Meet Our Team

Samantha Goldsmith is the academic administrator for Hoosier College and Career Academy (HCCA). She comes to Insight from another Stride school, where she had been an administrator since 2018. She enjoys building data culture and helping teachers be the best teachers that they can be.

Susan Kuckie has been in education for over twenty years. Earning her degree in Family and Consumer Science Secondary Education from Olivet Nazarene University. Mrs. Kuckie has taught a variety of courses including but not limited to Nutrition and Wellness, Culinary Arts, Child Development, Fashion and Interior Design. Through teaching she developed a passion for Curriculum and Instruction and continued her education by earning her Master’s Degree in that area of study. Mrs. Kuckie can be seen in weekly onboarding with new students, to running sessions with students for dual credit, and behind the scenes in all things necessary to make HCCA function. Mrs. Kuckie’s passion for learning and leading brought her back to Olivet to complete her Master’s in Business Administration with Applied Leadership.

Mrs. Kuckie lives in Northwest Indiana with her family: husband, two children, three dogs, 1 rabbit and 12 hermit crabs. She enjoys being with family and friends creating memories. When she is not at her computer, you will find her watching her son’s football games, attending bowling matches or bowling on leagues, reading or gardening, golfing and during the winter months hitting the ski slopes.

Melissa Medinger was born and raised in Muncie, IN. She attended San Diego State University on a volleyball scholarship and received her Bachelor’s in Political Science and French. Upon her return to Indiana, she completed a Biotechnology certification and Biology Master’s program. She taught Biology in urban schools for the next several years after getting her MAT before transitioning into administration. She received her admin license through Marian University and has since added on an EL and High Ability license. She was the Assistant Principal at Paramount Englewood for three years prior to coming to HCCA.

Debra Fisher is a respected educational leader with a rich background in special education administration and support. She has served in roles such as District Coordinator of Student Services, 504 Coordinator, Compliance Coordinator, Diagnostician, Case Conference Coordinator, and External PBIS Coach. Over the course of her 40-year career, she has worked closely with school leaders and teachers to ensure special education services are delivered with fidelity and tailored to meet the needs of diverse learners. Her leadership has included supervising special education teams across eight high schools, partnering with principals on instructional and compliance priorities, and leading professional development on topics such as FBA/BIP, compliant IEP practices, and using data to drive decisions.

Licensed in Indiana as a Director of Exceptional Needs and currently earning a Graduate Certificate in Education Law at Indiana University, Debra brings deep expertise in IDEA, Article 7, Section 504, and ADA compliance. She is known for her strengths in IEP development, mediation, and building students’ executive functioning skills, as well as for fostering strong partnerships between schools and families.

Gena Franklin has served as the registrar at HCCA since 2019.
She has more than 30 years of higher education.

Christina Ingram has served as community engagement specialist since 2016. She has a master’s degree in education and a teaching degree in English and journalism, grades 5–12. She also has 20 years teaching experience and two years experience  as an academic advisor.

Fun fact: “I love taking pictures and editing photos.”

Mrs. Mullins has been with Hoosier Academy since 2016, and has a Master’s Degree in Education. She has worked in education for 15 years both in and outside the classroom.

Fun fact: I am a certified scuba instructor as well, and a Girl Scout troop leader

Tiera Robinson is a nonprofit and education leader with expertise in organizational leadership, grants management, partnership development, and board relations. She currently serves as School Board Executive Administrator and Grants Coordinator at Hoosier Academy, where she leads board operations and resource development to expand opportunities for students. Previously, she was Executive Director of Grant Development at Ivy Tech Foundation, managing a multimillion-dollar portfolio and statewide funding strategies. Tiera also serves on the Board of Directors for Buckner’s Place, supporting housing and resources for individuals living with a mental health diagnosis. A proud Xavier University alumna and Midwest native, she is dedicated to ensuring individuals and communities have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Erica Stephens has served as case conference coordinator and public agency representative since 2013. She holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree and has been a teacher for grades K–6, and 7–8 non-departmentalized; special education teacher for grades K–12, MIMD; school administrator for grades K–12; director of special education; a teacher for grades 1 and 3, and special education for nine years; principal for five years; and has been in her current position for more than six years.

Fun fact: “I have gone skydiving!”

Tracy Thatcher serves as HCCA’s office manager, school safety specialist, board liason, and facilities manager

Fun fact: “I’m originally from upstate New York. I have three children. I’m also a marching band Mom and a sports enthusiast!”

