Lima West Middle School

Chad Heileman is the Director of the Center for Out of School Advancement (COSA) at Open Doors Academy. He leads a team of seven Regional Specialists dedicated to elevating the field of out-of-school time education and programming by supporting over 300, 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) grants—and their teams of staff—across the state of Ohio. COSA provides technical training, on-site and virtual consultations, and staff development to all of Ohio’s 21st CCLC Program Managers, Site Coordinators, and front-line staff, indirectly impacting the lives of over 40,000 Ohio students every year. In addition, Chad oversees ODA’s nine custom afterschool locations in Lima (4), Mansfield (2), Firelands (2), and Sandusky (1).

Chad has worked with out-of-school time organizations, school districts, youth, and families for over 12 years. Before joining ODA in August of 2023, Chad was the Senior Director of Programs at Boys & Girls Clubs of Ohio Alliance and Director of School-Based Initiatives for Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio. Over 10 years of service to communities across the state of Ohio have taught Chad the power of afterschool programs to connect students not just to fun, unique experiences, but to caring adults, creating a safe place for meaningful relationships to be built, and resulting in a life-changing impact.

Chad earned his Master of Science degree in Education, Curriculum, and Instruction from Concordia University in 2012 and his Bachelor of Science in English from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 2006. He and his wife, Kim, have three children and enjoy spending their time fellowshipping with family and friends, camping, fishing, kayaking, tending to their vegetable and flower gardens, and supporting their children as they pursue their passions.

Karlette "Kitty" Kill is the Program Coordinator for Open Doors Academy held in Lima West Middle School. She is also the Girls CTAG Coordinator for the 7th and 8th grade at Lima West Middle School. She graduated from Tiffin University with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. She has over 25 years of experience working with children and implementing mentoring programs. Kitty believes in the potential of every student and strives to create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment where her students feel valued and empowered! In her free time, she loves spending time with friends and family, working in her yard, watching sports, and traveling.