Alison Grant
Director of Training and Curriculum
Lead Coach
Alison joins the LSFT team with 15 years as a Family Consumer Science teacher at Willoughby South High School. As a teacher, Alison has advised groups including Student Council, Teen Institute and Class Officers. In recent years, she has been part of a initiative to develop a mentoring program that assists freshmen in the transition from middle school to high school. Alison has coached dance, cheer and tennis and in 2011 was named Adele Knight Teacher of the Year. Alison earned her Academic Life Coach certificate in 2017 which allowed her to help students realized they can be successful inside and outside the classroom. Her favorite part of coaching is watching a student have a moment when everything clicks and their hard work has paid off!
Alison earned her bachelor’s degree in vocational education from Kent State University in 2003 and her master’s degree in educational administration from Ursuline College as well as a masters in school counseling from John Carroll University.
Alison lives in Willoughby with her husband and two daughters Maggie and Gwyneth. When she is not spending time with her family, Alison enjoys crafting and taking snapshots of her family’s adventures!
Maggie Babuder
Marketing Coordinator
Maggie joins the LSFT team with a two year background in marketing and communications. She has experience at the corporate and agency level, working with a variety of clients. She is passionate about driving results for her client with efficient and effective marketing solutions. She has worked with a variety of platforms for social media, email, search engine optimization and website development.
Maggie earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration from Miami University in 2015. She majored in Marketing and minored in Interactive Media Studies.
In her spare time, Maggie loves spending time with family and friends. She enjoys a good glass of wine, working out and cooking new recipes.
Meghan Pellegrini
Academic Life Coach
Meghan joins the LSFT team with an 8 year background as a middle school Intervention Specialist within the Willoughby-Eastlake School District. As an Intervention Specialist, Meghan has been rated Accomplished by the State of Ohio and recognized as a Highly Qualified Teacher. Meghan earned her Academic Life Coach certificate in 2017, which allowed her to expand her professional and personal career goals. Her favorite part of coaching is interacting with students while helping young people understand how their brains work in connection with their body to foster strong academic success.
Meghan earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Notre Dame College in 2009 where she graduated Cum Laude. Meghan is currently working toward her Master of Education degree with an emphasis on Technology from Notre Dame College. Meghan is a member of the Ohio Educators Association and a former middle and high school cheerleading coach.
Meghan lives in Willoughby with her loving husband, curious and handsomely adorable two year old son, and energetic Goldendoodle. When she is not enjoying life with her family or teaching, Meghan enjoys shopping at Target, relaxing at the lake, and being a novice yogi.
Kayla Bernakis
Academic Life Coach
Kayla joins the LSFT team with a 2 year background as a Math and Science teacher in the Willoughby-Eastlake School District. As a teacher, Kayla has been recognized by the State of Ohio for her high ratings from her administrators. Kayla has also had the pleasure to coach girl’s track. Kayla earned her Academic Life Coach certificate in 2017, which allowed her to use her passion for teaching and coaching in an inspiring new way. Her favorite part of coaching is helping students discover their full potential and build confidence in themselves.
Kayla earned her Bachelor’s of Art’s degree in Middle Childhood Education from John Carroll University in 2015. Kayla is a member of the North East Ohio Educator’s Association.
Kayla lives in Painesville Township with her husband. When she is not teaching, Kayla enjoys spending time with friends and family and cooking meals for them.
Sara Hall
Academic Life Coach
Sara joins the LSFT team with 15 years of experience as an educator. She began her career as a family and consumer science teacher where she taught students life skills in grades 7-12. Sara made the transition to a school counselor to be able to work more closely with students to help them reach their academic and life goals. Her favorite part of her job is watching students change their mindset from “I can’t” to “I can!” As a school counselor, Sara has been rated Accomplished by the State of Ohio. Her favorite part of coaching is being able to develop plan to meet a child’s specific needs and watch them flourish.
Sara earned a Bachelor of Science from Mercyhurst University, a Bachelor’s of Science in Education from Kent State University and a Master’s of Education in School Counseling from John Carroll University.
Sara lives in Painesville with her husband, Bob and their two children, Abby and Evan. In her spare time, Sara loves cheering on The Ohio State University Football team, crafting and traveling.
SG