Leadership

Dr. Jill Blanchard is the Senior Vice President of Operations for New Story in Ohio. In this role, she oversees all five New Story Schools in the state, ensuring strong operational and growth strategies. Jill has a wealth of experience and expertise, with over two decades of K-12 educator and school administrator roles. Prior to joining New Story, Jill served as the Regional Vice President of ACCEL Schools, which provides oversight of a network of charter schools in Columbus, Ohio. She has served in a variety of roles including teacher and principal, and notably won the Teacher of the Year award in 2002. She also has experience with residential treatment settings, mental health programming, special education law, curriculum and instruction, and career technical education. Jill is an educational thought leader, regularly presenting on the importance of trauma-informed care and cultural responsivity. Jill holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Social Science from Ohio University. She earned her Doctorate in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction from Capella University and her Superintendent Licensure from The Ohio State University.

“I strongly believe in the incredible role education plays in helping each student not only achieve their goals, but also understand that they matter.”

Dr. Jill Blanchard

SVP, Operations OH

Christina Spielbauer, M.Ed. is the Senior Vice President of Operations for New Story in Pennsylvania. In this role, she oversees all of the state’s 14 New Story Schools, nine River Rock Academy campus locations, and Green Tree School & Services. She works to drive operational excellence and growth for all of New Story’s Pennsylvania-based schools and programs. For the past 25 years, Christina has dedicated her life to public education working in a variety of roles and settings including teacher and principal. Prior to joining New Story, Christina served as the Superintendent of the Carlisle Area School District. She is an active volunteer, having served on several boards including the Special Olympics, United Way of Carlisle and Cumberland County, the DREAM partnership, and Hope Station. Christina earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Duquesne University, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Shippensburg University and her Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from Shippensburg University.

“Developing intentional and meaningful relationships with families, administrators, and partners is the foundation to creating high-quality, innovative and impactful services for students, children and families. New Story’s support and education model is grounded in strong partnerships, which leads to success.”

Christina Spielbauer

SVP, Operations PA

Nichole Arnold, MSW, LSW is a Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for New Story Schools. In this role, she oversees 7 Licensed Private Academic School locations in Central Pennsylvania. Nichole has over 15 years of experience providing supervision and leadership to an array of employees, from clinicians to educators. She has successfully licensed multiple new school locations and led the expansion of existing schools. Nichole received her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University, master’s degree in Social Work from Temple University; and she is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of PA.

"I am very fortunate to have a strong team comprised of professionals who dedicate themselves to the company, the schools and most importantly, the students. The most rewarding aspect of my position is leading this amazing team to experience as much success in their careers as they do with the students we support."

Nichole Arnold

VP, Operations PA

Terri Crahalla, MS, is a Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for New Story Schools. Terri oversees the daily operations of 4 Licensed Private Academic Schools in Northeast Pennsylvania. She has over 25 years of experience providing clinical services and leading clinical and academic special education teams. Terri received master’s degrees in counseling from Kutztown University and organizational management from Misericordia University.

"It is so important to have quality people working with the students and clients at New Story Schools. I am blessed to work with a wonderful group of people who genuinely care about the children they work with. I am also fortunate to work with a leadership team that is committed to supporting and developing employees."

Terri Crahalla

Regional VP, PA

Emily Blewitt is Regional Vice President of Operations for Applied Behavioral Services and New Story Schools in Ohio. Emily oversees all 3 locations of Applied Behavioral Services in Southwest Ohio as well as the New Story Schools Columbus location. She has nearly 20 years of experience with Applied Behavioral Services, working her way from Behavior Technician, to Supervisor, and then Director at the Cincinnati location. Emily received her bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and her master’s degree from Wright State University.

One of her favorite quotes by Dr. Ivar Lovaas says, "If they can't learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn". This quote embodies the way she feels Applied Behavioral Services honors each student and their strengths, not their deficits.

