COVID-19 FAQs

What are Springer’s guiding principles as it approaches the challenges of COVID-19?
Springer’s mission—to empower students with learning disabilities to lead successful lives—is as applicable and inspiring as ever. Whether we are in our classrooms or supporting our students and families through distance learning, Springer is always committed to approaching our students’ challenges through a differentiated and developmentally appropriate curriculum and pedagogy. Furthermore, Springer’s values, particularly those of partnership and communication, create a community that is optimistic, flexible, and supportive. In short, Springer’s enduring philosophical approach to education creates our foundation, even for today.
When will Springer campus and school re-open?
In accordance with the Governor Mike DeWine’s statewide mandate, Springer’s campus and school will be closed through Friday, May 1, 2020. Springer’s C.O.R.E. program (“Creating Opportunities, Resuming Education”)—a digital learning platform that supports Springer’s specific population of students—begins Monday, April 6, 2020. Moreover, Springer’s leadership will continue to monitor guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other local health officials as it evaluates the potential opening of campus.
How will distance learning work for students?
Springer’s distance learning program, also known as its “C.O.R.E.” program (“Creating Opportunities, Resuming Education”), is a differentiated and developmentally appropriate curriculum and pedagogy. Designed to help students with learning disabilities, challenges with executive functioning, and ADHD, Springer’s approach takes into consideration a wide variety of variables to engage and support our students with both live and pre-recorded sessions. If you have specific questions regarding Springer’s distance learning program, please reach out to Springer’s Curriculum Director, Diane Houghton.
What is the type and frequency of communication I can expect to receive from Springer?
Springer is committed to communicating effectively throughout the pandemic. Ensuring a pathway for our families to receive information and provide feedback is vital to the success of all our students. With respect to organization-wide information, please expect to hear from Springer’s Executive Director, Brett Marcoux, via email and video postings on a regular basis or if an emergency announcement is necessary. Families should also expect to engage with their student’s homeroom teacher on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Finally, if your student is receiving additional services, like occupational therapy or speech and language therapy, appropriate Springer personnel will be in touch, too.
Who do I contact if I have a question while the campus and school are closed?

Springer is always open to your questions and we’ll do our best to find you answers quickly and efficiently. To help this process, please consider reaching out over the phone or through email to the following:

  • For current students and families, please follow our practice of reaching out to your student’s homeroom teacher or division director first.
  • For those seeking support with technology, please communicate directly with Springer’s Technology Integration Specialist, Barbara Hunter.

  • For families seeking admission to Springer, please reach out to Springer’s Associate Admissions Director, Jill Wieging.
  • For those seeking to support Springer through their donations, please reach out to Springer’s Development Director, Kirstin Eismin, or Springer’s Development Coordinator, Angie Schmitz
  • For those with questions related to financial matters, please contact Springer’s Business Director, Mark Priest.
  • If your question does not seem to fit any of the aforementioned categories, please leave a message with Springer’s Main Office at 513.871.6080. This voicemail is checked regularly and someone will be in touch as soon as possible.
What is the status of Springer events?
Effective immediately, all events scheduled to be hosted on campus or related to school activities between Monday, March 30, 2020 and Friday, May 1, 2020 are cancelled or postponed. Springer will continue to update the community about future events through its regular communication channels. As Springer evaluates upcoming events, Springer’s leadership is committed to maintaining its traditional end-of-year ceremonies and supporting CDC and government guidelines.
Is Springer’s Center still open and supporting Cincinnati’s families?
Now, more than ever, Springer’s Center is committed to helping families, educators, and the tri-state area. Despite having to move into the digital world, Springer is maintaining a robust Center schedule and fielding questions regularly. If you would like to participate in our upcoming Center event or have a question, please reach out to Springer’s Center Coordinator, Kate Jackson.
How can I support my student during the school’s closure?

