Brian Dunbar
VP of Compliance Brian has served community school parents, students, governing authorities and leaders since 2001. A former teacher and administrator in Columbus, Ohio community schools, he has leveraged his demonstrated success in the classroom as a teacher, curriculum coach, administrator, and chair of the Charter School Specialists LPDC Consortium in support of Ohio’s charter schools. Brian holds a bachelors of History from The Ohio State University and masters of Education from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. EMAIL
Susan Scarponi
Director of Special Education Program Compliance Susan spent several years as the Director of Special Education for an educational management company. During that tenure, her duties included training teachers, supervisors, and administrators; overseeing Section 504 compliance; working with parents and advocates to enhance the education of students with disabilities, and coordinating the delivery of related services. She has served on a variety of advisory panels at the local and state level. Susan began her career as a special education teacher and taught at Ohio State University while in graduate school. EMAIL
Carla Isaac
Director of Special Projects Carla has worked in education for nearly 17 years. Prior to joining Charter School Specialists, she worked for the Department of Jobs and Family Services for 11 years under the Deputy Director of Fiscal Services and for 3 years at Columbus City schools. Her expertise in project management, document management, and special projects coordination makes her a valued resource to schools sponsored by St. Aloysius Orphanage, helping to ensure their compliance in a wide range of areas. She serves as our transportation liaison between our schools and the Ohio Department of Education, Transportation office. She is also a member of the EMIS Advisory Council and a vital link between schools and the Ohio Department of Education, ensuring timely, accurate submission of key information. EMAIL
Frank Stoy
Compliance Coordinator Frank has been engaged in Ohio’s Charter School movement since 2002. He has worked with sponsors in directing and coordinating charter contract functions including renewal, new school contracting, contract amendments and development of meaningful education and performance and accountability plans. Frank has managed sponsor intervention efforts to improve school performance and helped develop communications plans with stakeholders. He has testified before the State Board of Education and House and Senate Education Committees on community school issues, as well as presenting at conferences and professional development sessions. Frank holds a bachelors degree from The Ohio State University College of Social Work and has completed graduate level coursework in training and development at the University of Toledo. EMAIL
Joni Hoffman
Operations Coordinator Joni has worked with community schools for twenty years. Beginning in 1999 at the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), she helped develop and sponsor new community schools, shifting focus in 2005 to providing sponsor technical assistance and oversight and approving new sponsors. Her ODE experiences include developing rules for e-schools, site-based schools, and sponsors; working collaboratively with other ODE offices and state agencies to clarify policies, procedures, and legislative recommendations; contributing to successful federal grant applications; and providing public testimony. Joni joined CSS in 2017. She holds a doctorate in public health research from the University of Texas, School of Public Health. EMAIL
Ben Danals
Compliance Coordinator Ben has worked with individuals with exceptionalities for twenty years. His educational experience ranges from being a Behavior Specialist working with students with significant mental health needs in a day treatment setting to co teaching as a math specialist in an inclusive setting. Most recently, he provided program management to school based teams providing special education evaluations and related services to community schools. Ben’s skills have been leveraged to provide professional development in the areas of special education best practices and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, teacher mentoring, department coordination and compliance guidance. Ben holds a graduate degree from Antioch University Midwest and an undergraduate degree from Kent State University.
When not working, Ben enjoys spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter Harper. Having spent a dozen years working with his community’s 4-H horse program, he also enjoys catching a horse show during the summer. EMAIL
Bekah Dawson
Compliance Coordinator
Bekah, in her 20 years as an Ohio educator, has been privileged to work with students and teachers in a variety of Pk-12 settings. Once a special education classroom teacher, she has also demonstrated success working as a Field Supervisor for Capital University. There, she was responsible for overseeing, teaching, and mentoring pre-service teachers. Bekah holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Special Education from Ohio Dominican University. She also has specialized certifications in Curriculum & Instruction, and as an Education Specialist. With husband Ian, Bekah lives in Canal Winchester. They have a son, Cage, and a daughter named Wren. EMAIL