Academy Personnel

Dr. Vickie Barton currently serves the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities as the Executive Director of the school. Dr. Barton first came to the Academy in its inaugural year, 1990, as the Coordinator of Guidance. Since that time she has served in various capacities at the Academy including interim as Associate Director of Academic Affairs.

After graduating from Marion College, now Indiana Wesleyan University, she worked nine years at White’s Residential and Family Services as the recreation director, a teacher, a coach and finally the founding mother of the Foster Care Program. She left White’s in 1985 to spend 10 months traveling the perimeter states of the United States on her bicycle. Upon completion of the bicycle trip she enrolled at Ball State University, where she served as a teaching graduate assistant while she completed two Master’s, one in Counseling Psychology and the other in Health and Physical Education. Dr. Barton served as a counselor at Indiana Wesleyan University for one year and was the Director of Counseling Services at Anderson University for two years before moving to Yorktown, Indiana to work at the Indiana Academy. Since arriving on Ball State University’s campus, she has completed her Doctoral work in Adult and Higher Education, focusing on Birth Order and the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI), as well as Gifted Children. Her Dissertation was entitled Myers-Briggs Type Inventory, Birth Order, and the Association Between the Variables in High School Gifted Students. Dr. Barton has given numerous presentations about Birth Order and the MBTI, and continues to be a popular speaker among diverse populations.

Dr. Smith became the Director of Academic Affairs in July 2014 after holding the position of Associate Director since 2001. He is responsible for the oversight of all things “Academic” at the Indiana Academy which includes the Guidance Office, the CCCC office, Attendance office, and Outreach department. He oversees the performance evaluations for all faculty and is in charge of the Academy’s curriculum.

Dr. Smith has been a consultant for College Board for AP Biology since 1996. He participates in the essay exam reading each year and has held various leadership positions such as Question Leader and Table Leader. Dr. Smith teaches one-day AP Biology workshops for teachers as well as several AP Summer Institutes. He was part of the team that developed portions of the new AP Biology curriculum that launched in the Fall of 2012.

Dr. Smith is a leading expert on African violets. He and students at the Indiana Academy have received grants and published several articles on the genetics, biochemistry, and taxonomy of these plants. Several of his hybrids have been released to the public for commercial sale. Dr. Smith has authored a chapter on hybridizing African violets that was published in “Breeding Ornamental Plants” from Timber Press.

Dr. Smith has received several teaching awards, including: the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Gold Medal, the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching, the Outstanding Biology Teacher for the state of Indiana, and the Tandy Scholar Award from RadioShack.

Dr. Kavars teaches the Solar System Astronomy and Galactic Astronomy classes at the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities. He received his B.S. degree in 2001 from the University of Iowa with honors in Physics and Astronomy. He completed his Ph.D. degree in Astrophysics from the University of Minnesota in 2006. Prior to arriving at the Indiana Academy in the fall of 2006, he taught astronomy classes at the University of Minnesota and Inver Hills Community College near Minneapolis, MN. As a graduate student, his research focused on radio astronomy where he used one of the world’s largest radio telescopes, the Green Bank Telescope in Green Bank, WV.

In the fall of 2015 Dr. Kavars became the Associate Director of Academic Affairs at the Indiana Academy. His primary duties include working with parents and students to create and implement 504 and IEP special education plans, overseeing attendance, advising international students, overseeing May Term trips, and continuing to teach the Academy’s astronomy classes. During his tenure at the Indiana Academy, Dr. Kavars has attended and presented at several education conferences including the Hoosier Association for Science Teachers Inc., National Science Teachers Association, Indiana Associated for the Gifted, AdvancED Indiana, and Ball State University Teachers College Best Practices in Education conferences.

In his free time Dr. Kavars enjoys geocaching, gardening, reading/watching science fiction and fantasy books/movies, traveling, and in particular, spending time with his family. In recent years he and his family have explored the world outside of the United States, traveling to Canada, Iceland, Ireland, and Northern Ireland. In the near future he hopes to explore Scotland, England, New Zealand, and Australia, although his daughters are doing their best to convince him a trip to Hawaii must happen soon.

After receiving her degree in Office Administration and Administrative Support, Mrs. Manship came to the Indiana Academy to serve as the Assistant to the Director of Academic Affairs in June of 1993. In addition to her duties assisting the Director of Academic Affairs, Mrs. Manship is responsible for handling all Academic Life budget and textbook concerns, fees, ordering materials, completion of state departmental reports, and assisting with the administration of the computerized school system in use here at the Academy. In addition to Mrs. Manship’s administrative work, she attends computer technology and office management conferences and workshops throughout the year to further her knowledge.

Renee came to the Indiana Academy in August 2006 as the Faculty/Attendance Secretary. Prior to the Indiana Academy Renee worked for the Jay County School Corporation. Mrs. Drumm has been married for 25 years and has three children.

Mr. Stassen is LAN Manager and Coordinator of Technology, and came to the Academy in 1994 after 10 years in the private sector as the owner of a computer consulting company. In his present position, he is responsible for maintaining, upgrading, and training on several hundred PC and Macintosh computers, which are connected to eight file servers using the Novell, Windows NT, or UNIX operating systems. Mr. Stassen enjoys biking and other sports.

As Assistant Director of Academic Guidance, Mr. McClure provides guidance and assistance to students in various aspects of their academic, social, emotional, and personal lives. Issues involving student advising, course schedules, tutorial services, and grades are the direct responsibilty of the Guidance Office. Prior to coming to the Academy, Mr. McClure spent seven years as Program Assistant in the Office of Disabled Student Development at Ball State University. He has experience in housing and residence life, serving as a residence hall director at Ball State and Iowa State University. He was also Director of Residence Life at the College of Saint Francis in Joliet, Illinois. Additionally, Mr McClure taught for five years at the junior and senior high school levels in Iowa and Florida. Mr. McClure enjoys mysteries and novels of intrigue, Scrabble, being involved in his church, and spending time with his wife, Nancy, and son, Carter.

After receiving degrees in both Administrative Office and Business Administration, Ms Hall came to the Indiana Academy to serve as Faculty/Attendance Secretary in July of 1997. She accepted the position as Student information Technology Specialist in July of 2006. She works in the Guidance Office and assists the Assistant Director of Academic Guidance. She is responsible for the collections and data entry of transcripts, schedules, drop/add requests, grades, Ball State class requests, and student information updates. She creates and distributes the course catalogs, teacher schedules, room schedule. She is also the liaison to Ball State Computing Services in regards to the Blackboard program. In addition to nine years of administrative work at Ball State, Ms. Hall attends conferences and workshops to keep abreast of the latest computer technology and office management techniques. She is currently working towards her Bachelors Degree in Sociology.