Springer is committed to supporting our families as well, which may mean offering guidance around the learning process at home. A few ways to support your student during the school closure include:

  • When possible, maintain a regular schedule. Keeping students on a regular schedule will help facilitate routines and a sense of order, a significant step in decreasing anxiety.
  • Create a space dedicated to schoolwork supplied with the needed materials. This may not be possible in every home, but creating a “reading corner” or consistent spot at the kitchen table helps students recognize it’s time for learning, not playing.
  • Exercise, eat well, and sleep 8-10 hours a night. Just as we would encourage students to do during a typical school week, it’s important for students to maintain the healthy habits that promote a strong mind and healthy body.
  • When it comes to patience, flexibility, and stress-management, please be a good role-model. The coming days and weeks will be a process filled with success stories and tough times. The way we manage the challenges, persevere, and collaborate will go a long way in their own success.
  • If you or your student is struggling, reach out for support. Springer is committed to helping everyone through this tough time, academically and emotionally. Please don’t wait for us to reach out, because we are happy to support you and your student as soon as possible.
What can I do to help support members of the Springer community?
Springer is a supportive community and we are always looking to help one another. Beyond demonstrating your patience, flexibility, and enthusiasm for Springer’s entire program, Springer welcomes small and large gestures of support, as we would any other year. From sending kind words to one other to your continued support of the annual fund and Springer’s annual event, A Springer Celebration, gifts continue to allow us to support our families and members of our community.
    ✕

    Allison Oh
    M.A., CCC-SLP

    Allison holds a B.A. in Speech-language Pathology from Miami University with a minor in Disability Studies. She earned her M.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Cincinnati. Allison previously completed clinical training in a variety of environments including a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) traineeship through the University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCCEDD) and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC). Currently, Allison serves as a speech-language pathologist for Springer School and Center, an evaluator for Springer Diagnostic Center, and a therapist for Springer Learning Center.

    In her role, Allison aims to provide therapy that will allow her students to fully engage in the classroom as speakers and listeners. Her objective is to develop a comprehensive understanding of how each student creates meaning from language and how they express intended messages. Beyond the achievement of therapy goals, she strives to help her students become confident, self-advocating communicators through the development of self-awareness and incorporation of personal strategies. Her dynamic approach to assessment is centered around individualization, ensuring each student is provided appropriate accommodations. Allison is dedicated to providing families with insightful information about their child’s communication profile, and meaningful recommendations to assist with communication needs inside and outside of the classroom.

    Allison enjoys hobbies like crafting, golfing, and playing the guitar. She is a sports fan and live music/show enthusiast. Allison resides in Cincinnati with her 3-year old dog named Pepper.

    ✕

    Breanna Spears
    Administrative Assistant, B.A.

    Breanna earned her B.A. in Mass Communications from Savannah State University, where she developed a strong foundation in communication strategy, organizational storytelling, and supporting diverse communities. She brings over seven years of experience in Human Resources and Administrative roles within the finance sector, where she specialized in process development, employee support, workflow improvement, and operational coordination.

    Breanna now serves as the Center Administrative Assistant, supporting the Diagnostic Center’s daily operations. In her role, she assists with scheduling, billing, parent communication, and system organization to ensure a smooth and supportive experience for families and staff. Her background in HR and administration helps her create clear structures, anticipate needs, and maintain consistent communication across teams.

    Breanna is passionate about building processes that not only work—but make sense. She is deeply committed to bridging the gap between completing tasks and truly understanding the “why” behind them. Her goal is to contribute to an environment where clarity, compassion, and efficiency allow everyone—families, students, and colleagues—to feel informed and supported.

    Outside of work, Breanna enjoys gardening, home DIY projects, creating art, and traveling. She resides in Cincinnati with her husband and their two children.

    ✕

    Shelby Chamberlin
    Family Outreach Coordinator, M.Ed.

    Shelby earned her M.Ed. from the University of Cincinnati in Applied Behavior Analysis. Prior to that, she received her B.A. in Elementary Education with endorsements in Learning and Behavioral Disorders from Morehead State University. Shelby began her career as an intervention specialist teaching students with emotional and behavioral disorders. She continued her professional journey by joining the Springer team in 2021 as a fourth and fifth grade teacher. In her time at Springer she has worked as a classroom teacher, Adventures in Summer Learning teacher, tutor and now as the Family Outreach Coordinator.

    As Family Outreach Coordinator Shelby supports families looking for answers in the diagnostic evaluation process, as well as supporting families who may be interested in school year admissions or tutoring, and as director of the Adventures in Summer Learning Program.

    Shelby is a passionate sports fan, cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats and Cincinnati Bengals. She also enjoys cooking, hot pilates and being outside with her family. Shelby resides in Northern Kentucky with her spouse and daughter.

