OPEEP has hired a new staff member to further support the degree program at The Ohio Reformatory for Women (ORW). Please join us in welcoming OPEEP’s new Education Program Specialist, Tori Parker Lewis!
Tori will primarily work directly with students on-site at ORW while also supporting OPEEP initiatives on campus. Tori’s background in education alongside her commitment to social justice makes her the perfect candidate for our project, and we cannot wait for her to meet our students! On behalf of the entire OPEEP team, we are excited to be concluding our first semester. More to come in spring 2025!
Hi! My name is Tori Lewis (she/her/hers), and I was a high school English teacher for 22 years. Over the last few years, I’ve gotten very involved in outreach in the Columbus area and it opened my eyes to some of the inequalities in our community. When I saw some of these systematic erasure of voices of color in our local school systems, I knew I needed to make a change.
Geographic Background:
I was born in Lorain, Ohio and lived there until I went to college! I’m so lucky to have grown up in a town that was culturally diverse. Industry in the 1960’s brought a large number of immigrants to the city, and it grew from there. I’ve continued my interest of honoring the backgrounds of all people ever since.
Educational Background:
I went to Bowling Green State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Education (Integrated Language Arts). While teaching in the Columbus area, I earned my Master’s in School Counseling. After that, I’ve gathered credits and partial degrees from Ashland, Capital, and Ohio Dominican Universities.
Interest in working with incarcerated populations:
I believe that every person, despite past mistakes or issues unresolved, deserves the chance to live a dignified and self-fulfilling life. Everyone should have the chance to make up for mistakes and learn more, especially if they have come from a background where they haven’t had the opportunity. I can’t wait to support people who are hungry to learn!
Most looking forward to in this new role:
I’m excited to make a difference in the lives of people who need it. I’m also thrilled to be working with such a great group of people who have similar values to my own.