As the Assistant Director of College and Career Counseling and Coordinator of Diversity, Mr. Patterson directs the College and Career Counseling Office, counsels and informs students about college admission processes, college choices, scholarships, and financial aid as well as assists them in the application process. He also helps to ensure diversity among professional staff and faculty of the Academy. Prior to coming to the Academy, Mr. Patterson spent six years as an Assistant and Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Ball State University. In prior years, Mr. Patterson worked as the Director of Recreational Sports at the University of Akron, as well as spending several years in the field of social work. He has a bachelor&rs quo;s degree from Ball State University and a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He enjoys playing golf, reading, and gardening, and spending time with his wife, Lou.

Mrs. Workman came to the Indiana Academy to serve as the Assistant to the Associate Director of College Counseling and Alumni Affairs in February of 2013. In addition to her duties assisting the Associate Director of College Counseling and Alumni Affairs, Mrs. Workman informs students about college admission processes, college visits, college choices, scholarships, and financial aid as well as assists them in the application process. Also, Mrs. Workman is the AP Coordinator for the Indiana Academy and Burris. Mrs. Workman has been at BSU for twenty-six (26) years and has spent the last eleven (11) years as an Office Assistant in Academic Advising at Ball State University. Previously she has worked with the Office of Registration and Academic Progress for twelve (12) years and theOffice of Scholarships and Financial Aid for three (3) years. She has an associate’s degree from Ball State University. She especially enjoys traveling, taking a long walk on the beach, riding with her husband on their Harley, and spending time with her family.

Julie joined the Indiana Academy in 2016. She manages all aspects of the Academy’s public relations, marketing, and external communications including social media and the website. She works closely with external partners as well as faculty, staff, students, and alums to create promotional materials, plan events, and support fundraising efforts.

She has a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University and an MBA from Anderson University. She worked in Ball State’s Office of University Marketing Communications for over seven years. Other higher education institutions she’s worked for include Ivy Tech Community College, Anderson University, and Rose-Hulman Institute for Technology.

Her interests include traveling, reading, and creative writing. She loves a good sci-fi story but also enjoys learning about real science and technology. She was invited by NASA to be a citizen journalist at the last space shuttle launch in 2011, and sometimes she visits other NASA facilities.

Mr. Raleigh is the Multimedia/Graphic Design Specialist in the Office of Outreach Programs. He is responsible for designing and maintaining web pages for the Indiana Academy, the distance learning Elementary Modern Language courses and High School courses, as well as most of the print publications and advertisements for Academy events and activities. He has been with the Indiana Academy since 1999.

Mr. Joe Turner is the Director of Residential and Student Affairs. He holds a Master’s Degree from Ball State University in Executive Development for Public Service and a Bachelor’s Degree from Western Illinois University in Communications, with an emphasis in Public Communication and Human Relations and minors in Marketing and Sociology.

As an undergraduate he was involved with the Student Residential Programs serving as a Resident Assistant and as a member of both the Student Orientation Staff and the Resident Assistant Recruitment Team. Following his education at Western Illinois University, he was employed as a Communications Consultant in Naperville, Illinois.

Mr. Turner joined the Academy team in 1997 and served as a Student Life Counselor for three years. He held the positions of Assistant/Associate Director of Student Life/Residential and Student Affairs for 14 years. Over this time he acted as the Conduct Relations Officer for the Academy Conduct Board and was involved with various committees including the May Term, Technology, Orientation & Move-in, Strategic Plan and Handbook Committees.

Paul is beginning his 16th year as a proud member of the Academy Community, and this will be his third year as Associate Director of Residential and Student Affairs. Paul is looking forward to this new year and all possibilities ahead. Paul is originally from Muncie, Indiana and graduated from the University of Evansville with a B.A. in English and several minors. After graduating in 2000, Paul then applied and was selected to participate in the Americorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) program in San Diego, California. There he traveled the Western Region states as a National Service Volunteer. Paul has done several projects in the fields of the Environment, Unmet Human Needs, Public Safety, and Education. Whether assisting retired military in daily living, helping homeless street kids in San Diego get off the streets, revitalizing a small town in Washington State, building homes with Habitat for Humanity in San Francisco, constructing a skate park for the youth of Virginia City, Nevada, or planning and implementing education programs throughout the Western Region, Paul has welcomed each new experience and embraces the role of Associate Director here at the Academy.

Paul has worked with almost every special event and committee at some point while on staff at the Academy. Paul received his Master of Arts degree in Executive Development for Public Service from Ball State University in 2006. Paul enjoys many diverse forms of music and writing, reading, volunteering, and almost anything related to sports. Paul along with his wife Sabra celebrates the joys of their two daughters, Lynley and Myla and enjoy re-experiencing the world once again through their daughters eyes. Paul’s passion and commitment to the Academy has grown stronger with each passing year and looks forward to serving faithfully the students, parents, and fellow staff members of the Indiana Academy. He is proud to be a part of such a great school and amazing student experience.

Ms. Huggins attended Indiana Business College. Before coming to Ball State, she spent 13 years as a secretary at the Marsh Supermarkets Corporate Headquarters. Ms. Huggins has been with the Indiana Academy in the Office of Residential and Student Affairs for the past five years as Assistant to the Director of Residential and Student Affairs.

Ms. Johnson is the Night Office Supervisor for the Indiana Academy. She holds an Associates Degree in Electronics from Indiana Vocational Technical College and has additional hours toward the completion of a second Associates Degree in Design Technology. Before coming to the Academy, Ms. Johnson worked for a small Muncie business as a purchasing agent. Prior to that, Ms. Johnson worked for a local plastics company for eleven years and then opened her own daycare center.

Tina is the Coordinator of Healthcare Services; a position she has held since 1998. She graduated from Ball State University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Upon graduation until 1994, she worked at Ball Memorial Hospital in the Diabetes Care Center. From 1994 until coming to the Academy, Tina worked in a Family Practice office. Tina has been married to Brian for 26 years and they have 2 daughters, Hannah and Emily. Her oldest daughter, Hannah, is following in her footsteps, and plans to graduate from nursing school in July 2017. Her daughter, Emily, is a junior biology major at Ball State University.

Originally from England, Nikki completed her RN training at Nottingham University, UK in 1994 and emigrated to the USA in 1998. She passed her NCLEX-RN exam and became licensed to practice nursing in the State of Indiana in 1999.

In the UK, post-graduation she gained experience working in ER, ICU, elderly care and psychiatric settings.

In Muncie, she worked at Ball Memorial Hospital as an RN in the Diabetes Care Center and the Cardiac Telemetry Unit. During this time, she gained United States citizenship and became mom to a daughter and two sons, two chihuahuas and two stubborn goats. Nikki joined the Indiana Academy as School Nurse in March 2017.

Dr. Mindy Wallpe is the Assistant Director of Mental Health and Support Services at the Indiana Academy. In this position, she serves at the primary in-house therapist and strives to promote the emotional well-being of all Indiana Academy Students. Each day, she meets individually with students (open-door policy), coordinates supplemental counseling services, collaborates with hometown and outside therapists, supervises 1-2 part-time doctoral practicum Academy counselors, develops intervention/support plans for individual students, manages mental health programming efforts, and serves as a great resource/partner for Academy parents.

