Preps Cliffs

Tiersa Sullivan joined the Open Doors Academy team September 2019. She served as Campus Coordinator at Euclid Middle School for three years, as well as a Classroom Coordinator at the Citizens Academy Southeast Remote Learning Center, before becoming the Program Manager for the Breakthrough Public Schools and Euclid City Schools.

Tiersa attended school in the Bedford City School District for K-12th grade, graduating from Bedford High School in 2002. After high school, she attended The University of Akron, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. After college, she began her teaching career at a charter school in Cleveland Ohio for 4 years as a Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade teacher. After 4 years, she made the decision to devote her time in staying home with her 3 amazing kids.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading books, spending quality time with her kids/spouse, and shopping. She is devoted in continuing to help make a difference in the lives of our youth.

Gina Cantale joined the Open Doors Academy team in September 2020. She began at ODA as a Coordinator during the Remote Learning Centers for Cleveland Heights and she currently serves as a Family Advocate. Gina is passionate about empowering others and advocating for those who face injustice.

In August 2020, Gina graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. While attending BGSU, Gina held a leadership role in a service-learning community and spent her time volunteering in the Toledo area. She is currently attending Case Western Reserve University to obtain a Master of Social Work with a specialization in Community Practice for Social Change.

Gina loves reading, cooking and baking, spending time with friends and family, and most importantly, her dogs!

“Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.” -Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Corey Brooks was born and raised in Washington, D.C. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and a Master’s in Education with a concentration in Coaching from Lake Erie College. Corey is eager to further his professional development in the business world.

While at Lake Erie College, Corey worked as a Residential Director of Student Engagement and Coordinator of New Student Orientation, where he supported faculty and assisted new students with housing and campus information. He also helped produce a video series featuring student-athletes sharing their experiences at the college.

Corey is committed to continuous growth and development, always eager to learn new skills and techniques.

Aziza Salukombo was born in Kosoro, Uganda, and was raised in various parts of Africa. She began working with Open Doors Academy in May 2024 as the Campus Coordinator at Eprep Cliffs. Before working with ODA, Aziza spent her time as a bilingual educator for Cleveland schools. She also served the unhoused youth population in Cleveland through a non-profit organization in the Cleveland area. Ms. Salukombo is a graduate of The University of Akron, with a BA in Philosophy, concentrating in communications and public relations. While at Akron University, Aziza stayed busy as an active member around campus. She was the Public Relations Officer of the African Student's Association, a member of the Black Student Union, and she also founded an African dance team, The Royal Descendants, which she ran for three years. She hosted many programs, meetings, and organized yearly events. Aziza enjoys serving her communities and goes above and beyond for those in need of her assistance.

When not engaged with ODA scholars, Aziza serves as a Community Advisory Board member at RE: Source Cleveland and is the sitting Vice President of the Cleveland Congolese Youth Community. For hobbies, she enjoys dancing, cooking, decorating, traveling, volunteering, and serving her various communities.

Saeanna Caputi, originally from Buffalo, New York, has always known she wanted to make a difference in the world. After moving to Ohio and experiencing a life-changing mentorship during her own adolescence, she became inspired to create similar meaningful moments for other children. She pursued her passion by studying Psychology and Health Sciences at Cleveland State University, in 2018.

Driven by her love for helping others, Saeanna began working at a community center in Cleveland, where her commitment to making an impact deepened. In April 2024, her journey led her to join Open Doors Academy (ODA).

Outside of her role at ODA, Saeanna is a dedicated mother who enjoys nature walks by the water, music, snowboarding, and motorcycles. She is passionate about working with children of all ages and strives to inspire and connect with every scholar she encounters.

Kyra Cutsail is new to Open Doors Academy, having started her journey as Campus Coordinator during this year’s summer camp. Before joining the ODA team, she was an AmeriCorps member at City Year Cleveland, serving CMSD scholars in literacy, math, and social-emotional learning. Through this, she fostered a love for education and an admiration for the power of youth today.

Kyra moved from Delaware to Ohio in 2019 to attend Marietta College. She graduated in the spring of 2023, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Directing, as well as the McDonough Leadership Certificate. While in the theatre program at MC, she held many leadership positions and was given the opportunity to bring theatre and the arts to local students through camps and special school-day performances of the College’s work.

Kyra loves creating art, watching movies, and reading in her free time. She cannot wait to see where her path with ODA will lead.