Welcome New Staff to W.E.S!

Miss Audrey Thomas (4-8 Int. Specialist)

Educational Background:

I graduated from Crooksville High School and I attended Ohio University.

Why did you want to become a teacher? When I was younger, I decided I wanted to be a teacher because I had wonderful teachers who made learning fun and made me enjoy coming to school. Now that I am a teacher I hope I can make my students feel the same way about school.

Why do you love being a Wildcat? My favorite part of being a Waterford Wildcat is getting to be a part of such a welcoming and kind community.


Miss Kaitlynn Davis (6th grade)

Educational Background: Fort Frye, Ohio University

Why did you want to become a teacher? I chose teaching because I wanted to make a difference and leave a lasting impression on our future.

Why do you love being a Wildcat? I love the close community that Waterford has. I love their kindness and dedication to being successful!


Miss Regan Porter (4th grade)

Hello! My name is Regan Porter. I am teaching 4th grade this year at Waterford Elementary. I graduated from Ohio University in May 2020. I chose to become a teacher so that I could provide children with a positive and inclusive learning environment. My hope is that my students leave my classroom with the skills they need to be successful, lifelong learners. 

What I love most about being a Waterford Wildcat is giving back to this community that gave so much to me. I have always been proud to have attended Waterford schools. The connection between the school and community is a unique quality that cannot be found in many other districts. Waterford’s teachers, coaches and community members have shaped me into the person and teacher that I am today. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!


Mrs. Courtney Hysell-Strauss (K-3 Art, Gym)

Educational Background: I am a former Waterford Wildcat and attended college at Kent State University! 

Why did you want to become a teacher?Art has always been a passion of mine! Growing up, I knew that I wanted to go to college and that I had to find a career that enabled me to continue being creative! These goals ultimately led me down the path to become an art teacher. As an art teacher, I enjoy a balance of making art, sharing my passion for art with students, and igniting a love of art in children. My job certainly is a dream come true!

Why do you love being a Wildcat?What I love most about being a Waterford Wildcat is... everything! I love the kindness and love that fills our halls each morning as the students arrive, I love the inspiring and enthusiastic staff members that I get to work with each day, and I love our small town community that is incredibly supportive of our school!


Miss Kylie Robinson (2nd grade)

Educational Background:

 I come from WVU Parkersburg. I spent the last nine years at Marietta City Schools teaching fourth grade and kindergarten.

Why did you want to become a teacher?

I became a teacher because I loved watching my Dad motivate young kids and I wanted to be just like him.

Why do you love being a Wildcat?

I love being at Waterford because this is where I grew up and I want to give to back to the community! I’m so excited to be apart of your team as we teach and mold young minds!


Miss Darci Robinson (Band)

Educational Background: I went to Philo High School and upon graduation, I went to Muskingum University. I spent 5 years at Muskingum University, and graduated in May of 2020 with a BA in Music Education.

Why did you want to become a teacher? I wanted to become a teacher originally because of my high school band director. She was the most supportive and caring person I had in my high school, and I wanted to be that person for future students. Over the years, it has developed further into a desire to give a good music education to my students, and helping them become well-rounded in not only music class, but in the world as well. I want to help my students grow into the best version of themselves.

Why do you love being a Wildcat? There are many reasons why I love being a part of the Wildcat family, but the biggest reason would have to be the absolute support and friendliness of all the band parents, teaching staff, and the community. The moment I became a Wildcat, I have had so many people offering their time to help me during this transition, and just helping out in a crazy year in general due to COVID-19. It is absolutely appreciated, and I love being a part of this community!


Mrs. Hannah Bonnette (⅚ Int. Spec.)

Educational Background:

Malone University- **Early childhood and Intervention Specialist degree 

Why did you want to become a teacher?

I wanted to become a teacher so that I could invest and make a difference in the lives of the generations of kiddos.I had so many people invest and make such a positive difference in my life and I wanted to do the same for those I have a privilege of educating.

Why do you love being a Wildcat? I love being a Wildcat because I have been welcomed to this awesome school with open arms and have enjoyed each and every day working with the great students here at Waterford Elementary!


Mr. Bruce  Lanning (⅞ Math)

Educational Background:  24 years teaching primarily math

Why did you want to become a teacher?

To heal young students in the classroom and as a coach

Why do you love being a Wildcat? Although I haven’t been here long, appreciate the helpfulness of the staff.