberli T. Johnson
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
High School: Jones Commercial
Previous Institutions: Spring Arbor University
Major: Masters in Special Education K-12
Intended Graduation Date: May 2026

“My Name is Kimberli Johnson and I love working with children. Our Children today need a lot of attention and love and I believe I was created to render this to our youth on today.”

Name: Rugena Modisett
Hometown: Belleville, Michigan
High School: Airport Sr High School
Previous Institutions: Owen’s, Lourdes
Major: Masters in Special Education K-12
Intended Graduation Date: May 2026

“I am and always been an advocate for our Special Education School Agers. Teaching where they can follow but understand what is being taught or presented to them. Touching their lives in a way that they will never forget what I presented to them!”

Name: Marjorie Harris
Hometown: Toledo, OH
High School: F.L. Schlagle High School
Previous Institutions: Kansas State University and University of Toledo
Major: Masters in Special Education K-12
Intended Graduation Date: May 2026

“I am Marjorie Harris currently a longterm substitute teacher with Toledo public Schools. Have been with TPS for 17 years starting as short-term sub.”

Name: Waseem Abed
Hometown: Toledo, OH
High School: Apostolic Christian Academy
Previous Institutions: Owens Community College
Major: AYA Social Studies
Intended Graduation Date: May 2026

“Hello! My name is Waseem Abed I am an AYA social studies major here at Lourdes University. I’m in my junior year and it has been a very memorable and impactful experience. The like me program has taught me much about education and the workforce. I chose to become an educator because I feel as though students need a role model who they can look up to while in High School. I had a great high school teacher and was inspired by his devotion to students. I want to reciprocate the experience I had for students for many years to come.”

Name: James Allen
Hometown: Sylvania, OH
High School: Sylvania Southview
Previous Institutions: Bowling Green State University
Major: Intervention Specialist K-12
Intended Graduation Date: May 2025

“My name is James and I am an aspiring educator who loves kids and sports. I am very thankful for the opportunity the like me program has provided. I am a non-traditional student who has pursued 2 degrees after 30. I hope to become a high school football head coach, and work in special education. I hope my journey inspires others to never give up on education.”

Name: Gabriella Yang
Hometown: St. Paul, Minnesota
High School: Irondale Senior High School
Previous Institutions: Berkeley College
Major: AYA Social Studies
Intended Graduation Date: December 2029

“I know the challenges of balancing one’s identity while navigating through school, especially as a first-generation Asian American. Those experiences have taught me the importance of having someone throughout your academic career who believes in you and encourages you to embrace your differences as strengths. Becoming an educator gives me the chance to give back to my community by allowing my students to explore the world through curiosity, all at the heart of the classroom. Having teachers of color in the classroom is so important because representing is important. The strength of diversity brings unique experiences, which can only expand the perspectives of students’ daily lives. My hope as a teacher is to encourage students to see their value and help them feel confident as they grow into society.”

Name: Dallas Allen
Hometown: Holland, OH
High School: Springfield High School
Previous Institutions: None
Major: AYA Social Studies
Intended Graduation Date: December 2028

“I want to become a teacher because throughout school I realized how important teachers are. There were so many teachers that I have had that I will never forget. I want to be one of those teachers. I want kids to say to their friends or parents, ‘I loved him’ or ‘He helped me so much on this worksheet.’ The next generation is so important. I want those kids to succeed to the best of their abilities. As for color, it’s absolutely important. It shouldn’t matter what you look like. As long as a teacher is willing to work with any kid that comes their way, they can be a good teacher. Kids can learn from anyone and that’s how it should be.”

Name: Kaden Robertson
Hometown: Toledo, OH
High School: St. Johns Jesuit High School
Previous Institutions: Owens Community College and The University of Toledo
Major: Middle Childhood LA + HST
Intended Graduation Date: May 2026

“My name is Kaden Robertson, and I am currently a sophomore studying Middle Childhood Education at Lourdes University. I want to become a teacher because of the impact previous teachers have had on my life. My teacher’s guidance and belief in me shaped me into who I am today. I believe teachers can help students realize their full potential both inside and outside the classroom. I also come from a family of teachers and administrators. Watching the gratification, they had in watching young students achieve their full potential. I believe having teachers of color in the classroom provides representation and can help other students of color to relate and feel understood.”

John Beck, M.S.

Like Me Program Coordinator

jbeck@lourdes.edu
419-824-3886

John Beck holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Bowling Green State University. After graduation, John began work at Owens Corning in Toledo, OH. While in the Information Systems Department at Owens Corning, John began focusing on end-user training for business clients. This experience in training and education led him back to BGSU where he earned his certification for teaching students in grades 1-8.

With this new degree and with a strong foundation in both technology and education, John has dedicated over 23 years to teaching at Sylvania Schools, where he worked with students in grades 3, 4, and 5. Currently, John serves as an adjunct professor at Lourdes University, teaching courses in educational technology, classroom management, and the relationship between communities, schools, and families.

Outside of his professional endeavors, John is an avid music lover. He served as the secretary to the Greater Toledo International Youth Orchestra and is currently secretary for the Sylvania Southview Chorus and Orchestra Booster Association.

John is married to Mike Rosania, and together they have two children adopted from Guatemala. As a proud parent to two Latino children, he has seen first hand the need and importance of a diverse teaching workforce. John is excited to be part of the Like Me program at Lourdes to help create that more diverse and equitable educational environment for all children.