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.
Jessica Barry
president + creative director
Ms. Barry is a 1997 graduate of saa, and has 14+ years of experience as an award-winning art director in various agencies in Dayton and Cincinnati. She has been instrumental in creating campaigns for companies such as Anheuser Busch, Duncan Toys Company, Huffy Bikes, Dell, The Iams Company, The Longaberger Company and the school of advertising art. 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 GD:USA 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 up-and-coming leaders. In 2009 and 2010, Jessica was
nominated as Educator of the Year by the Greater Dayton Advertising Association. She is currently studying management at Antioch University Midwest. 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 15+ years of industry experience as an award-winning art director while working at various advertising agencies in Dayton and Cincinnati. His clients have included Titleist and FootJoy Worldwide, IMG Canada, PGA Tour professional Mike Weir, Pediatrix and others. Matt’s work has received numerous awards by organizations including the Greater Dayton Advertising Federation [GDAA], 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 is saa’s 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 11 years. He serves as saa vice president, registrar, office manager, and director of human resources.
Michael Bonilla
instructor
Mr. Bonilla has 38+ 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. She has several years of agency experience as a senior web designer, and has worked with Purina, Midmark,Ford, Scott’s Lawn Care, Interbrand Design Forum, and Dayton Children’s Hospital. Alexis has received numerous professional design awards, including Bronze and Silver Addy’s, as well as a Gold Addy for web development of the GetUp Montgomery County website. She teaches web and interactive design.
Perry Edwards
instructor
Mr. Edwards has 27+ 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 mainly 3D animation and illustration for which he has won nine international awards. Perry teaches advanced computer graphics, computer animation, and computer illustration.
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 18+ 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.
Amy Niswonger
instructor
Ms. Niswonger is a graduate of Miami University with a dual degree in both graphic design and marketing. During her professional career she has worked for several international clients including JCPenney, Toys R Us, Procter & Gamble, Frito-Lay and Time Warner Cable. Utilizing both her design and marketing background, Amy has won many local design awards including a Gold ADDY/Hermes Award in the Best in Self-Promotion category. In 2010, she was named Educator of the Year by the Greater Dayton Advertising Association. Amy teaches graphic design.
John Rossi
instructor
Mr. Rossi has over ten 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 several 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 8 years experience in graphic design, and more than 6 years of web/interactive experience. He teaches web and interactive design.
Jennifer Patterson Lorenzetti
director of education & 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 13+ years of experience in technical, corporate, and magazine copywriting; marketing research; editing; and professional speaking. As director of education, her duties include preparation of the academic curriculum and supervision of all academic instructors. She teaches Copywriting and 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 GE102 History of Art, oversees the Fine Art club, and teaches Saturday Morning Art Classes.
Tony Lupia
instructor
Mr. Lupia has a degree in Journalism with a minor in Systems Engineering from the University of Dayton and a Master’s in Information Systems
Management from Ohio State University. Tony is a certified literary agent and has been involved with the publishing industry for over 35 years. He also has taught all types of writing classes at both the high school and college levels for the past 26+ years. Tony teaches Copywriting and 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.
Jennifer Sivak
instructor
Ms. Sivak has over 15 years of experience in marketing, advertising, writing, and project management. Her work has been featured in several Ohio publications, and she has had the privilege of working on a variety of national accounts in industries including telecomm, retail, renewable energy, and finance. Jennifer continues to consult and write on a freelance basis while teaching Copywriting and History of Advertising. She obtained a B.A. from Marietta College and an M.B.A. from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Norm Vallone
instructor
Mr. Vallone attended Syracuse University and has 31+ 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 of English degree from Bowling Green State University. She has experience in both public school and college libraries. She worked in the educational publishing field for over ten years as an editor, and has experience in technical writing and news magazine publishing. Sally is the saa librarian and also assists staff and students with research, editing, and proofreading.
Andrea Renner
recruitment coordinator + recruiter
Ms. Renner is a 2004 graduate of saa, and has 2 years of working experience as a senior computer graphics artist for The Berry Company located in Dayton, Ohio. Andrea is currently servng as both recruitment coordinator and as a recruiter for
saa. She also works as a freelance designer with regional clients to create print advertising.
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.
Donnell Wiggins
recruiter
Mr. Wiggins is a 2007 graduate of Wilberforce University and is pursuing a Master Degree at Wright State University. He has worked in higher education for over 4 years, in admissions, financial aid, and academic support. He enjoys being involved wih a mentoring program for at-risk kids in the Cincinnati area. Donnell is currently a recruiter for saa.
Tracy Gardner
financial aid director
Ms. Gardner has 18+ years experience in higher education. Throughout her career she has worked in Career Services, Recruiting, and Financial Aid. Tracy manages all aspects of the financial aid process and administers all student accounts. In addition, she coordinates student activities, serves as an advisor to the student senate, and interviews potential students for admission.
Joanie Spain
director of public relations + career services
Ms. Spain holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities from Antioch University, McGregor. She networks extensively with graphic design professionals and professional associations listening for what they need, and exploring ways saa can meet those needs. Joanie also spends time getting to know saa students individually—their talents, strengths, personalities, and goals. Then she helps to connect the industry’s needs to the students’ talents.
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.
Abbie Heaney
admissions assistant
Ms. Heaney worked in the travel industry for 20+ years. Abbie processes admission applications and enrollments and helps with other office duties. She enjoys being a part of the admissions team and working with staff and students.
Katie Irish
admissions assistant
Ms. Irish is working toward a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has 14 years experience in sign language, and plans to teach elementary students who are deaf and unable to speak. Katie calls prospective saa students and schedules interviews with the admissions team.
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 17 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 31+ 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.
