Illustration of the future new FHS school building

Our Mission

Franklinton High School will prepare graduates to be successful in a variety of fields.

ABOUT US

“all students, irrespective of differences, can learn at high levels and graduate from high school”

As we designed our school, substantial research confirmed that students like Franklinton students will thrive into their futures if they have strong relationships with friends, with teachers and school personnel, with mentors and academic advisors, and with those from the community who will be working with FHS students. Positive relationships are the glue that keeps students in school, showing up every day to focus on their learning, earning their high school diploma, and heading toward a successful career and life.

Meet our Staff

Marty Griffith

Founder; Superintendent; Principal

Marty Griffith earned degrees from Kent State University and the Ohio State University College of Law. As an attorney, Marty worked with young men and women involved in the criminal and civil court systems of Franklin County and helped people launch businesses. In 2000, Marty returned to OSU, acquired a teaching license and embraced the fledgling charter school movement in Columbus. Since then, Marty served on the founding faculty of the Graham School, the A+ Arts Academy and launched a development and advancement department at the Arts & College Preparatory Academy before opening Franklinton High where he serves as its principal and superintendent.

Marty loves everything about FHS but mostly the kids who attend it. Marty serves on several local Boards, consults on school development, leadership and fundraising, loves to ski and lives in Bexley with his wife Jennifer and their two high school aged children.

Email Mr. Griffith

Jennifer Griffith

Vice Principal

Bio Coming Soon!

Email Mrs. Griffith.

Anne Hyland, PhD

Teacher Leader

Dr. Anne Hyland is a graduate of Bowling Green State University and the University of Toledo with majors in Curriculum, Instructional Supervision, and Testing and Measurement. She is also a School Improvement Specialist certified by North Central Association – Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement.

Dr. Hyland believes that FHS is a rare opportunity for students to attend a small high school, where everyone knows your name, and cares about you. At FHS the teachers focus on the learning needed to earn an Ohio high school diploma, and do so while also helping students learn to make good decisions for themselves, help students find their own learning strengths and use those strengths in productive ways into their own futures. She is very pleased to be part of this student learning experience.

Email Dr. Hyland.

Jennifer Chen

EMIS Coordinator

Jennifer Chen is multilingual, multicultural, and multifunctional. Aside from streamlining the FHS student database, one can find her hiking in the woods, biking on the trails, or playing volleyball. As the days get shorter, she is often on the couch wrapped in layers of blankets with a hot cup of tea and a good book.

Denise Doran

School Secretary

Ms. Doran comes from 26 years with Columbus City Schools at various locations throughout the District as an Elementary School Secretary. So, High School will be a little different, but she is looking forward to the change in ages and in the size of the school! Ms. Doran also spent time in Corporate America at Borden, Inc. in Trade Relations (a glorified Event Planner!), and with The Limited/Bath & Body Works in their Customer Service and Store Operations departments -- both as an Administrative Assistant. When Ms. Doran is not hanging out with the kids at school, she has two adult boys of her own that are her pride and joy - one in the Air Force becoming a Pilot and one working on his PhD in Music Education/Percussion in Texas.

Email Ms. Doran.

Kara Kralik

Director of Student Services; Intervention Specialist

Bio coming soon!

Email Ms. Kralik.

Amber McCoy

Business Manager

Amber McCoy has a Bachelor of Business degree from Wright State University with a focus in marketing. She has worked in Finance, Marketing, Retail Management, Operations Management and Procurement Management over the course of the last 20+ years. This well-rounded experience makes her a great fit for the Business Management position at Franklinton High School.

"I am excited to use my skills in a school environment. The kids bring great energy to the school and it's refreshing to be around them."

Outside of school, you can find Mrs. McCoy spending time with her family and running her two children to tennis and gymnastics practices and meets. She is a girl scout leader for her daughter's troop and serves as the treasurer for the service unit. She enjoys traveling with her family and spoiling her dog.

Email Mrs. McCoy.

