Mentor’s CARES House: Autistic Education Comes Home

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Mentor’s CARES House: Autistic Education Comes Home
The Cardinal Autism Resource and Education School (CARES) is an educational program that develops independence skills for autistic students. The CARES House is a unique residential home custom-built to empower autistic students by teaching them real-life skills in an authentic home environment. The CARES House is a school that looks like a house and was the vision of Christy LaPaglia of Mentor Public Schools in Northeast Ohio. Christy designed the program and the house to be replicated in other school districts nationwide.

Mentor's CARES House: Autistic Education Comes Home

The Cardinal Autism Resource and Education School (CARES) was created fourteen years ago with the support of Mentor Public Schools in Northeast Ohio to further develop independence skills for autistic students aged 5 to 22. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition related to brain growth that impacts how a person perceives and associates with others, causing difficulties in social interactions and communication. CARES is a public educational, training, and resource facility for children and young adults with autism, their families, and professionals entrusted with their care.

CARES began with two classrooms serving six students. By the end of the first school year, enrollment doubled to twelve students. The program was the inspiration of Christy LaPaglia when she was a teacher. She is now the Director of CARES and CARES Independent Living and Learning Environment. Christy reflected on the early years, “In our second year, we opened a lab to support students in learning Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). The space had a small kitchen, bedroom area, and a washer and dryer to expose students to a real-life experience.”

Families sometimes struggle to find an adequate educational system that supports students with autism. “My initial experiences with autistic students revealed the limitations of traditional teaching methods,” Christy recalled. “It wasn’t until I received targeted training and support from Mentor Public Schools that I understood the importance of ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking. This shift, adapting my approach to match their individual learning styles, made all the difference.”

Mentor's CARES House: Autistic Education Comes Home

The CARES website explains that the program is a partnership with parents and the community, which provides a nurturing environment to develop the full potential of differently-abled students on the autistic spectrum using a multidisciplinary approach that addresses individual needs. It evolved by consolidating successful elements from other programs to create a unique curriculum.

The CARES Philosophy
CARES’s overriding goal is to provide a nurturing educational environment where students with autism can build on their strengths. To achieve its far-reaching mission, the school takes a comprehensive developmental approach, encompassing every aspect of a student’s life: social, emotional, academic, and behavioral. We believe that if students are given the right set of challenges and supportive strategies to overcome them, they will grow and achieve success.

The original vision for CARES was to serve the greater autism community by developing students’ strengths with the intent of later spreading the format to other school districts to help families and communities. Continued results and experimentation led to the conclusion that realistic environments better promote student achievement. The emerging successes in Mentor created the opportunity to open attendance to other school districts. CARES currently hosts students from sixteen school districts in Northeast Ohio.

"Along with academic skills, we wanted to teach kids how to live independently."
Christy LaPaglia
CARES Director

Mentor CARES Program in Mentor

The Big "House" Idea

The CARES program continued to be refined with increased demand. “As we grew and saw the successes that kids were having, our vision became larger,” Christy recalled, “And I kept thinking: We need a house.” A house would embody an authentic learning environment to best produce lasting results. Mentor Public Schools’ incorporation of an additional autistic school lab increased the student population while providing specialized advancement in teaching personalized skills.

Christy explained that the CARES House did not come about by the vision of one person. It was a collaboration of many passionate people who care deeply about educating students with autism. After Mentor Public Schools shared their support for the CARES expansion, Christy pursued input from parent panels to create a cutting-edge program focused on teaching life skills with the goal of student independence after graduation. Parents were asked about the issues they experienced with their children and provided invaluable feedback about the ideal components the new house should have.

A property across the street from CARES was up for sale, and Christy approached the school district about using the location to build the CARES House. It was seen as a necessary piece of the educational process to better advance children with autism, and the project was approved. The property was purchased in June 2022.

The City of Mentor stipulated that the new house had to maintain the character of the existing neighborhood and be a beneficial, saleable property should the program cease. It would be a school that looked and functioned like a residential home that also had several amenities not offered in a typical house.

The CARES House was a shared vision designed to be a model home that could offer students a more realistic experience for learning life skills that could be seamlessly utilized in their own homes. The house would implement customized technologies with practical functionality to better serve a family with autistic children.

ThenDesign Architecture has had a strong relationship with Mentor Local Schools spanning decades. In 2011, the renovation of a wing in an elementary school converted the space into the CARES autism school and resource center. The school has grade-level specific rooms with specialized equipment to teach students general curriculum, life, and social skills. Since then, TDA has partnered with the district on numerous projects.

“Even before TDA did our high school renovation, I established a great working relationship with their architect, Ryan Schmit,” Christy said. “When I was ready to start this innovative independent learning house, I pitched Ryan my crazy ideas. He understood how my mind worked and suggested things I never even thought about.”

ThenDesign Architecture Partner Chris Smith, AIA, was enthusiastic about the pro bono project and understood the importance of the CARES House for the autistic community. “TDA enjoys a long history of giving. The concept for the CARES House has the potential to impact lives and make a significant contribution to the autism community. When the opportunity to participate in this incredibly noteworthy project arose, we didn’t hesitate to donate our services.”

“It was exciting to be a part of the CARES project,” said TDA Project Manager Ryan Schmit, RA. “The program does amazing work and has positively affected hundreds of children and families since the facility opened. It has been so successful that families have moved to Mentor just to be closer to it.”

“Our history with Mentor Public Schools is a great example of how we create powerful relationships with our clients and become more than consultants but trusted advisors,” said ThenDesign Architecture Partner Robert Fiala, AIA. “We value the privilege of providing expertise to our clients and adding value to their communities.”

"The CARES House provides a nurturing environment for an overlooked population."
Robert Fiala, AIA
Partner, ThenDesign Architecture

From the Ground Up

Having a school look and function as a residential home created design and construction challenges. The team had to find creative solutions to practical problems to attain a dual permit. After deciding that TDA would be the designer of choice, the next hurdle was finding an experienced residential construction company with the skills to accomplish unique goals while respecting the tight budget.