Dr. Wallpe attended Marian College, which is now Marian University, for her undergraduate education and majored in psychology. She earned her master’s degree in community counseling from Ball State University and graduated with her doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kentucky. She has held positions in counseling centers at the University of Notre Dame, St. Mary’s College, Butler University, and Marian University. She has also worked at the IU Health Charis Center for Eating Disorders providing Individual and group therapy and co-leading the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient program. Dr. Wallpe is a licensed psychologist and joined the Indiana Academy in January 2017.

Ms. Tuite is the Associate Director and Head of Admissions at the Indiana Academy and has been with the Academy since 1991. In this role, Mrs. Tuite is responsible for developing an effective recruitment and marketing strategy that successfully accomplishes the goal of the Academy; to admit high ability high school juniors who demonstrate the aptitude to be successful in the Academy program. In addition, Mrs. Tuite is responsible for the development and implementation of admission policies and procedures and print and video publications. As the head of admissions, Mrs. Tuite manages the Admissions Team who coordinates Preview Day and SAT Day programming as well as a Summer Orientation, Move-In Orientation, CTD and Sophomore Scholars awards programs, and a middle school enrichment initiative. She chairs the Admissions Advisory Committee (AAC), chairs the File Review Team, and is a member or participant on the Retention and Dismissal Committee, Orientation Committee, Facilities Sub-Committee, Move-in Orientation Sub-Committee, and the Graduation Committee. In her tenure with the Indiana Academy, she has been instrumental in the creation and implementation of Academy Preview Days, SAT Administration Days, and Summer Orientation for juniors. Mrs. Tuite is the co-founder of the Association of Consortium Admissions Representatives (ACAR) which is an organization made up of admission professionals from residential high schools around the United States. ACAR meets annually to discuss admissions issues, policies, and practices.

Brandy Reichle serves as the International Program Director at the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities. In this position, she oversees all components of The Indiana Academy’s international student program. She is responsible for issuing F1 Visas, maintaining SEVIS, making admissions decisions regarding international student applications, pursuing student recruitment and program development initiatives, assisting with academic, college, and residential progress, recruiting and supporting full-time as well as part-time host families, maintaining direct and regular contact with all international students and host families, and overseeing student WIDA testing, academic advising and course selection. Mrs. Reichle is also a Local Coordinator for Foreign Links Around the Globe (FLAG). She has facilitated international enrollment for students from South Korea, China, Vietnam, Germany, and India.

Mrs. Reichle received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. In 2011, she joined the Indiana Academy team. During her time at The Academy, she has been involved with various committees including Intervention and Retention, Student Services, Non-Residential Early College, Admissions, and International Committees. She is licensed as a School Services Professional, certified as a Local Coordinator through the U.S. Department of State, and is a past board member of the Indiana Counseling Association.

Sadie joined the Indiana Academy Office of Admissions in 2015 as the Admissions Counselor and Enrollment Analyst. Sadie is responsible for coordinating and implementing enrichment programs for elementary and middle school students, the Preview Day programs, as well as Summer Orientation and Kick-off/Move-in Week. In addition, Sadie assists in the file review process and manages the office’s statistical and data analysis. Sadie’s past experiences include an internship with the Department of Historic Preservation and Archaeology where she researched and wrote grants pertaining to the Underground Railroad and African American Civil Rights pre-1800, as well as experiences from Ball State’s Department of History where she worked on the Buffalo Bill Digital Project. Sadie has a Bachelor of Science in Public History with a minor in Anthropology and a Master of Art in History with concentrations in Memory Theory, American Civil War POWs, and Digital History.

Cheryl Veatch, Admissions Office Coordinator, has been with the Indiana Academy for one year. Ms. Veatch moved to Muncie five years ago from her hometown of Dayton, Ohio. She joined the admissions team after working in a similar capacity for a local government agency. Ms. Veatch has tremendous experience in working with young people and brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

As a vital member of the Admissions team, Ms. Veatch is responsible for processing all student applications, tracking the admissions budget, directing calls and visitors, as well as hiring, training, and supervising the Ball State student assistants.

In her brief tenure, Ms. Veatch has already been heralded by many callers and visitors as the kind voice of the Indiana Academy.

Mr. Lake is Associate Director of Special Initiatives and Development. Mr. Lake is the founder of the Association of Consortium Admissions Representatives (ACAR), an organization which meets yearly to discuss admissions issues of residential high schools.

Dr. Thomas F. Arnold has taught history at the Academy since 2004. He received his B.A. with High Honors from Oberlin College in 1985, and earned his Ph.D. in early modern and military history at the Ohio State University in 1993. Following his Ph.D. work, from 1993 to 1994 he held a post-doctoral research position in International Security Studies at Yale University. From 1994 to 2001 he was an Assistant Professor of History at Yale University. In 2001 he became Program Manager for Teaching at the Alliance for Lifelong Learning in New York City, an online consortium of Oxford, Stanford, and Yale Universities. He is the author of several articles on aspects of early modern military history, and the book The Renaissance at War (2001 and later editions), currently published by HarperCollins/Smithsonian press.

He enjoys teaching at the Academy, and the chance to work with motivated, gifted and talented young people who are just realizing their opportunities. Most May Terms Dr. Arnold leads a small group of students on a “history and hiking” trip to Europe. Past destinations have included Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, Norway, Switzerland, and Germany.

Clara Chi received her B.A in Japanese and English from Wellesley College, and worked in Tokyo, Japan for over ten years as a translator in the Japanese banking industry. She received her M.Ed. in World Language Education from DePaul University in 2014, specializing in Japanese language education. Her thesis on interdisciplinary Japanese and English high school education was selected for presentation at the 2013 Central Association of Japanese Teachers’ conference at Eastern Michigan University. She is also a graduate of Illinois Math and Science Academy, Illinois’ sister consortium school to Indiana Academy. She is passionate about teaching Japanese language and culture, through which she hopes to further appreciation for all world languages and cultures.

Ms. Cunningham was appointed Instructor of Computer Science in 1996. She teaches Computer Applications, Advanced Computer Applications, AP Computer Science A/C++ Programming, and AP Computer Science B/Data Structures. Ms. Cunningham has also taught computer training classes for teachers at the Outreach summer workshops, along with teaching the software track in the summer Student Technology Workshops.

She has taught night classes at Indiana Wesleyan. Before coming to the Academy, she was Departmental Manager for six years at Ontario Systems Corp. in Muncie, Indiana. Prior to that, Ms. Cunningham was a Software Project Manager at Conseco, Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was also in the position of Senior Programmer Analyst at Ball Corporation in Muncie, Indiana. While attending Ball State as an undergraduate, she was a programmer consultant for the Charles A. Beard School Corporation in Knightstown, Indiana. Ms. Cunningham is a former member (serving 3 terms) on the Board of Directors for Heritage Place in Indianapolis, Indiana (where she now serves as a consultant), a member of the Indianapolis Computer Society, and a former member of the Network of Business Women in Indianapolis, Toastmasters, and the YMCA Programs and Activities Committee.

