Our Leadership

Diana is the founder of Leaves of Learning and has been the director since the beginning of the program. She loves working with children of all ages and has a passion and commitment to individualize education. She feels that while the goal of an education is to provide skills and opportunities for a child's future, it is also an important part of the journey, and as such, should be enjoyed. She believes that education should meet children where they are and take them where they want to go, through caring guidance, enthusiasm and support. Her favorite moments at LOL are when students discover their talents and passions for learning and take ownership of their education.

Diana has three children, all of whom attended Leaves of Learning. Diana has taught hands-on science classes for NSF and Leaves of Learning. She was a chemist for DuBois Chemicals and a pharmaceutical representative for Whitehall-Robins. She holds a degree in chemistry.

Christie Sawyer has been with Leaves of Learning since 2003. Her positive attitude, commitment, and caring nature make her stand out as an effective teacher and administrator. Christie taught in Cabrini Green housing projects in Chicago for five years before moving to Cincinnati. She has a master's degree from Xavier University in Educational Administration and a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Ohio University. Christie believes that witnessing the excitement and joy that a child expresses when he or she learns something new is one of the greatest benefits of being in education.

Lauren Batten received her Master of Science in Education from the University of Tennessee in 2009 and joined Leaves of Learning as our counselor in the fall of 2014. Her genuine smile makes everyone's day a little brighter, and her positive outlook and gift for creating strong relationships with students and families enhances her ability to meet their academic, social, and emotional needs. Lauren loves that she is able to spend time with kids of all ages and feels extremely lucky to have found such a nurturing and happy environment to call her second home. Her favorite things outside of Leaves are spending time with her husband, Drew, and her three kids, Millie, Tennessee, and Bo, hanging with good friends, and traveling to sunny destinations.

Justin West is an EdTech Integration Specialist and teacher at Leaves of Learning. With years of experience in electronic multimedia arts and a keen understanding of technology, he brings a unique collection of skills to the school. As an IT manager, Justin oversees the student information system, provides technical support, and strives to better technology integration in the classroom. He loves working with his students in classes like Electronic Arts Lab, Buildin' Stuff DIY, and Dungeons and Dragons, fostering creativity, hands-on learning, and collaborative problem-solving. Beyond his professional role, Justin is a creative and curious individual who loves exploring new projects, especially those involving AI, sound, and digital art. He enjoys experimenting with electronic music and iPhone photography, being outdoors, and living in Cincinnati with his fiancee, Chelsea, and their playful dog, Bowie.

Tonia Sunderman joined the LOL staff in January 2014. She has a degree in Econ/Finance from the University of Evansville and earned her elementary teaching certificate from Xavier University. Tonia has served in accounting/bookkeeping positions for 20+ years. She is also a certified personal trainer, a group fitness instructor, and cross country coach. Tonia is married to Dan, and they have two children, William and Claire. The Sunderman family lives in Sunman, Indiana on a small farm.

Willow has been part of the Leaves community since 2018 and has helped coordinate school dances since 2021. As a Leaves parent, she brings a personal connection to supporting students and families.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Miami University and has worked as an auditor with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Fifth Third Bank. Her experience also includes live-event operations, directing camps, leading educational activities, and coordinating community and volunteer events.

Chris has been a part of Leaves since 1997. Her two sons, who have completed college, attended Leaves for many years. Over the decades, Chris and her husband, Bob, have volunteered or worked at Leaves in a wide range of positions, including teaching, web design, Assistant Director, maintenance, fundraising, marketing, and building management. Chris and Bob firmly embrace the philosophy that "teaching is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire" and love that Leaves epitomizes that philosophy.

Lindsay earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a Public Relations minor from Columbia College Chicago. Her experience spans public relations, marketing, and educational settings. She earned early education Montessori teaching credentials through the North American Montessori Center while working at the Montessori School of Manhattan.

As the first Little Sprouts Montessori Preschool teacher at Leaves, Lindsay helped develop the preschool and kindergarten program. She and her husband founded The City Flea in 2011. Her marketing, communications, and social media work at Leaves brings together her experience in education and marketing.

Stasia joined Leaves in the fall of 2019 as a teacher's aide and held various positions at Leaves before assuming the building manager position in 2022. Her hard work and vision have led to many facility improvements as she strives to make our school a welcoming, clean, and safe environment for all. Stasia treasures her memories from her time at Leaves. Stasia grew up in Poland. After graduating from high school, she immigrated to the United States with her family. Shortly after arriving in the U.S. she started working as a nanny in CT and NYC, while pursuing a degree in psychology from Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT. After graduating from Fairfield University, Stasia married her husband and started her own family. Stasia enjoys traveling, cooking new recipes, Broadway shows, and spending time with her 2 children and husband.

You'll find Rachel at the front desk greeting students and visitors. Rachel lives in Oakley with her husband Matt, her son Abe, and her dog Pudge, whom she walks every day. She is in the May Festival Choir and loves hiking, knitting, and baking too.