Christy sought assistance from various vendors in the area. “Many builders were intrigued by the project but not interested. ProBuilt Homes was the first to express genuine curiosity,” Christy recalled. “We sat down, and I explained the project and what we wanted. They agreed to collaborate, and it proved to be a wonderful partnership.”

The house was planned to be a comfortable, warm, and inviting space that served as a school in a suburban neighborhood. The blend of commercial and residential materials, technology, amenities, and design features made the project a unique opportunity for ProBuilt Homes and ThenDesign Architecture.

“It was exciting to take on such an unusual project,” said ProBuilt Homes Director of Operations Bob Myers. “Working closely with TDA, we helped Christy realize her dream. We typically work on homes that have seven or eight pages of blueprints. Ryan designed the house with a hundred. It was quite challenging, but the end result is where we shined. It fits well into the neighborhood, and nobody driving by would know that this house is actually a school.”

The key to success in constructing the CARES House was gathering enthused, dedicated partners. Horner Networks worked closely with the Mentor Public Schools’ IT Department to overcome the unusual challenges of the house’s customized technology needs. Other vendors included Ohio Desk and Kruger International (KI).

ThenDesign Architecture Architect Ryan Schmit, RA, gained support from the managing partners because the project aligned perfectly with the company’s core values of serving the community and improving students’ lives. Due to the healthy relationship established during past projects with Mentor Local Schools, the driving forces behind the decision to support CARES by donating time and resources was based upon the chance for the firm to help empower autistic students.

“The innovative depths of the CARES House run parallel with our firm’s mission,” said TDA Partner Robert Fiala, AIA. “The project combined our core values, social conscience, and expertise in educational design to create something for a broader audience. Our core values are more than creating relationships with clients and running a successful architecture firm. It has to do with investing in the communities we serve. We are proud to support the CARES program that empowers autistic students.”

The CARES House officially opened for the 2024-2025 school year.

"Working directly with families inspired what the house became."
Christy LaPaglia
CARES Director

Mentor's CARES House Construction

Technical Features Support Autistic Students

Safety was at the forefront of all design considerations. The 2,540 SF single-story CARES House is a natural learning space that provides a one-of-a-kind experience with specialized amenities that offer a comfortable and safety-centric environment.

TDA, ProBuilt Homes, and other vendors worked closely with Christy to implement unique technologies to support autistic families. Based on parent feedback and wish list items, the features evolved far beyond standard doors and bathtubs.

CARES House Features Include:

      • A video display built into the bathroom mirror steps through various hygiene instructions.
      • The wet restroom features a sensory bathtub that utilizes bubbles and lights.
      • The simple button toilets use concealed water tanks.
      • A house-wide sound system plays verbal cues to assist with the transition between activities.
      • Non-verbal students can communicate ideas by pushing designated buttons on the walls.
      • Specialized lighting adjusts colors to indicate bedtime, wake-up time, or conclusion of an activity.
      • Monitors instruct students by displaying tasks and chores.
      • Parents can observe activities from a monitor or phone through an in-house camera system.
      • Dutch doors can be half-closed, allowing parents to supervise activities while providing a sense of privacy.
      • The garage has changing station lockers and a sensory area.
      • The exercise space in the garage has a treadmill, weights, and trampoline.
      • Patio railings and a gated porch allow younger children to be outside in a more controlled environment.
      • Exterior doors beep when they open to indicate that someone is entering or exiting.
      • The kitchen range is a cool touch inductive stove for advanced safety.
      • The lockable refrigerator is inside the butler pantry behind lockable doors to prevent unsupervised access.
      • Adjustable window blinds are encased inside the glass.
      • TVs are built into the bedroom walls to prevent damage.
      • The living room fireplace is a no-heat video display.

The basement is the staff and parent training center, but it is also used for student movement exercises and playing games. When parents are invited to the house, they can participate in interactive lectures and group discussions. Every part of the house serves to better assist autistic students and their families.

“It was nice to collaborate with others who shared the vision of the CARES House,” remarked CARES Assistant Director Brittni Mejac. “They found clever solutions to the features we wanted to have. Now, the sky’s the limit.”

“We wanted to expand the skills we could provide, like cooking, maintaining a house, taking out the garbage, landscaping, and washing windows,” Christy said. “They will also learn how to live with others.” The goal of the house is to have students become an independent, productive part of the job force and community.

"The students thrive, and the students have so much success."
Dawn Budziak
Parent

Mentor's CARES House Details

A Very Active House

“At the heart of our success is the ‘CARES Way,’” Christy said. “It’s a commitment to continuous learning, embracing change, and fostering a culture of kindness. Our team, who face demanding challenges daily, embody these principles. Their dedication is unparalleled, and I’m incredibly fortunate to work alongside such exceptional individuals.”

The experienced, highly-trained staff provides specialized instruction for each student with different needs. Students on the autism spectrum can range from verbal to non-verbal, requiring different approaches to suit their cognitive circumstances. Due to this, students and staff adapt activities and instructions on an individual basis.

CARES in Mentor has three occupational therapists, three speech therapists, three behavioral specialists, and one transition coordinator. Intervention Specialist Lindsey Hesson noted the progress in the first year of the CARES House, “The things that we’ve been working on for three years are being mastered here because it’s real life. It’s what they do at home. I’m blown away by how much they’ve grown.”

Autistic students can struggle to learn through traditional academics but have found success in retaining information by experiencing functional skills like reading and math in real-life situations. Checking a grocery list, organizing chores, measuring meal ingredients, and managing money using a credit card provide practical circumstances supporting independence.

The CARES House program is customized for maximum impact and success. Employing thoughtful routines, the students gain skills from repetition and personalized instruction. Lindsey described an outline for a day in the life of a CARES House student.

After the students arrive and enter through the garage, they use their designated lockers to put away coats and switch into their indoor shoes. They enter the house and check the daily schedule. Each student chooses which order to complete their morning routine of breakfast, hygiene, or sensory activity. Some enjoy bouncing on a ball in a quiet room, while others walk around the neighborhood. All staff and students meet in the living room to discuss the forthcoming day. Binders supply rotating chores and leisure activities to choose from and assign.

Some activities are weather-dependent, requiring creativity to maintain. This may include walking a designated path in the large basement rather than outside.