Emily Rose Thiesing was a school psychologist intern for the 2022-2023 school year per the Ed.S. School Psychology program at Indiana State University. Emily earned an undergraduate B.A.S. degree in Equine Training and Instruction from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. Emily has previously worked in Youth Development for the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis. Emily enjoys horseback riding, road trips, and learning new things.

Natalie Woods comes to us with over 25+ years of youth work and community outreach experience, starting as young as 14 years old. Over the years she has served as a camp counselor for the Community Alliance of the Far Eastside; Camp, Family, and Teen Director at the Ransburg YMCA; the westside Program Support Coordinator for Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis, and the Director of Outreach and Social Services at Matchbook Learning…She comes to Hoosier Academy as the Student Services Facilitator. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education/Exercise Science from Indiana State University and a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University.
In her free time, she looks forward to traveling and planning her next new adventure. She owns her own photography company called NatKat Photography. She also loves attending concerts and promoting relaxation, rejuvenation, and renewal.

Aaron Baugh is an instructor in the Social Studies Department and has taught at HCCA since 2019. He has a BS in history from Purdue University.

Fun fact: “I’m a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served from 2002–2006.

Phone: 463.900.5303

Heather Baumann has been a high school English teacher at HCCA since 2019. She has a degree in Secondary Education English Language Arts with a minor in Literature. She has been helping students achieve success in the classroom since 2013.

Fun fact: “I won a trip to Maui through a radio station where I learned why you will never find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. (Rainbows are full circles and you can only see that from the air!)”

Holli Beckett was born, raised, and lives in Warren County, Indiana.  She has been a teacher since 2003.  She is licensed to teach English and ELL K-12, AP Literature and Language, and Dual Credit courses.  She has taught English to all ages and types of learners and is passionate about building a love of learning.

Fun Fact: Holli lives on a farm with her husband and six children.  She has a one-acre garden, chickens, and dogs.  She loves making jams and jellies or canning in her free time.

Phone: 463.900.5314

Mrs. Berkley has been teaching and working with individuals with disabilities for many years through public schools and the Indiana waiver for individuals with disabilities. She has also been teaching dance for over 20 years. Mrs. Berkley has degrees from Ball State University and the University of Saint Francis. She loves to get to know her students and help them become the best versions of themselves. Mrs. Berkley is married, has three children, and one very special fur baby! In her free time, she loves to attend events that her children are participating in, go for walks, watch movies, and do crafts with her daughter.

Ms. Berkshire graduated from Purdue University in 2003 and has been teaching English ever since. She has four children. One of her favorite hobbies is crafting, and she loves spending time with her family and friends.

Natalie Berry is a Credit Recovery teacher that started her career in education in 2011. She graduated with an M.Ed. from Valparaiso University and holds a B.A. in Sociology from Indiana University Northwest. Her passion for student success has led her to work as a university and K-12 school advisor, special education teacher, and ELL instructional assistant.

Fun Fact: “I love to try new restaurants and foods. I think of myself as a foodie.”

Emily Brankle is an experienced social studies teacher with a passion for helping students connect the past to the present. Originally from Texas, she has made Indiana her home for the past 13 years, where she lives on a small farm with her husband and three children. Emily enjoys reading, taking walks and learning new skills. Beyond the classroom, Emily has enjoyed some memorable experiences. She was once featured on a Sunbelt granola box and has a street named in her honor. With a deep commitment to her students and a passion for lifelong learning, Emily strives to make a lasting impact both in the classroom and in her community.

Earned a BA in Speech Communications from Indiana University and a Special Education Mild Intervention P-12 license through Butler University. She has taught students in grades K-12 at both public and nonpublic schools. Mrs. Burnette enjoys reading, baking, outdoor activities, and spending time with her family.

Mr. Casey has a bachelor of mathematics from IUS. He is passionate about the subject because math is all around us! He uses real-world examples to illustrate the practicality of math in our daily lives.  He places an emphasis on critical thinking skills and how to find logical solutions.  Learning math in high school prepares students not just for exams, but for the demands of adult life, whether in further education, the workplace, or in managing personal finances.

Cheryl graduated from Indiana State University in 1995 with a B.S. in Secondary Education. Since then, she has had various teaching experiences, including teaching overseas in Bahrain and teaching students who were homebound for medical/discipline reasons. She loves to spend time with friends and her extended family, going to movies, and enjoying nature wherever she travels. She joined HCCA last February and lives in Lafayette.

