Meet the Team
Founded by two administrators, the DriveMind Group is a collective of school administrators, educators, and business professionals.
JR Suppes
President
Email | 330.605.3311 | Safety & Security
JR Suppes began his career in Education in 1986. During his 30 plus years in education he has done everything from coaching, teaching, administration, dean of students, superintendent and most importantly a leader in the education world.
While dabbling in the education world Suppes realized he wanted to make an impact more than anything on the kids an parents in the school systems. Since he’s been in all roles you can image in the education world, his idea of DriveMind was started with his partner in crime Mr Bostic.
Jim Bostic
Vice President
Email | 330.414.4285 | Curriculum
Jim Bostic is a veteran in the field of education, with over 30 years of combined experience in senior level administration, secondary curriculum, career-tech education, including a variety of school leadership positions at all developmental levels. Jim’s passion for education has inspired him to successfully receive an assortment of degrees and licensures, molding him as an education expert in both traditional and community school design. With his skills, Jim has assisted in significant enrollment growth in large school districts, as well as effectively analyzing and improving school budgets. Jim is married to his long-time wife and father of eight children.
Ashley Kaufman
Educational Solutions Manager
Email | 330.814.4606 | Fundraising
Ashley has been involved with K-12 education for over 10 years after she received a Master’s Degree in Education. She has served in a variety of roles from coach, to teacher, and most recently a school administrator. While serving in her previous roles she was able to firsthand experience the challenges educators face daily while trying to provide the best education for our children. Ashley comes to us with a passion for advancing educational and operational practices in our schools.
Jackie Davis
Director of IT and STEM Programs
Email | 330.812.7299 | Robotics
Jackie has been in K-12 Information Technology for nearly 15 years. Partnering with schools in efforts to grow their understanding of technology and what drives learning for this generation of students is and will always be Jackie’s passion. STEAM in the classroom is something that is a must in the 21st, 22nd, 23rd centuries and beyond and she just can’t wait to share this concept to all staff (tech savvy or not) with the enthusiasm of a true geek (but without the pocket protector).
Jackie holds degrees in Applied Business, Computer Networking Software and Applied Science, Computer Networking Hardware.
Brittany Tackett
Special Education Compliance Director
Email | 937.725.0574 | Special Education
Brittany Tackett began her career as a Language Arts/Social Studies Teacher in 2009. However, during the first few months of her career she knew she was destined to teach students with special needs. In 2012, Brittany graduated with her Masters in Special Education. Brittany has taught in a variety of settings to include: public, charter, and residential treatment facilities. During her time in charter schools, Brittany met an amazing team of administrators (JR, Ashley, and Jim) whose visions aligned with hers. Brittany’s impeccable skills in directing special education teams has lead her to strive to bring the best education to students with special needs. When she isn’t writing IEPs or helping others strive to be their best she enjoys spending time watching football with her husband and toddler son.
Rebecca Smetak
Brand Manager Director
Rebecca Smetak began her career in Graphic Design in 2011, after graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design through The University of Akron. Previously she was the Director of Marketing and Creative Services at Hiram College for 12 years. There she provided professional counsel and expertise to campus in the areas of marketing, branding and graphic design in order to position Hiram College as a highly favorable choice in the higher education landscape.
Rebecca’s greatest strengths are her creativity, drive and leadership.
Liz Bailey
Regional Special Education Coordinator
Liz Bailey began her career 18 years ago in education. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Special Education from Kent Sate University and a Master’s in Classroom Guidance from Malone University. She has taught in suburban and urban school districts and most recently served as a Special Education Supervisor. Liz demonstrates knowledge and skill sets that set her apart in the area of standards-based instruction, special education teaching-learning practices, resource design and development and collaborative leadership practices. Her priority and focus is on keeping students at the center of all decisions and growing teams to do the same.
Steve Viscounte
Director of Program Development
Steven Viscounte is an exceptional educator with a vision for all-round educational advancements. His several years of quality experiences in this field, especially in administration, will provide a solid perspective in the operations and protocol on how schools operate. He has made an impact in education through his several roles as a teacher and leader. With his kind nature, exemplary skills and determination to make a difference wherever he finds himself, Steve is excited to contribute his quota as a member of the DriveMind Group team of professionals.
Next Steps...
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