Students enjoy group activities like cooking, following an exercise video, or playing board games. Individual instruction to work on speech and set personal goals is implemented. They will also engage in service projects like preparing meals for teachers across the street to acclimate them to public interactions and serve the community.

“We make our lunches and sit down together,” Lindsey said, “This is one of my favorite parts of the day.”

After the meal, the students do their afternoon chores, such as cleaning the bathroom, vacuuming, or doing laundry. These household tasks teach personal responsibility while instilling a healthy work ethic to promote independence. Most afternoons end with leisure or movement activities or a group walk.

Community outings to the mall or grocery store help them feel more comfortable in a public space, exposing them to personal shopping and financial management. Bowling has become a cherished group activity at the CARES House.

There is a strong belief that CARES students can be successful in helping their community. “Training students to be independent allows them to engage in public activities, but also to just be a good neighbor,” Brittni said.

"This house is the ultimate puzzle piece we were missing."
Tara Krall
Occupational Therapist

A Joyful House

Director of CARES Christy LaPaglia said, “Building the project was easy. Convincing people of its value was something else. It took just the right people to believe in the program and make it happen.” The early struggles of the program have paid off as momentum continues to build.

“Doing the unusual has made the program incredibly successful,” Christy noted, “Once parents came in to see what we have and I explained the program, they were fully on board. The CARES House provides an opportunity for parents to experience the features we have so they can implement them in their own homes.”

The CARES House helps parents see what their children are capable of. When a dedicated and passionate staff invests in the success and well-being of their students, the program can make a profound impact, delivering meaningful rewards for instructors, students, and their families.

Dawn Budziak has a son in the CARES program. “CARES has done a fantastic job planning and constructing this house. Every aspect of this home is tailored for students with autism. This year, there has been a 100% improvement in all aspects of Ben’s life.”

Another parent with a son in the CARES program is Clinical Psychologist Dr. Sherri McClurg, “We’ve just loved what they’ve done with the program. It has been phenomenal for Nic. We are blessed to be here in the house for the first year. We love what CARES has created both at the school and now at the house.” Sherri added, “We have been very, very happy.”

“I’ve noticed a lot of positives in my students,” said CARES Occupational Therapist Tara Krall. “I’ve seen them grow in their sense of pride. I’m getting a lot more smiles and high-fives now. It’s really exciting.”

“The kids love coming to school every day,” said CARES Intervention Specialist Lindsey Hesson. “They’re happy to be here, and that brings me a lot of joy.”

CARES Assistant Director Brittni Mejac echoed the sentiments of her fellow staff members, “The staff believes in this unique program because it provides endless opportunities. CARES is where my heart lies.”

Mentor School Board President Maggie Cook toured the CARES House and was impressed by the features it provides. “I’m so proud to support this innovative program. The students are being pushed to their highest potential, and we hear success stories.”

Mentor Local Schools Superintendent Craig Heath has been a staunch supporter of the CARES program from the beginning. He said, “Every single student has a gift. As educators, we help our students identify and nurture those gifts so they can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. This house provides unique tools for our students to develop the skills they need to share their gifts with the community.”

"I know what we've got here. This is gold."
Dr. Sherri McClurg
Parent

Mentor's CARES House Improves Lives

Graduating Into Independence

As students approach graduation from the CARES program at age 22, they work with Transition Coordinator Justin Bednarz to further develop their social and employment readiness skills. “We begin transitioning students from school-age services to the adult world so they can get a job or move into a group home,” Justin said. The CARES House utilizes natural settings to help students thrive.

Since the needs of each student are different, it is vital that the parents are involved because they have a significant role in student development. Justin works with parents, teachers, the Lake County board, and the Chamber of Commerce to spread community awareness and seek additional resources.

Justin explained, “The more comfortable the community and local businesses are, the more successful our students will be. They can spread their wings, but that is only possible with community support. A beautiful transition is when a student can move into a group home and get a job. It is never easy, but the skills they learn will increase their opportunities for success.”

"The CARES House provides unique student development tools to nurture their gifts."
Craig Heath
Superintendent, Mentor Local Schools

Mentor's CARES House in Action

Mentor CARES House: A Hopeful Future

The CARES program was designed to be adaptable so it can be replicated nationally and give autistic students a greater chance of a successful adulthood. Justin expressed his hopes for further prosperity, “I’m excited to see our growth. It would be great for this to be a model house where people can come and see what we do here.”

Christy said, “I’m so grateful to the Mentor administration and the Mentor Board of Education for supporting this project from the very beginning.” She continued, “I would love to see this program duplicated in other public school districts across the country.”

The CARES program in Mentor reaches its capacity every school year. “We’re full here, and it kills me that we can’t take on more students. I get calls every day,” Christy said.

Parent Dawn Budziak was grateful for the CARES House and its notable impact on her family. “I didn’t really understand how important something like this was until it was here. Every kid needs an opportunity to try something like this.”

TDA Project Manager Ryan Schmit, RA, expressed optimism for the potential of the CARES House as a prototype for other programs, “I’m excited because the house is very impressive. But I’m more excited to see how it evolves and grows into other areas.”

With the help of a supportive school board, other districts can build a similar program based on the CARES and CARES House framework. According to Christy, those willing to invest in the program will reap the rewards. “I hope more families tour the house to see the technologies and features so they can adapt them into their own homes.”

“This isn’t the first time TDA has partnered with our clients to create a new educational model,” said TDA Partner Chris Smith, AIA .”It’s always inspirational for our designers to actively participate in unique and inventive projects. We are truly proud of our longstanding partnership with Mentor Public Schools and the innovative CARES House.”

Christy shared her vision for opening the program to communities and families. “I want them to come to witness what we have done and see our successes. Then, they can take the bits and pieces that work for them and build their own.”

The Mentor Local Schools’ CARES program currently services sixteen additional school districts in the area. When programs open in other states, it would be possible to provide more autistic students with the same life-changing opportunities.

"I would love to see the CARES program duplicated across the country."
Christy LaPaglia
CARES Director

https://cares.mentorschools.net

Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

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Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.