Sam McCoy

Director of Development/ Music Teacher

Sam McCoy has a BM in Jazz Studies from The Ohio State University as well as an MM in Jazz Studies from William Paterson University. He earned the Graduate Scholar Award in 2006 while at WPU. He is also the director of the Columbus State Community College Steel Band.

The FHS Steel Band is entering its 7th year and has a new partnership with Capital University's Conservatory of Music. FHS students will work with Capital's percussion faculty while attending high school. They will be hosting the 1st Annual FHS/Capital University Steel Band Contest on April 9th of 2022. The band has performed at the Virginia International PANFest, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cincinnati Reds game, Columbus Blue Jackets game, Columbus Commons, Campus Gateway, King Arts Complex, Columbus Arts Festival, and many more places recently.

Email Mr. McCoy

Tenishia Benson

Director of 21st Century Program; Athletic Director; Basketball Coach

Bio coming soon!

Email Coach Benson.

Lisa Bradley

Social Studies Teacher

Lisa Bradley is our FHS social studies teacher. She has always had a passion for history and how its connections to today can help guide us into the future. Mrs. Bradley wants, above all, to instill in her students a curiosity for the world around them and the desire to be engaged citizens.

Mrs. Bradley obtained her B.A. from The Ohio State University in International Studies and Diplomacy and her teaching license from Otterbein University. She grew up in Central Ohio, leaving only for a short time to study abroad in London, England.

"I feel very lucky to have been welcomed into the FHS community. I love the small school atmosphere and the connections that I have already made to my students and fellow staff."

Outside of school, you can find Mrs. Bradley spending her time with her husband and two children. They find joy in traveling and discovering new places as often as they can!

Email Mrs. Bradley

Noah Campagna

Intervention Specialist Teacher

The newest addition to the Special Education Department. Noah Campagna is entering his 5th year in special education and looks forward to being a part of this wonderful community. Prior to becoming a Special Education Teacher, Mr. Campagna attended Ohio State where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education. Mr. Campagna is looking forward to bringing all his past knowledge to Franklinton High School.

Email Mr. Campagna

Ed Chatman

Computer Literacy and Microsoft CTE Teacher

Bio coming soon!

Email Mr. Chatman.

Josh Davis

Math Teacher

Mr. Davis teaches Algebra 1 and Geometry at FHS. Mr. Davis also serves as an Academic Advisor to 9th grade students.

"At FHS I get to interact with kids on a personal level and (I hope) get to make a positive impact on their life.

What I like about FHS students is their unique personalities and their ability to teach me as much about myself as I am able to teach them."

Mr. Davis does fun things outside of the classroom, too - you can find him playing sports, hanging out with friends, or performing music with his band!

Email Mr. Davis.

Brian Gerson

English Language Arts Teacher; Fitness Instructor

Mr. Gerson has been a middle school English teacher for 12 years, teaching at two Catholic schools in West Los Angeles and Venice, California. After relocating to Columbus in 2017, Brian took a break from the classroom and was a stay-at-home dad to his son. He also began a career in personal training and will bring his passion for wellness and healthy-living to his students in his fitness classes. Brian ran a distance learning pod in South Bexley in the 2020-2021 school year. His children are both in school now (kindergarten & 4th grade) so he’s excitedly making his return to the classroom.

Mr. Gerson is ever-present with the people he shares his time with, gives his students the perfect combination of structure, positive praise, meaningful feedback, and is playful and fun-loving.

Email Mr. Gerson.

Jill Harris

Visual Arts Teacher

Ms. Harris has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fine Arts, with a minor in Art Therapy. She earned her Master's Degree in Art Education from The Ohio State University. There, she had the opportunity to travel to Reggio Emilia, Italy to study at the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre and experience many incredible masterpieces and works of art in Florence and Rome.

"I went to Columbus West High school. I hated school so much I couldn't wait to get out! I worked for one year outside of high school and realized I couldn't do the daily grind at such a boring job! I called my high school art teacher and asked her if there was anything she could do to help me submit an application to college. She had me come to her house and draw until I had enough drawings to submit. I found out years later that she had written a letter that accompanied my portfolio. I give her all the credit for my going to college at The Columbus College of Art and Design and becoming an artist and a teacher! I truly hope I can have a positive impact on each and every student. I believe each student is full of potential and at Franklinton High School they are given the opportunity of being actively engaged in their own learning journey."

