Set up for Success

They taught me that sometimes you need to take a step back and evaluate the whole situation.

It is a skill that works with math problems as much as it does with the work I do today, – Zach Kissel ’10

One of the pillars of the Marianist charism is inclusivity. We believe in a discipleship of equals. We believe all humans are created in the image and likeness of God, and we work to be inclusive of all kinds of people, embracing diversity as an expression of our humanity.

Moeller’s strong commitment to offering a college preparatory education in the Marianist tradition to young men with learning differences is exhibited in our robust Special Education Services program. Students with documented disabilities are provided many opportunities to develop their academic potential through collaborative support services and accommodations so that they can develop an understanding of their strengths, limitations, and learning styles and develop and bridge new skills and strategies across the curriculum.

Karen Matuszek founded our Special Education Services department in 2004 for students with learning differences. It is another way we continue to live our Mission: Catholic. Marianist. Forming our Students into Remarkable Men.

Left to right: Campbell Glinski ’25, Mr. O’Malley, Hugh Deering ’25, Bill Fitpatric ’24

The support of Special Education Services and the character-building lessons I learned at Moeller paved the way for my success in life

today.” – Nick Lefke ’11

Nick at work at the company he owns, Lefke Tree Experts

Four intervention specialists work with students to provide specialized instruction and help them succeed in the college preparatory curriculum. Additionally, we have a speech pathologist, a school psychologist, a testing coordinator, and a math specialist to assist students, monitor their progress, and provide them with support. With this program as their foundation, students participate in all levels of college preparatory classes and meet the same academic and graduation requirements as their classmates.

A new collaborative space has added to the success of our outstanding program. The department’s new home is the Chaminade Learning Center. Housing both classrooms and offices has increased the level of collaboration, ultimately increasing the already high level of dedication the team gives to its students.

Continued on next page

Continued from page 9 Nick Lefke ’11 is forever grateful for the assistance he received during his time at Moeller. “Special education services knew when to help and when to let me try things on my own,” explained Nick. “The support of special education services and the character-building lessons I learned at Moeller paved the way for my success in life today.” And succeed he has—Nick graduated (in four years, as he likes to mention) from Mount Saint Joseph with a bachelor’s degree in business and owns Lefke Tree Experts, based in Loveland.

Another impressive student is William Buchholz ’20. Will is currently in the School of Nursing at Duquesne University in Philadelphia. Will is working on a sleep study that will be published later this year. “I am able to communicate with teachers with ease and was set up for success with all the guidance and help I received at Moeller,” said Will. He was “more than prepared” and ready to excel in college.

Zach Kissel ’10 credits the program for giving him the skills to get where he is today. He learned that it is not all about execution; it is also about understanding how to get there. “They taught me that sometimes you need to take a step back and evaluate the whole situation. It is a skill that works with math problems as much as it does with the work I do today,” said Zach. “I can’t thank Mrs. Matuszek and all of the teachers at Moeller enough for what they’ve done for me.”

THE TEAM

Karen Matuszek

Director, Special Education Services

BS in Elementary/Special Education— Bowling Green State University MS in Educational Administration—Xavier University

Danny Aielli ’09

Intervention Specialist

BS in Education—University of Dayton

Marty O’Malley

Intervention Specialist

BS in Special Education—Xavier University MS in Educational Administration in progress—Xavier University

Katie Frider

Intervention Specialist

BS in Psychology and Spanish—Aurora University MS in Special Education—Xavier University

Amber Baer

School Psychologist

MS in School Psychology—Miami University BS in Psychology—Baldwin Wallace University

Kathy Fischesser

Speech/Language Pathologist

Licensed Speech/Language Pathologist BS—University of Cincinnati MS in Speech-Language Therapy— University of Cincinnati

Jan Mecklenborg Testing Specialist

BS in Education—Bowling Green State University MS in Speech Pathology—Miami University

Kristen Nay

Math Instructional Specialist

BS in Integrated Mathematics Education— Mount Vernon Nazarene University MS in Curriculum & Instruction— Indiana Wesleyan University

The team of intervention specialists is making use of its new space. With one large area for work and meetings, collaboration is easier than ever.

Left to right: Karen Matuszek, Danny Aielli ’09, Marty O’Malley, Katie Frider

The Academic Development IV course is designed to provide special education support services within a resource room environment for students with documented disabilities. This course will help students develop the skills necessary for academic success.

Emphasis is on self-awareness of individual learning strengths and weaknesses, goal setting, organization, time management, application of learning strategies, test preparation skills, and specific strategies necessary for the college transition process.