We've thrown out the first pitch of the season and are now in the swing of things for the 2023-24 school year! Take a moment to meet the team of educators, administrators, and staff members who are serving and impacting our students on a daily basis. Each week, we will spotlight members of our staff throughout the EFCTS district!
DAVID EICHORN
Culinary Arts Instructor, ECC
Your favorite books:
"Culinary Reactions"
"Overcoming Dyslexia"
"Our Endangered Values"
Your favorite musician/artist: Gaelic Storm
Your favorite quote: "Do or do not ... there is no try"
Favorite hobbies: Fishing, Hunting, Kayaking, Hiking
Who has inspired you? My children.
Tell us an interesting fact about you. I am an active hiker, mountain climber, and SCUBA diver. I have climbed mountains in 9 states and 5 countries; SCUBA dived in 4 countries. I plan on hiking Glacier National Park and climbing Glacier Mountain summer of 2024.
Why did you choose EFCTS? It's potential. When I interviewed in 2007 I researched the school and then the culinary program. I found that a lot of people had heard of the school/district but no one had heard of the culinary program. I felt like the challenge of changing that sounded exciting and I believe we have come a long way in 16 years.
LAUREN TAYLOR
Math Instructor, FCC
Your favorite book: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, by Holly Jackson
Your favorite musician/artist: Taylor Swift
Your favorite sports teams: Cleveland Browns
Your favorite quote: Anything from the Office
Favorite hobbies: Audiobooks, watching TV, playing outside with my kids
Who has inspired you? My mom. She is strong and has always worked hard for our family.
Tell us an interesting fact (or three) about you.
I have been to 23 countries.
I went to the Eras Tour Three times
I was left-handed until I broke my arm in kindergarten, then I turned right-handed.
Why did you choose EFCTS? I love the opportunity to work with students who are career-focused!
TROY DENNISON
Construction Instructor, FCC
Your favorite book: Dune, by Frank Herbert
Your favorite musician/artist: AC/DC
Your favorite sports teams: The Ohio State Buckeyes
Your favorite quote: "It wasn't me." - Mr. Dennison
Favorite hobbies: Fishing, Hunting, Kayaking, Hiking
Who has inspired you? My children.
Tell us an interesting fact about you. I owned a lion growing up. I am the first teacher in my family. I have 25 aunts and uncles.
Why did you choose EFCTS? Simply put, the people.
AMBERLEE LOCKARD
Custodian, FCC
Your favorite book: Molecules of the Mind, by Jon Franklin
Your favorite quote: "Sleepy time, she comes."
Favorite hobbies: Reading, eating, and swimming.
What has inspires you? Kindness. It's a good mood food.
Tell us an interesting fact about you. I am always tired. I am hilarious. I never get sick. I am a great mommy.
JUSTIN GORDON
IT/Technology Coordinator, District Office
Your favorite book: Misery, by Stephen King
Your favorite musician/artist: Twenty One Pilots
Your favorite sports teams: Cleveland Browns
Your favorite quote: "Dreams without goals are just dreams." - Denzel Washington
Favorite hobbies: Cars and the outdoors
Who has inspired you? My dad. He always did it right.
Why did you choose EFCTS? As an alumnus, I am very familiar with Eastland-Fairfield and the amazing work done throughout the district. I'm grateful for the opportunities EFCTS granted me through the Programming & Software Design program, wanted to give back, and know it is a great place to be.
DANIELLE FYFFE
Employability Prep Instructor, FCC
Your favorite musician/artist: Mariah Carey
Your favorite sports teams: The Ohio State Buckeyes and Cincinnati Bengals
Your favorite quote: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (Phillippians 2:3-4)
Favorite hobbies: Swimming and hiking
Who has inspired you? My dad. He always did it right.
Tell us an interesting fact about you. I was born in Los Angeles. Taking off my shoes relieves stress.
Why did you choose EFCTS? I chose EFCTS because it has been my dream. I told my sports medicine instructor years ago I was going to teach at a technical school. I love my job, students, people.
DYLAN DANIELS
K-12 Career Service Specialist
Your favorite musician: Etta James
Your favorite quote: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (Phillippians 2:3-4)
Favorite hobbies: Traveling to New York City, singing with his best friends, playing board games, spending time with family, exploring new food experiences
Who has inspired you? Students inspire me to greater service because they hold the future.
Tell us an interesting fact about you. I have been singing and performing my entire life. I taught theater and performing arts for seven years. I am on the Board of Education at Maysville Local Schools in Zanesville.
Why did you choose EFCTS? I chose EFCTS because of the incredible resources and opportunities that are offered to build the future of tomorrow's leaders.
JENNIFER BLACKSTONE
Assistant Superintendent, EFCTS
Your favorite book: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
Your favorite quote: "Teaching is the one professional that leads to all other professions."
Favorite hobbies: Running, Reading, Hiking, Skiing, Foodie (coffee and pizza snob)
Favorite artist: Aerosmith
Favorite sport and team(s): NCAA Basketball. I've been a Buckeye fan since birth!
Who has inspired you? My mom -- she has the biggest heart for others!
Tell us an interesting fact about you. My family picks a "theme" every year for Christmas and dresses up!
Why did you choose EFCTS? I chose EFCTS because I truly believe that Career Technical Education can and does provide a practical pathway and future for students!
HEATHER TINSLEY
Assistant Principal, FCC
Your favorite book: Anything by Nicholas Sparks
Your favorite quote: "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new."
Favorite hobbies: Crafting, camping, kayaking, and being creative
Who has inspired you? My 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Mowrer, because she made me feel like I could do anything I set my mind to.
Tell us an interesting fact about you.
I have kayaked on the ocean with my dog, Sebastian and, I have taught every grade from k-12 so far in my career
Why did you choose EFCTS? I chose EFCTS to make more of a difference in a student's life. I have loved the amazing welcome that I have received from EFCTS.
NICK CARLSON
Instructor, Robotics & Automation
Your favorite sports teams: The Ohio State Buckeyes
Favorite artist: The Gorillaz
Favorite hobbies: Rollerblading, Reading, Spikeball
Your favorite book? Dune
Tell us an interesting fact about you. I can juggle and I have my black belt in self-defense.
ANGELA FUENTES
Assistant Principal, FCC
Your favorite sports teams: Cincinnati Bengals, Ohio State Buckeyes, Cincinnati Reds
Favorite artist: Van Halen
Favorite hobbies: Family time, sports, reading, foreign shows
Who has inspired you? My mom. She has overcome many obstacles and is a fierce and strong woman who loves without judgment.
Tell us an interesting fact about you. I've lived on three different military installations.
Why did you choose EFCTS? I chose EFCTS because of the positivity and professionalism exuded by the interview committees. I love the way people have been open to being professional supports and friends.