Email Ms. Harris.

Hugh Morris, PhD

Math and Science Teacher; Robotics Instructor

Dr. Hugh J. Morris obtained a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University College Cork in Ireland, an Master of Science in Radiation Physics from University College London and a Ph.D. in Therapeutic Ultrasound from the Institute of Cancer Research, a top tier research facility in Europe. While working as a postdoctoral scholar at The Ohio State University, he has led teams of Ph.D.s in fund raising efforts, advocacy challenges and initiatives to improve the integration of international postdoctoral scholars into the United States. He is highly trained in the scientific method and has strong technical, analytical and decision making skills.

But, Dr. Morris’s passion lies in instruction and in facilitating learning, so he is delighted to join the faculty at Franklinton High School. With his scientific background, he hopes to inspire his students in the use of math in the real world.

Email Dr. Morris

Kathleen Watson

Life Science Teacher

Miss Watson graduated from Capital University with a Bachelor of Arts in Life Science Education and a minor in Biology. She then completed continuing education courses at the University of Findlay to earn her Integrated Science Licensure.

The 2021-2022 school year will be Miss Watson's first year at Franklinton High School and she is electrified to engage her students in science and make new discoveries right alongside them!

Miss Watson will be teaching Biology and Human Anatomy and Physiology during the first semester of the school year.

"Being a scientist is a human's natural state and I can't wait to guide each student to discover the science that ignites their soul!"

Outside of the science classroom, Miss Watson can be found in her garden caring for her plants, hanging out with her two cats and gecko, or researching more information about plants, cats, and geckos.

Email Miss Watson.

Samantha Witty

English Language Arts Teacher

Mrs. Witty will be joining Franklinton High School as an English Language Arts Teacher.

Her hope is to instill in her students a love for reading and writing by showing them what real readers and writers do.

Mrs. Witty grew up outside of Cleveland, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Adolsecent/Young Adult Integrated Language Arts Education from Bowling Green State University. At BGSU, Mrs. Witty played piccolo in the Falcon Marching Band - and met her husband!

After graduating from BGSU, Mrs. Witty spent six years teaching high school in Austin, Texas. While in Texas, she completed a two-year training with the Heart of Texas Writing Workshop and earned a certificate in English as a Second Language, both of which still heavily influence her teaching style.

Her husband, their two cats, and herself missed Ohio, though, so they were thrilled when they had the opportunity to move back.

"I am incredibly excited to teach at a school like FHS that supports both teachers and students and encourages them to try new things!"

Mrs. and Mr. Witty spend their free-time biking, trying out new foods, and spending time with family.

Email Mrs. Witty.

Chelsea Arnold

School Clinical Counselor;
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Chelsea is the counselor at FHS. Chelsea is working here through The Village Network to provide in-house clinical counseling services. She went to Ohio University where she studied Psychology and Diversity Studies and then attended Kent State University for Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has worked in a crisis setting, college campus, with the juvenile courts, and adoptions.

Chelsea is here to help students reach their full potential. She is trained to identify and remediate stressors in functioning, resolve conflicts in relationships, and provide support for the student in the school, home, and community setting.

Megan Klang

School Social Worker; Assistant Director of 21st Century Program; CSCC Instructor

Miss Megan is Franklinton High School's College and Career Coordinator, helping students identify what they want to do once they graduate high school. Miss Megan also serves as the Assistant Director of the 21st Century After-School Program.

Miss Megan graduated from The Ohio State University with her Masters in Social Work. She is passionate about helping students embrace their full potential.

Miss Megan enjoys exploring Columbus, traveling, and going to concerts!

"My favorite part about FHS is the family like environment."

Email Ms. Klang.

Tricia Koenig

School Social Worker

Bio coming soon!

Email Ms. Koenig.

