About

Meet the Wood County Educational Service Center Leadership Team

Mark North - Superintendent

Mark North - Superintendent

E-mail - mnorth@wcesc.org 

Phone - (419) 354-9010

Mark North, superintendent, joined the Wood County Educational Service Center in August, 2018. Mark earned a B.A. with teaching licenses in special education and health education from the University of Akron. He also earned a M.Ed. from Ashland University. Teaching experiences revolved around serving a diverse population of special needs children.

Mark also served districts as an assistant high school principal and 7th-12th grade principal, an assistant superintendent, and a local and city superintendent for 20 years before joining the Wood County Educational Service Center.

Brad McCracken - Treasurer
Brad McCracken

Brad McCracken - Treasurer

Email - bmccracken@wcesc.org

Phone - (419) 354-9010 Ext. 214

Brad grew up in Bowling Green and is the son of former BGCS superintendent Dr. Robert "Bob" McCracken. After 24 years in private sector supply chain & procurement positions with GE Jet Engines, Aeroquip Vickers, Gt Technologies and Pilkington/NSG, Brad and his family decided to set their roots in NW Ohio. Brad transitioned to school finance, and since 2010, worked as the Treasurer/CFO for Firelands Local, concurrently one year with Wellington EV, followed by Eastwood Local, and now with the Wood County ESC since December 2022. Brad and his wife Bev met at BGSU, have been married 39 years and have three children and two grandsons. Through the years they have actively participated in their local church youth programs, small group ministries and overseas missions. Brad is a board member of Church Planting International. Hobbies include spending time with his family, gardening, finishing beef cattle, and golf. Brad is a graduate of Bowling Green State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. He also earned a Masters in Business Administration from Xavier University. 

Kyle Clark - Director of Prevention Education

Kyle Clark - Director of Prevention Education

E-mail - kclark@wcesc.org 

Mr. Clark serves as the Director of Prevention Education Services.  This initiative partners with Wood County School Districts, law enforcement, juvenile justice agencies, mental health service providers, and other community organizations.  The Initiative works towards finding solutions and implementing evidenced-based programs that address safe school environments and violence prevention, substance abuse prevention and intervention, student behavioral, social, and emotional supports, mental health services, and early childhood development where students can learn, grow, and succeed.

Mr. Clark obtained his BS degree in Education, Masters degree in Educational Administration/Supervision, and completed his post-graduate doctoral studies at Bowling Green State University.  He has over thirty years of educational administration experience as a principal, superintendent, and project director.

Susan Spencer - Director of Community Learning Centers

Hannah Feffer - Director of Community Learning Centers

Hannah Feffer E-mail: hfeffer@wcesc.org 

Phone: 419-354-9010

The Community Learning Centers of the Wood County Educational Service Center provide quality enrichment and extended learning activities for elementary children - kindergarten through sixth grades. Our daily before-school, after-school, and Summer STARS program meets the care and supervision needs of parents during out-of-school hours while engaging children in fun learning experiences that complement their school-day instruction. Through the support of the Wood County Educational Service Center, 21st Century Community Learning Center program, and the United Way, this amazing program has expanded to serve thousands of kids a year, in 7 districts, at 9 sites, year-round, throughout Wood and Lucas County.

Hannah joined the WCESC team in 2013, and stepped into the CLC director position in June 2022.  Hannah earned her Bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University and holds a Master's Degree in Recreational Administration from the University of Toledo.  A long-term Wood County resident, she has 10 years of experience in teaching, administration, coaching, and leadership. 

Teresa Kitchen - PATHE Center Supervisor

Teresa Kitchen - PATHE Center Supervisor

Teresa Kitchen E-mail: tkitchen@wcesc.org

Phone: 419-352-7588

The Wood County Educational Service Center's PATHE Program services students with Emotional Disabilities (ED) and other unique needs. The program is designed to provide educational opportunities for children to learn the academic, social, and functional skills that he/she will need to be a happy, healthy, and productive adult. We recognize that each child is unique and it is with this mindset that we approach our work daily. Additionally, the PACE program is a vital part of PATHE that services students ages 16 and up.  This program focuses on strengthening vocational skills and gives students the opportunity to work in the community in a variety of fields.

Teresa Kitchen has worked for Wood County Educational Service Center for 15 years as an Intervention Specialist, Behavior Support Specialist, and Pathe/Pace Program Supervisor. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Bowling Green State University, a Masters of Education Administration from Grand Canyon University, and over 20 years working with students with social emotional, behavioral, and educational needs. Teresa focuses on providing specially designed instruction and behavior, social emotional, and academic supports to students and district schools.

