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Get to know the "Voice on the Phone"

Every day, we have staff who take numerous phone calls from parents, community members, and colleagues. They are the “Voice on the Phone” and in many cases, one of the main contact points for our schools and departments. We appreciate everything they do to ensure our schools and departments run smoothly and we want to shine the spotlight on them. We also want to let our community “see” and get to know our “Voice on the Phone.”

Stephanie Kronika - 03/16/2021

Stephanie Kronika has been a part of BCSD for 3 years. She is an Administrative Assistant in the Berea-Midpark High School counseling office.

Working at the BMHS gives her the opportunity to interact with staff, families and the community by phone and in person.

“I have great co-workers that make it fun to be with everyday. I also love helping people and being there for our students. Not every day is pretty for everyone, and if I can make a student smile on a rough day, then it's all worth it!”

Stephanie is married with two daughters, Savannah and Gianna, and has a dog named Meatball. She loves going to Coe Lake and Hinckley Lake with her family to take walks and play on the playgrounds. Stephanie is also very crafty and loves to cook. She loves nature and being outdoors, but hates mosquitos!

Bridget Knight - 02/25/2021

Bridget Knight has been a part of BCSD for 3 years. She works at BMHS as the administrative assistant in records. She previously worked at Central Office as an administrative assistant in Academic Affairs.

Working at the BMHS gives her the opportunity to interact with staff, families and the community by phone and in person.

“I like that I have the opportunity to help people and be a positive part of someone's day. I also like that I get to work with some really amazing people.”

Bridget enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, who are 8 and 7. She enjoys baking and trying new recipes with her daughters.

Barbara Poney - 02/11/2021

Barbara Poney has been a part of BCSD for 17 years. She has held a number of positions including Instructional Assistant, Intervention Associate, Office Assistant and Administrative Asstistant at various locations; Brookview, Grindstone, Midpark, Central Office and Berea-Midpark High School. She is currently an Administrative Assistant at BMHS.

Working at the BMHS gives her the opportunity to interact with staff, families and the community by phone and in person.

“I like the variety. Every day and every year you are dealing with new people. The staff and some of the work remains the same, but the students and parents are change. Each day is a new day.”

Barb is married and a mother of 2 sons. She’s a proud Cleveland girl, beekeeper, and loves her family, football, cooking, yoga, nature and the outdoors.

Bonnie Zeiger - 01/27/2021

Bonnie Zeiger has been a part of BCSD for 26 years. She was an Intervention Associate from 1997-2004 and then became the Administrative Assistant and Secretary at J&G Snow School.

Working at the J&G Snow School gives her the opportunity to interact with staff, families and the community by phone and in person.

“I began working for the district so I could work around my children's school schedule. BCSD offered me the opportunity to do that! I like working for a district that is accommodating and understanding about the importance of balancing work and family!”

Bonnie, her husband, and their children all graduated from the district. She currently has two grandchildren attending Berea City Schools.

Bonnie likes to stay busy and creative. She has been creating and placing positive signs in her front yard to help people get through each day during the pandemic. She is also a Boy Scout den leader and an assistant Girl Scout leader. She loves helping the community and hanging out with her grandchildren.

Renee Eckstine - 01/20/2021

Renee Eckstine has been a part of BCSD for 9 1/2 years. She is EMIS Coordinator for reporting student and staff data to the Ohio Department of Education for funding mandates as well as Data Manager and Coordinator for the Infinite Campus student software program.

Working at the Administration Building gives her the opportunity to interact with staff, families and the community by phone and in person.

"I enjoy the daily interaction with the other staff members. I appreciate their willingness to adapt to the many state mandates/changes that come their way. I also enjoy helping the parents and students as they navigate technology related questions and issues with Infinite Campus."

Renee married her high school sweetheart 37 years ago. She and her husband have two young adult children and a precious grandchild. She loves to travel and spend time with family and friends.

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Geraldine Kretschmar - 01/06/2021

Geraldine Kretschmar started as a substitute employee in 1987. She then was hired to work at Smith School in the Adult Education/Community Service Department as an Office Assistant. Beginning in 1990, she spent the majority of her years as the Administrative Assistant to the Principal at Ford School until it closed. She currently is the 5th grade Administrative Assistant at Berea-Midpark Middle School.

In 2019, she was recognized by Berea-Midpark Middle School as the Classified Professional of the Year and also by the Berea Board of Education for her dedication and commitment to what it means to “Be A Titan.”

Working at Berea-Midpark Middle School gives her the opportunity to interact with staff, families and the community by phone and in person.

"I LOVE WHAT I DO...helping the staff, parents, and students throughout the day...and all that entails. There is no job I'd rather have. I've met so many wonderful parents and students, and have worked with so many great administrators, teachers, and other staff members over the years. Truly blessed throughout my career and it's not over yet!"

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Sharene Klink - 12/16/2020

Sharene Klink has been a part of BCSD for 5 years. She currently is an Administrative Assistant with our Preschool Department. She previously worked in the BMHS Attendance Office.

Working at Brook Park Elementary School gives her the opportunity to interact with staff, families and the community by phone and in person.

"I enjoy watching the kids grow throughout the years. A sweet word or funny anecdote from a student are things I will remember forever."

She's also a mom of two boys in the district. Outside of work, Sharene likes to adventure travel with her kids.

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