Julie Rugh, Program Coordinator

Julie grew up in New Philadelphia, Ohio.  She has one brother and one wonderful six year-old niece.  After attending Tuscarawas Central Catholic she came to the Cleveland area to attend Baldwin- Wallace College.  She earned her bachelor of science in Early Childhood Education and taught for five years in the Diocese of Cleveland, spending four years at St. Vincent de Paul School in Cleveland.  Third grade was her favorite grade to teach, but she also spent time in Kindergarten and Second Grade.  While teaching, Julie attended John Carroll University and earned a Masters degree in Educational Administration.  After earning her masters Julie left the classroom and worked at Seeds of Literacy as the Director of Teaching and Learning.  Julie worked with adults who were coming back to school to earn their GED.  She worked very hard to make sure all of her students got the education they needed to improve their lives and instill the value of education into their own children.  It is the love of children and the value of education that brought Julie to Open Doors. 

This is Julie’s first year at Open Doors and has already really seen a difference in the lives of the children who attend  Open Doors.  She believes this organization and the people that work here really influence students at a time when they are most in need of positive role models in their life.  Julie thinks this job is the best fit for her and her life.  Being a role model, an administrator, and a teacher all in one really makes her feel like she is making a difference in the lives of children.