Meet The Canton Country Day Team
At Canton Country Day School, We Are Dedicated to Academic Excellence and Your Child’s Growth
Our students thrive in an environment where skilled educators spark intellectual curiosity while nurturing personal growth across all dimensions. Teachers partner closely with families to create a supportive, growth-focused atmosphere that prioritizes both academic success and individual well-being. Strong, trust-based connections between educators, students, and parents are a defining feature of the school’s unique educational experience.
Demetria Amentas
Business Manager
DeeDee joined the Canton Country Day School family in 2024 as the Business Manager. Already equipped with an Associates of Applied Science in Accounting, she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management at Kent State University in 2014. She comes to CCDS with over 25 years of accounting and business experience and looks forward to working closely with the staff and faculty to continue to propel the school to the next level of success.
Her absolute joy and most crowning achievements are her daughter and son. DeeDee loves spending time with them, her husband and sweet, giant pup, Thor. On any given weekend you can expect the Browns, Buckeyes, CAVS or Guardians to be playing on the TV. In addition to watching and playing sports, Mrs. Amentas loves reading, cooking and spending time outdoors with family and friends.
Patrick Ater
Head of School
Patrick Ater has taught at Canton Country Day School since 2007. He has a Master of Education degree in Administration from Ashland University and received his Bachelor of Science in Middle Childhood Education from Kent State University. Mr. Ater holds a K-12 Reading Endorsement and has been trained in Responsive Classroom. He has taught grades five through eight. Mr. Ater has lived in Stark County most of his life. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, watching and participating in sports, and the outdoors.
Lindsey Bennett
Director of Intervention
Mrs. Bennett joined Canton Country Day in 2022. After completing her undergrad at Valparaiso University, she received her MBA from Copella University. Mrs. Bennett received her Doctorate in Literacy and Reading in 2026. She began her formal teaching career in special education. In addition to teaching English in China, she taught first and seventh grade.
When Mrs. Bennett is not in the classroom, you will find her anywhere from scuba diving, gardening, knitting to chainsawing up trees.
Melissa Bragg
Academic Dean
Missy Bragg graduated from Miami University with a BA in Elementary Education (1-8). She went on to teach for 11 years, 7 of those at Canton Country Day School, before taking time off to raise her children. Mrs. Bragg returned to CCDS at the end of the 21-22 school year, joining the Early Learning team. Prior to leaving CCDS, Mrs. Bragg completed her Masters in Instructional Technology at Akron University with an endorsement in Computer/Technology (K-12), inspired by the many aspects of technology integrated into the CCDS learning environment. During her time off, she continued her love of learning, studying the Wilsons Reading System and privately tutoring students through the intense structured literacy program. She earned her WRS Level 1 Certification as well as studied the Level 2 curriculum. Mrs. Bragg has been a lead and co-teacher in a variety of grades from early learning into middle school, with a focus on both literacy and mathematics.
Teaching has always been Mrs. Bragg’s passion, but in her free time she enjoys a variety of physical activity including daily walks with her dog, Millie, hiking, biking, and adventuring with her three children, Mia, and twin boys, Zack and Grant. Mrs. Bragg and her high school sweetheart, Matt, enjoy weekends together as a family, watching their kids in a variety of sports, as well as exploring craft breweries as a couple.
Holly Davis
Middle School Teacher
Libby Doss
Art Teacher
Libby Bracy Doss received her BA in fine art from Malone University, with a double emphasis in Painting and Fibers; earning the Outstanding Senior Award, the Mary Ellen McFadden Art Award, and a scholarship from the Ohio Arts and Crafts Guild. Doss also studied Arts Administration with a focus on Grantwriting and Development (MA) at the University of Akron, where she previously served as a graduate assistant at the Emily Davis Gallery in the Myers School of Art.
Doss’ experience is all about connecting people with art; primarily focused in art education and nonprofit art museum administration. She has most recently served as the Development Director at the Canton Museum of Art, and also as Adjunct Faculty at Malone University, teaching a variety of visual art classes. Her previous teaching and nonprofit arts experience includes the Massillon Museum, the public preschool arts-focused Artful Living and Learning Program, The Frick Pittsburgh, Hatch Art Studio (Pittsburgh), and the MAKEshop at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Her teaching experience includes public schools, private schools, boutique studio and museum settings, and a range of ages from Prek, K-12, college students, adults, and multi-age settings.
As an artist, Doss primarily works in fibers, painting, and mixed media. Her work has been exhibited at the Little Art Gallery at the North Canton Public Library, the Stark County District Library, Malone University, the Massillon Museum, BZTAT Studio, and the former Translations Art Gallery in Canton.