If you have any questions about the PATHE program you can contact Ms. Kitchen by email at tkitchen@wcesc.org.

Diane Witt - Coordinator of Special Education Programming

Diane Witt - Coordinator of Special Education Programming

Diane Witt E-mail: dwitt@wcesc.org 

Phone: 419-354-9010

Wood County Educational Service Center's L.I.F.E. Skills-Specially Designed Programming for Low Incidence is designed to provide educational opportunities for students with moderate to intensive needs in preparation for an independent adult life to each individual’s maximum potential. With multi-age classrooms located throughout Wood County Local School Districts, staff develop and implement programming focusing on individual preferences, interests, needs and strengths.  WCESC’s specially designed programming utilizes systematic instruction and evidence based practices with a focus on the generalization of skills through community based instruction, work experiences, and integration with same aged peers in and out of the school environment.  Students receive a comprehensive education including functional academics, social skills training, communication, adaptive behavior skills, and occupational therapy, physical therapy, and adapted physical education according to the IEP.  A continuum of services is offered dependent on student need, with options of self-contained classrooms and resource room settings for students in grades K-12 and a community based classroom in a local apartment, The Living Classroom, for students, (grade 23), 18-21 years old.

Diane Witt joined the Special Education staff at Wood County ESC in 2007 as the MD Program Supervisor. She currently holds the role as Coordinator of Special  Education Programming, which includes transition coordination and alternate assessment preparation. Diane focuses on the development of specially designed programming and curriculum, working with teachers and districts to meet the individual academic, behavioral, social/ communication, and adaptive living needs of students. Diane has almost 30 years experience in special education, teaching K-12, supervising in Wood County schools, and teaching at The University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University, including working as a consultant and co-developer of the TTW programs.

Christy Spontelli - supervising the JRC, JDC and ALC education programs

Christy Spontelli - Supervising the JRC, JDC and ALC Education Programs

Christy Spontelli E-mail:  cspontelli@wcesc.org 

Phone:  419-353-4406

The Juvenile Residential Center of Northwest Ohio located at 1012 South Dunbridge Road in Bowling Green is a Community Corrections Facility.  This is a State of Ohio facility that houses male students ages 12 to 19.  The education portion of the day is provided by the Wood County Educational Service Center with three teachers, an intervention specialist and an education coordinator.  Students attend school daily from 8:00 to 2:00 within the facility.  School is provided for the academic year and an additional summer quarter.

The Wood County Juvenile Detention Center is located at. 1032 South Dunbridge Road in Bowling Green.  This facility houses students 12 – 21 years of age, both males and females.  The education portion of the day is provided by the Wood County Educational Service Center.  Two intervention specialists provide the classroom staffing along with an education coordinator.  Students attend school daily from 8:00 to 2:15 for the academic calendar year.

The Wood County Alternative School is located at 126 South Church Street in Bowling Green.  Students grades 6-12 are welcome to attend. This program is open to students from all Wood County school districts, and referral to attend the program begins with the home school.  An intervention specialist and Outreach Coordinator staff the ALC along with the education coordinator.  Students work both online with Pearson Conexus curriculum, as well as in class groups.  The students have the opportunity to participate in community service while at the ALC.  Intake packets can be found on the Wood County Educational Service Center’s website.

Christy Spontelli has been employed at the Wood County Educational Service Center since 1985 working with at-risk youth.  She has served as the Education Coordinator since 1995, supervising the JRC, JDC and ALC education programs.   She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Consumer Education and Multi-Area Job Training and a Master’s of Education in Career and Technology Education, from Bowling Green State University.  Secondary Principal’s Licensure was earned at the University of Findlay.

Joe Taylor - Special Education Supervisor

Joe Taylor - Special Education Supervisor

Joe Taylor E-mail: joetaylor@wcesc.org 

Phone: 419-354-9010 ext. 232

The Related Services Department of the Wood County Educational Service Center provides Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech/Language Therapy, Adaptive Physical Education, and School Psychology services to Wood County school districts. The Related Service providers work with children ages 3-21 who require evaluations and specialized therapies, as well as providing consultative services to both families and school district personnel. 

Joe Taylor joined the WCESC team in 2015 as the MD program supervisor. In 2017, he also assumed the responsibility of supervision of the Related Services program which he continues to oversee along with the direct supervision of the Life Skills programs. Joe is a long-term resident of Northwest Ohio and received undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Toledo. He has over twenty years of experience as an educator, both as a teacher and a school administrator, working with students and families in a number of districts throughout the area.