New Faculty and Staff 2026-2027 - Bethany School

Bethany School is pleased to welcome several new individuals to our faculty and staff for the 2026-2027 school year!

Please read below to learn more about them!

Primary School Teachers

Lydia Bichey, Kindergarten Teacher: Lydia holds a Master of Education in Elementary Education and is licensed to teach PreK–5 in Ohio. She brings recent classroom experience teaching first grade and kindergarten and is passionate about creating a supportive, engaging learning environment where every child can grow.

Alanna Lubbers, 2nd Grade Teacher: Alanna holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education and brings recent classroom experience teaching kindergarten. Her empathy, adaptability, and love of learning make her a valuable addition to our Lower School team.

Intermediate School Teachers

Patty Dawson, 3rd Grade Teacher: Patty holds a Master of Education degree in Childhood Education with a Reading Endorsement and an Ohio Teaching License (P–3). She has 18 years of teaching experience, including 11 years at The Seven Hills School, where she led the committee for the school’s Educating Children Outdoors (ECO) curriculum.

Katie Manley, 5th Grade Teacher: Katie holds a Master of Arts in Teaching, brings three years of classroom experience, and is a graduate of Episcopal schools. She will be teaching ELA and Social Studies.

Nate Walz (‘10), 4th Grade Teacher: A Bethany alumnus, brings professional experience in biomedical engineering along with a strong background in youth instruction and coaching. He will be teaching Math and Science.

Middle School Teachers

Alex Breeze, 7th/8th Grades Teacher: Alex is a Cincinnati native, holds a Bachelor of Arts in History, and is a licensed 7–12 Social Studies educator. His experience teaching college preparatory and Advanced Level History courses, along with his passion for learning, make him a wonderful addition to our Middle School team. He will be teaching 7th and 8th Grades Social Studies and 7th Grade ELA.

Specials Teachers

Jillian Betz, Innovation Teacher: Jillian holds a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education and brings experience teaching kindergarten and working with students in a variety of elementary settings. We are excited to welcome her to Bethany, where her energy, creativity, and commitment to students will enrich our Innovation program.

Lesleigh Chumbley, Librarian: Lesleigh holds a Master of Library and Information Science and brings over 15 years of experience in youth library services and school librarianship.

Milan Lanier, Physical Education: Milan, a former student-athlete at Marshall University, has two years of experience as a Physical Education teacher and six years as a youth coach.

Staff

Melissa Bush, Marketing & Communications Coordinator: Melissa, a Cincinnati native, joined Bethany in July and brings nearly twenty years of experience in the fields of marketing and communications. She is managing all of our social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and will be a familiar face you will see at all Bethany events-taking photos and more! She will also be assisting with our Admissions Office.

Melody Moonitz, Building Substitute Teacher: Melody, a current Bethany employee, has provided consistent leadership as Extended Day Coordinator and has been instrumental in supporting classroom continuity through long-term substitute teaching.

Aaniya Parker-Gray, Food Service Worker: Aaniya was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Aaniya loves nature, plants, and animals, which directly shapes how she approaches work. Aaniya started her career at Youthland Academy bringing warm, friendly/family focused energy to the classroom as an Assistant Teacher. Later she brought her love for nurturing life to the Sisters of Notre Dame as a dietary aide. Overall, her background combines hands-on compassionate care that she hopes to bring to the table at Bethany school!