Chris DuBose
Custodian
Chris DuBose has worked at Canton Country Day School since 2018. He retired from the United States Navy in 1995. He works with Mr. Saunders and Ms. Mitchell as an integral part of our facility and maintenance team, to ensure the safety of our students and employees.
In his free time, he enjoys cooking, gardening and golfing.
Aimee Duvendack
4th Grade Teacher
Aimee is in her second year at Canton Country Day School and her first year teaching fourth grade. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Kent State University in 2023 (preschool – 5th grade.) She brings a passion for creating warm, engaging learning environments for young students. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Kent State University in 2023. Aimee’s love for teaching began during her service in the United States Air Force, where she developed a deep commitment to helping children grow and succeed. She believes that a classroom should feel like a home away from home, fostering a safe and nurturing space where students can reach their full potential.
Outside of the classroom, Aimee enjoys doing crafts, camping and traveling with her husband and their four children.
Claire George
2nd Grade Teacher
Claire is entering her 7th year teaching and her first year at CCDS! She is excited to get to know everyone and build relationships with her students. Claire has taught 1st – 3rd grade and reading intervention. She found her sweet spot in 2nd grade and loves teaching reading and math! Claire earned her Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education in 2019 from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Mount Vernon, Ohio. When not at school, Claire enjoys gardening, hiking, and being with her 2 young children.
Kathryn Guist
Admissions Director
Katie joined the CCDS family in 2023. She attended private schools all throughout her academic life and appreciates and values the level of excellence in education private schools give their students. Katie graduated from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, OH and upon graduation, she continued her education on scholarship at Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA. Katie graduated with her Bachelor of the Arts in Dance. After retiring from dance, she was a recruiter, Human Resources Professional and an administrator.
Mrs. Guist has worked in education for over 15 years. In 2011, she was named Director for Reach Out And Dance®, the premier dance outreach program of Ballet Excel Ohio, where she taught dance education in Northeast Ohio public and private schools. From 2016-2017, she served as the Program Manager for Wayne Center for the Arts in Wooster, OH. Before joining CCDS, she was a teaching artist with Artful Living and Learning, an integrative arts program serving the preschools of Stark County.
Mrs. Guist loves spending time with her husband and children. She also enjoys dance, Yoga, reading, cooking, hiking, biking and anything else that involves the outdoors!
Robin Hannold
Fifth Grade Teacher
With more than 20 years of experience in education, Robin Hannold has served as both a language arts teacher and school counselor. She earned both her Master of Arts in School Counseling and her Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from Rowan University.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Hannold has also worked as a private college counselor and tutor, helping students achieve their academic and personal goals. In addition to teaching language arts, she enjoys helping students build confidence through public speaking and providing opportunities for leadership development through a variety of student activities and organizations. She considers working with students at CCDS to be one of the most rewarding aspects of her career.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Hannold enjoys reading, cooking, relaxing at the beach, and spending time with her family.
Candace Harmon
Development Director
Candace Harmon joins Canton Country Day School as Director of Development, bringing more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, development, and community engagement. Throughout her career, she has helped mission-driven organizations including Girl Scouts, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates and Case Western Reserve University strengthen donor relationships, expand philanthropic support, and build meaningful partnerships. Candace and her husband Travis live in Copley with their daughter Riley and their dog Millie. She is excited to become part of the CCDS family and looks forward to building meaningful relationships with families, alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the school while helping advance the school’s mission for years to come.
Valerie Hempel
Wildlife / E.T.C Director
Valerie Hempel has worked at Canton Country Day School since 2005. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Kent State University. She is certified in Social Studies and also has training in Project Wild and Project Learning Tree. She is also involved with the Tree Campus K-12 national recognition program through the Arbor Day Foundation.
Mrs. Hempel enjoys camping, hiking, reading, and music.
Monica Henrich
Spanish Teacher
With over a decade of experience in education, I have had the privilege of teaching students across all levels from elementary to college. My teaching journey includes roles as a classroom teacher, language instructor, and private tutor. I am particularly skilled at teaching English as a second language, having taught at various institutions in Peru, including San Martín de Porras University, Santa Maria Reina Catholic school, Futura Schools and César Vallejo University. My experience spans early childhood education through higher education, where I have developed and implemented creative learning methods to foster both academic growth and social-emotional development in students.
I am fluent in Spanish, English, and Italian, which allows me to connect with a diverse range of students and support their language learning journey effectively.
Nichole Kessler
Lower School Classroom Assistant
Mrs. Kessler joined CCDS in 2026 and is passionate about working with children and creating a supportive, engaging environment where every child feels safe, seen, heard, and encouraged to grow.
