TOLEDO – Directions Credit Union has announced five north central Ohio educators as recipients of its Directions Cares for Classrooms grants for Fall 2025.

Nearly $10,000 in grants was awarded to support innovative classroom projects and resources.

Local winners include:

Liana Ashbrook – Dale-Roy School, Ashland – Ms. Ashbrook will use the grant to purchase life-skills tools for students with special needs.

Ami Workman – Centerburg Elementary School, Centerburg – Ms. Workman will use the grant to purchase books that enhance literacy skills for students in grades K–5.

Stephanie Phillips – Clear Fork High School, Bellville – Ms. Phillips will purchase a new camera for the yearbook staff to replace the school’s 16-year-old camera.

Michael Anderson – Madison South Elementary, Mansfield – Mr. Anderson plans to purchase rhythmic jump bands that integrate rhythm and movement activities in the classroom.

Claudia Romero-McCann – Discovery School, Mansfield – Ms. Romero-McCann will use the funds to purchase craft materials that help students explore and better understand Latin American cultures.

Directions Cares for Classrooms

The Directions Cares for Classrooms grant program provides educators with small grants up to $500 each to be used for a variety of projects and materials, including books, software, calculators, math manipulatives, art supplies, audio-visual equipment, lab materials and more. 

Directions Credit Union created the grant program to recognize the essential role teachers play in their students’ lives and to help reduce the personal expenses many educators incur while creating enriching classroom experiences.

“Teachers are often the heart of their communities – they inspire curiosity, build confidence, and give students the tools to succeed,” said Barry Shaner, President and CEO of Directions Credit Union.

“Through Directions Cares for Classrooms, we’re proud to give back to the educators who give so much of themselves, helping them make learning meaningful, creative, and fun.”

The grant program is open to K-12 educators who work for public, private or charter schools in the Directions Field of Membership.

That includes schools in Ashland, Crawford, Erie, Fulton, Huron, Knox, Lorain, Lucas, Medina, Morrow, Ottawa, Richland, Sandusky, Tuscarawas, Wayne, Wood, Monroe (MI) and Lenawee (MI) counties.

There will also be a Winter 2026 application window from December 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026. To apply, educators need to complete the online application at https://directionscu.org/cares-for-classrooms/.

Directions Credit Union received 234 applications for Fall 2025.

New counties winners

Kelly Clark – Sandusky Middle School, Sandusky – Ms. Clark will use the funds to create a calm-down corner where students can regulate their emotions and refocus during the school day.

Erich Fahr – Meadowlawn Intermediate School, Sandusky – Mr. Fahr plans to purchase a GoPro camera to film science in action, such as observing a caterpillar building a cocoon.

Tonya Stellar – Huron High School, Huron – Ms. Stellar will purchase a MetaQuest VR headset with accessories to support virtual prototyping in the classroom.

Chelsey Whitesel – Midview North Elementary, Grafton – Ms. Whitesel will use the grant to purchase items that improve literacy skills in both language and math.

Amy DiTullio – Lorain High School, Lorain – Ms. DiTullio will purchase materials that support social and emotional learning for the school’s resource center.

Cynthia Raifsnider – Bellevue High School, Bellevue – Ms. Raifsnider will use the funds to explore robotics and engineering games designed to inspire students’ interest in STEM.

Lindsey Chalk – Brookside High School, Sheffield Village – Ms. Chalk plans to purchase a printer for the school’s pre-apprenticeship program to assist students in producing professional materials.