Lutheran West’s Building Expansion Grand Opening

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Lutheran West's Building Expansion Grand Opening
Lutheran West's Building Expansion Grand Opening was a celebration of faith filled with hope for a brighter future. Over 500 guests attended the ribbon cutting ceremony and self-guided tours of the new 6-12 grade campus addition. Standing beside the brand-new main entrance, distinguished guests gave opening remarks that welcomed members of the Lutheran West community and revealed the modernized educational spaces that encourage growth and advanced learning opportunities.

Lutheran West's Building Expansion Grand Opening

To develop a holistic academic campus at the Lutheran West facility in Rocky River, the district embarked on an ambitious capital improvement program called “Forward in Faith” to create a facility that enhances the school’s educational offerings. The goal was to build a connected addition to their existing 9-12 school to incorporate grades 6-8 by reorganizing internal spaces and expanding their programming for all students. Featuring an inviting primary entrance, the new two-story, 36,000+ square-foot addition now provides academic, collaborative, and specialized spaces for advanced learning opportunities.

Lutheran West celebrated its Building Expansion Grand Opening on August 4, 2024, with a ribbon cutting ceremony, self-guided tours, and activity stations. Over 500 attendees enjoyed traversing the extended Lutheran West campus, greeted with warm smiles and maps by staff and student volunteers. Families touring the new spaces were invited to extract DNA from strawberries, make audio recordings for playback in the music room, play a fruit keyboard, observe 3D printing in progress, contribute to the prayer mosaic, and test out the state-of-the-art technology in the new video production studio.

Educational Excellence Supported By Donors

As part of the opening comments before the ribbon cutting, Head of School/Principal Joel Bahr welcomed guests, saying, “Lutheran West now prepares and equips students to excel in service, leadership, and learning while our students are living as disciples who are rooted and grounded in the love of Christ. It’s my prayer that you see that this morning as you enter the building. Welcome to Lutheran West.”

“Centers of Excellence” are areas of programmatic expansion brought to life through the Forward in Faith capital campaign. By deepening the student experience, Lutheran West educates and prepares the next generation of Christian thought leaders in growing career fields.

"Without your support, this would not have happened. Thank you to all of our donors, not only for your commitment throughout the years but also for what you've done here."
Chris Keller
Chairman, Lutheran West Operating Board

The Lutheran West addition blends the existing structure and new building through a joined courtyard that includes an outdoor classroom, activated by a learning canopy with overhead heating units and outdoor furniture. The campus expansion includes the multi-purpose Longhorn Room, an open student commons, the Richard W. Linn Biology Lab, the expansive John Katt Music Room, and STEM classrooms for science, 3D printing, and robotics courses. The state-of-the-art video and editing studio also utilizes a full-wall green screen for real-time graphics compositing.

Chairman of the Board at the Cleveland Lutheran High School Association, alumnus Greg Steinberg ‘91, gave opening remarks, “We developed a vision, and the vision has been realized today. We’ve expanded the building. We’ve expanded our academics. And we have the best school on the west side of Cleveland. We have faculty and staff committed to helping children grow academically through extracurriculars and learning about the opportunity to get to know Jesus Christ.”

"This fall, more than 700 students will receive a fantastic education from the dedicated faculty and staff in top-notch facilities here at Lutheran West."
Joel Bahr
Head of School/Principal

Lutheran West's Building Expansion Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting

Expanding Educational Growth Opportunities

With construction performed by The Krill Co., the school expansion relocates the Cleveland Lutheran High School Association offices into the new high school space and introduces additional collaborative areas for students and faculty. Accessibility was greatly improved by incorporating an elevator to the second floor. Having all educational resources for students in grades 6-12 secured under one roof completes Lutheran West’s “campus” atmosphere, leaving the door open for future growth opportunities for the building and students.

Lutheran West Self-Guided Tour & Activities
"May the special space designed for expanding our ministry to the middle school be a testimony that we not only cherish our past, but we seek new ministry for the future."
Reverend Dr. David Buegler
Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Communications

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Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.
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Indian Valley Athletic Complex Competes for Excellence

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Indian Valley Athletic Complex Competes for Excellence
The student-athletes of Indian Valley Local Schools used to travel to other facilities for competition finals, but since the Indian Valley Athletic Complex opened, the championship-class stadium has hosted cross country invitationals, track meets, playoff games, and the middle school state qualifiers. The field house serves as a year-round training facility that offers flexible configurations to support all manner of boys' and girls' sports.

Indian Valley Athletic Complex Competes for Excellence

Former elementary school principal Dr. Ira Wentworth had a vision for the Indian Valley Local Schools when he became the superintendent in 2013. The experienced runner sought to enhance the student learning experience while bolstering the local athletics program. Dr. Wentworth understood the importance of a robust athletics facility and how a state-of-the-art stadium with synthetic turf and an eight-lane track could make the Indian Valley Athletic Complex a competitive hotspot supporting students and exciting the local community.

Surrounded by rolling green hills and beside a cornfield in Gnadenhutten, Ohio, the new $7 million 3,000-seat stadium and 17,000 SF field house host large track meets, cross country invitationals, playoff games, and the middle school track and field Inter-Valley Conference championship.

The eight-lane polyurethane track surrounds the pole vault runway in addition to the football field. The Braves’ home stadium also provides for discus throwing, shot putting, the high jump, and the long jump, which can be expanded to accommodate the triple jump.

“You can watch all seventeen track and field events going,” said Superintendent Dr. Ira Wentworth. “It’s amazing to see it now, considering the former home field was near an old mine that created drainage problems. There was standing water in the endzone after it rained. But now, we host championship events. That is very rewarding.”

“We knew sports were really important to the local community,” said ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Claire Bank, who shared a personal connection to the stadium project, “I’m also very passionate about running, so I understood the district’s desire for a fast competition track.” Design for the project was completed in the fall of 2019, with the first game in August 2020.

The stadium project was built by Beaver Constructors serving as the Construction Manager at Risk.

"I'm a track guy. So, laying out the field event locations at this complex is probably one of the most fun projects of my career."
Dr. Ira Wentworth
Superintendent

Indian Valley Athletic Complex Competes for Excellence

Flexible Spaces Year Round

Indian Valley Local Schools’ mission statement is: “Working together to personalize a rigorous standards-based learning experience.” The district’s principles are innovation, integrity, relationships, teamwork, and tradition. To honor a long-time community servant, a memorial Victory Bell for Indian Valley Board of Education Member “Uncle Larry” Holmes was installed in the D-zone facing the field house.