Ms. Cole has been part of HCCA since 2022 and loves helping students discover how science connects to their everyday lives. Before teaching virtually, she worked in both healthcare and brick-and-mortar schools, giving her a wide range of experiences to share with her students. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Purdue University and her master’s degree in Secondary Education from Valparaiso University.

Her favorite part of teaching is building connections and encouraging curiosity in her students. When she’s not teaching, Ms. Cole enjoys exploring nature, playing tabletop games, and spending time with her two children, family, and friends.

Megan is a lifelong Hoosier who currently lives in central Indiana. Megan is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University (BS English Education & Writing) and Butler University (MS Education). A mom of two, Megan enjoys hiking in the national parks and making art.

Ashlee Deal graduated from the University of Southern Indiana in 2011.  She has 13 years of experience teaching Science.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and a science endorsement.  Science has always been her favorite subject!

Fun fact: “I have been married for almost 12 years.  We have two spoiled rotten Labrador retrievers.  In my free time, I play competitive volleyball, and bake and decorate sugar cookies.”

Jennifer Fatool has been teaching since 2011 and loves teaching in the Alternative Program. She previously taught middle school science and high school Biology. Before teaching she was a real life scientist. She loves spending time with her husband and 3 young children. Her favorite hobbies are cooking fancy meals, board games, and renovating her old house.

Mrs. Ford has been teaching since 2022, and has her Special Education degree from Western Governors University. She love teaching because she believes everyone learns in their own pace & way. Mrs. Ford thinks it is so great to be creative & help her students find what works for them! In her free time, she likes to spend time with her husband and daughter. She likes to try new recipes, complete DIY projects, and try new cute coffee shops.

Lindsay Free has been a high school English teacher at HCCA since 2019. Before that, she worked in brick-and-mortar schools for five years working with both middle and high school students teaching English Language Arts. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from Purdue University and a Master’s in Online Education from Southern New Hampshire University. She loves spending time with her husband and daughter and is an avid dog lover. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, going to concerts, and watching sports.

Carla Gehlhausen has been HCCA’s CTE computer education instructor since 2019. She holds a BS in accounting from Brescia University and an MA in education from Oakland City University. She taught in brick-and-mortar schools for seven years before joining HCCA. Prior to that she worked as an accountant for 30 years.

Fun fact: “I am married to a wonderful man, and we have four awesome kids, three grandkids, four German shepherds, 2 yorkies, 2 African grey parrots, a Quaker parrot (all the parrots talk too)and three Paso Finos. My favorite things to do are horseback riding and spending time with my family and critters.”

Crystal Goldsmith is the Criminal Justice Pathway Teacher and Assessment Support for Hoosier College and Career Academy (HCCA).  She started her professional career in the Indiana Department of Corrections where she became a supervisor for 7 years prior to transitioning into teaching since 2019.  She enjoys training and teaching staff and students new skills. She loves all things crime and was even in a Netflix prison show!

Ms. Goodbar graduated from Indiana University in 2018 with a bachelors degree in Special Education. She has worked with grades P-12, but has worked primarily with secondary education. Ms. Goodbar enjoys reading, doing yoga, and watching football!

Miss Harold is in her 4th year teaching after graduating Franklin College. She currently works with middle school students. She enjoys breaking down complex concepts and helping students build confidence in problem-solving. During class, Miss Harold loves incorporating games, digital activities, and the occasional math pun. Outside of school, she likes playing outside with her animals, Netflixing, reading crime novels, and baking.

Gina Henson is a Math Interventionist/Credit Recovery Teacher. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Purdue University and is licensed in Secondary Mathematics and Special Education. Over the past 30 years, she taught different levels of math, ranging from 5th grade to Precalculus, and sponsored various clubs, including Digital Photography, Math Appreciation, Fantasy Football, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Outside of school, Gina enjoys spending time with her family. Some of her favorite activities include volleyball, camping, photography, arts and crafts, and all types of games.Gina Henson is a Math Interventionist/Credit Recovery Teacher. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Purdue University and is licensed in Secondary Mathematics and Special Education. Over the past 30 years, she taught different levels of math, ranging from 5th grade to Precalculus, and sponsored various clubs, including Digital Photography, Math Appreciation, Fantasy Football, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Outside of school, Gina enjoys spending time with her family. Some of her favorite activities include volleyball, camping, photography, arts and crafts, and all types of games.