With more than 10 years of experience as a preschool teacher’s assistant, special education aide, and library outreach and programming specialist, I have had the opportunity to work with students from preschool through eighth grade
Nick Mikes
Music Teacher
Nicholas Mikes is a graduate of Alliance High School, Class of 2022, and Mount Union, where he graduated in 2026 with a degree in Music Education. His passion for music has been a major part of his life, participating in the Marching Band, Alliance Symphony Orchestra, and Men’s Chorus. Nicholas also plays the viola and enjoys sharing his love of music with others.
Outside of music, Nicholas is an Eagle Scout from Troop 50, and was in KDOA, a community based martial arts program in close relation with the alliance police department. As a proud member of the Alliance community, Nicholas continues to pursue his passion for music education and making a positive impact on those around him.
Christin Mitchell
Custodian
Christin Mitchell joined our maintenance team in July 2018. She attends Stark State College where she is obtaining her Associate of Applied Business with a Major in Culinary Arts. Mrs. Mitchell works diligently to ensure our grounds are kept safe and in compliance with state and local school health requirements. She has spent over 16 years in various customer-focused positions including teaching preschool, catering, and food service.
Mrs. Mitchell is family-oriented. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her husband and four children.
Jamie Murphy
Middle School Social Studies and Sixth Grade Teacher
Jamie Murphy has been teaching at Canton Country Day School since 2008. She received a Bachelor of Arts from St. Leo University in 1997, began her teaching career in 2000, and earned her Montessori Diploma from North American Montessori Center in 2003. During her previous military service, Mrs. Murphy traveled the world and brings that experience to her classrooms. She continues to travel with her husband, Bob, and enjoys trail walking and communing with nature
Dody Nahas
Dean of Students and Faculty, Dance and Drama Specialist
Dody has been with Canton Country Day since 2000. Dody’s love of dance led her to the Hartford Ballet where as an associate in Dance Education she became branch manager for the school, teaching ballet and creative movement. She later embarked on a role as choreographer and dance teacher for the River Valley School of Ballet as well as an artist in residence and company member for the Island Moving Company in Newport, RI. She was also an artist in residence at the Regional Multicultural Magnet School in New London, CT where she taught dance and creative movement.
After relocating to Ohio, Dody became a company member and teacher with the Living Fountain Dance Company. She is certified to teach the Pilobolus dance method and has participated in several Pilobolus Intensive Workshops and Education Programs. She has been at Canton Country Day school as a choreographer, movement and drama teacher. She has also been the Performing Arts Chair. She is currently the Dean for Students and Faculty. She enjoys helping students explore their creativity, learn the collaborative process, and help support student well being.
Dody loves to travel with her husband and dog Koa to visit her two daughters. She also teaches Barre classes for CoreBarreFit.
Kassidea Plaisance
3rd Grade Teacher
Kassidea Plaisance is entering her first year at Canton Country Day School. She is extremely excited to be the third grade teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. She has recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education (Preschool through 5th Grade) from Kent State University at Tuscarawas.
Kassidea is passionate about creating a classroom environment that is inclusive, safe, positive, and full of engaging experiences for her students. She is excited to have the opportunity to teach her students who have incredible potential and need someone who believes in them daily. She previously was a substitute teacher for two years and has thoroughly enjoyed becoming a part of Canton Country Day.
Outside of the classroom, Kassidea enjoys reading, baking, trying new coffees, thrifting, hiking, playing pickleball, and crafting! She also recently got married this June!
She is thrilled to meet the families of these wonderful children at Canton Country Day!
Tia Poling
Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Tia Poling has been teaching at Canton Country Day School since 2021. She loves helping young learners explore and grow through hands-on, creative activities. Mrs. Poling has taught Kindergarten in Virginia and Ohio, with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s in the Art of Teaching. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys being with her family and taking relaxing evening buggy rides in the country.
Pamela Popa
Executive Secretary/Receptionist
Pam Popa started working at Canton Country Day School in 2007. She is grateful for the opportunity to play a small role in the lives of our wonderful children. She enjoys reading, movies, photography and time spent with her son, Jonathan.
Adam Rennecker
Bus Coordinator
Adam Rennecker has been working as the Bus Coordinator since we took delivery of our brand new bus in 2018. He is a graduate of Kent State University and has been working in the transportation industry since 2005. A native of Canton, he has been part of the CCDS community since 2011 and has three children attending the school.
Katlyn Saffell
Preschool Teacher
Katlyn joined CCDS in 2022. She has an extensive background in the developmental process of our children working for schools in Stark County while she graduated from OSU. She was also the middle school volleyball coach for Perry Local School.
While not at work, Katlyn enjoys spending time with her 2 daughters and fiancée. They love to be outside, travel, and attend as many Ohio State and Cleveland Browns sporting events as possible.