Trillyn Harper

Community Engagement Coordinator; Yoga Instructor

Miss Harper received her Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Family Science at The Ohio State University. During her college years, she developed a passion for yoga and its ability to support her both physically and mentally. After graduation, Miss Harper was accepted to attend a 30-day Yoga Intensive where she continued her education by surrounding herself with the benefits, history, and structure of the practice.

This is Miss Harper’s first year at Franklinton High School.
She could not be more excited to not only be a part of, but also watch FHS flourish in its new home.

Email Miss Harper.

Arts and Movement Instructors

Brady Calestro

Visual Media Instructor

Bio coming soon!

Email Mr. Calestro.

John Croke

Cooking Instructor

John Croke is the Artistic Director of The Caravan, an educational company that teaches cooking and nutrition classes. His roots in the Southwest and Deep South have informed his unique cooking perspective and John’s dishes have won several competitions at The North Market, 1400 Foodlab, and at countless pop-up Chef Battles hosted by his company around Ohio. With a BFA from The University of Southern Mississippi and 2 decades of kitchen and classroom experience, John teaches regular cooking classes at Franklinton High School, Madison Health, Gladden Community House, the Westerville Community Center and at libraries all over Ohio. For more information, visit wearethecaravan.com.

Bill Darby

Theater Instructor

Bio Coming Soon!

LeRoyna Edwards

Health Instructor; Yoga Instructor

Roni Edwards, M.Ed., a holistic health educator, master joyologist certified Hatha yoga & tai qi instructor, community mother, nonprofit leader and lifelong practitioner of healthy living will teach students on the basic needs to prevent obesity and disease; manage stress and promote wellbeing. Roni has a BS in Environmental Education from OSU and a masters from Ashford University in Culturally Responsive Education. She is also certified in Kemetic Yoga and Therapeutic Yoga, Phlebotomy and Raw Food preparation.

Brian Gerson

English Language Arts Teacher; Fitness Instructor

Mr. Gerson is ever-present with the people he shares his time with, gives his students the perfect combination of structure, positive praise, meaningful feedback, and is playful and fun-loving.

Email Mr. Gerson.

Trillyn Harper

Community Engagement Coordinator; Yoga Instructor

This is Miss Harper’s first year at Franklinton High School.
She could not be more excited to not only be a part of, but also watch FHS flourish in its new home.

Email Miss Harper.

Kate Morris

Jewelry Making Instructor

Kate has a degree in Jewelry Design and a Masters in Fine and Decorative Arts. She worked for many years in the Jewelry Department at Sotheby’s in London before turning her focus to textiles. In 2013 she founded The Lesser Bear, a socially conscious textile company, using natural dyes to create silk ribbon and table linens for weddings and special events. Recently she has been making pigments, dyes and watercolor paints out of plants, rocks, and minerals.

This is Kate's 4th year teaching a FHS and she has been amazed by the students' creativity and willingness to learn new skills.

Email Mrs. Morris.

Eric Rollin

Songwriting Instructor

Rollin, professional singer/songwriter, educator, mentor and audio engineer, is a native of the greater Columbus area and graduate of Gahanna Lincoln High School. He is the founder of the Columbus Chicken and Beer Festival, co-founder and singer/songwriter for the national band Mistar Anderson, and founder of the local music initiative "The Break" (longest running free style hip-hop open-mic night in Columbus, Ohio). He is also a member and/or advocate of various non-profit organizations dedicated to community music development.

Mr. Rollin, former instructor at Directions for Youth and Family Services, currently serves as the songwriting instructor at Franklinton High School. For the past 15 years, he has been writing music professionally and empowering youth by encouraging the use of positive and creative outward expression as a tool to increase socialization skills, academic success, and to overcome behavioral and emotional challenges. His passion for improving community by inspiring individual works of freedom makes him a great leader and role model for today's youth.

Live Music Video

Live band album

Instagram:@mistaranderson @rocrollin

Lorii A. Wallace

Dance Instructor

Lorii is a Dancer, choreographer, writer, interior and set designer who hails from Toledo, Ohio. Born into a musical family, she began playing the viola and piano at a young age. She began dancing with her sisters with African dance troupe Imuzi Ikaya, and then continued her study with Toledo Ballet, Toledo Performing Arts Company and more.

