Like Me – Lourdes University

Committed to attracting, preparing, mentoring, and graduating teacher candidates in high needs areas and fields.

The mission of the Like Me program is to attract, prepare, mentor, and graduate teacher candidates in high needs areas and fields in education to obtain employment in our partner schools.

Lourdes has partnered with Fostoria City Schools, Owens Community College, Perrysburg Schools, Springfield Local Schools, Sylvania Schools, Tiffin University, Toledo Public Schools, and Washington Local Schools and will continue to pursue and create educational partnerships.

Program components include:

College Credit Plus and Dual Enrollment opportunities
Lourdes University Scholarships
Mentorships
Employment opportunities with partner schools after graduation

The Like Me program focuses on preparing and supporting educators in fields identified as high need by our partner districts along with a review of federal and state reports. Lourdes University will support our partners with the following programs:

Primary Education
Middle Childhood
- Math
- English
- Social Studies
- Science
Adolescence to Young Adult
- Integrated language arts
- Integrated social studies
- Integrated science
- Life science
Intervention Special Education Program: K-12 Mild to Moderate
Dual Elementary Education with Dual Licensure in Special Education Pre K-5

These shortages are also noted at state and federal levels with an additional need recognized for AYA and Middle Childhood English/Language Arts teachers. By aligning its efforts with these high-need areas, the Like Me program helps strengthen the educator pipeline in critical teaching fields and expand opportunities for diverse, well-prepared teachers.

Video Overview

Hear from students, alumni and faculty about the Like Me Program.

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Program Partners

Lourdes University is grateful to these educational, corporate and foundation partners. Their generosity and support directly benefits the students.

FOUNDATION & CORPORATE PARTNERS

Designetics Cares
Dr. Gene & Dr. Janet Robinson
FirstEnergy Corp.
First Solar, Inc.
Greater Toledo Community Foundation Inc
Mr. & Mrs. Robert C. Savage Fund
O-I Charities Foundation
Ohio Association of Colleges of Teacher Education
Ohio Deans Compact
Shumaker, Loop, & Kendrick, LLP
Signature Bank, N.A.
Sisters of St. Francis (Sylvania) Foundation Donor Advised Fund
SSOE, Inc.
The Patricia Flaherty (McNerney) Seifried Fund
Waite-Brand Foundation
Welltower Charitable Donor Advised Fund

Student Bios

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

“The reason I aspire to become an educator is because of my passion on educating students while meeting their learning styles and needs. I will also like to be the role model for my students to mentor important life skills. A way I would like to support my students is by presenting educational material in multiple means of representation to let students learn and retain material.”

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

“I want to become a teacher to follow in the footsteps of the many teachers who have made a difference in my life. I hope to support my students by providing them with a safe, respectful, inclusive, trauma-informed classroom where they will always know they are safe and loved.”

Name: Shanyra Kitchen
Hometown: River Rouge, MI
High School: River Rouge High School
Previous Institutions: N/A
Major: Dual Elementary Education Program with Dual Licensure PreK-5
Intended Graduation Date: December 2029

“I want to become a teacher because I love kids. I want to see them succeed and grow. I have a passion to teach the next generation everything they need to be great. I hope to support my students by helping them to learn everything they need to learn.”

Name: Nia Flagg
Hometown: Toledo, OH
High School: Hilliard Davidson High School
Previous Institutions: Lourdes University
Major: Dual Elementary Education Program with Dual Licensure PreK-5
Intended Graduation Date: May 2028

“Teaching is one of those careers that you have to love for yourself, and I always love being in a classroom and helping other students. I just have a heart for education and the goals of making students the best they can be. I have always been inspired by my mom, who is also an educator, and I just fell in love with this new path I am on now. So I am very excited to get the opportunity to teach and inspire all students to achieve great things.”

Name: Simone Stewart
Hometown: Toledo, OH
High School: Penta Career Center and Rossford
Previous Institutions: Dual enrollment from Owens Community College in high school
Major: Dual Elementary Education Program with Dual Licensure PreK-5
Intended Graduation Date: May 2028

“I want to be on a teacher so I can help students realize learning is fun and also be a same space for them. When students start in kindergarten it is often their first time being in a school and I want to be the first one to greet them and a get them set up for future success as the continue on. I hope to support my students by being welcoming and making sure they all feel safe.”

Name: Kimberli Johnson
Hometown: Chicago, IL
High School: Jones Commercial High School
Previous Institutions: Spring Arbor University
Major: Masters of Special Education
Intended Graduation Date: May 2026

“My ambition is to be able to work with children that suffer with low self esteem and academic challenges. All children can learn no matter what obstacle comes their way. I am determined to be the teacher that leads them to their ultimate potential and capability for the future.”

