State and Regional Contacts


OMLA Advisory Board

Nicki is a 2003 graduate from the University of Dayton in Middle Childhood Education with concentrations in math and science. She also received her Master’s Degree from Marygrove College. Nicki is a 7th grade math teacher at Troy Junior High School and is also a team leader.

Kelli Cogan graduated in 1993 from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She received her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from John Carroll University and her Superintendents license from Cleveland State University. Kelli is currently the Assistant Superintendent in Olmsted Falls, Ohio. Prior to Olmsted Falls, Kelli was Principal of Troy Intermediate School in Avon Lake, Ohio. She served in that capacity for four years. Kelli was also the Principal of Wiley Middle School in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District. She has been an administrator for the last 11 years and was a classroom teacher for 8 years prior to her administrative roles. She was recognized as a Jennings Scholar, has served on various district and local committees and presented at both local and state conferences. Kelli Currently resides in Rocky River with her husband Chris and their two children.

Paul Destino is the Treasurer of the Ohio Middle Level Association. He has been on the OMLA Board since 2002. Paul has been the Principal of Mayfield Middle School since 2006. He previously was an Assistant Principal at Wiley Middle School and a middle school teacher at Monticello Middle School, both in the Cleveland Heights/University Heights School District. Paul is married to his wife Natalie and has 2 sons, Dominic and Anthony.

Lisa completed her undergraduate work at the Ohio State University and earned a masters degree from Ashland University in Educational Administration. She joined Marysville Schools in 2006, teaching a combination 7th and 8th grade students science and math. She serves on many committees within her school, directs the school musical, and has coached various sports. Lisa lives in Dublin with her husband and two children.

Jay Clark proudly serves as principal of Van Buren Middle School in the Van Buren Local School District in Hancock County, a position he has held since 2004. Prior to his current position, Jay taught instrumental music and was a middle school assistant principal. He earned a Bachelor’s of Music Education and Master’s in Educational Administration from Bowling Green State University. In addition to his commitment to OMLA, Jay also holds memberships in the Ohio Association for Secondary School Administrators, National Association of Secondary School Principals, Association for Middle Level Education, and is a member of the University of Findlay College of Education Advisory Council. Jay and his wife Crystal live in Findlay with their four children, and Sambam the greyhound.

Michelle completed her undergrad and graduate work at Ashland University and currently serves as an adjunct professor at the university. She has taught at Independence Middle School since 2006 and currently teaches 6th grade ELA. She is the student council advisor, volleyball coach, and serves on various professional committees at the school. She has presented at state and national conferences, received various awards at the city and state level, and was part of the 2012 OMLA Team of the Year. Michelle resides in Strongsville with her husband Tony, their sons, Griffin and Oliver, and their dog Oscar.