The field house serves as a year-round, multi-purpose building containing the concessions stand, ticket office, restrooms, weight room, and locker rooms. Movable sports netting maximizes the customization of the primary open area to accommodate inside baseball and softball practices.

In the adjoining space, an operable dividing wall provides further flexibility by opening into a single space or closing to have two. Lockers can be removed and stored in the nearby shed during winter so mats can be placed on the floor for wrestling season.

The same area is used for the girls’ track locker room in the spring. In the fall, it becomes the visiting football team’s locker room, creating a steady rotation of use from season to season.

The Indian Valley Field House Offers Flexible Spaces

A New Bond for a New Stadium

The planning for the Indian Valley Athletic Complex began in 2018 after Dr. Wentworth discovered that a $7 million district levy was scheduled to expire in 2019. He started an informational campaign proposing that a new $7 million bond to help construct the much-needed stadium could go into effect just as the 1995 bond ended. This would time the funding so that residents would not endure any increased financial impact.

“Once I heard the bond that built the new gymnasium at the high school was going to fall off the books, we got to work,” Dr. Wentworth said. “After the community understood their taxes were not going to increase, we received really excellent support.” He added, “It passed about 60% to 40%.”

Before design began, there was an effort to purchase the ideal land to build on, which would have the new athletics facility near Indian Valley High School. The owner of the neighboring manufacturing facility was approached and received the idea warmly, “He told the district he’d sell us whatever we needed,” recalled Dr. Wentworth. “Then, Claire worked her magic and designed a beautiful stadium complex.”

After the stadium opened, the parking lot was paved, a small storage building was built, and the two-bus garage was renovated. Community generosity and partnerships with local businesses have provided additional funding for the complex.

The New Stadium Hosts Championship Competitions

History Becomes Legacy

As part of the design process, a site survey of the 19-acre area was conducted before construction began, and the results were surprising. “There was some excitement,” Claire recalled the buzz this created for the school district. “During the archeological study, they found about 500 artifacts just during Phase One. We knew this was possible given the area, but what they found was pretty cool.”

Archeologists canvased the property, excavated, salvaged, and documented their findings, which included earth oven features, pottery, projectile points, stone tools, and modified flakes. The Columbus Dispatch covered the story on its website, and an informational display with graphics provided by Ohio Valley Archaeology Inc. (OVAI) greets visitors at the stadium’s main entrance. “We put the sign there with some interesting information so visitors could learn about the location’s historical significance,” Claire noted.

The geophysical survey and archaeology excavation processes were included in the construction timeline, and despite the historical findings, there was no scheduling impact on the project. Some of the items discovered are still on display at the school district building and available for instruction in the school’s local history class.

An Archeological Find

Bringing Communities Together

Before the Indian Valley Athletic Complex was built, their high school students had to travel ten miles for track and field practice. Full-field football practices were only available off-site. Now, students can safely and efficiently practice in the new stadium at their own high school.

The high-quality Indian Valley Athletic Complex is a much-desired host for many events. It was chosen as a neutral site for the OHSAA football playoff games and hosted a professional drum and bugle corps complimentary concert for the community. This unique experience allowed the marching band students to learn from experts, gaining an opportunity not possible before the stadium’s construction.

“The new stadium is a source of pride for the entire community, as evidenced by the compliments of our visiting competitors,” Dr. Wentworth said. “Athletics has always been a draw that brings our geographically diverse school district together, but the new complex has taken it to a new level.”

"The stadium has truly become an educational asset for our students."
Dr. Ira Wentworth
Superintendent
Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Communications

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Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.
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Willoughby Arts Collaborative Time Capsule Plaque Placed

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Willoughby Arts Collaborative Time Capsule Plaque Placed
The Willoughby Arts Collaborative Art Time Capsule was buried in July 2023 in front of ThenDesign Architecture's historic office building. The capstone and plaque were placed to officially mark the spot that will be untouched until 2070.

Willoughby Arts Collaborative Time Capsule Plaque Placed

The “Art Time Capsule” project was created by the nonprofit Willoughby Arts Collaborative in 2020. It was buried in front of ThenDesign Architecture’s office building in historic downtown Willoughby in July 2023. The capsule contains thirty entries from local artists, South High School students, and Andrews Osborne Academy students and will remain sealed for the next 46 years.

WAC Time Capsule Buried at TDA in July 2023

Community, Collaboration, and Creativity

According to the WAC website, their Vision is “To improve the lives, livelihood and living of residents, visitors and businesses in and around Lake County through a robust connection to and a genuine investment in arts and culture.”

The collaboration with TDA was a natural fit due to aligning philosophies. At TDA, we believe creativity and collaboration are hallmarks of a thriving community. We are thrilled to partner with the Willoughby Arts Collaborative to support this exciting project and are honored to preserve the capsule’s safety for the next several decades.

The Art Time Capsule’s resting spot is ideally suited. The TDA offices are located in the renovated Memorial Junior High School, which has stood in the community for almost 100 years.

On February 23, 2024, a capstone plaque created by AC Wellman here in Willoughby was set atop the same spot to officially mark the time capsule’s location. The 10″ x 6″ bronze plaque was precision tooled using a new CNC router and inscribed with “Willoughby Arts Collaborative Time Capsule 2070.” After the plaque was machined, it was painted, lacquered, and attached. The limestone was sourced locally from a farm in Madison, Ohio, and weighs approximately 145 pounds.

“It is a privilege to be an active member of this community, especially for projects that help bring people together,” said Rick Serio, owner of AC Wellman. “We thank Willoughby Arts Collaborative for allowing us to participate in this historic event.”

WAC Time Capsule Plaque Created by AC Wellman Placed

A Historic Stone Set at a Historic Place

Representatives from AC Wellman placed the capstone on the brisk, sunny afternoon. Willoughby Arts Collaborative Board Member Paul Garcia and President Pat Carroll Bonander were on site to direct the installation.

