Julie Billiart Schools Sees Amazing Growth in Leadership Positions

Wednesday, April 05, 2023

On April 5, 2023, Julie Billiart Schools (JBS), a network of schools that serve children with learning and social differences, announced multiple internal promotions and new positions that will lead to sustained growth for JBS and its students. In December of 2022, Julie Billiart Schools, which currently has campuses in Akron, Lyndhurst, and Westlake, purchased a school building in Brecksville, Ohio. JB Brecksville will open to students in August of 2024. As the JB Network continues to grow, JBS has rolled out new positions to support expansion and student support.

“We all know that it has taken a village to get JB to where it is today. These promotions are a direct result of our continued growth and the support that our students and families need,” said Lannie Davis-Frecker, President and CEO of Julie Billiart Schools. “I am so honored that we have the depth of talent and leadership here to promote our internal staff to such critical positions.”

Jason Wojnicz, M.Ed., former Principal of JB Akron, located at 380 Mineola Ave. in Akron, OH, has been promoted to the role of Director of Student Programs for the JB Network. This is a new role for the growing community of schools. As Director of Student Programs, Wojnicz will oversee JB’s Beyond Camp, which recently grew from one location to three. He will also manage student support services, data collection, curriculum development, and all extracurricular programming.

“I am incredibly honored to be taking on this new role as Director of Student Programming,” said Wojnicz. “This is an exciting opportunity to bring together everything I am passionate about for something that has been such an integral part of my life. I’m really looking forward to helping our students continue to grow and develop in new and exciting ways.”

Gabrielle Redovian, M.Ed., former Assistant Principal and Director of Special Education at JB Akron, has been promoted to Principal. Alyssa Szpalik, former Intervention Specialist, has been promoted to Assistant Principal and Director of Special Education.

Similar changes have occurred at Julie Billiart Schools’ Westlake campus, located at 3600 Crocker Rd. in Westlake, OH.

Samantha Evers, M.Ed., former Principal of JB Westlake, has been named Launch Principal for the network. Like she did for JB Westlake when it opened in 2021, Evers will manage the launch of JB Brecksville. Her role includes overseeing renovations, hiring staff, connecting with the community, securing licenses and charters, and acting as school principal.

“Seeing the growth of JB Westlake was such a rewarding experience both personally and professionally,” said Evers. “I am really looking forward to building connections and bringing awareness of all the incredible things JB does to a brand-new community.”

Patrick O’Brien, M.Ed., former Assistant Principal and Director of Special Education at JB Westlake, has been promoted to Principal. Danielle Manzeo, former Intervention Specialist, has been promoted to Assistant Principal and Director of Special Education.

Julie Billiart School Lyndhurst, JBS’ flagship campus, opened in 1954 to meet the educational and social needs of children with learning differences. Interest in the JBS model soared across Northeast Ohio. Following that need, JBS opened its first expansion school in Akron, Ohio in 2017. In 2021, JB Westlake opened to grades K-4 and then grades 5-8 in 2022. JBS plans to open JB Brecksville to students in grades K-4 in 2024 and grades 5-8 in 2025. To learn more, visit www.juliebilliartschools.org.