Mr. Fakhruddin teaches AP/C Physics, Modern Physics, Optics, and Research Seminar. He is the coach for students competing for the U.S. Physics Olympiad team. Mr. Fakhruddin’s professional activities include presenting at various conferences, conducting workshops, and publishing research, including: Summer 1994 AP Physics Workshop at the Indiana Academy, “Interactive Long-Distance Learning in Science: Works and What Does Not,” “A Collection of Physics Demonstrations,” “Overhead Projector as a Traveling Microscope,” “Thermal Expansion Paradox,” and “A Convenient Energy Analyzer Calibration Technique.” He is the Winner of The 1998 John Vossen Memorial Award sponsored by The American Vacuum Society for a demonstration experiment involving a vacuum system and is included in the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, 2000.

Since beginning at the Academy in 1991, Ms. Foltz has enjoyed teaching courses in Algebra, Precalculus, Finite Mathematics, Statistics, Calculus, and AP Calculus. She believes that “mathematics is not a spectator sport,” and so she seeks to engage students in the course topics, encouraging them to think like mathematicians in the process. She is also the instructor for the AP Calculus courses that are available through the Indiana Academy Online. Ms. Foltz has led Outreach summer workshops and school in-service sessions on the use of technology in the secondary classroom. She also currently serves as a Faculty Consultant in AP Calculus for the College Board, leading one day and weeklong sessions, and has been a Reader and Table Leader for the College Board in AP Calculus.

Ms. Foltz was the chief developer of educational materials for the web-based Get-A-Five, an online provider of calculus video tutorials, diagnostic questions, and practice AP exams. She was part of the team that prepared materials for the training manual used by AP Calculus consultants. Previously, she was a contributing author for the Kaplan AP Calculus AB & BC study guide and was a member of a project team that completed a National Science Foundation calculus curriculum grant at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Ms. Foltz was the recipient of the Edyth May Sliffe Award for Distinguished High School Mathematics Teaching from the Mathematical Association of America, the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Outstanding High School Teacher Award, the Radio Shack National Teacher Award, the Sigma Xi (Ball State University Chapter) Teacher of the Year Award, the Siemens Award for Advanced Placement – Teacher Award for the State of Indiana, and the Dean Roy Weaver Indiana Academy Outstanding Contributor Award.

Mr. Grady has been with the Academy as Instructor of Computer Science since 1996. He teaches Computer Applications, Advanced Computer Applications, Web Page Design, Machine Organization and Computer Science Seminars. Mr. Grady has led Outreach summer workshops on Web Page Development. For the past two summers he has taught the Student Technology Workshop (Hardware Track) for high school students from across Indiana. He also helps in the selection of Academy students to participate in programming contests throughout Indiana. Mr. Grady has led workshops for the faculty in many different comptuer related areas. He is an active member of the Indiana Computer Educators (ICE), ISTE, HECC and NECC. During his years at the Academy, he has participated in numerous conferences throughout the United States to keep abreast of the newest technological advances used in high schools and other computer-related areas. Aside from his teaching duties, he also assists the LAN manager in the upkeep of the network and the troubleshooting of computers.

David Haynes has been an Instructor of English at the Academy since 2008. He has taught American and World Literature, Creative Writing, Junior and Senior Colloquium, and the Victorian novel. David received his Masters degree from Marquette University and did three years of doctoral work in literature at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He has taught composition at Marquette, Ball State, and UIUC, where he also served as a graduate assistant in several literature courses. He has authored an article on an Irish film, which appeared in the New Hibernia Review in 2002. His graduate work focused on British and Irish modernism and Victorian literature.

Dr. Kallmeyer teaches many biology courses including Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology, Zoology, and AP Biology, as well as General Chemistry. Before joining the Academy, she taught for several years in the Biology Department at Ball State.

Her research interests include aquatic biology with emphasis on macroinvertebrates, phytoplankton, zooplankton, fishes, and their association with limnological parameters. Early research has been on zebra mussel population dynamics in Lake Michigan and the Ohio River as well as studying the impact of tributaries on major river systems.

Dr. Kavars teaches the Solar System Astronomy and Galactic Astronomy classes at the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities. He received his B.S. degree in 2001 from the University of Iowa with honors in Physics and Astronomy. He completed his Ph.D. degree in Astrophysics from the University of Minnesota in 2006. Prior to arriving at the Indiana Academy in the fall of 2006, he taught astronomy classes at the University of Minnesota and Inver Hills Community College near Minneapolis, MN. As a graduate student, his research focused on radio astronomy where he used one of the world’s largest radio telescopes, the Green Bank Telescope in Green Bank, WV.

In the fall of 2015 Dr. Kavars became the Associate Director of Academic Affairs at the Indiana Academy. His primary duties include working with parents and students to create and implement 504 and IEP special education plans, overseeing attendance, advising international students, overseeing May Term trips, and continuing to teach the Academy’s astronomy classes. During his tenure at the Indiana Academy, Dr. Kavars has attended and presented at several education conferences including the Hoosier Association for Science Teachers Inc., National Science Teachers Association, Indiana Associated for the Gifted, AdvancED Indiana, and Ball State University Teachers College Best Practices in Education conferences.

In his free time Dr. Kavars enjoys geocaching, gardening, reading/watching science fiction and fantasy books/movies, traveling, and in particular, spending time with his family. In recent years he and his family have explored the world outside of the United States, traveling to Canada, Iceland, Ireland, and Northern Ireland. In the near future he hopes to explore Scotland, England, New Zealand, and Australia, although his daughters are doing their best to convince him a trip to Hawaii must happen soon.

Ms. Cheryl Kellogg joined the Indiana Academy in fall of 2006 after an extensive career within the area of clinical medicine. Her background of 15 years includes emphasis in biotechnology, biochemistry, and medical microbiology. As a project leader within research and development for Mid West Hemostasis and Thrombosis, she developed the testing procedures for genetic risk factors for thrombolytic disorders. Her education includes a BS from Ferris State University, an MT (ASCP) from St Mary’s Hospital at the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, and an MA in biology from Ball State University. She spent time as a fellow for the National Science Foundation from 2003 to 2005. Her teaching experience includes the areas of Hematology, Biochemistry, and Immunology at Northwest College in Powell, WY, and Medical Microbiology at Ball State University. Her background provides a connection between education, research, and medicine. A recent grant awarded through “Out Run the Sun” for Melanoma awareness in the science classroom allows this connection to continue. Cheryl teaches in the area of life science with emphasis in Genetics, Ecology, and AP Biology.

Mr. Marsh loves teaching, and was delighted to join the Academy faculty in August 2006. Over the previous 17 years, he held various instructor positions for Ball State University and the University of Indianapolis, teaching courses in American History, Western Civilization, World Civilization, Public History, and Religious Studies. Mr. Marsh was selected twice by the students at Ball State to receive a University Professorship Teaching Award.

