Escuela Superior

Martha Chandran-Dickerson

Martha Chandran-Dickerson joined the Upper School as a member of the English faculty in 2023. She also serves as a writing consultant working with students in the Natural and Health Science Residential Community at Bowling Green State University. In addition, she is a freelance writer and cultural literacy consultant. She also served as managing editor for Taylor and Francis’ scholarly journal Science Activities. She has taught English courses to both high school and college students. She has a bachelor of arts in communications and English from Daystar University (Nairobi, Kenya) as well as a master of arts in English (specializing in Literary and Textual Studies) from Bowling Green State University. She is a parent to Amani-Jordan ’24 and Jadon-Christian ’27.

Kyle Fettig

Kyle Fettig brings a deep background in education, residential life, and student support, which has been shaped by more than 15 years of experience across the United States and Mexico. He most recently served as faculty resident at Saint John’s Prep in Minnesota, where he oversaw dormitory operations, led student programs, supported admissions, and mentored new staff—all while stepping in as a substitute teacher across a variety of subjects. His previous roles include guidance counselor, English teacher, and program leader at international schools in Cabo San Lucas, where he also tutored hospitality professionals in English. Known for his compassionate and community-centered approach, Kyle has led youth camps, directed volunteer initiatives, and fostered strong student engagement through personalized support. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy and Catholic studies from the University of St. Thomas.

Salena Ferguson

Salena brings extensive experience as a licensed social worker to Maumee Valley. Most recently, she served as a student assistance program coordinator for the Educational Service Center of Lake Erie West. In that role, she oversaw drug and alcohol prevention programming and provided evidence-based support to students in local school districts. She previously served as a waiver service coordinator at the Area Office on Aging, addressing the psychological and social well-being of clients over 60. At Ohio Guidestone, she supported pregnant and parenting students through individual and group counseling. Salena has also volunteered with organizations such as Lucas County Mental Health & Recovery Services and the Boys and Girls Club of America, demonstrating her commitment to community and mental health. She has over 12 years of experience as a mental health professional, working in schools and building programs. She has a bachelor’s degree and is working towards her master’s degree in social work, both from The University of Toledo.

Nick Fox

Nick Fox is an accomplished educator and percussionist with extensive experience across academic, competitive, and performance settings. He most recently served as percussion specialist for Bowling Green Middle and High School and Adjunct Professor of Percussion at Bowling Green State University (BGSU), where he has taught since 2016. Nick has directed and instructed numerous percussion ensembles, indoor drumlines, and summer music camps throughout the Midwest and beyond. He has founded several performance ensembles as well as a private percussion studio. Previously, Nick led the Maumee High School Indoor Drumline and Marching Band Drumline. His courses at BGSU have included steel band, percussion methods, applied percussion, percussion ensemble, and world music. His performance and teaching have earned him multiple fellowships, grants, festival, and ensemble awards. A dedicated mentor and ensemble leader, Nick holds a doctorate of musical arts in contemporary music from BGSU, a master of music degree from Northern Illinois University, and a bachelor of music degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Jessie Griffith

Jessie Griffith ’15 brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and educational experience to her role as Upper School biology teacher. After graduating from Maumee Valley, Jessie went on to earn her bachelor of arts degree in molecular biology from Kenyon College. With advanced degrees in both molecular microbiology and occupational therapy from Washington University in St. Louis, she offers an interdisciplinary approach to science education. Her background includes collegiate-level teaching, high school and college tutoring, and clinical work focused on supporting the academic and developmental needs of children of all ages. Most recently, she was a K/1 teaching assistant at Maumee Valley. She has taught microbiology at the college level, contributed to scientific research with multiple published papers, and led social-emotional learning interventions for students with ADHD and autism. She is passionate about making science accessible and engaging for all learners by tailoring instruction to diverse learning styles.

Niki McCoy

Niki McCoy is the new director of residence life. Her most recent position was program manager at Sunshine Communities in Maumee. Other experiences include regional director of the YMCA of Greater Chicago and a social worker and therapist at Steel City Academy (Gary, IN). A graduate of Sylvania Northview High School, she was named to the Division I 1st Team All-Ohio basketball team in her senior year. She earned a bachelor of liberal science degree from Bowling Green State University, where she also played on the girls’ varsity basketball team. She has a master’s degree in social work from DePaul University and served in the U.S. Navy from 2009 to 2012.

Heather Rakosik

Heather Rakosik begins a new role as the 7th-8th grade physical education teacher and assistant athletic director. She joined Maumee Valley in the fall of 2022 as the Lower and Middle School physical education, heath and wellness teacher. She previously taught at The Columbus Academy in (Gahanna, OH) as a middle/lower school physical education and aquatics teacher and basketball and lacrosse coach. Heather also taught and coached softball and basketball collegiately for 18 years at Kenyon College, Bucknell University, Ohio Wesleyan University, Hiram College, and Defiance College. She has a bachelor of arts degree in health and physical education from Muskingum University and a master of arts degree in education from Defiance College.

Andrew Ross

Andrew Ross brings a strong background in history education and dedication to student success in his new role. He also has extensive experience from his role as a history instructor at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Upper School (San Jose, CA), where he taught AP U.S. History and World History with an impressive AP pass rate of 96 percent. He also coached cross country and track and field and advised several extracurricular clubs. Previously, he taught history, logic, and economics at Challenger School (San Jose). He has experience as a researcher, guest lecturer, and teaching assistant at Baldwin Wallace University and has tutored students for AP history exams. He has a bachelor of arts degree in history and theater from Baldwin Wallace and a master of arts degree in history from San Jose State University.

Ryan Wright

Upper School ESOL Teacher

[email protected]