The ESC’s commitment to supporting districts and schools with innovative programs continues this year with the addition of two new specialists offering STEM and Gifted support. Claire Anthony (pictured left), science and STEM specialist, will take on three key roles at the ESC: consultant, coach and facilitator. In her role as a consultant, she will support schools by offering tailored instructional practices and additional intervention strategies. As a coach and facilitator, Claire will collaborate with schools and educators to identify science/STEM professional development needs, providing the necessary resources and strategies to address them. Claire will also co-lead Project Innovation–a program to develop educators' use of design thinking and problem-based learning through inquiry-based, hands-on learning experiences for their students. With an academic foundation in Middle Childhood Education from the University of Dayton and a master's degree in educational administration from Ohio State, Claire has dedicated her career to pushing the boundaries of education and preparing students to be the problem solvers of tomorrow.
Claire’s journey in education began at COSI and Westerville City Schools. She then helped open Metro Early College Middle School, where she played a pivotal role in building and shaping the middle school program. She worked as a teacher, dean of students and principal which allowed her to implement strategies that transformed the educational experience for her students. At Metro, she was instrumental in innovating community partnerships that engaged students in STEM design challenges and integrated STEM thinking across all content areas. Passionate about advancing educational practices, Claire’s approach combines a deep understanding of educational theory with a commitment to practical, results-driven solutions.
Claire lives in Westerville with her husband and 2-year-old son and enjoys spending her free time at the pool and the park.
Tricia Merenda (pictured right) will serve districts and schools as a gifted specialist. In this role, Tricia will partner with educators in the creation and enrichment of their gifted and talented programs to better serve students. She will also support MTSS in schools.
Tricia previously served as a longtime district ELA, reading and gifted teacher as well as an English language arts, social studies, world languages and business coordinator. In recent years, she served as an Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Literacy Specialist where she supported grant implementation, the State Literacy Network and Ohio’s Urban Literacy Specialists.
Tricia is a member of the Gifted Coordinators of Central Ohio (GCCO) and a certified facilitator for Social and Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG). She has presented at several conferences, including the National Association for Gifted Children, the Ohio Association for Gifted Children’s conference and teacher academy with presentations highlighting MTSS and gifted, creativity, and improvisation for gifted and twice-exceptional students.
In her free time, Tricia enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is an advocate for cancer prevention and a volunteer at the Columbus Dream Center.
For more information on the ESC and how its staff can support your STEM/science, gifted or other areas of need, click here.