In addition to teaching, Mr. Marsh was the Executive Director of the Grissom Air Museum from 1995-2006. During his tenure, the historic aircraft collection, exhibits, educational programs, and operating funds all grew substantially, while annual museum visitation more than tripled.

Other endeavors during his wide-ranging career include writing an op-ed column for the Indianapolis News and other papers, as well as authoring articles for history and general interest publications. Mr. Marsh co-authored a musical play, Gettysburg, which had over 100 performances in Branson, Missouri. He served as Vice-President of Marketing and Production for the theatre in Branson, and also performed as on-stage host. Prior to those activities, Mr. Marsh founded a burglar and fire alarm company in Muncie which he operated for seven years. He has a business degree from Indiana University, and a Master’s degree in history from Ball State University.

Mr. Mayfield teaches Human Anatomy and Physiology, Ecology, Environmental Biology, Introduction to Microbiology, Introduction to Zoology, Botany, Humanity/Biotechnology, and Social Issues and Research. Additionally, he serves as the sponsor of the Environmental Club, Speech and Debate Team, and Envirothon Team. Mr. Mayfield is an evolutionary biologist who is doing his dissertation research on evolutionary relationships in orchids. He has published articles in the fields of systematic botany and entomology.

Mr. McSparrin joined the faculty at the Academy in 2012. He presently teaches AP Chemistry, AP Seminar, Forensic Science, General Chemistry, and Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry. In addition, he and Mrs. Kellogg co-direct the Institute for Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Biomedical Science. Prior to coming to Ball State, Mr. McSparrin has taught biology, chemistry, and mathematics since 1991. During these years, he has specifically taught AP Biology and AP Chemistry at San Bernardino City Unified School District in California and Sharpsville Area Schools in Pennsylvania.

Mr. McSparrin received his Bachelor of Science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania with majors in biology, chemistry and mathematics. He also took graduate courses in biology and did research dealing with sister-chromatid exchanges as indicators of stress on DNA as the result of mice being exposed to carcinogens found in grilled meat.

Mr. McSparrin received his Masters of Science in Chemistry and Chemical Education from Youngstown State University in 2005. His chemical research interest was in synthesizing ligands to possibly be used in future nanostructures and determining molecular structure from X-ray crystallography. His chemical education research interest lies with student misconceptions in chemistry and using guided inquiry as a pedagogical method for correcting these misconceptions. Mr. McSparrin has had paper publications and has done presentations related to these research areas.

Mr. McSparrin was named the 2005 Chemistry Teacher of the Year by the Penn-Ohio Border Region of the American Chemical Society and the 2006 Chemistry Teacher of the Year by the Central Region of the American Chemical Society representing the states of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. Mr. McSparrin has also received the Keystone Technology Integrator Award for Pennsylvania educators in 2007 and has been named in Who’s Who Among American Teachers several times over the years.

Dr. Myers has been an instructor of history at the Academy since the Fall 2006 semester. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science from Bluefield State College in West Virginia, a Master’s Degree in U.S. History from East Tennessee State University, and a Ph.D. in Appalachian Regional History from West Virginia University, where he wrote a dissertation titled, “Deindustrialization and the Decline of Community in the Coalfields: McDowell County, West Virginia, 1950-2000.” From 2001 to 2006, Dr. Myers taught history part-time at West Virginia University while working on his doctorate. He has also taught history at East Tennessee State University, Fairmont State University (WV), Bluefield State College, Ball State University, and Ivy Tech Community College. Along with the Foundations and American History core classes, Dr. Myers also teaches advanced reading courses in Appalachian History, American Working Class History, Native American History, the History of Science and Technology, and US History from 1920-1945. Dr. Myers is the author of “Depression, Recovery, Instability: The NRA and the McDowell County, West Virginia, Coal Industry, 1920-1938,” published in Coal, Class, and Politics in Modern Appalachia: Essays in Honor of Ronald L. Lewis (Morgantown: West Virginia University Press, 2009), as well as numerous encyclopedia entries and book reviews. Dr. Myers is currently working on a project on Dr. Henry Hatfield, the Progressive era governor of West Virginia.

Stephanie Nagelkirk joined the Indiana Academy faculty in 2005, having taught previously in Michigan, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Ms. Nagelkirk’s masters degree – from East Stroudsburg University – is in Secondary Education, English, with an emphasis on teaching writing, and she is currently working on her dissertation for a Ph.D. in Literature. Her specialty area is Postcolonial theory and its application to African-American women’s literature. The 2011 recipient of the prestigious Battey National Educator Award, Ms. Nagelkirk is also a reader for the College Board in AP English Language and Composition. She presents widely on the Project-Based Learning method of teaching and continues to be involved in pedagogical developments on both the national and local levels. With an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice, Nagelkirk’s interests are quite varied. She is an avid distance runner, a lover of all things seafood, and the mother of two children, Jack and Ella. She is passionate about her family, her students, and her teaching, and her enthusiasm is immediately evident. Ms. Nagelkirk teaches the American and World Literature courses, African-American Literature, Utopian Literature, and AP English Language and Composition. She has also taught the colloquia series, Creative Writing, Writing Lab, and a May Term running course.

Ms. Ney has taught various English classes at the Academy since 1991, including American Literature, British Literature, Expository Writing, and Creative Writing. Before coming to the Academy, she taught English at various high schools in Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan. Ms. Ney has made numerous presentations at seminars and workshops around the nation, such as the National Association of Gifted Children’s Conference, the Teaching Gifted Girls Conference, and the Indiana Association of the Gifted Conference. She was chosen as an Indiana Academic All-Star Teacher in 1993 and as a Presidential Scholar Teacher in 1989. She also won the Illinois Governor’s Master Teacher Award in 1984, and received teaching honors from Loyola University and the University of Chicago.

John Rajca has been an Instructor of Mathematics at the Indiana Academy since 1991. He has taught most of the courses in the mathematics curriculum, including Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry, Precalculus for AP, Finite Mathematics, Statistics, Advanced Placement Calculus AB and BC, Discrete Mathematics, and Probability Theory. He served as Chair of the Division of Mathematics and Computer Science from 1996 to 2005, and has been an academic advisor every year since 2005. Before coming to the Indiana Academy, he taught at Wittenberg University in Ohio and at SUNY-College at Oswego. Mr. Rajca has written and presented papers on applications of statistical and probabilistic models to professional sports. He was interviewed by Robert Siegel about his statistical model for upsets in the NCAA basketball tournament for National Public Radio’s All Things Considered in March 2003. Mr. Rajca is a member of the Mathematical Association of America and of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Mr. Chris Reid is in his first year teaching Spanish at the Indiana Academy. He received his B.A. in English from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 1974, and earned his M.A. in Spanish and Latin American Studies from St. Louis University in 1980. He taught Spanish at Regis University in Denver, Colorado from 1980 to 1983. From 1984 to 1995 he taught Spanish and coached track and field at DeSmet Jesuit High School in St. Louis, Mo. and for 14 years before relocating to Muncie, Indiana he taught Spanish and directed various campus ministry programs at St. Francis Borgia Regional High School in Washington, MO. Mr. Reid is thrilled to have the opportunity to teach many gifted, talented and highly-motivated students here at the Academy. He looks forward to helping his students discover the numerous possibilities for using their Spanish-speaking talents to communicate effectively with fellow students and especially with native Spanish-speaking people, both here in the United States and abroad. He and his wife Brigid have 3 daughters – Kathleen (25), a puppeteer in Portland, OR; Elizabeth (22), a senior at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO majoring in Spanish and Psychology, and Megan (19), a freshman also at Rockhurst University. When he’s not at the Academy, Mr. Reid enjoys cycling along the Cardinal Greenway Bicycle Paths, volunteering at the Harvest Soup Kitchen, socializing with colleagues and reading.

