COVID-19 Resources:

World Health Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Ohio Department of Health
 

HEALTH & SAFETY AT SPRINGER

Updated December 4, 2023

This page serves as a resource for Springer families and our community to help ensure they have access to information related to our response, building protocols, and health and safety policies. All policies and protocols have been created with the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), and the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) and following all mandates from the State of Ohio, Hamilton County and City of Cincinnati.

Face Coverings Protocols

Below are Springer’s protocols for wearing masks. These protocols have been informed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Ohio Department of Health. We are happy to announce these changes, effective Monday, March 7th. 

  • Masks will be optional for all students and staff UNLESS they test positive for COVID and have completed their quarantine through day 5. 

The CDC does not recommend wearing masks with one-way valves or vents. Therefore, we do not allow these masks on campus. In addition, masks should follow the spirit of the dress code and not be political, offensive or otherwise a distraction to others in the community.

 

Cleaning Protocols

We have partnered with TDG Facilities Management to develop and carry out protocols that follow CDC guidelines which include classroom cleaning between transitions as well as cleaning rest rooms, high-touch areas and common areas multiple times throughout the day.

Cleaning and disinfection will be done after each cohort of students leaves classroom, including between class changes (if applicable), between groups in the cafeteria (when utilized), and after each school day.

If a member of our community has confirmed exposure to or tests positive for COVID-19 we will work directly with the Health Department to make sure we follow the most recent recommendations for schools.

Self-Health Assessment

As per the CDC, persons should continue to conduct a Self-Health Assessment of all students and employees at home PRIOR to leaving for school. You will use the information from the CDC found below to self-assess yourself and family members for the symptoms of COVID-19. By arriving at the building, the staff member and parent confirm that the self-health assessment was performed and conditions below are not present.

  • Temperature of 100 degrees or higher
  • Sore throat
  • NEW uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty breathing (for students with chronic allergic/asthmatic cough, it would be a change from their baseline)
  • Diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain
  • NEW onset of severe headache, especially with a fever

If a member of our community answers YES to any of the questions the student should not come on campus. For re-entry and next steps please contact the Springer Health Office (513) 871-6080, ext. 441, or . 

Building Visitors Protocol

Springer loves to welcome parents and visitors on campus. The safety of our Springer community is our priority, and therefore those granted entry will be subject to the same health and safety protocols as the rest of our community. Below is the Visitor Protocol for entering Springer’s building during this pandemic.

The visitor confirms that they and members of their household have not had any of the following symptoms in the past 24 hours.

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
Symptoms, Exposure, and Re-entry to School

Parents/guardians will be required to conduct health screenings of their student each morning prior to leaving home. If a student or staff member has symptoms,* they should stay home and contact the Springer Health Office for next steps and re-entry plan. If a member of our community has confirmed exposure** to, or tests positive for COVID-19, we will work directly with the Health Department to make sure we follow the most recent recommendations for schools.

*Symptoms

  • Temperature 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher when taken by mouth
  • Sore throat
  • New uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty breathing (for students with chronic allergic/asthmatic cough, a change in their cough from baseline)
  • Diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
  • New onset of severe headache, especially with a fever
  • Runny nose/congestion

**Confirmed or Potential Exposure

  • Consult Springer's Health Office or Dean of Students.

Re-entry

  • Consult Springer's Health Office or Dean of Students.

Sources

  • Ohio Department of Health, COVID-19 Health and Prevention Guidance for Ohio K-12 Schools, revised 7/26/21
  • Overview of COVID-19 Quarantine for K-12 Schools | CDC
  • https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/clinical- guidance/covid-19-planning-considerations-return-to-in-person-education-in-schools/
    ✕

    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.