Monday, March 02, 2020
Member Spotlight: Lisa Ellis
Occupation:
School Counselor at MC2 STEM High School in Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD)
Neighborhood where you live:
Lakewood
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I have played music in the Cleveland area for more than 20 years in a number of bands with some of my best friends, and I love to travel, cook/eat, and spend time with my dog, my partner and two kids. I have recently taken to 1,000 piece puzzles because they force me to slow down and attend to one thing at a time, which is a very rare occurrence for me.
How long have you been a member of the City Club?
I have been a member of the City Club for over a year now, but have been attending forums with students since 2012. I am also on the Education and Membership Committees.
Tell us about a recent forum that you enjoyed:
A recent forum that I really enjoyed was seeing Bettina Love speak on anti-racist teaching pedagogy. She was so dynamic and engaging and I left the City Club feeling incredibly motivated and inspired. For anyone curious or passionate about educational equity, check out her book We Want to Do More than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom.
Why you are a member of the City Club?
I always learn something new when I attend a forum. And I love watching my students absorb new information or grow an interest they maybe already have. The City Club also encourages and supports student involvement in a way that very few institutions outside of education do. I wrote a blog post on this topic a couple of years ago that you can read more about here.
What’s one of your favorite ‘hidden gems’ in Greater Cleveland?
I love visiting the Rockefeller Greenhouse off of MLK Jr. Blvd. any time of year, but especially when the outdoor gardens are in bloom. It's free and accessible to all and just a great place to walk and think and take a break from the chaos of everyday life.
What tip would you share with someone who is attending their first forum at the City Club?
Come as you are. The City Club is really for everyone so know that you are welcome and try to meet someone new each time you visit.
Vincent T. Lombardo - March 05, 2020
Great profile of Lisa! I have worked with her in the past on the City Club Membership and Education Committees, and she is very hard-working and insightful. She is an asset to the City Club, as well as to her students!