Before joining the Academy faculty in 2015, Jennifer Robinson taught French to students in grades 4-12 in rural, urban and suburban Oklahoma classrooms. Most recently, she taught at Classen School of Advanced Studies in Oklahoma City, preparing students for the IB Diploma. In 2007-08, she was a Fulbright Exchange Teacher in Poix-de-Picardie, France, where she taught English in a rural middle school. She was named Oklahoma City Public Schools’ District Teacher of the Year in 2009, and was a finalist for the 2010 Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year. In 2011, she received the Young Educator Award from OU in recognition for her leadership in education. From 2006-13, she worked closely with the Oklahoma State Department of Education and the Académie d’Amiens in France on an educational partnership between the two regions, and continues to serve as an advisor to the Franco-American Fellows Program sponsored by the Alliance Française d’OKC.

Before moving to Indiana in 2013, she spent two years as the Director of Global Education Programs at OU’s College of Education where she worked to increase the number of future teachers studying abroad through short-term programs and student exchanges.

Ms. Robinson is a National Board Certified Teacher in World Languages, and has extensive international travel experience. She has studied abroad five times: in Clermont-Ferrand, France; Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon (a French territorial collectivity in the North Atlantic Ocean); Dakar, Senegal; Vichy, France; and Rome, Italy.

In her spare time, Ms. Robinson volunteers at Minnetrista and with her neighborhood organization. She enjoys canning, baking and traveling with her husband and young son.

Mrs. Rogers has taught Russian language at the Indiana Academy since it opened its doors in the fall of 1990. Over the years she has also taught Russian literature at the Academy and German language both at the Academy and at Ball State University, as well as served as an English/Russian translator for Ball State University and around the community of Muncie. Mrs. Rogers holds a Masters Degree in Russian Language and Literature from Purdue University in West Lafayette and a Masters Degree in German from Indiana University in Bloomington, where the focus of her graduate work was on historical linguistics and old Germanic languages. In her free time, Mrs. Rogers is active with volunteer work for Muncie Community Schools and for First Presbyterian Church in Muncie and enjoys traveling with her husband, two daughters and her beagle.

Joshua Ruark earned his Bachelor’s degree in Math and Social Studies in Secondary Education from Cornerstone University in 1999. In 2011, he earned a Master’s in Discrete Mathematics from Michigan Technological University, where he stayed on for the 2011-12 year as an instructor before joining the faculty at the Indiana Academy.

Prior to his teaching at MTU, Joshua’s previous teaching experience includes public high school, both regular and alternative programs, public charter school at the middle school level, and five years as a tutor with Sylvan Learning Center where he tutored in subjects form early elementary to college prep.

On a personal note, Joshua is an avid game player, with Scrabble, Dominion, and 7 Wonders among his favorite. He also is a fan of all things Star Trek, and although he doesn’t own a costume from any of the series, he can identify almost any episode of ST:TOS and ST:TNG by title.

Mr. Sayers currently teaches General Physics and Electronics. Prior to coming to the Academy he taught physics and mathematics at Brazil and Northview High Schools. At Northview, Mr. Sayers started the AP Program and taught AP Physics B and C, Calculus AB, General Physics, and Algebra 2. He has also taught Introductory Astronomy at Indiana University and was Physics Teacher in Residence at in the Physics and Astronomy Department at Ball State University in 2004-2005.

Mr. Sayers has been active in science education, participating in many professional development programs at the state and national level. He has given numerous presentations and workshops at the local level, and at state and national science conferences.

For many years Mr. Sayers has been especially interested in the applications of technology in science education and how modern technology allows students to engage in real scientific research, particularly encouraging and helping students to conduct their own research in seismology, astronomy, and physics. He is currently a participant in several national projects in science education funded by the National Science Foundation. These include the Princeton Earth Physics Project (seismology), Teacher Leaders in Research Based Science Education (astronomy) and the Physics Teacher Education Coalition (physics education).

Special recognition includes Indiana High School Physics Teacher of the Year in 1997, Indiana Teacher Technology Fellow in 1997, Rose-Hulman Outstanding Teacher Award in 2000, Indiana Academy of Science Summer Research Fellow in 2002, and the Radio Shack National Teacher Award in 2003.

Mr. Sayers is currently working on completing his doctorate at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Mr. Schuh has been with us for over a decade, and teaches all levels of Physics for the school. He received three certificates of Distinguished Service during his education at Purdue University and was awarded the Top Graduate Teacher award in 1998. Since joining the Academy family, he has been awarded Meritorious distinction for both Service and Teaching, and has been listed several times with Who’s Who among American Teachers. Mr. Schuh regularly speaks across the country helping AP teachers improve their craft, and has logged over 2000 hours in front of distance-learning cameras for both national and international instruction.

Dr. Sean A. Scott joined the Academy history faculty in August 2015. He earned a Ph.D. in history from Purdue University in 2008. Since receiving his doctorate he taught history at Ouachita Baptist University and American studies at Christopher Newport University. He also served as an assistant editor with the Papers of Abraham Lincoln project, conducting research at the National Archives. A specialist in the study of religion during the Civil War era, he has authored A Visitation of God: Northern Civilians Interpret the Civil War (Oxford University Press, 2011) and several peer-reviewed articles in scholarly journals.

Dr. Smith studied philosphy as an undergraduate in Massachusetts and Germany and did her graduate work in English literature. She taught English in Texas and Massachusetts and came to the Academy from Auburn University in Alabama where she had been teaching World Literature and Composition. Her graduate work focused on modern poetry, and she teaches an Academy course on reading poetry, as well as courses in Women’s Literature, American Literature, British and World Literature, and Writing About Literature.