Name: Rugena Modisett
Hometown: Belleville, MI
High School: Airport Senior High School
Previous Institutions: Owens Community College
Major: Master of Special Education
Intended Graduation Date: May 2026

“I am a proud single mother of three adult children, and two awesome granddaughters. I am just figuring out my life’s direction and passion, to teach special needs children of all ages! I enjoy all the “Aha-Haw” moments when they finally figure it out! Being a voice/advocate for my students who can not speak for themselves, is what is my calling! I am excited to continue growing in this journey, using my passion and purpose to make a lasting impact. This is more than a career—it’s a mission from the heart, and I’m ready to embrace it fully.”

Name: Marjorie Harris
Hometown: Pinebluff, AR
High School: F.L. Schlagle High School
Previous Institutions: Kansas State University and the University of Toledo
Major: Master of Special Education
Intended Graduation Date: May 2026

“I would like to become a teacher because of the previous 19 years of experience in the classrooms as a short term and long term substitute. I have experienced and feel that this is the place that I am most capable of serving at this time.”

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

“I aspire to become a teacher because of the positive impact my own high school experience had on me. One of my teachers created a classroom environment that was both engaging and enjoyable, balancing humor with meaningful learning. I hope to provide the same experience for my future students by fostering a safe and welcoming space where all students feel valued and respected, regardless of their identity. I believe that great teaching begins with being a strong role model, and I am committed to serving as that influence for the next generation of young adults as I pursue my career in education.”

Name: Gabriella Yang
Hometown: St. Paul, MN
High School: Irondale Senior High School
Previous Institutions: Point Park University
Major: AYA Social Studies
Intended Graduation Date: May 2028

“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, but I put that idea on hold for many years as I pursued other goals. At the height of the pandemic, I felt no purpose in my life working in corporate fashion, and that experience made me think of my original goal to become a teacher and made me even more sure that I want a job where I can really make a difference. I want to help students from low-income families, speak up for students of color who may feel like they aren’t getting enough attention, and bring progressive, open-minded teaching that will help students do well in the future. For me, nothing is more fulfilling than witnessing children realize their potential, and my goal as a teacher is to improve the world for the coming generation.”

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

“I want to be a teacher because I understand school can be a difficult place for students. I want to be the kind of teacher that sees beyond grades and understand my students struggles. No matter what challenges they face, I want them to know I will never give up on them. I believe with the right support and encouragement; every student can succeed.”

Name: Johanna Tester
Hometown: Wauseon, OH
High School: Wauseon High School
Previous Institutions: N/A
Major: PK-5 Primary Education
Intended Graduation Date: May 2029

“I have always been the type of person who wanted to make a positive impact on peoples lives. I strive to build a firm foundation for myself to stand on, so I can start building others foundation at a young age. I believe becoming a teacher will give me the opportunity to achieve this goal. Every human has a reason to be here on this earth, and not one reason is the same. My goal, as a teacher is to show each and every one of my students how to carry themselves, not just now, but in the future to help them become the best version of themselves they can be.”

Name: Davina Ruma
Hometown: Sylvania, OH
High School: Sylvania Southview High School
Previous Institutions: N/A
Major: Dual Elementary Education Program with Dual Licensure PreK-5
Intended Graduation Date: May 2029

“I want to become a teacher because I want to make a positive impact on kids lives by being a good role model they can trust and talk to. I hope to create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable, supported, and inspired to learn while also having fun along the way.”

Name: Daynisha Miles
Hometown: Toledo, OH
High School: Rogers High School
Previous Institutions: American Intercontinental University for my BA in Media Production with a specialization in Film & my MBA Business Administration with a specialization in Management
Major: Master of Special Education
Intended Graduation Date: December 2026

“I love teaching because I love doing God’s work. I feel that kids are blessings, and they are our future. I love seeing the growth in the kids and the impact I can have on their lives. I adore the many relationships that are built with the children as well as the team. It’s a great community to be a part of.”

Name: Eloisa Roper
Hometown: Toledo, OH
High School: Waite High School
Previous Institutions: Bowling Green State University; Texas A&M University: Corpus Christi
Major: Master of Special Education
Intended Graduation Date: May 2027

“My first nudge towards teaching surfaced in high school when my English Teacher/ Teen PEP (Peers Educating Peers) Advisor encouraged me to consider a career in education. She helped me see how my individuality and my way of seeing the world had value. This encouragement has stayed with me through adulthood and will make me a more relatable instructor with my students. One comment from one teacher has transformed my life. I want to do the same for my future students.”

Name: Isaac Okuley
Hometown: Toledo, OH
High School: St. Francis de Sales High School
Previous Institutions: Siena Heights University
Major: Master of Special Education
Intended Graduation Date: May 2027

“My name is Isaac Okuley, I am a Music Major from Siena Heights University, and am currently an after school teacher for piano. I love creating and listening to all types of music and art, and I try to teach the same love of creativity to my students. I wanted to expand my horizons into public education, as I was not able to finish the Music Education part of my degree due to Covid complications. I want to especially try to help assist students in need, especially those that may have difficulty in the general education system.”