Emily Blewitt

Regional VP, OH

Paul Cowan is Regional Vice President of Operations for New Story Schools in Ohio. Paul oversees 4 locations across Ohio - Circleville, Independence, Sandusky, and Toledo - and brings many years of experience working as a teacher, Reading Interventionist, Direct Instruction Trainer, Assistant Director of Scholar Life, Principal, and Director of Operations before joining the Ohio Leadership Team. Paul received a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Kent State University and his master’s degree in Educational Administration.

Paul Cowan

Regional VP, OH

Matt Ammons serves as the Senior Director of Student Services for New Story Schools in Pennsylvania, where he oversees student services across 16 schools statewide. In this role, he ensures compliance with special education regulations and leads initiatives to support student success through comprehensive and responsive services.

Prior to joining New Story Schools, Matt dedicated his career to public education, beginning as a special education teacher and advancing to both building-level and district-level administrative roles. His work has consistently focused on advocating for and supporting students who are traditionally underserved.

In addition to his leadership at New Story, Matt is actively involved in professional organizations at both the state and national levels. He currently serves on the board of the National Association of Pupil Service Administrators and is the sitting president of the Pennsylvania Association of Pupil Services Administrators.

Matt’s lifelong commitment to equity and excellence in education continues to drive his work in shaping student-centered practices across Pennsylvania.

“Every child, without exception.”

Matthew Ammons

Senior Director of Special Education, PA

Kayla Smith serves as the Senior Director of Quality and Continuous Improvement for New Story Schools PA, where she supports 16 Licensed Private Academic School locations across the state. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Science in Special Education from Western Governors University, and a K–12 Principal Certification from Point Park University.

As a certified Data Wise Coach through the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Kayla leads school and system-level teams through structured, data-informed inquiry to improve instructional practices and operational effectiveness. Her leadership is grounded in collaboration, equity, and a deep commitment to student and staff success.

"A data-driven culture is not just about using data but about questioning and challenging it." – Unknown

Kayla Smith

Senior Director of Quality & Continuous Improvement, PA

John Schadler is the Sr. Director of Operations for New Story Schools PA. In this role, he oversees and supports the operations of 16 Licensed Private Academic School locations across Pennsylvania. Over the past 24 years, John has worked with children and adults diagnosed with Autism and Mental Health Disorders in academic, residential, and community-based settings. He has held his certification as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst for the past 18 years. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a minor in business from the Pennsylvania State University. He went on to receive his Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, FL.

John has published 2 research articles, one of which he was the first author, in Behavioral Interventions. He has also presented his work at the Florida Association of Behavior Analysis conference. John is an annual attendee at the National Autism Conference.

"I am grateful to be part of an organization that employs dedicated professionals who work tirelessly each day to empower children to be themselves, improve their quality of life, foster their independence, and watch them learn and grow."

John Schadler

Senior Director of Operations, PA

Elizabeth’s educational experience spans classroom teaching, instructional coaching, curriculum development, and school leadership, with a strong focus on supporting diverse learners and driving student outcomes.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education from Kutztown University, a Master’s in Elementary Education with an ESL concentration from Turabo University in Puerto Rico, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Wilkes University. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Special Education.

With over 20 years of experience serving eligible populations in public school settings, Elizabeth now serves as the Senior Director of Teaching and Learning, overseeing the Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction team across the state.

In this role, she supports the implementation of individualized, compassionate, and data-informed instruction that meets students where they are while guiding them toward high expectations. She partners with school leaders and teachers to deliver curriculum resources that promote active engagement and meaningful progress for all learners.

Elizabeth Serrano

Senior Director of Teaching & Learning, PA

Samantha Angelas is Regional Vice President of Operations for The Learning Spectrum and New Story Schools in Ohio. She oversees all locations of the Learning Spectrum as well as New Story Schools in Athens. Samantha has been in education since 2008 and has spent the previous 13 years serving as a Director of Education at The Learning Spectrum's Worthington location, before being promoted to Senior Director of Operations in 2024. Over the years, she has worked in nearly every role within a school - teacher support, school counselor, and administration. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Psychology, a master’s in Counseling, and has completed PsyD coursework in psychology. She is also licensed in Ohio as both a counselor and a charter school principal.

Samantha Angelas

Regional VP, OH