The MINDscapes Team
At MINDscapes we are very proud of our amazing staff. They work tirelessly in the clinic and schools to provide Gold Level services to children with special education needs. All of our staff are highly educated and experienced in their respective fields. We bring a spirit of cooperation and willingness to learn to our daily work.
We believe that no goal is too small and it’s never too late to grow. We believe that any gap can be bridged with dedication, creativity, and patience. We are a team of professionals from various educational disciplines who work hand-in-hand to help your child reach their maximum learning potential.
Co-Owners
Dr. Kelli Sears – Phd., NASP
Head of Psychological Services
Dr. Kelli Sears is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP), dually licensed by the Ohio Boards of Psychology and Education. She earned her PhD in School Psychology from The Ohio State University.
She has provided school psychological services to students in grades PreK-12 in public, private, charter and home school settings.
Dr. Sears has significant experience in the diagnosis and treatment of educationally related disabilities across categories of qualification, with a professional focus on Emotional Disturbance, Trauma, and Autism.
Kendra Potts
Head of Human Resources
Kendra Potts is a business owner and manager, wife, and homeschooling mother of six. She has a background in business administration, healthcare, and working with people with disabilities.
Her passion is to create a comfortable environment for both clients and their families, while helping cultivate fun and innovative ways for clients to receive services.
Donnie Sears
Head of Marketing and NeurOptimal
Donnie Sears has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from The Ohio State University. He has provided support to educational service providers in the schools for over seven years as a psychology aide. He enjoys the complex nature of school psychology work and enjoys the satisfaction of helping students advance in their education.
Donnie is our lead Brain Trainer in the NeurOptimal Department and heads up all of the marketing and public relations for MINDscapes. His passions include children, music, and art.
Directors
Alan Blakley
Director of Operations
Mr. Alan Blakley has his Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Akron
and has been working in the field for over 8 years. He is from San Diego, California, and has lived primarily in Northeastern Ohio. Alan moved to the Columbus region with his wife and daughter to expand his career and his family.
Alan has a passion for education and loves to see growth in the community. He has worked
with students of all ages and disabilities and has managed many different businesses. A primary strength he carries is the relationship building that is necessary to maintain a positive
and growing workplace that promotes knowledge and responsibility.
As the Director of Operations for MINDscapes, Alan is accomplishing his dream of leading
people to create a positive educational experience.
Department Heads
Dr. Trenton DeVore – Phd.
Head of School Based Services – Columbus
Dr. Trenton DeVore earned his PhD in School Psychology from The Ohio State University. As a school psychologist, his primary strength is building interpersonal relationships, establishing a collaborative relationship between staff, parents, and students. He is well-versed in dynamic psychoeducational evaluations, academic and behavioral interventions, and data-based decision making. Trent understands the intense demands parents have on their time; thus, he provides parents the opportunity to provide electronic consent and attend virtual or phone conferences, rather than have to attend or sign documents in person. Last, and most important, Trent knows that the student is the client, and we are here to serve his or her needs.
– Dr. Trenton DeVore
Laurna Surdy – SLP-CCC
Head of Speech and Language
Ms. Laurna is a pediatric speech-language pathologist based out of MINDscapes’ newly-expanded Cleveland, OH region. She provides both in-person and virtual, tele- speech therapy sessions for local charter schools and school-aged students.
Working with children has always been a dream of Laurna’s, ever since she can remember! Upon graduation from Cleveland State University in 2017, Laurna solidified her passion for the communication field by traveling and providing services cross-country. She has since made the trek back home to the greater-Cleveland area, has started a family of her own and continues her passion for teaching and shaping young minds. Laurna believes in innovative, functional and holistic speech-language therapy, and is a passionate advocate for her students! In her down-time, you can find Laurna at the nearest coffee shop, brainstorming newly innovative and motivational therapy ideas!
Stephen Potts – OG Specialist
Head of Educational Services
Stephen Potts is an experienced Special Education tutor and Orton Gillingham Reading Specialist, with a demonstrated history of working in the education management field. He has a k-12 Education degree from Liberty University/Walden university. Mr. Potts is also skilled in research, educational leadership, as well as lesson planning.
Mr. Potts is married and has six wonderful children. Next to special education services his passions are art, poetry, music, and reading a good book. He is looking forward to watching the MINDscapes kids excel!
Emma Creech – MSOT ORT/L
Head of Occupational Therapy
Emma earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience at the University of Mount Union, and subsequent Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy at Salus University in Philadelphia, PA. She has fieldwork and professional experience in both outpatient and school-based pediatric settings, working with clients/students with a variety of diagnoses including Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, Developmental Delay, and more.
Emma is experienced in a variety of multi-sensory approaches to teaching students skills needed for success in the classroom, and in specific programs including Zones of Regulation, Handwriting Without Tears, Fundations, and the S.O.S. Feeding Approach.
Emma.Creech@MindScapesOhio.com
Leah Gordon – MA
Head of Intervention Services
I’ve had the pleasure of being an Educator for the past 7 years and licensed as an Intervention Specialist for the last 6 years. I graduated from Central State University in 2008 in vocal performance but transitioned into Education, seeking greater purpose.
I earned my Masters degree in Special Education in 2013 from Ashford University and have been working proudly to serve our students with special needs.
In my free time, I enjoy singing, traveling, the spa, and spending time with my Husband, Daughter, Family, and Friends.
Behavior and Counseling
Erin Arrington, BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Jaimee Fligg –
Behavior Specialist
Jill Coget, MS.
Therapist
Intervention Specialists
Dr. Shawnee Greene-Tucker, Phd.
Intervention Specialist
Alan Blakely
Intervention Specialist
Liz Kelly
Intervention Specialist
Olivia Essel
Intervention Specialist
Cynthia Priest, M.Ed.
Intervention Specialist
Occupational Therapy
Regan Haggerty – MS, ORT/L
Occupational Therapist
Aubrey Riley – COTA
Certified Occupational
Therapy Assistant
Roberta Bowen – COTA
Certified Occupational
Therapy Assistant
Speech and Language
Update coming soon.
Administrative Staff
Angela Coleman
Office Manager
Angela is the office manager for MINDscapes LLC. She is a Certified Medical Assistant and has worked for an ENT office in Lancaster for 4 years before beginning this journey with MINDscapes.
She is a mom of 2 girls—Gracie and Rowynn, and the bonus mom to Alexander (Xander). She stands ready to assist you with whatever matters related of MINDscapes LLC invoicing, billing, and payments.
Kendra Smith
Office Receptionist
Kendra joined Mindscapes in 2022 and hit the ground running! She has been an amazing addition to the Mindscapes team.