Lisa Baldwin-Skiner, M.Ed
Engagement and Information Specialist
Lisa joined The Ohio State University in 2008, as the Lead Field Assessor for the Preschool Experiences in Rural Classrooms (PERC) Project and also on the Language and Reading Research Consortium (LARRC) Project, as the Lead Field Assessor in the coordination of collecting and coding of student data. She has previous experience as a scoring supervisor working with Data Recognition Corporation on the Ohio Graduation Test and as an elementary and middle school educator. Lisa received her BS in Education from The Ohio State University and her M.Ed in School Guidance and Counseling from the University of Dayton.
Jeff Bowman, BS
Data/ Operations Coordinator
Jeff Bowman graduated from Ohio State with a degree in accounting. He has been with the university for the last 25+ years. He‘s worked for several different departments and has spent the last 18+ years within the College of Education and Human Ecology.
Mark Gonzalez, MA
Chef
Mark studied music at California State University, Chico and earned an MA in 2006. As an undergrad, he completed three upper division courses in child development. Mark enjoys cooking at the Schoenbaum Family Center while also finding time to teach music lessons and perform around the greater Columbus area.
Kristen Knight, BS, MA
Professional Development Coordinator
Kristen earned a BS and MS from Ohio State in Early Childhood Development and Education while specializing in infant and toddler development and early intervention for developmentally delayed children birth through age three. Kristen spent thirteen years as an early childhood teacher working with children birth to five years of age. In addition to classroom experience, Kristen has spent 10+ years training and mentoring pre-service teachers and early childhood professionals. In her current role, she provides and coordinates evidenced based trainings and high quality learning opportunities to undergraduate students, early childhood practitioners, families, and community members.
Mark Newton
Nutrition Director
Mark graduated from Columbus State Community College in the Chef Apprentice program. He has worked in a variety of settings, including country clubs, restaurants, the Alumni Club, and Ohio State. While overseeing the food service of the entire university, Mark became interested in developing healthy food choices from a variety of cultures. He has developed a program for early learners using fresh, wholesome, local foods with an educational and cultural component at the Schoenbaum Family Center.
Melissa Niece
Engagement and Information Assistant
Melissa Niece has joined the Schoenbaum Family Center in 2016. She serves as a volunteer with OSU University Extension in Weinland Park where she is responsible for the Individual Development Account (IDA). This project helps participants save money to reach a higher goal of post-secondary education, entrepreneurship, or buying a home. She also assists the Financial Literacy and Home Buyers’ Education workshops that are offered monthly at SFC.
Eric Schwendeman, BA
Grants Specialist
Eric has worked for Ohio State since 2010. He works as a grants specialist and manages pre/post-award activities, participates in grant proposal and progress report preparation, and works with the Office of Sponsored Programs, principal investigators, and third parties on setting up grant activities. He has previous experience in management at Barnes and Noble and independent bookstores and received a BA in classics and English at Kenyon College.
Kari Welch
Library Technician
Kari has worked as a preschool teacher and summer camp counselor in addition to working in various library systems, including the Virginia Beach Public Library. Kari earned her Associate’s Degree in Science from Tidewater Community College, where she focused on Early Childhood Education and Psychology. Some of Kari’s favorite children’s literature includes Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems and The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear! By Don and Audrey Wood.
