Meet Our Principals

Why JB: I’m grateful to be a part of the JB family and this such a special place to see our students, faculty and staff collaborate together

Name: Mrs. Becky Busey

Year Started at JB: 2026

Prior to Principal:

• Served as Coordinator of the Pathways Program at Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron

• Worked for Ohio Department of Education as the Urban Support Program Specialist

Education:

• Undergraduate: Florida Atlantic University

• Graduate: University of West Florida and University of Central Florida

Family:

• Married to her husband, Stephen, and has a daughter, Sloane.

Favorite Thing About JB:

• The collaboration and whole-child approach to learning and helping our students.

Favorite Northeast Ohio Activity:

• Going to Guardians games or the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Fun Fact:

• I lived in Florida for 20 years and I still prefer snowstorms over hurricanes!

Contact Principal Busey

Why JB: Being a part of Julie Billiart Schools is so special. I love our genuine community and having a shared mission throughout the network.

Name: Mrs. Alyssa Buzas

Year Started at JB: 2018

Prior to Principal:

• Assistant Principal/Director of Special Education at JB Brecksville (2024-25)

• Assistant Principal/Director of Special Education at JB Akron (2022-24)

• Intervention Specialist at Akron (2020-22)

• Taught in Laurel Elementary in Fort Collins, Colorado

• Early Childhood Intervention Specialist at St. Edward School in Ashland

Education:

• Undergraduate: Ashland University

• Graduate: John Carroll University

Family:

• Married to her husband, Mike and has a daughter, Cedar

Favorite Northeast Ohio Activity:

• Exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Fun Fact:

• Has a basset hound named Baker Mayfield!

Contact Principal Buzas

Why JB: Julie Billiart Schools are a family. Our students are so incredible and we are excited to celebrate them each and every day. We are here to support each and every student with exactly what they need and meet them where they are.

Name: Mr. Chris McCloskey

Year Started at JB: 2013

Prior to Principal:

• Intervention Specialist at JB Lyndhurst (2013-22)

• Beyond Camp Director

• Taught in Mentor Schools

Education:

• Undergraduate: Cleveland State University

• Graduate: Notre Dame College

Family:

• Married to his wife, Kelly and has a son, Camden and daughter, Quinn and dogs

Favorite Northeast Ohio Activity:

• Attending Cleveland sporting events and spending time in the Metroparks

Fun Fact:

• The McCloskeys have two dogs, Dexter and Sadie who are therapy dogs at JB!

Contact Principal McCloskey

Why JB: JB is a wonderful place to be. I love seeing the excitement on our students’ faces every day because JB feels like home. Not only are our students inspiring, but I get to work alongside so many awesome faculty and staff members.

Name: Mr. Patrick O’Brien

Year Started at JB: 2020

Prior to Principal:

• Assistant Principal/Director of Special Education at JB Westlake (2022-23)
• Intervention Specialist at JB Akron (2020-22)
• Intervention Specialist at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School

Education:

• Undergraduate: John Carroll University
• Graduate: Youngstown State University

Family:

• Married to her wife, Chrstine and has two daughters, Mila and Sadie and a dog, Parker the German Shorthaired Pointer

Favorite Northeast Ohio Activity:

• Spending time in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Fun Fact:

• My favorite day is the first day of school at JB!

Contact Principal O'Brien