We hope you’ll enjoy discovering the unique stories of four extraordinary women in Centerville. Get inspired by Kim Boehm's dynamic teaching approach and Joan Cordonnier's selfless leadership. Then find admiration for Cari Oehlenschlager's compassionate care as well as Zarana Vakil's artistic journey. Their stories illuminate a local commitment to enriching lives and nurturing community spirit.
Kim Boehm, Centerville 2024 Teacher of the Year
If you are truly lucky, you’ve had a teacher like Kim Boehm who has surely touched countless lives in her more than 17-year tenure. Recently named Centerville’s 2024 Teacher of the Year, Kim who primarily teaches biology to freshmen and sophomores at Centerville High School (CHS), brings her classroom to life with an instruction style that gives Ms. Frizzle a run for her money.
Kim’s teaching methods help bring science to life, often employing the use of music and dance to help students remember important concepts. “Every year I perform “Mendel the Musical” when teaching genetics. I act out a synopsis of Gregor Mendel conducting his pea plant experiments, a dramatization that includes me singing songs such as “The Pea Plant Connection," a parody of “Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie,” explains Kim.
Kim’s passion as an educator is clear: “It’s awesome when I catch a look on a student’s face and I can see that whatever they were trying to figure out has clicked and their whole face lights up.”
Kim attributes her success to her supportive husband and the guidance of her educators like Professor Mary Ellen Dillon of the University of Dayton. “She was an amazing mentor. I still use many of the teaching methods that I learned from Professor Dillon,” shares Kim.
Joan Cordonnier, President of the Centerville Noon Optimists Club
Joan Cordonnier, president of the Centerville Noon Optimists embodies the spirit of altruism. “I have always been a person who jumps in to help,” shares Joan. It was this desire to help that led her to her first Centerville Noon Optimist meeting, but she will tell you that becoming the president of the club was never on her agenda. What started as simple volunteerism evolved into a deep commitment to the club's mission of serving children in the community.
Born and raised in Centerville, Joan's connection to her hometown runs deep, having graduated from CHS and raising her own family here. “I am very proud of all of the money that we donate to the Centerville community. Our fundraisers, like the Tom Frazier Golf Outing, the Avenue of Flags and the Christmas Tree Lot, allow us to donate to Dayton Children's Hospital, the Centerville-Washington Park District, Washington Township RecPlex and more,” conveys Joan.
An avid cyclist, some of her favorite events are those that help get kids moving. From organizing the Americana Festival 5K to spearheading initiatives addressing mental health among students, Joan's tenure as president has been marked by a steadfast dedication to making a positive impact.
Joan’s advice is simple: “Just say yes! The more you give to anything in life, the more you get out of it. I was so nervous about the public speaking involved with being president. Now, I look forward to spending every Tuesday with about 100 of my favorite friends. I always leave the meetings uplifted.”
Cari Oehlenschlager, Senior Service Manager at Graceworks Enhanced Living
Cari Oehlenschlager is entering her 27th year with Graceworks Enhanced Living, a secure residence for people with intellectual and developmental challenges. Joining in 1997 as a Direct Support Professional, she has witnessed the expansion of the agency from its first group home in Dayton to now operating 25 homes, a day program and a shelter.
Cari has grown with the company and as Senior Service Manager, she is responsible for 125 employees and nearly 100 residents. “I have many routine responsibilities, but I am always a phone call or email away from shifting directions when a manager or resident needs my support,” shares Cari.
Cari’s residents have in a sense become a piece of her extended family. As a single adoptive and foster mom, Cari has enjoyed bringing her kids in for fun events at work such as holiday parties or summer picnics over the years. “One of our residents still attempts to pick up my 18-year-old every time she sees him because she has known him since he was three weeks old,” she laughs.
For Cari, fulfillment comes from witnessing residents thrive. One memorable experience involved a teen resident with behavioral challenges. “Back in 1999, I was opening a group home for teens with significant behavioral challenges. One of my residents was so explosive that staff would quit on the spot. It was a long journey, but we have a strong bond and I look forward to his giant bear hugs when I get to see him,” shares Cari.
Zarana Vakil, Artist
Local artist Zarana Vakil was drawn to art in any form from an early age. Growing up in India, Zarana's artistic inclinations were nurtured by her mother, who instilled in her a love for painting. “My mother is very creative, and she encouraged me to take painting and craft classes during summer vacations,” shares Zarana.
Despite growing up to pursue a career in technology, Zarana’s innate passion for art persisted, eventually resurfacing when she moved to Centerville. “For several years after finishing my education, I got busy with my career and my family. When we bought our home in Centerville, I got excited about creating a painting above the mantelpiece and that is when my journey towards art started again,” recounts Zarana.
Zarana enjoys using a variety of glass forms to create paintings. Inspired by nature's beauty and her cultural heritage, Zarana's artwork reflects vibrant landscapes, intricate patterns and divine imagery drawn from her Indian upbringing. “I have always been drawn to nature; beautiful landscapes, sunrises and sunsets, night skies, colorful flowers as well as various animals and birds and I love to capture their essence in my artwork,” she says.
As she continues to evolve as an artist, Zarana’s advice holds true: “If something excites you and makes you happy, take a step towards it, however small. You never know, as you start walking, a path may appear.” With aspirations for future exhibitions and a steadfast commitment to her craft, Zarana's artistic journey promises to inspire and delight audiences for years to come.
To see more of Zarana’s artwork, follow her on Facebook: GlaZ Art and Instagram: Instagram.com/Glazart24
“It’s awesome when I catch a look on a student’s face and I can see that whatever they were trying to figure out has clicked and their whole face lights up.”
“Just say yes! The more you give to anything in life, the more you get out of it.”
“I have many routine responsibilities, but I am always a phone call or email away from shifting directions when a manager or resident needs my support.”
“If something excites you and makes you happy, take a step towards it, however small. You never know, as you start walking, a path may appear.”