In an interview with the News-Herald, Paul said, “Maybe it won’t mean so much to us today, but in 20, 30, or 40 years, I’d like to think it’ll start getting more exciting. The real treasure will be when it actually opens up.”

The boxed metal Art Time Capsule will not be opened until 2070.

"Our initiative was to show people in the future what Willoughby as a community through art was about."
President Pat Carroll Bonander
Willoughby Arts Collaborative

This is one example of how a sense of community can be fostered through creativity and cooperation.

If you would like to learn more or become part of the team, please get in touch with us.

Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Communications

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Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.

Creative Fun with a Canvas Art Project

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Creative Fun with a Canvas Art Project
Thirty blank canvas tiles became a mosaic of hues, shapes, and textures, forming a collective rendition of our logo for display in Memorial Junior High School, ThenDesign Architecture’s headquarters.
Expressing your creativity is just another way of communicating who you are to the world.”
Carly White

“Sip N Paint”

As part of TDA’s ongoing mission to promote creativity, teamwork, and collaboration among staff, team members participated in a Canvas Art Project. The goal was to render thirty separate blank canvas art panels to form a mosaic of hues, shapes, and textures that would ultimately form the TDA logo.

To encourage well-being as part of the TDA experience, an Events and Culture Committee organizes team-building events throughout the year. “Expressing ourselves artistically helps us remember our roots and reminds us why we entered the creative field,” said committee member Kelly Legan. “We can get engrossed in the daily grind, but sometimes we need to step back and recapture our creative spirit.”

Fellow member Carly White led the activity, “Here at TDA, one of our continued goals is to give the staff opportunities to take their mind off work occasionally,” she said. “Everyone is super-busy on various projects, so providing fun ways to take a little break and get together was important to us.”

TDA staff members were invited to an activity to enjoy drinks and snacks while exercising their creativity. Armed with acrylic paint and brushes and powered by imagination, participants designed their individual canvases however they felt.
"We always love a good party at TDA. This was another way to celebrate our company’s culture by unwinding with paint and snacks.”
Carly White

TDA Encourages Creativity

By its nature, architecture requires creativity and attention to detail and is grounded in real-world considerations. Since much of architectural design is focused on the human experience, there are many opportunities for various artistic disciplines to combine and improve a space’s overall impression. Educational design is similar and requires input from many stakeholders to make a successful project.

This Canvas Art Project was a way to incorporate the perspective of our designers into a singular piece. Carly noticed an added benefit, “It was a wonderful opportunity for personal bonding. People were hanging out and getting to know each other while painting. That was cool to see.”
“We can sometimes get caught up in the work of creativity and lose touch with the fun of it.”
Kelly Legan

Product of Collaborative Efforts

After completing all thirty tiles, they were assembled and secured with a wooden frame, which will be featured in a gallery space in our office. The final product is a collaboration between dozens of designers from TDA.

Carly noted, “Even though we had the TDA logos as the unifying element, as I watched each person paint something completely different, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. But once all the tiles were assembled, you could see something unique was created.”

Kelly was pleased with how the canvases turned out, “The finished piece is a vibrant representation of who we are as a staff. TDA has a culture that encourages collaboration and relationship-building. The Canvas Art Project brought unique individuals together to create something special.”
“TDA is a creative place. This Canvas Art Project is a representation of our culture, and the finished piece stands as a reflection of that.”
Carly White

This is one example of how a sense of community can be fostered through group exercises, encouraging both group and individual creativity. 

If you would like to learn more or become part of the team, please get in touch with us.

Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Communications

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Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.

ThenDesign Architecture, Working Together with Core Values

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ThenDesign Architecture, Working Together with Core Values
"Core values are critical. They guide us in decision-making, problem-solving and even how we form relationships--both internally and externally," commented Chris Smith, president of TDA. Team members met in an interactive workshop to collaborate and define behaviors common to the values at TDA.

ThenDesign Architecture Values Workshop

“Decades ago, we founded a firm that was employee-centric and this came at the time when that was a radical idea,” commented Robert Fiala, founding partner of ThenDesign Architecture. “He continues, “Several years ago, our leadership team started exploring aspirational words that identify our core values. Today we are talking about what these words mean for our behavior, and how we live them out on a daily basis.”

As a firm that routinely works with school districts, their communities, and other public entities, collaborating with a diverse group of people is commonplace.

Our team of architects, interior designers, construction administrators, communications, and administration staff gathered on June 28th to participate in a workshop facilitated by Dr. Bethany Klynn, PhD., president of Insight Leadership Consulting. The session was designed to explore the behaviors attached to the shared values exemplified in our work. As an opportunity to engage with and learn from each other, the session provided an avenue to better identify our individual strengths and ways to work together.
“Core values are critical. They guide us in decision-making, problem-solving and how we form relationships - both internally and externally.”
-Chris Smith
President of TDA

Core Values are Important to Organizations

Dr. Klynn recognizes that defining and ascribing behaviors to core values is essential for many reasons. “I think core values are important to a company because they appear in so many ways. They appear from an individual’s behaviors, to how teams work together, to how you show up in front of clients, and why people are attracted to your business.”

“Sometimes, these traits identify why teams stay together for so long. They say, ‘This is just what really matters to me.'”

At the end of the session, Chris Smith, president of TDA, remarked, “All of us can see how we lived our core values today. We saw signs of leadership when people came up to speak, the creativity in our answers, and teamwork and collaboration as we developed ideas together. It is fascinating to hear the diversity of opinions on these topics, which strengthens what we do.”

Common values bind teams together in the office and also contribute to an active and fun working environment. Activities outside work also serve as an opportunity to show our values in action.
"Values matter most when they are in action."
Bethany Klynn, PhD
President of Insight Leadership Consulting

Core Values are Important to Individuals

Organizational values are important to cohesive teams but an individual’s personal values also contribute to their team. Many times our personal values connect with the organizations we work for. Bethany continues, “It is important to understand your personal core values and recognize they will change. Sometimes they shift at different stages of life or when you learn something new. They will drive how you make decisions and respond in certain situations.”

“It is important to live your values now, but it is important to pay attention to how they evolve over time.”

