faculty and staff

Jessica Barry

President + Creative Director
Ms. Barry is a 1997 graduate of saa, and has 15+ years of experience as an award-winning art director. Jessica has been honored with four Gold ADDY/Hermes and three Judge’s Choice Awards by the Greater Dayton Advertising Association. She was also awarded a Gold and Silver ADDY from the District Five Advertising Federation. Jessica’s work has also been honored by GDUSA magazine, the American Institute of Graphic Arts [AIGA], the Columbus Society of Communicating Arts [CSCA], Art Center Dayton, and the Admissions Marketing Report. In 2011, Jessica received a Dayton Business Journal “Forty Under 40” award, which honors the region’s leaders. In 2009 and 2010, Jessica was nominated as Educator of the Year by the Greater Dayton Advertising Association. Jessica is saa’s president overseeing the admissions process, advertising, and the future growth of saa.

Matt Flick

Vice President, Creative Director + Instructor
Mr. Flick has 16+ years of industry experience as an award-winning art director while working at advertising agencies in Dayton and Cincinnati. His clients have included Titleist, FootJoy Worldwide, IMG Canada, PGA Tour professional Mike Weir, Duncan Seawall, and others. Matt’s work has received numerous awards by organizations including the Greater Dayton Advertising Association, the District Five Advertising Federation, the American Institute of Graphic Arts [AIGA], the Columbus Society of Communicating Arts [CSCA], Admissions Marketing Report, and GDUSA magazine. Matt has been awarded four Gold ADDY/Hermes awards by the Greater Dayton Advertising Association and a Silver ADDY from the District Five Advertising Federation. In 2011, Matt received a Dayton Business Journal “Forty Under 40” award, which honors the region’s up-and-coming leaders. Matt was named Educator of the Year by the Greater Dayton Advertising Association in 2009 and 2012. Matt serves as vice president, creative director, and instructor, teaching graphic design.

Nathan Summers

Vice President + Director of Human Resources
Mr. Summers has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Notre Dame. Nathan has served saa in a variety of positions over the last 12 years. He serves as saa vice president, registrar, office manager, and director of human resources.

Linda Potter

Owner + Counselor
Ms. Potter has a Master Degree in Counseling from Wright State University with post-masters course work from the University of Dayton. She is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with more than twenty-five years of experience in the mental health field, including fifteen years as a supervisor/manager. Linda provides brief professional counseling as requested, and on-site crisis counseling as needed.

Tracy Gardner

Director of Financial Aid
Ms. Gardner has 19+ years experience in higher education. Throughout her career she has worked in financial aid, career services, and recruiting. Tracy manages all aspects of the financial aid process and administers all student accounts. In addition, she coordinates student activities, serves as an adviser to the student senate, and interviews potential students for admission.

Karen Abney Korn, PhD

Director of Education + Instructor
Dr. Korn earned a PhD at the University of Dayton in Educational Leadership in 2012. Her previous education includes an MA in Anthropology from Indiana University, and a BA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati, DAAP. Her academic research agenda includes: student use of social media, alternative models of higher education, sustainability studies, social movements, and student activism on campus. She has taught anthropology, African studies, sustainability, and professional development classes. As Director of education, Karen’s  duties include preparation of the academic curriculum and supervision of all academic instructors.

Roxann Patrick

Director of Public Relations + Career Services
Ms. Patrick has over 30 years of experience in graphic design, marketing, and advertising. She has received over 100 ADDY awards, and many other awards from DMA, Graphic Design USA, WBENC, the New York Times, and Cox Newspapers. Roxann works with graphic design professionals and professional associations, exploring ways saa can meet their unique needs. She mentors students and learns their individual strengths in order to match the talents of saa graduates with opportunities available in the design industry.

Michael Bonilla

Instructor
Mr. Bonilla has 39+ years of experience in advertising and fine art. His award-winning paintings are sought after nationally and internationally. During his career, he has received many advertising illustration awards from: New York Art Director’s Club, The Visual Club N.Y., Print Regional Design Annual, Art Director’s Club of Cincinnati, Columbus Society of Communication Arts, Greater Dayton Advertising Association and others. Michael teaches traditional drawing and painting.

Alexis Branham

Instructor
Ms. Branham is a 2005 graduate of saa, and has 8 years experience in graphic design and Web design. As a senior Web designer with private firms, she handled project management and specialized in front-end development. Clients include Purina, Scotts Lawn Care, Ford, P&G, United Way, Midmark, Dayton Children’s Hospital, CareSource, Newpage, and Holloway Sportswear. Alexis teaches Web and interactive design.

Perry Edwards

Instructor
Mr. Edwards is a 1986 graduate of saa and has 28+ years of experience in computer graphics, working as a graphic designer and providing training in various art studios and Fortune 100 corporations. His current focus is 3D animation and illustration for which he has won ten international awards. Perry teaches advanced computer graphics, computer animation, and computer illustration.

