Lisa Deliz, co-owner

One of the founders of Knowledge College, Lisa has been a National Board Certified teacher with an exceptional needs specialty since 2002. She is licensed to teach kindergarten through eighth grade regular education as well as kindergarten through twelfth grade students with mild to moderate disabilities. In addition to teaching math and science in the Cleveland public schools, she was an intervention specialist, integrated special needs kids into regular classroom, and has taught children with a range of learning difficulties. Lisa earned her degree in elementary education from John Carroll University and her master’s degree from Notre Dame College, concentrating in education of children with mild/moderate disabilities. She is a Cleveland Metroparks volunteer and has also volunteered for Kids in Flight and Littlest Heroes, organizations for children fighting serious illnesses. As an entrepreneur, Lisa belongs to Ladies Who Launch and Cleveland’s Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE). She is also a member of the President’s Club of the Sandler Sales Institute. She shares her North Olmsted home with her husband, son, and step-son.

Patricia Renaud, co-owner

Born and raised in the city of Cleveland, Knowledge College co-founder Patty Renaud started her education at R.G. Jones Elementary School and completed her first college degree in accounting at Cleveland State University. While she worked as an accountant at the Richard E. Jacobs Group, she returned to CSU to pursue her real dream: teaching. Education degree in hand, Patty worked at Empire Computech for two years until she could attend Notre Dame College, where she received her master’s degree in special education. Before founding Knowledge College with Lisa Deliz, Patty taught special education at Wilbur Wright School for more than seven years and earned national certification as a special education teacher. A mother of four, Patty lives with her family in North Olmsted.

Mark Molnar, co-owner

Mark is a founder of Knowledge College who served on our board for three years before joining our management team to handle the business and financial side. His commitment comes from his interest of improving our communities through business management and sophisticated financial expertise that serve educational goals. Over more than seventeen years in finance, Mark held senior positions with Wall Street firms, was managing director of the Prudential Equity Group, and successfully opened and managed the Midwest office of San Francisco investment bank, Thomas Weisel Partners. He is also a co-owner of Second Chance Counseling in Columbus, Ohio, which provides drug, alcohol, and psychological counseling. Mark earned his degree in business administration from John Carroll University and his MBA from the University of Dayton. He lives in the Cleveland area with his wife, three children, a growing golf handicap, and the pleasure of coaching Little League baseball each summer.

Carrie Niece, office manager

Keeping Knowledge College running smoothly is second nature for Carrie, who has spent almost thirty-five years in law and business. She made the move after earning her education degree from Baldwin-Wallace College and teaching grade school in Cleveland for two years. Working for a number of law firms as a paralegal, she developed a specialty in Workers Comp, and then became office manager of a real estate appraisal firm. When she is not spending time with her six grandchildren, Carrie uses her leisure time for hiking, bird watching, and traveling with her husband, a retired Cleveland Police Captain.

Maria R. Suma, Director of Programs

Maria is in her third year with the company (KCI). She is active in recruiting, management, hiring and day to day activities in the office and in our schools. She is a native Clevelander who has truly enjoys working with the students, families and tutors. She received her Master of Arts degree in Government and Politics at St. John’s University in Queens, NY along with her Bachelor of Science in Communication Arts. Upon graduation Maria has worked in the Education field; substitute teaching, working high school conferences in Washington, DC, as an Assistant to the Director of Operations, and working as an Admissions Director at her High School Alma Mater. She enjoys sports, traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

Chiara M. Simeone, Program Manager

Chiara has been working with Knowledge College since 2009 where she is involved in recruiting, hiring, and managing tutors and school based programs. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Kentucky, where she also completed post-baccalaureate studies with an emphasis on testing. Involved in education since 2004, Chiara has worked as a substitute teacher in Lexington, Kentucky, has helped develop educational assessments, and hopes to earn her PhD in Educational Psychology. When not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, photography, and coaching track at her high school Alma Mater.

Jessica Raum, Program Manager

Jessica has been a program manger with KCI for over two years. She wears many different hats in the office helping with HR, marketing, and program management and development as well as many other things. She is currently finishing her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at Cleveland State University. In her spare time, Jessica is very involved in the Arts in the Cleveland Area, including working as a stage manager for The Beck Center for the Arts’ department of dance and sitting on the board of trustees for the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival. Jessica also has a great love of reading and never goes anywhere without a book.