Thursday, August 27, 2009

All about Lisa Mansfield!

I'm a third-generation graduate of the Akron Public Schools (North High Class of 1985) and the mother to three sons currently enrolled in the district. My personal connection is just part of my passion to make our school system the best it can be so that Akron's kids can succeed today and excel tomorrow.

I earned a B.A. in Secondary Education from the University of Akron in 1990 with a concentration in English and History. I did my student-teaching at Garfield High School and taught as a substitute throughout the district.

I've been a proud leader in La Leche League since 1999 helping mothers with breastfeeding and toddler issues, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with teen moms through the Children Services' program "Mentoring Mothers".

The Akron Beacon Journal humbled me as a 2005 "Woman of Excellence" for my work with military families during my husband, Eric's, deployment to Iraq.

I love interacting with the community through my role as Patron Services Manager at Weathervane Playhouse. It's a role that has also allowed me to work with Akron Public School students through "Akron After School" and "Neighborhood Playhouse."

My kids are my top priority, and I firmly believe I can bring a valuable perspective to the Board of Education as a graduate, parent, and educator.