Mr. Robert Smith joined the Academy in 2014. He received his B.A. in Spanish grammar and conversation from the University of Massachusetts at Boston in 1991. He earned his Master’s degree in Teaching Languages in 2008 from the University of Southern Mississippi campuses in Madrid and Mexico. Before coming to The Academy, he taught Spanish most recently at Danville High School in Danville, IN. Before that, he taught at a college preparatory school called Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, MA. He also taught at Boston College High School in Dorchester, MA. As part of his graduate and undergraduate studies, he spent almost 2 years in Spain and three months in Mexico. He also spent a year in Ecuador working with the poor and underprivileged. He has also travelled extensively in Latin America. His professional work includes serving as a Spanish/English interpreter in courtrooms, hospitals and for private businesses. He was an Adjunct Faculty member at Indiana University for 8 years before coming to The Academy. He is married to his wife Christina and they have two kids: Elizabeth and Bobby. When he is not teaching, Mr. Smith enjoys many outdoor sports like running, biking and hiking. He also practices basketball, golf and his new passion: Muay Thai; which is a martial art from Thailand. Mr. Smith has been practicing Muay Thai since 2009 and he has fought in a few competitions. He considers it a great skill to know and a great way to keep in condition. Mr. Smith is looking forward to working with the talented people here at The Academy as teaching Spanish is his passion and he loves sharing it with people.

Mr. Stuart has been with the Indiana Academy since its inception, and currently serves as the Chair of the Division of Humanities. His course load varies from year to year. Currently, Mr. Stuart instructs a Junior Civitas course, an Integrated Humanities course titled Human Struggles/Civitas (team taught with Academy English instructor Jane Haynes), Decades of Controversy (an examination of the 1950s and 1960s), Multi-Ethnic Studies, and two sections of Junior Colloquia. He has also taught Senior Civitas, Senior Colloquia, Modern Times, American Reform Movement, Technology and Social Change, and World Civilizations to 1500. In 1994, the Academy nominated Mr. Stuart to receive the Ball State Teachers College Outstanding Teacher award, and he was selected. He has twice made presentations at the National Council for Social Studies conference annual meetings, along with a presentation at the Classical League annual meeting. Mr. Stuart was a speaker at the International Council for Social Studies conference in Sydney, Australia, in July 1997. In 1984, he was chosen as a Fulbright Scholar to study in Israel.

Mr. Willis returned to teach at the Academy after serving as a Fellow in English during the 1997-98 school year. He is a graduate (BS, MS) of Indiana State University with degrees in English, Speech, and Drama. He taught at New Castle Chrysler High School in New Castle, Indiana for 36 years prior to coming to the Academy. At the Academy he teaches American Literature, World Literature, Shakespearean Comedies, Creative Writing, and both Junior and Senior Colloquiums. He co-founded The Academy Players, a group designed to give the Academy an organized theater program. He has also served as technical director for You Can’t Take it With You and directed The Comedy of Errors. During May Term, Mr. Willis has taught a course dedicated to playwrights William Shakespeare and George Bernard Shaw. The class included visits to the Stratford and Shaw Festivals in Ontario, Canada. In 1998, Mr. Willis and planned and executed a May Term trip to Ireland with Dr. Felicia Dixon.

In 2011 Mrs. Wright moved to Muncie and began teaching at the Academy. She studied mathematics and education as an undergraduate at Assumption College in Worcester, MA while she played on the basketball team for four years. She completed her graduate work in mathematics at the University of Maine. Before she came to the Academy she taught at a community college in Maine. She believes Academy students are challenging but lots of fun. She is an instructor of Statistics, and Precalculus, among other math courses.

Nick Bauer is from Vincennes, located in southwest Indiana. He has been involved with Residential Life for 5 years collectively and will begin his first year with the Indiana Academy as his 6th consecutive with Student Affairs. He graduated from Oakland City University Fall 2013 with a bachelors degree in Biblical Studies. Nick has been working/involved with youth in various capacities for little under 9 years and his spectrum of experience spans across K-12 as well as college aged students. Nick is passionate about and enjoys investing time and development in middle and high school students. Additionally, Nick will be assisting Brandy Reichle, International Program Director, with the Academy International students this year and looks forward to connecting with all of them!

Some of Nick’s hobbies include, watching movies, painting, drawing, and spending time with friends. Students may observe Nick challenging my peers and students in a healthy and constructive manner. Nick believes we can help one another grow through challenge so long as we come from a pace of caring. Nick is looking forward to a great year.

Kristina is thrilled to start her fifth year at the Indiana Academy. Kristina was born and raised in Watervliet, Michigan. She attended Spring Arbor University and majored in social work with a minor in psychology. She graduated with her Bachelors of Social Work in May 2012. During her last semester at Spring Arbor, Kristina completed her internship in Chicago. She worked with youth who had mental health concerns due to past trauma. She loved watching the improvements of those kids. This sparked her passion to help young people reach their full potential.

Kristina enjoys a variety of activities. She likes to read, watch movies, go to Lake Michigan, and spend quality time with family and friends. She especially enjoys spending time with her niece who was born in January 2017. Kristina loves new adventures. She hopes to one day explore the castles of Europe and the plantation houses of the South. Kristina is looking forward to working alongside the students as the female Student Life Team Leader and is excited to watch the students enjoy another great year at the Academy.

Joe is very excited to begin another year as the First Floor Student Life Counselor – Team Leader. After working at the Academy in 2012-2013 as a Student Life Counselor, Joe got married to his wonderful wife, Kelsey, and spent a year enjoying married life and pursuing other interests in his home town of Grand Rapids, MI. He then returned in 2014 to take on the role of Team Leader. In February of 2016, Joe welcomed his daughter Sadie to the family.

Joe graduated Summa Cum Laude from Huntington University with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Religious Studies, minoring in Biblical Languages. While attending Huntington University he was able to take part in a variety of recreational and educational activities including intramurals and two trips to the Middle East. He is an avid sports fan, reader, writer, and hiker. He loves working with kids and plans to stay in Student Affairs and non-profit work for the rest of his life. He recently completed a graduate certificate in Business from Ball State University. He is also finishing his Master’s degree in Executive Development for Public Service and Adult and Community Education. He hopes to not only be a good role model and influence for the already gifted Academites, but to also teach them to be leaders in their own right.

Shane Crider grew up in Northwest Indiana, he is number two of somewhere between 6 and 8 kids. He graduated from the Indiana Academy in 2003 and had siblings graduate the Academy in 2001 and 2005. From Muncie he went on to Illinois College where he spent a year in the farm fields of west central Illinois before transferring to Indiana University-Bloomington, where three years later he graduated with a B.S. in Kinesiology. While at IU he made multiple trips to the Gulf Coast Area to help clean up efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Shane enjoys most team sports and has a strong interest in automobiles and motorcycling. He is a big fan of road trips and travel, since becoming an SLC he’s made it to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Mile 0 in the Keys, and through the American West. Shane struggles to count beyond the number 5, but he’s completed 6 years as a Student Life Counselor, or at least that’s what the math teachers tell him comes after number 5. He also enjoys puns. He is currently working on a Master’s in Natural Resource and Environmental Management through Ball State because he believes he will be able to command nature like Radagast the Brown.