    ✕

    Alyson Caldwell
    Occupational Therapist, OTR/L

    Alyson earned her BS and MS degrees from Eastern Kentucky University. Alyson has prior experience working as an occupational therapist in outpatient pediatrics and skilled nursing rehabilitation before Springer. Alyson now serves as the team lead occupational therapist at Springer School in addition to Springer Diagnostic Center.

    As a school-based occupational therapist, Alyson is passionate about helping students develop the skills they need to participate fully and confidently in their learning environments. Alyson specializes in supporting handwriting development and executive functioning, with a focus on helping students become more independent, engaged learners. Alyson believes in meeting each student where they are, building on their strengths, and collaborating with educators and families to develop meaningful and practical goals and strategies that truly support each student’s growth.

    Alyson enjoys yoga, being outside with her dogs, antique hunting, and cheering on the Bengals. Alyson is a soon-to-be first time mom and resides in Northern Kentucky with her husband.

    ✕

    Bradley Paramore
    School Psychologist, Ed.S, NCSP

    Bradley earned his Ed.S and M.Ed. degrees from John Carroll University. Prior to that, he received his B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from Case Western Reserve University. Bradley served as a lead psychologist in public schools for over 10 years. He has previously served as the President of the Ohio School Psychologists Association and held several other leadership positions within the National Association of School Psychologists and Ohio School Psychologists Association. His experiences include serving on various working groups for the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce and the Ohio Department of Public Safety before joining Springer.

    Bradley is passionate about providing comprehensive support to families that identifies the root cause of concerns. His goal is to provide evaluations that highlight a student’s strengths as well as proven strategies that can help a student thrive.

    Bradley is a passionate sports fan and former college football coach. He enjoys attending comedy shows, live music events, traveling, and listening to podcasts. Bradley resides in Cincinnati with his wife and 2 children.

    ✕

    Ann Kilpatrick
    Occupational Therapist, OT/L

    Ann earned both her B.A. in International Studies and her M.S. in Occupational Therapy from The Ohio State University. She has prior experience working as an occupational therapist in adult acute care and inpatient rehab.  In 2012 she began working as a school-based occupational therapist at Springer School.  Ann now works as part of the Springer Diagnostic Center Team. 

    Ann believes that given the support they need, each student is able to reach their full academic potential. In her role as part of the diagnostic team, she seeks to provide individualized assessment data to identify motor needs and use that data to suggest potential interventions that can be used by families and educators in order to best support the child.

    Ann enjoys spending time with her kids, hiking, travelling, yoga, and reading.  She lives with her husband, 3 children, and 2 dogs in Cincinnati. 

    ✕

    Deborah Gilbert
    Clinical Psychologist, Ph.D.

    Dr. Gilbert earned her B.A. from the University of Michigan, took a gap year to teach English in Japan and travel through Asia, and then earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Detroit Mercy.  She also completed a 3-year postdoctoral residency at Chestnut Lodge Hospital, provided therapy and psychological assessments in inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, and served children and families of greater Cincinnati public schools conducting psychological evaluations.  Dr. Gilbert is happy to have joined the Springer Diagnostic Center team in 2024.

    Dr. Gilbert believes in the potential of young people and works with them to make the world a better place.  In the evaluation process, she wants you and your child to feel understood and supported.  Dr. Gilbert strives to understand the whole child and build an actionable and evidence-based plan for parents and teachers to support the success of the child. 

    Dr. Gilbert’s personal passions include her family, traveling, hot yoga, and book club.  She and her husband have been married 30 years, have 2 adult daughters, 2 beautiful grandchildren, and a sweet Cavachon dog named Marigold. 

    ✕

    Molly Bernosky
    School Psychologist, Ed.S., M.Ed.

    Molly earned her Ed.S. and M.Ed. degrees from the University of Cincinnati. Prior to that, she received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Kentucky. Molly has served as the lead school psychologist in public schools, public school administrator overseeing special education teams, and testing psychologist at an ADHD clinic before arriving at Springer. Molly was a founding member of Springer Diagnostic Center and now serves as the Diagnostic Center Director.

    Molly is passionate about providing evaluation experiences that feel approachable, collaborative, and strengths-based. Her goal is for families to feel listened to, validated, and supported throughout an evaluation process.

    Molly’s hobbies include hiking, listening to podcasts, attending live music and comedy shows, coaching youth sports, and participating in community events. Molly resides with her husband and 2 children in Cincinnati.