Kelly Mercer

Instructor + Admissions Specialist
Ms. Mercer, a graduate of the University of Dayton, has nearly a decade of industry experience as an award-winning producer and media design director, working for TV stations and advertising agencies in the Dayton region. Kelly has worked with The WB and CW Networks, The Daily Buzz, a nationally syndicated morning show, and various clients across the U.S. Her work has received numerous awards, including three Emmy Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, six Gold ADDY and seven Silver and Bronze awards from the Greater Dayton Advertising Association, and various industry awards for writing, editing, and producing. She currently serves as the Executive Vice President for the Ohio Valley Region of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Kelly is saa’s video and motion design instructor and an admissions specialist.

Michelle Moor

Instructor
Ms. Moor earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Columbus College of Art and Design, where she majored in Advertising Design. Her professional advertising career spans 19+ years, including positions as graphic designer, art director and creative director at various art studios and advertising agencies. She has been awarded numerous national graphic design and marketing awards. Michelle teaches graphic design.

Tony Neary

Instructor
Mr. Neary holds an Associate of Arts degree in Visual Communications from Collins College in Tempe, Arizona. Tony is a partner and creative director of Traction, an award-winning graphic design firm in Cincinnati. His past experience includes serving as design director with Deskey in Cincinnati, and as art director with both Jacobson Rost in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Krueger Marketing Associates in Champaign, Illinois. He has worked with clients such as P&G, GoPro, the NBA, Coca-Cola and Johnson & Johnson. Tony teaches graphic design.

John Rossi

Instructor
Mr. Rossi has over eleven years experience in the field of commercial photography, and has shot for clients locally, nationally, and internationally. His skills include valuable Photoshop techniques and photography practices. John attended Kent State University and is a graduate of the Ohio Institute of Photography. An avid fine arts photographer, his work has been featured at galleries. John teaches photography.

Ricardo Thompson

Instructor
Mr. Thompson is a 2004 graduate of the school of advertising art. During his career Ricardo has held several titles including graphic designer, Web designer, senior interactive designer, and Web manager while working for clients including Rogers and Andrews Jewelers, Toyota, AT&T, DP&L, Lexis-Nexis, and the Victoria Theatre Association. Ricardo has numerous design awards including a District Five Gold ADDY as a student in the self-promotional category. Ricardo has 9 years experience in graphic design, and more than 7 years of Web/interactive experience. He teaches Web and interactive design.

David Bowman

Instructor
Mr. Bowman has a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing from the University of Dayton, and a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Wright State University. David serves as Chief Marketing Strategist at The Ohlmann Group, a marketing communications firm in Dayton, Ohio. He was named one of Dayton’s “Forty Under 40” for 2011 in recognition of his leadership in the local business community, and he is active in many organizations. David teaches Marketing.

Kameron Hurley

Instructor
Ms. Hurley is an advertising copywriter with over 10 years of marketing and 15 years of creative writing experience. She is a Senior Copywriter at LexisNexis and has previous experience as Lead Copywriter with The Ohlmann Group and as Communications & Social Media Manager with ITS Financial. Her copywriting work has earned two Hermes Awards. She has a B.A. in Historical Studies from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, and an M.A. in Historical Studies from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in Durban, South Africa. Kameron is the author of a triptych of novels, which won the Sydney J. Bounds Award for Best Newcomer, presented by the British Fantasy Society, and the Kitschy Award for Best Debut Novel. Kameron teaches Copywriting.

Jennifer Patterson Lorenzetti

Instructor
Ms. Lorenzetti holds an M.S. in College Student Personnel Services and a B.A. in History, both from Miami University. The owner of Hilltop Communications, she has 14+ years of experience in technical, corporate, and magazine copywriting; marketing research;  editing; and professional speaking.  She teaches History of Advertising.

Scott Gibbs

Instructor
Mr. Gibbs received his art education at the Worcester Museum of Fine Arts and served as a studio assistant for five years in both Manhattan and Paris. Scott has pieces featured in the Smithsonian and his awards include two Montgomery County Visual Arts Fellowships in the Master Category, and a residency at the prestigious Contemporary Artists Center in North Adams, Massachusetts, followed by a showing at the First Time Gallery [North Hampton] in October of 2005. Scott teaches Art History and oversees the saa Fine Art Club.

Maria Norman

Instructor
Ms. Norman has a degree in language arts from Wright State University. She is a copywriter at Real Art Design Group in Dayton. Maria teaches English Composition.

 


James W. Pierce

Instructor
Mr. Pierce has extensive business experience, having worked for over 25 years as a CEO of public corporations in Florida, Michigan, Iowa, and Ohio, also serving as a senior business analyst helping to improve profitability, and as a regional marketing manager for one of the largest providers of public charter school education in the U.S. Jim has served as an associate professor of management and communications, teaching many intensive writing courses at Eastern Iowa Community College, Wright State University, and Capitol University. Jim teaches English and Professional Presentation.