Ultimately, team members who exemplify common values accomplish more together and create a stronger team.

Robert Fiala has recognized this after years of building successful teams. “Values create community, and that is what we are doing here today. We are a village and community. One of the discussions that came up consistently was how all of us exemplify our principles without ever having to explain them to each other.”

“Today was about having a discussion and putting words to them.”

He was encouraged by the engagement, diversity of opinions, and the direction of the firm’s future. “It was great to see that what we created so many years ago is very much alive today.”

Let’s work together to make education better. Interested in speaking with us? Get in touch!

Ryan Caswell

Ryan Caswell

Communications

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Ryan Caswell

Ryan Caswell

Ryan is a communications specialist who is passionate about using digital media to further the goals of organizations and communities in Northeast Ohio. With a background in construction and a degree in architecture, he spent over a decade in a corporate video environment and brings a production mindset to videography, editing, photography and content marketing. He is passionate about supporting the arts, and can be found hiking in the Ohio parks system.

ThenDesign Architecture Attends Ohio School Board Association Capital Conference

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ThenDesign Architecture Attends Ohio School Board Association Capital Conference
The OSBA Capital Conference in 2022, brought together educators, board members and educational stakeholders to Columbus for networking and educational sessions.

Exhibition at the Ohio School Board Association (OSBA) 2022 Tradeshow

The Ohio School Board Association (OSBA) Capital Conference and Trade Show is a premier educational program that takes place in Columbus Ohio. Bringing together, superintendents, board members, treasurers and operations staff, the conference is focused on providing practical solutions to district challenges, a focus on academic achievement and supporting staff who issue critical support to all students in Ohio. Spread over 3 days, the conference offers opportunities for continuing education sessions, networking and information on new technologies and products to support schools districts.

This year, TDA was glad to support our educational partners and exhibit at the capital conference. We appreciate the many visitors who stopped by our booth to connect with our architectural staff and share stories from their districts over the last year.

While offering a variety of services, from master planning to facilities assessments, architectural design services and communications, we would love to continue the conversations, so feel free to reach out with further questions.

Scenes from the Ohio School Board Association (OSBA) Capital Conference

The ThenDesign Architecture Team
Columbus Convention Center, OSBA 2022
Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference
Crowd outside the Main Auditorium at OSBA
The OSBA Tradeshow
The OSBA Tradeshow
OSBA Logo
Tradeshow at the Capital Conference
David Axner Speaking on the last Day of the Conference

The BEAT Brunswick Students Covering the Ohio School Board Association

In addition to the many keynote speakers and activities throughout the days, it was a pleasure to see The BEAT students from Brunswick City Schools in action generating media during the conference. In addition to interviewing speakers and dignitaries during the conference, they provided a window into the many activities that took place at the conference. The Beat which is a program dedicated to exposing to media operations such as writing news stories, on-air interviews, editing and shooting informational programs in Brunswick and Medina County.

The BEAT students Ohio School Board Association (OSBA) Capital Conference

"Facilities as a Catalyst for Change," Presentation with Wickliffe City Schools

This year, Wickliffe City School District Superintendent Joseph Spiccia, Director of Strategic Innovation Julie Ramos, Director of Operations and Human Resources Bradley Leyrer, and Claire Bank, RA spoke to conference attendees on how Wickliffe’s new PK-12 Campus is helping the district “reimagine education” in their district.

Superintendent Spiccia commented: “This facility project is a journey we have been on since 2017 and a rare opportunity we had to take. It is unusual to rebuild an entire campus while marrying that to the significant educational change in our district. We are just beginning to see the fruits of it.”

While a project of this size is challenging, the team showed how with good stakeholder engagement, a focus on incorporating staff and community feedback and good architectural design can serve as a catalyst for educational change.

For the district, this was a natural progression as they looked forward to best educating students and preparing them for their careers and lives after school.

To learn more about how these strategies could be employed your district and community, reach out to the Wickliffe team at their website.

The Wickliffe Team presenting "Facilities as a Catalyst for Change"

"This facility project is a journey we have been on since 2017 and a rare opportunity we had to take. It is unusual to rebuild an entire campus while marrying that to the significant educational change in our district. We are just beginning to see the fruits of it."
Mr. Joseph Spiccia
Superintendent of Wickliffe City Schools

To learn more about ThenDesign Architecture or the work at Wickliffe City Schools, feel free to reach out.

Ryan Caswell

Ryan Caswell

Communications

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Ryan Caswell

Ryan Caswell

Ryan is a communications specialist who is passionate about using digital media to further the goals of organizations and communities in Northeast Ohio. With a background in construction and a degree in architecture, he spent over a decade in corporate video production and brings this mindset to videography, editing, photography and content marketing. He is passionate about supporting the arts, and can be found hiking in the parks system.
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One Key Characteristic Needed by all Architects in Educational Design

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One Key Characteristic Needed by all Architects in Educational Design
Educational design is a rigorous process that involves dedication, technical ability and skill. Developing successful school facilities takes years of work, between district representatives, architects construction professionals and the community. A vast array of talents are used in this type of work, but one key characteristic is needed for any architect in educational design.

One Key Characteristic

“One of the first questions, I ask a potential new employees is, “Why do you like this type of work?” We already know everyone likes collaboration and autonomy, but I want them to dig deeper than that.” says Angela Staedt, PHR, SHRM-CP, Human Resources Director at TDA. Educational design is a rigorous process that involves dedication, technical ability and skill. Developing successful school facilities takes years of work, between district representatives, architects construction professionals and the community. A vast array of talents are used in these projects, but one key characteristic needed for any architect in educational design.

Angie continues, “You can have the most amazing talent in the world and be technically impressive, but if you don’t have curiosity that fuels dedication, then you may not be a good fit in this industry.”

This characteristic informs everything we do as creative professionals and allows us to drive forward despite challenges. We accomplish more than we think because of it. And it is the defining characteristic of our best educators and administrators, so there is no surprise it’s in our architects too.

“Those people who deeply think about this characteristic and explore how it impacts them, they will succeed here. Working collaboratively and autonomously is great,” Angie answers, “but those who are passionate towards education, architecture and communities–they will succeed.”

