Board of Education

Email: BAhlquist@CanfieldSchools.net

I have lived in Canfield for the last 20-years.

Graduated high school from South Range. Biochemistry degree from Messiah University. Doctor of Optometry degree from the Ohio State University College of Optometry. Residency with specialty in ocular disease from the Ohio State College of Optometry. Diplomate status from the American Academy of Optometry.

Owner of and optometrist at Ahlquist Eye Care for 19-years in Canfield.

I have been a proud PTA member for 14 years and I am a room mom in my son’s elementary class.  I enjoy volunteering every Wednesday to work in the library at Hilltop with PTA. I try to help out with as many PTA activities that I can each year. I’ve spent the last few years helping with the levy committee.
Each year I look forward to participating with in the High School Health Fair, where I get to showcase the fascinating world of optometry. I regularly attend sporting events, choir and band concerts, and art shows to support our students' passions.

My top priority as a board member is to preserve academic excellence. I aim to do this by ensuring essential components like vibrant school libraries and a thriving art program are maintained, rather than considered ancillary. These aspects contribute to a well-rounded education that benefits our students. I want to make sure the board members are more actively involved in all four of our current buildings and create more harmony between administration and teachers and help increase communication so the students benefit.

I prioritize enhancing the security of our buildings to protect our most cherished possession - our children. This includes updating security measures to meet current standards and ensure their physical well-being. And working hard to come up with a plan for new or improved facilities to help give our students a building that matches the academic excellence we strive for.

My husband, Jeff, and I have been married 23yrs and we have 3 sons (a college freshman, a sophomore, and a first grader).
 

Email: Natway@canfieldschools.net

Nader Atway is a proud 1993 Ursuline High School graduate. He continued his education at Youngstown State University and received a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Biology. He is currently a Pharmaceutical District Sales Manager.

Prior to becoming a Board member, he was also active in the community as he currently serves as a Trustee for the Youngstown State University Foundation and a Board member on the Canfield Soccer Club. He takes great pride in volunteering in various avenues in the community. He enjoys watching his children in their activities and helping with their education.

Atway believes being a Cardinal means having a strong sense of pride and accomplishment. His goal as a Board member is to help advance the mission and vision of the school district as well as support all aspects of student success. He is invested in the community long term. He lives in Canfield with his wife Ayam and four children.

Email: jaderamo@canfieldschools.net

Jill DeRamo is a lifelong resident of the Mahoning Valley and has made Canfield her home for the past 22 years. She and her husband, Joe, have proudly watched all of their children grow up in the Canfield Local School District (classes of 2014, 2019, 2022, and 2026).

Mrs. DeRamo earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Education in School Counseling from Youngstown State University. She went on to complete a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at Kent State University and obtained her Principal’s License through Cleveland State University.

Mrs. DeRamo has served in multiple educational roles, including High School Science Teacher (Biology and Chemistry), School Counselor, and Dean of Students. She currently works as a School Counselor at Maplewood Career Center in Ravenna. In addition to her work in education, Mrs. DeRamo is the owner and operator of Giura Auto Repair in Youngstown.

Mrs. DeRamo is active in community service. She has been a member of the PTA for the past 22 years, sat on the Facilities Committee and raised money for Champion’s Day. She volunteers with several local organizations and serves on the Board of Directors for OH WOW! The Roger and Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science and Technology. She is a member of St. Michael’s Church and the Canfield Junior Women’s League. 

Committed to strengthening public education, Mrs. DeRamo looks forward to contributing her extensive experience in school operations to the Board. Her priorities include advancing academic outcomes, fostering meaningful collaboration with students, families, and staff, and advocating for Canfield Local Schools with state leaders in Columbus.

Email: SDeMaiolo@canfieldschools.net

Lived in the community for how long: 30+ years

Educational Background: 2004 graduate of Canfield High School, Bachelor's Degree in Middle Childhood from Youngstown State University

Professional Background: Taught 6th Grade Science and Social Studies at Canfield Village Middle School for three years before transitioning to the healthcare field as Director of Operations for Prima Healthcare, currently I am self-employed working in the real estate industry.

Company: Self Employed

Volunteer/Community/School Activities: Wrestling coach in Canfield for 18 years at Youth, Middle School and High School levels

Goals as a Board Member:   My vision for our school district would be one where the parents, teachers, administrators, board, and community at large work together to help prepare the students to be strong contributors to society. More specifically I would like to build an alumni base, improve facilities, and expand our curriculum.

Email: klelford@canfieldschools.net

Katie Elford is a life-long resident of Canfield and a proud graduate of the Canfield High School Class of 1999. She continued her education at the University of Mount Union and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She also received a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Youngstown State University.

Katie has been an educator for 23 years and currently teaches at Western Reserve Local Schools. During her years in education, she has served on various committees within her school district. Some of these committees include the following: she was a member of the BLT (Building Leadership Team), a member of the MTSS (Mutli-Tiered Systems of Support), and served two terms as the Vice President of the teachers’ union. She also served as a member of the union negotiations team for a number of years.  

While serving on the Canfield School Board board, Katie hopes to build trust and relationships with the teachers, community, parents, and administration to accomplish shared goals. Katie believes the best way to accomplish this is through timely and transparent communication and being available to community members. She also would like to enhance and help create a strategic plan for the district when the current plan expires in 2027.  

Katie lives in Canfield with her husband Michael and son Grant. Grant attends CH Campbell Elementary. Her two daughters, Ashlyn and Cadence, are current students at the University of Mount Union and Kent State University, respectively.  They are also both graduates of Canfield High School.