Andy Valeri

Instructor
Andy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Film; Theory and Production from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Dayton.
Mr. Valeri is the creator, writer, and producer for Uncommon Sense TV Media. He is also the programming supervisor for the Miami Valley Communications Council. Andy teaches History of Advertising.

Norm Vallone

Instructor
Mr. Vallone attended Syracuse University and has 32+ years of marketing and advertising agency experience. He founded MessageWorks, Inc., a marketing communications consulting firm, in 1993. Norm has worked with such clients as Harley-Davidson, Minolta Copiers, Reynolds & Reynolds, and NCR Corporation. Norm teaches Marketing and Professional Presentation.

Sally Athmer

Librarian
Ms. Athmer has a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Bowling Green State University. She has experience in both public school libraries and college libraries. She worked in the educational publishing field for more than fifteen years as an editor, and has experience in technical writing and newsmagazine publishing. Sally is the saa librarian and also assists staff and students with researching, editing, and proofreading.

Andrea Renner

Recruitment Coordinator + Recruiter
Ms. Renner is a 2004 graduate of saa, and has worked as a senior computer graphics artist for The Berry Company located in Dayton, Ohio. Andrea is currently serving as both recruitment coordinator and as a recruiter for 
saa. She also works as a freelance designer with regional clients to create print advertising.

Nate Hansen

Recruiter
Mr. Hansen graduated from Buena Vista University in 2005, where he earned a degree in teaching. He is also a 2003 graduate of Iowa Lakes Community College, where he was a member of the Laker golf team, and he is now working on his Master’s in Business Administration. Nate has eight years of experience in academic and athletic recruiting.

Wil Rowland

Recruiter
Mr. Rowland graduated from Cecil Community College in Northeast Maryland with three degrees in art: Graphic Design, Drawing/Painting and Ceramics/Sculpture. Wil is an award-winning artist and has done freelance art and illustration for over three years. Wil has had work published by Word Aflame Publications, has created COSI’s mascot design and continues to work as a freelance artist with clients throughout the U.S. Wil is currently a recruiter and loves sharing the world of art with students.

Allison Thompson

Recruiter
Ms. Thompson is a 2004 graduate of saa. She most recently worked for seven years as a senior graphic artist at Berry Network Inc. in Dayton, Ohio. She also works as a freelance artist in print advertising. Allison loves meeting new students and seeing the awesome talent they possess.

Cathy Graves

Admissions Coordinator
Ms. Graves has been working with children and young adults for the past 26+ years. She is presently a CASA for the juvenile court system, advocating for the rights of abused and neglected children. For the last 15 years she has also worked as the office manager of her family’s business in Versailles, Ohio. Ms. Graves calls prospective students and schedules interviews with the admissions team. She also coordinates the admissions process. Cathy enjoys sharing what saa has to offer with prospective students and hearing them get excited about their future plans.

Natalyn Arevalo

Admissions Assistant
Ms. Arevalo has a degree in Business Administration from Governors State University in University Park, Illinois. She has 10 years experience in sales and customer service. Natalyn calls prospective saa students and schedules interviews with the admissions team.

Abbie Heaney

Marketing Coordinator/Admissions Assistant
Ms. Heaney attended Smith College and worked in the travel industry for 20+ years. As marketing coordinator, Abbie oversees promotional mailings and assists in planning and implementing saa events. She also enjoys being part of the admissions team and working with staff and students. Abbie is the housing coordinator for saa, helping students find roommates and local housing.

Rachel Summers

Admissions Assistant
Ms. Summers has 11+ years experience in financial aid administration, office management and legal assistance. She has held a variety of positions at saa, and currently works as an admissions assistant.

Karen Walker

Admissions Assistant
Ms. Walker is a graduate of Bowling Green State University. She has been teaching in the Dayton area for 18+ years and has lived in Kettering, Ohio her entire life. Ms. Walker calls prospective students and schedules interviews with the Admissions Team. Karen loves to see the beautiful artwork and talk with the prospective students about their future goals and dreams.

Craig Patrick

IT Administrator
Mr. Patrick’s career spans 32+ years in the graphic arts industry with responsibilities ranging from customer service manager to Vice President of the largest typographer in Cincinnati. Ten years ago Craig started his own IT business targeting the educational and graphic art industry. Craig is responsible for all IT functions and system maintenance at the school and also spends time with 
the students resolving hardware and software issues.

John Morris

Maintenance Supervisor
Mr. Morris’ career spans fifty years, with corporate positions of responsibility in the areas of sales, admissions and marketing. In recent years, he has run his own company cleaning and maintaining businesses and properties. John is responsible for the maintenance, cleaning and overall upkeep of the building as well as the property of saa.