TDA and What We Do

ThenDesign Architecture (TDA) is an architecture, planning and construction firm, located in downtown Willoughby, operating out of the renovated Junior High School building. During our over 60-year history, we have worked with over 120 passionate school districts in Northeast Ohio, partnering with them to develop unique, innovative, architectural designs that improve the education for the students and communities. Our work is characterized through facilities planning, new construction, building renovation and much more. Our staff is as unique as the districts we serve, and each one brings perspectives and experiences that complement the districts we work with. However, even though we are a diverse team, the one characteristic, passion, fuels all our educational designs.

Join our team!

ThenDesign Architecture is looking for collaborative, innovative team members for a variety of roles including Architects, Revit Modelers, IT Managers, Interior Designers, BIM/Revit Managers. Apply today!

Contact Angie at hr@thendesign.com.

"Passion" - A Key Characteristic

The meaning of the word “passion” has morphed significantly over the years, with it more recently surging in popularity. It is characterized as an “intense enthusiasm for something.” However, even though it now takes a much more positive tone, originally it was derived from the Latin root word “to suffer.”

This somewhat paradoxical meaning makes sense when we understand that our “passion,” that enthusiastic drive, is what helps us make sacrifices to push forward a good cause.

Author Brad Stulberg, describes this condition in his book “The Passion Paradox,” Using the lens of high-performance athletes, he explains that our challenge is to balance a burning desire to achieve, with “overwhelming our sense of balance.” He believes that “Passion isn’t a one-time thing. It is an ongoing practice,” in other words, we are constantly balancing the extremes of drive and sacrifice. That paradox is present in passionate people. Their desire to advance their cause, bleeds into everything they do. “Your passion should not come from the outside. It should come from within.”

This one key characteristic, passion, is a key indicator of success in architecture, especially around educational design. Whether a project manager, or intern, passion is what allows us to succeed.
"Many times we find that once architects start working on educational design, they discover their passion for this work. It's about giving to the generations of young people who will experience their architecture."
Chris Smith
President

What Does our Staff Say?

“This isn’t just something I believe, it isn’t something that comes from an HR book, but everyone from the administrative team to our designers have shared this common thread.” From her unique position in HR, Angie recognizes this characteristic in every team member she works with. “It’s coming from our staff who regularly work together as a team. They drive towards the same goal and develop close relationships with one another as well as our clients.

“Passion” is one key characteristic needed by all architects in educational design.

Claire Bank, RA – Project Manager

  • “I wanted to be in a field that benefited the community, designing buildings that benefited its users. Schools are ingrained in their community and have always served as hubs in some form. Now we are seeing more community aspects woven into them…A lot of people don’t realize how passionate I am about education. I taught Architecture at Kent State for a period of time and I’m also involved in the ACE Mentor Program. I am always trying to find other ways, besides designing schools, to weave education into my work. Maybe it’s genetic, my parents were educators, but I try to weave education into my career as much as possible.”

Ken Monsman, RA, NCARB, CCM, LEED AP BD+ C – Construction Administrator

  • “There is nothing like seeing students using the spaces we designed at their school. Sitting in class during academic time, using the collaborative areas during lunch and after working in little groups on projects. The space is very flexible and useful for them. Architecture has a profound impact on people. Whether you are experiencing the building as visitor or you use it regularly. It’s very exciting to have a big influence on students by designing their schools. It’s very fulfilling and I’m grateful to have made the decision to join TDA. It has been a good experience for me, there are great people, good management and great projects.”

Cynthia Haight – Interior Designer

  • “The design of schools is more important today than ever. We have to give our youth a place where they can truly learn and provide their teachers a place that is easy to teach in. That’s the only reason why I feel so passionate about this type of design, it’s fantastic.”

Adam Parris, RA – Project Manager

  • “When we are given a design problem by a client and solve it, we are appreciated by them. However, you don’t see all the people that are benefited by that space afterwards. In my mind, the best praise you can give to a project is someone who walks in the building, enjoys their time there and walks out feeling like they’ve done what they came to do, and want to come back. Seeing people enjoying the space drives me to continue designing.”

Mackenzie Kicher – Architectural Intern

  • “Being at TDA was the first time I was exposed to educational design. You most likely went through school but rarely thought about how it works, there’s just so much to it. Designing a science lab is completely different than designing a room for preschoolers or kindergartners. As a student, there is only so much that school can teach you, you just need to get into an office and see how it works. The experiences I have had, I didn’t even know I needed them to be a good architect. Now going back into school, I feel much more passionate about these spaces and confident since I learned them firsthand.”
"Working collaboratively and autonomously is great, but those who are passionate towards education, architecture and communities - they will succeed."
Angela Staedt, PHR, SHRM-CP
Human Resources Director

Developing this one key Characteristic - Passion

“Staff stay at TDA because they enjoy the people they work with almost as much as what they do every day. One common factor people love it here, is that they realize they are doing something for a much bigger cause creating purpose.” Angie has heard the same comments from many designers at TDA, “It’s something bigger than what they could do alone, it makes a difference in a community for decades, so our work is meaningful.”

If you have a passion or curiosity for educational design, our team would love to connect with you. Passion is a characteristic that can be developed over time but often comes from within. We have found that even if someone isn’t familiar with educational design, once exposed to it, their own passion is ignited and they see the tangible difference they can make in education.

“So this is a continual process, as we develop new skills we can take inspiration from others who have tried things a little differently. Those who drive design forward, and who are passionate about what they do, there is limitless possibility.”

If you are passionate for architecture, and improving the education in communities, both now and for decades to come, we want to hear from you. We are looking for passionate individuals, so visit our Careers page and see how we can work together.

Reach out, and let’s develop a future centered around the passion for good educational design.

Let’s work together to make education better. Interested in speaking with us? Get in touch!

Ryan Caswell

Ryan Caswell

Communications

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Ryan Caswell

Ryan Caswell

Ryan is a communications specialist who is passionate about using digital media to further the goals of organizations and communities in Northeast Ohio. With a background in construction and a degree in architecture, he spent over a decade in corporate video production and brings this mindset to videography, editing, photography and content marketing. He is passionate about supporting the arts, and can be found hiking in the parks system.