Andrew Saltarelli
Physical Education and Health Teacher, Athletic Director
Andrew Saltarelli has been teaching at CCDS since 2021, but has been a part of the community since 2000, having graduated in the class of 2011. Throughout his life, he played hockey, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and participated in track and field. He has always had a passion for athletics and he hopes to share that love with his students. Mr. Saltarelli graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Dietetics from Bowling Green State University in 2020, and highlights nutrition as a key component of his Physical Education curriculum.
Terry Saunders
Maintenance
Terry joined Canton Country Day in 2022. After serving in the United States Army, he has over 30 years in the maintenance field.
He enjoys hunting, shooting sports, and most of all spending time with his 3 grandchildren.
Jennifer Simon
STEM Teacher
Jennifer joined our school community in 2022 with over 15 years of experience in teaching both adolescents and adults locally and abroad in Egypt, Vietnam, and China. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in History and a Masters of Science in Information Architecture & Knowledge Management from Kent State University. She has also completed the Harvard Business School Certificate in School Management and Leadership.
Jennifer enjoys traveling, baking, DIY projects, cuddling her pup (Bruce Wayne), spending time with friends and family, and learning something new every day.
Fun Fact: Ms. Simon is a former magician’s assistant who has been cut in half and pierced with flaming swords!
Mary Slee
Music Teacher K-4 and Librarian
Mary Slee has been teaching at Canton Country Day School since 1998. She holds two post graduate degrees in music, a master’s in music from University of Akron, and a Graduate Diploma in Music Education from the University of Melbourne.
Mrs. Slee followed her passion to teach elementary music and began her music career in rural and city schools in the state of Victoria, Australia. She returned to live in Canton, Ohio, where she has dedicated herself to her second home, Canton Country Day, and is delighted to be back in the beautifully crafted music room where she teaches General Music K-5, Choir and Middle School Music Electives. She lives in Jackson Township with her husband Tony, (who is still a volunteer for the CCDS Music Department), two dogs and a cat. She remembers when her daughter Emily attended CCDS for six years.
Mrs. Slee is represented in the directory of Who’s Who of American Teachers. Her philosophy about CCDS is “I stay true to the past of our school while reinventing my job for each child’s future.” Hobbies include listening to Australian music, reading online newspapers, attending musical theater in New York City and the Cleveland Playhouse, and listening to podcasts about her Australian football team, the Melbourne Demons.
Tessa Snyder
Middle School STEM Teacher
Tessa Snyder joined Canton Country Day School with a strong foundation in education and leadership. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Middle Childhood Education, with concentrations in Science and Math, from the University of Kent in 2021. Prior to her time at CCDS, she served as a director of a childcare center, where she cultivated her strengths in adaptability, creativity, and consistency—values that continue to shape her student-centered approach in the classroom.
Tessa is passionate about creating hands-on, engaging experiences that encourage curiosity and confidence in her students. She believes in building a learning environment that challenges and supports every learner.
Outside of school, Tessa enjoys disc golfing, doing arts and crafts, and spending time outdoors with her family.
Katlynn Thompson
Kindergarten Teacher
Haleigh Wendt
Preschool Teacher
Haleigh Wendt has been teaching at Canton Country Day School since 2018. She graduated from The Ohio State University with her bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. While attending Ohio State, she studied the Reggio Emilia method of teaching and is also trained in Responsive Classroom. Mrs. Wendt remembers the amazing teachers and experiences she had when attending CCDS and is excited to bring that opportunity to her students. She loves spending time with her family outdoors and reading books.
Caroline Willett
Psychologist
Carrie Willett PhD. is employed by PSI Solutions and has worked at Canton Country Day School since 2013. She obtained her doctorate in Psychology at The Ohio State University. Dr. Willett provides the teachers, students, and families various support and consulting services.
When not at school, she enjoys spending time with her husband and four children outdoors running, hiking, or exploring national parks.
Dena Zelenko
1st Grade Teacher
Dena Zelenko received her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Akron. She also received her Reading Endorsement from the University of Akron. Dena has 21 years of experience. She taught for ten years at Uniontown Elementary School at Lake Local. I have taught the remainder of my years at online public schools, including Ohio Connections Academy and OHDELA. This is my first year at Canton Country Day School.
Email:
info@cantoncountryday.org
Our friendly Staff Is Here To Help and Answer Any Questions You May Have
Phone:
(330) 453-8279
Call Us During Office Hours: 8am-4pm Monday Through Friday and By Appointment.
Fax:
(330) 453-6038
If You Need To Fax any Files, Transcripts or Documentation, Please Utilize This Number
Please contact us if you have any questions or would like more information.
GET IN TOUCH WITH CANTON COUNTRY DAY
Learn more about our community by filling out an inquiry form
Please Answer These Questions About You and Your Student
We Are A Unique Learning Community Full of Joy and Excitement.
Family Testimonials
INSTITUTIONS OF CCDS ALUMNI
