Leadership Team

Educational Visionary | Leadership Expert | Business Intelligence Strategist

Mr. T.C. Franklin is the esteemed Founder & Superintendent of L. Hollingworth School, a role in which he demonstrates an unwavering commitment to educational excellence. With a remarkable career spanning close to 3 decades, Mr. Franklin has emerged as a strategic, passionate, and enthusiastic visionary with a multifaceted skill set that extends across education, leadership development, business intelligence, and public relations.

Throughout his illustrious journey, he has served as Regional Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Business Development, and School Leader in various educational organizations in Michigan and Ohio, where his dynamic leadership resulted in state-wide recognition for academic improvement. Under his guidance, schools received prestigious accolades, including the coveted Golden Apple Award in Michigan.

Mr. Franklin is certified to teach business communications, intercultural communication, and public speaking at the collegiate level. He has been an adjunct instructor for esteemed institutions such as Wayne State University and Davenport University.

He was awarded by The Toledo Association for the Education of Young Children as Outstanding Principal/Administrator of the Year, recognizing Mr. Franklin's exceptional contributions to education. In addition, he was awarded the Jeanne Findlater Outstanding Teaching Award conferred by Wayne State University's Department of Communication, acknowledging his excellence in teaching.

Franklin holds a Master's Degree in Communication from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Science and associate degree from Ferris State University.

Mr. Franklin is a Leadership Academy Graduate, demonstrating his commitment to continuous personal and professional development. Also, he is a Canton Citizens Police Academy Graduate, showcasing his dedication to community safety and engagement.

Mr. Franklin serves on the well-respected Educator Standards Board for Ohio, contributing his expertise to shaping the future of education in the state. His career is a testament to his profound impact on education, leadership, and community engagement, making him a respected figure in the field.

Mrs. Megan DeSloover serves as the school's Head of School. Megan has over 10 years of experience working in education. She has been with L. Hollingworth School for 9 years, previously serving roles as 7/8 ELA teacher, Literacy and Writing Coach, and Curriculum & Instruction Coordinator before taking over her current role.

Her current responsibilities at L. Hollingworth include coaching teachers in best practices for instruction, facilitating various school-wide initiatives, supporting the implementation of a new curriculum, and overseeing day-to-day operations of the school. 

Megan holds a Master's degree in Secondary Education from The University of Toledo and a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature. She also serves as a board member on the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities. 

Ms. Rachel Gerwin has served as the College & Career Readiness Coordinator/Technology/Special Projects for 7 years and has worked in education for over 20 years with a particular focus on students with special education needs. During this time, Rachel utilized technology, instilling her love and passion for technology with her students. 

Currently, her work at Hollingworth School includes teaching students in grades 3-8 about college and career opportunities and managing various Special Projects that support and forward the mission of the school.

Rachel holds a Master’s degree in Teaching Technology and Leadership from Ashford University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Toledo. She is currently a member of ISTE (International Society of Technology in Education).

Ms. Marrissa Gracia serves as the Special Education & Ancillary Services Coordinator for L. Hollingworth School for the past 3 years.  Also, she has worked in education for over 6 years, where she has served as a FAST Program Coordinator, Life Skills Teacher, and Intervention Specialist working with students with disabilities ranging from mild to severe. Marrissa’s favorite saying is, "See the able, not the label." She is excited to work with teachers, students, and families to meet the individual needs of the students. 

Gracia holds a Master's degree in Special Education K-12 and a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Bowling Green State University. Also, she has completed training for Nonviolent Crisis Intervention and experience working with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Mrs. Connie Williams serves as the Math Specialist for L. Hollingworth School. This will be her 8th year with the school. She has spent the past four years teaching 7th and 8th grade Math. Before her role as a teacher, she worked as a paraprofessional focusing on Math and ELA interventions. 

Presently, her responsibilities at LHS are to provide support and assistance to classroom teachers in implementing and monitoring the school’s adopted math program in response to interventions needed for student achievement. She will also review established data points to assess student progress towards instructional goals, and assist teachers in pacing for math instruction.   

Connie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Toledo. 

Mrs. Debra Lay serves as the school’s Reading Specialist. Debra has been with L. Hollingworth School for 3 years, providing small group and individual intervention for K - 8 students. Before working at L. Hollingworth School, Debra served as the Reading Specialist for 13 years at Bennett Venture Academy, in Toledo, Ohio. Before that time, she worked at BGSU’s Reading Clinic, Woodmore Schools, and Rossford Schools. In the 36 years, she has been an educator, she has worked with students from Kindergarten through high school to help them develop strategies for improved reading comprehension, as well as, cultivate a love for reading.

Debra’s current responsibilities at L.Hollingworth school include supporting teachers and students in reading and writing instruction and serving as a member of the school’s testing support team.

Debra received both her Bachelor’s and Masters in Education Degree from Bowling Green State University. She served as a graduate assistant in the Reading Department while working on her Master’s Degree.

Mrs. Danya Claes serves as the school's Dean of Student Success where her responsibilities are to grow and cultivate a positive and inclusive learning environment for the students.

Danya has been with L. Hollingworth School (LHS) for 6 years. Before this position, Danya was the 7th and 8th grade Social Studies teacher. Danya has been very involved at LHS through being the head of the Student Council for four years, the head of the Black History Month Quizbowl for three years, and a co-head of the middle school book club for one year. As the Dean of Student, she directs the school's PBIS initiatives and works with the teachers to enhance positive classroom experiences.

Danya holds a Bachelor's degree in AYA Social Studies Education with minors in Political Science and History. In 2022 she completed her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership at Bowling Green State University.

Ms. CiAira Jackson serves as the Family and Community Engagement Coordinator and Social and Emotional Learning teacher for L.Hollingworth School.

She has been with L. Hollingworth School for 5 years. Before this position, CiAira was a paraprofessional for 3 years. CiAira has been involved at L.Hollingworth School through starting a young ladies empowerment group called Ladies of Integrity and our Social and Emotional Learning program. 

CiAira’s current responsibilities at L. Hollingworth school are to assist our students and families with resources that fit their individual needs. Working with our students to improve their social and emotional development, safety, and overall well-being.

CiAira holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Toledo. Also, she is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in K-12 School Counseling at Liberty University.

Mrs. Monica Villarreal serves as the Office Assistant, Enrollment Services & Marketing support at L. Hollingworth School. During her 9 years at L. Hollingworth School, Monica assisted in operation and strategic planning, resulting in overall student growth. Before arriving at L. Hollingworth, Monica was an Office Service Expeditor for Medical Mutual of Ohio. 

Monica attended Mercy College of Ohio where she holds an Associate of Science degree in Health Sciences and Ophthalmic Technology and has received a variety of specialized training in school-related areas.