After studying Dance Therapy at the University of Toledo, and training with the late Geraldine Blunden of Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, she moved and danced with The Seattle/Tacoma Performing Arts Company, where she did off Broadway productions,and created her first performing arts company.

Her love for all the arts inspired her to create Tapestry Performing Arts Company right here in Columbus. Some of her credits include writing over 20 original productions and has had the honor of directing and choreographing numerous productions across the country including The Wiz and Black Nativity. Lorii most recently choreographed the CATCO productions of the Broadway Musical “EUBIE “ and “My Way”. During the last 10 years, Lorii has successfully worked with over 100 Ohio churches, schools, companies, and organizations creating numerous community-wide workshops and arts programs. Lorii was presented with acknowledgements from Columbus City Council, State Senators Office and Congress for her community arts productions to raise awareness for human trafficking and other subjects that affect our community.

She is the Artisti/Creative Director of Tapestry Performing Arts Company. She serves on several community boards and committees including, the Advisory Board of Ft. Hayes, BalletMet Columbus Educational Committee, Hope and Liberation Committee and is the Co Chair of The Demand Reduction Committee for human trafficking for CORCC at the Salvation Army, while operating her own interior decorating business (Set The Atmosphere Interior Decorating & Decor).

GOVERNING BOARD

Christiana Moffa

BOARD PRESIDENT

Catrina Blackwell

SECRETARY

Todd Johnson

TREASURER

Erin DeGialomo

MEMBER

Stephen Swift

Vice-President

Michael Hudoba

MEMBER

Tyler Overton

MEMBER

CONTACT

Email: info@franklintonhigh.org

Address: 89 Avondale Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43222

Phone: 614.427.1012

Our Mission

Franklinton High School will prepare graduates to be successful in a variety of fields.

ABOUT US

“all students, irrespective of differences, can learn at high levels and graduate from high school”

Meet our Staff

Marty Griffith

Founder; Superintendent; Principal

Jennifer Griffith

Vice Principal

Anne Hyland, PhD

Teacher Leader

Jennifer Chen

EMIS Coordinator

Denise Doran

School Secretary

Kara Kralik

Director of Student Services; Intervention Specialist

Amber McCoy

Business Manager

Sam McCoy

Director of Development/ Music Teacher

Email Mr. McCoy

Tenishia Benson

Director of 21st Century Program; Athletic Director; Basketball Coach

Lisa Bradley

Social Studies Teacher

Noah Campagna

Intervention Specialist Teacher

Ed Chatman

Computer Literacy and Microsoft CTE Teacher

Josh Davis

Math Teacher

Brian Gerson

English Language Arts Teacher; Fitness Instructor

Jill Harris

Visual Arts Teacher

Hugh Morris, PhD

Math and Science Teacher; Robotics Instructor

Kathleen Watson

Life Science Teacher

Samantha Witty

English Language Arts Teacher

Chelsea Arnold

School Clinical Counselor;Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Megan Klang

School Social Worker; Assistant Director of 21st Century Program; CSCC Instructor

Tricia Koenig

School Social Worker

Trillyn Harper

Community Engagement Coordinator; Yoga Instructor

Arts and Movement Instructors

Brady Calestro

John Croke

Cooking Instructor

Bill Darby

Theater Instructor

LeRoyna Edwards

Health Instructor; Yoga Instructor

Brian Gerson

English Language Arts Teacher; Fitness Instructor

Trillyn Harper

Community Engagement Coordinator; Yoga Instructor

Kate Morris

Jewelry Making Instructor

Eric Rollin

Songwriting Instructor

Lorii A. Wallace

Dance Instructor

GOVERNING BOARD

Christiana Moffa

Catrina Blackwell

Todd Johnson

Erin DeGialomo

Stephen Swift

Michael Hudoba

Tyler Overton

CONTACT

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

CONTACT

School Clinical Counselor;
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor