Meet The PowerPRos:

Marissa Valentine

Marissa Valentine brings more than a decade of experience in communications, photography, videography, and public relations to her role as Communications Coordinator at Warrensville Heights City Schools. Before joining the district, she spent 11 years as a Mass Communications Specialist in the U.S. Navy, where she interviewed military leaders, produced news articles, and managed public-facing websites. Today, she channels that same expertise into telling the inspiring stories of students and educators through photography, videography, and podcasts.

As part of her PowerPRo project, Marissa served as the official photographer at the 2025 OHSPRA Spring Conference. Her work captured dozens of moments that celebrated school PR professionals in action, creating a valuable photo archive that will help OHSPRA share its story for years to come. By stepping into this role, she also gained a deeper appreciation for the planning and collaboration it takes to make the conference a success.

Marissa encourages other members to participate in PowerPRo because of the opportunities to network, learn, and exchange ideas with peers who are equally passionate about sharing the good news in education. She believes that stepping off the sidelines and getting involved opens the door to professional growth and meaningful connections that last well beyond the program.

Her advice to future PowerPRo participants? Dive in fully. “Take advantage of every opportunity to listen, share, and learn,” she says. “You’ll not only grow your skills, but also discover new ways to connect with families, students, and communities in your district.”

Mandy Rice

Mandy Rice has spent her career dedicated to education and communication. With 10 years as a 7-12 social studies teacher, five years running her own digital marketing business, and now serving as the Marketing and Public Relations Manager for the Butler County Educational Service Center, she understands the challenges and opportunities facing school communicators today. Mandy is passionate about advocating for public schools and the professionals who tell their stories. 

Mandy earned the PowerPRo designation for her leadership and strategic vision in advancing school PR. She developed OHSPRA’s Marketing Professional Development Plan, beginning with a statewide survey to assess members’ strengths and growth areas. This initiative will guide future learning opportunities tailored to the evolving needs of Ohio’s school communicators. In addition, Mandy has been an active contributor to professional development, resource sharing, and peer support, embodying the collaboration and commitment the PowerPRo program celebrates.

Staci Adelman Vincent

Staci Adelman Vincent is a nationally recognized journalist turned school communicator whose career has spanned newsrooms, classrooms, and community leadership. Before joining the Orange Schools Communications Department in 2010, she spent 14 years in Washington, D.C. covering the Reagan, Bush, and Clinton administrations, eight national political conventions, and historic events such as John Glenn’s return to space. Her work as a journalist earned her honors from the Society of Professional Journalists, Best of Gannett, and an Emmy Award.

Since transitioning to school public relations, Staci has brought the same storytelling excellence to Orange City Schools, where her photography, writing, and marketing projects have been honored with multiple OHSPRA and NSPRA awards. She coordinated the district’s Centennial Celebration, hosts the Alumni “Welcome Home” program, and continues to strengthen ties with the community through her volunteer leadership with organizations like the Kiwanis Club of Lander Circle, which recently named its Staff of the Year Award in her honor.

As part of her 2024–2025 PowerPRo project, Staci helped launch OHSPRA’s new Mentor/Mentee Program, a statewide initiative connecting experienced school PR professionals with newcomers to the field. Her leadership and commitment to professional growth are ensuring that Ohio’s school communications network remains strong and supportive.

Staci’s recognition this year is especially significant - she is the only professional in Ohio to earn the PowerPRo designation for four consecutive years. Her dedication, creativity, and service to both her district and the school PR community exemplify the very best of what it means to be a PowerPRo. 

Kristen Cash

Kristen Cash serves as the Communications Coordinator for the South Euclid-Lyndhurst Schools, where she has successfully established and enhanced district communications and community engagement.

Kristen helped lead the development and launch of OHSPRA’s Mentor/Mentee Program, an initiative designed to connect new school PR professionals with experienced mentors, fostering stronger networks and professional growth statewide. In her role as OHSPRA's Membership Director, Kristen has committed to continuing the Mentor/Mentee program in order to benefit our members.

Kristen also contributed her time and expertise to leadership activities, resource sharing, and professional development that will have a lasting impact on the field.