Kelsey is no stranger to Wagoner Hall as an Academy graduate of the class of 2009, but is very excited to be starting her fourth year as an SLC. She started college at Valparaiso University, but after her first year transferred to Indiana University-Bloomington where she graduated in May 2014 with a degree in English Education. Before coming to the academy she taught in an adult education program helping her students to earn their high school equivalency diploma. She spent this summer in her hometown of Rensselaer while starting online classes for her Master’s degree in Secondary Education. When she isn’t working, Kelsey likes to read, watch documentaries and musicals, cook, play with cats, and sing. She has never been that gifted in playing sports or video games, but definitely enjoys watching both and will be sponsoring the Quidditch intermural this school year. Kelsey is looking forward to putting her talents of teaching and lesson planning to good use in planning programming this year, and is looking forward to serving as one of the PA advisors this year!

Will Kerch is eager to begin his fourth year as a Student Life Counselor at the Indiana Academy. Will graduated from Purdue University in 2014 with majors in Psychology, and Law and Society. While attending Purdue, Will was involved with the resident halls for four years, two of which he worked as a Resident Assistant and a Student Office Worker. Will was also involved with several on-campus clubs and activities including clubs that were directly involved with the student government association on Purdue’s campus. Will is excited to build a strong community and gain further experience working in a residential life atmosphere.

Will is looking forward to designing programs for the students that are both educational and fun. Will’s interests include listening to music (the more unknown the better) as well as playing guitar. Will is also a huge fan of movies and TV shows. When Will is not hanging out with friends and coworkers, he likes to play video games as well as board and card games. Will has aspirations to one day attain a graduate degree and eventually work as a student life administrator, preferably on a college campus. Will believes that the Indiana Academy provides children with an excellent environment to learn and grow into adults and at the same time have fun participating academically and socially.

Carly McDonald is excited about her 3rd year as a Student Life Counselor at the Indiana Academy. Carly was born and raised in Terre Haute, Indiana, alongside her triplet sisters. After graduating from Terre Haute South Vigo High School in 2011, Carly attended Indiana State University on a full-ride scholarship. At ISU Carly studied pre-medicine while double-majoring in Biology and English; she graduated summa cum laude in May 2015. During college, Carly worked as a research fellow, a writing tutor, and a summer camp counselor. Carly also spent four years planning events through ISU’s programming board. This is Carly’s 2nd year as a Prom advisor. She’s looking forward to another great year!

Chris is excited to be in his second year as a Student Life Counselor at the Indiana Academy! He grew up in Pendleton, Indiana and attended Pendleton Heights High School. He went on to attend college at Ball State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Telecommunications, with a focus in Video Production. While a student, Chris served at a resident assistant for five semesters. Since graduation, Chris as worked as a freelance video producer and as a substitute teacher. He plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Secondary Education.

In his spare time, Chris has been known to play video games, build Lego sets, watch anything to do with Star Wars, and even serve as tech support for his grand-parents. He is excited to be working with students at the Academy and see their continued development this year!

David Mitchell is a native of Chicago IL and is excited to join the team this year as a Student Life Counselor. Relocating to Harvey IL at the age of 14, he attended Thornton Township High School where he was a 3 sport athlete in cross country, wrestling and track & field. Following his graduation in 2009, David went on to attend college in the fall at Eastern Illinois University where he earned both his Bachelors degree in Communication Studies with an emphasis on Public Relations in 2014 and his Masters degree in Technology with an emphasis on Training and Development in 2016. While as a student at Eastern, he was highly involved in campus life and join several student organizations, a fraternity and competed in both a scholarship pageant and body building competition.

A fun fact about David is he likes to be called Mitch, as it was nickname given to him by his high school track & field coach. He says that Mitch is his alter ego that brings out his competitive edge, creativity and overall makes David a better person. Mitch spends he his free time listening to all genres of music, lifting weights, writing short stories and attempting to film them. This year he will be in charge of co-coordinating Lil’ Sibs. Mitch is looking forward to working with all of the students at the Academy and can’t wait to watch them shine this year! One quote he would like to leave with everyone is “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Gandhi

Lauren Poindexter is from Lawrenceburg, Indiana. She joins us for her second year as a Student Life Counselor, and is thrilled to be back this school year as a part of the team. Lauren graduated from the Indiana Academy in 2012, and is returning to the halls of Wagoner Complex hoping to give back to the community that gave her every opportunity for success. Lauren graduated from Cornell University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and a minor in Business. She previously worked as a food safety and technical consultant to homesteaders in her community and as a resource to college bound seniors.

In her free time Lauren likes to cook, bake, and experiment making fermented and preserved foods like bacon and cheese (she specialized in cheesemaking during college). She also enjoys walking meditation, hiking, visiting farmers markets, and fishing. Lauren looks forward to working as an SLC to all students at the Indiana Academy. She hopes to encourage a welcoming community where any student can embrace their unique self and find success. This year Lauren will be co-coordinating the school trip to Kings Island and the Winter Dance. Additionally she will be working closely throughout the year with the Indiana Academy Parents Organization (IAPO).

Elyssa Pozorski is excited to be starting her second year as a Student Life Counselor at the Indiana Academy. Elyssa is originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana where she graduated from Homestead High School in 2012. After high school she attended Ball State University where she studied Hospitality Management and Travel and Tourism. She graduated cum laude in the Spring of 2016. While at Ball State, Elyssa was a Program Director for University Program Board where she put on programs for the entire campus. She also interned for Wyndham Vacation Rentals in Panama City Beach, FL for a summer where she ran a recreation program at two different resorts. Some of Elyssa’s interests include traveling, planning events, and spending time with her family, especially her 2 year old nephew. Elyssa is excited to help plan Prom for the second year in a row, and she looks forward to another great year at the Academy!

Clare Pratt is very excited to begin her first year working at the Indiana Academy! She is originally from Greensburg Indiana, and has a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Southern Indiana, and a Master’s degree in Student Affairs from Western Kentucky University. She was previously a Property Manager at a sorority house at the University of South Carolina, and has had a variety of employment opportunities, everything from sports writing to running a high school drama club.

In her spare time, Clare enjoys playing tennis, watching (and discussing) movies, reading, writing, dancing (poorly), going to the beach, travel, photography, hiking, camping, kayaking, dancing, and collecting odds and ends she has found at antique malls and mom and pop stores. Clare will be working with fellow SLC Chris Miller on two special events this year, Carnival and Academy Awards. She is looking forward to getting to know the students at Indiana Academy, and learning from them, as well as teaching them lessons that she has picked up over the years.

Jamie Trost is excited to return for her second year as a Student Life Counselor. A 2011 Indiana Academy alum, Jamie loves working in the environment and school that made such an impact on her life. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame in 2015 with degrees in Psychology and German, Jamie moved shortly abroad to work with international college students in Heidelberg, Germany. Returning home, she spent the next year working as a Rehabilitative Services Provider for children and adults with mental health diagnoses before accepting her job as an SLC at the Academy.

Jamie spends her free time collecting insects and spending copious amounts of time with her cat. She loves working with others and looks forward to another year of being an SLC to such amazing, talented, and driven students. She already has found so much support within her team and fellow staff members, and cannot wait to get to know the individual strengths and interests of the incoming Juniors and Seniors. This year, she will be in charge of co-coordinating IAPO, Winter Dance, and the King’s Island Trip.