Name: Joel Mosch
Hometown: Blue Springs, MO
High School: Springboro High School
Previous Institutions: Lourdes University
Major: Master of Special Education
Intended Graduation Date: May 2027

“I want to become a teacher to help guide students through their academic careers. To be able to make an impact and help guide students towards the goals they set for themselves. I want to make a lasting impact just like my favorite teachers did and how they helped shape who I am today. I hope to support my students by setting high expectations and encouraging critical thinking skills.”

Name: Silas Mitchell
Hometown: Caledonia, MI
High School: East Kentwood High School
Previous Institutions: N/A
Major: Middle Childhood HST + SCI
Intended Graduation Date: May 2029

“I want to become a teacher because of the effect I can have on students, and being able to have a chance to leave a positive mark on a kids life that they carry with them. I have been shaped by coaches and teachers who pushed me to grow, believed in me when things were tough, and showed me the importance of leadership and responsibility. Teaching gives me the chance to be that person for others to guide students, encourage them through challenges, and help them see their own potential both in and out of the classroom.“

Alumni

Name: Justin Kruczkowski
Hometown: Toledo, OH
Major: Intervention Specialist K-12
Graduation Term: Spring 2025
Current School District: Toledo Public Schools
Current Building: DeVeaux
Current Position: 3-7 Grade ED

How Lourdes Helped Me
“The professors were extremely knowledgeable and helpful, they exuded a genuine passion for education and the material they were sharing. Leaving the masters program I felt I was prepared for the “real world” of the classroom. Knowing I could reach out to faculty with any questions was also comforting to know that even if I hit a speed bump I had helping hands around me. The overall community that Lourdes provided meant I was getting the tools and support I needed not only to complete my education but to bridge me into my future.”

Name: Chase Edwards
Hometown: Flint, MI
Major: Dual Elementary Education Program with Dual Licensure PreK-5
Graduation Term: Spring 2025
Current School District: Fostoria
Current Building: Fostoria Elementary School
Current Position: Intervention Specialist

How Lourdes Helped Me
“I was a transfer student who moved to Ohio with a full time noght job so that I could go to school here. The staff at Lourdes were very understanding of my situation and made concessions to allow me to get my work done and do my pllacements in a timeframe that allowed me to meet all my class expectations while having to time to sleep during the day to prepare for work. The staff were clear about their expectations and passionate about giving teaching us about our future profession.”

Name: Sharonda Galloway
Hometown: Toledo, OH
Major: Master of Education in Special Education
Graduation Term: Spring 2025
Current School District: TBD
Current Building: TBD
Current Position: TBD

How Lourdes Helped Me
“Lourdes Education department was a good fit for me because it allowed a healthy life work balance. Being a non traditional return to college student was a very scary, overwhelming, stressful situation. Lourdes made the transition back to school easy. The staff and administrators were always caring, kind, loving and very supportive.”

Name: Mia Lopez
Hometown: Poway, CA
Major: Dual Elementary Education Program with Dual Licensure PreK-5
Graduation Term: Spring 2025
Current School District: TBD
Current Building: TBD
Current Position: TBD

How Lourdes Helped Me
TBD

Name: James Allen
Hometown: Toledo, OH
Major: Master of Special Education
Graduation Term: Spring 2025
Current School District: TBD
Current Building: TBD
Current Position: TBD

How Lourdes Helped Me
TBD

Landman Goldman Foundation

Mission

The Landman-Goldman Foundation serves disadvantaged children and youth in the Toledo metropolitan area by funding interventional education and enrichment programs that help lessen the adverse effects of poverty. Our primary focus is on supporting the efforts of public school systems and community-based non-profits who serve at-risk populations, especially at the early childhood education level. Consideration also is given to advancing the practice of professionals who are dedicated to serving these children.

History

The Landman-Goldman Foundation is a private, non-operating foundation whose funds originated entirely from Helen L. Goldman and her estate. Mrs. Goldman was born in Toledo, the only daughter of Dr. Otto Landman, one of the area’s first ophthalmologists. She married M. William Goldman, who owned a commercial laundry business, and spent her entire life in Toledo. Her husband preceded her in death and, when Mrs. Goldman died in 1996, the Foundation was funded out of her estate.

Scholarship Requirements

Maintain a 3.5 overall GPA
Ohio license preparation in Primary Education Pre K-5 or Dual Elementary Education with Dual Licensure in Special education Pre K-5
Junior standing in education program
Committed to teach in TPS for two years after graduation

Current Recipients

Name: Molly Altman
Anticipated Graduation: May 2026
Major: Primary Education with Dual Licensure in Special Education
Current Teaching Role: Currently placed in a Primary IS classroom at Riverside Elementary for her methods class