James Hornaday is a special education teacher and has been in education for twenty years. I started at HCCA at the beginning of 2024. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Taylor University and my master’s degree in sports management from SNHU. I love sports and am in my 21st year of coaching soccer.

This year marks Mrs. Joly’s sixth year teaching Special Education. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Southeast and her Master’s degree from the University of Indianapolis. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Joly enjoys coaching and playing volleyball, spending time with her husband and their baby boy, traveling, and taking walks with her dogs. She also loves making memories with family and friends and sharing her passion for learning and growth with her students every day.

Mr. Jones is starting his 34^th year as an educator (his 3^rd at HCCA).  He graduated from IUPUI and Butler.  Outside of school he enjoys spending time with his family and fishing.  His favorite hobby is cooking.

Emma has dreamed of being a teacher since she was four years old and is now proud to be living that dream as an 8th grade Language Arts teacher. She graduated from the University of Illinois and is certified to teach both English and Social Studies in Indiana.

Emma has a 21-year-old son who is currently studying neuroscience at Indiana University. Each year, they travel to England to visit family and reconnect with their roots.

Emma is passionate about helping her students grow as readers and writers. She especially enjoys reading her students’ work and introducing them to the craft of great authors. For her, the most rewarding part of teaching is building strong relationships with her students and supporting their success in and out of the classroom.

Phone: 463.900.5316

Colt Kanaley began his career in the special education field after graduating with a BA in Psychological Studies and an MA in Special Education Teaching. He graduated first from Ball State University, and again from the University of Saint Francis after finding his path in teaching. Outside of teaching and research, Mr. Kanaley enjoys spending time with his family and dog, gaming, and going on trips with his friends.

Mr. Kasper is in his 6th year at HCCA. He has been in education for 25 years! Over the course of his career he has taught every math class offered in middle school and high school. A big Indiana sports fan….go Colts! Go Pacers! Go Fever! Expect a daily quote and joke at the end of every lesson!

Bradley started teaching in 2016.  Beforehand I had various jobs, one being a Program Director/Manager of an office in Fort Wayne, IN.  Bradley is passionate in helping students achieve their goals.  Bradley has his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology and a master’s degree in business and organizational leadership both from Defiance College.  Bradley will be focusing on Management and Operations side of Business.  Furthermore, Bradley will be teaching a Business Law Course at HCCA.  Bradley in his free time enjoys spending time with family and friends.  Along with helping out on his family farm.

Mallory has been a teacher at Hoosier Academy since 2012. She attended Purdue University, did her student teaching with Hoosier, then immediately joined the team!
Mallory loves spending time with her husband and 3 kids and in her free time plays volleyball. She grew up in Fort Wayne, and now lives in Noblesville, Indiana.

Graduated from Chesterton High School in 2011, when I graduated high school I wanted to work in the medical field.  I obtained my Associates of Health Sciences from Ivy Tech and worked as a Cardiovascular technologist for four years before going back for my Bachelor of Behavioral Sciences.  I graduated with my bachelors in 2018 and then obtained my teaching license in 2020.  I’ve been in education since 2018 working as an instructional aide, graduation coach, and a teacher.  I have three children and love to garden!

Vijayalakshmi Lakshmandass is an experienced educator and technologist with over twelve years of combined experience in teaching and the IT industry. She currently serves as a CTE Teacher in the Information Technology Pathway at Hoosier College and Career Academy, where she teaches Computer Science courses.

With a Master of Computer Applications from Coimbatore Institute of Technology, India, Vijayalakshmi has a strong background in programming, software development, and data management. She holds professional certifications including Oracle Certified Foundations Associate – Java, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, and Professional Scrum Master™ (PSM I) from Scrum.org. With a blend of teaching expertise and prior IT experience as a full-stack developer, she helps students understand real-world industry needs and expectations.

Vijayalakshmi believes in the continuous learning process and strives to inspire the same mindset in her students. She is passionate about helping them build problem-solving and computational thinking skills through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.

Outside of teaching, Vijayalakshmi enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending quality time with her family. She also manages CodePlusTutors, a YouTube channel dedicated to making computer science concepts simple and accessible for learners of all ages.

Maya Losnedahl holds a BA in English from the University of Iowa. She has experience teaching English to elementary, middle, and high school students in an online setting. She is passionate about sharing her love of reading, writing, and literary analysis.

Fun fact: I have three cats, but I only adopted one from a shelter. I found the other two outside!

Nikki Lynch has been a special education teacher at HCCA since 2014. She holds a special education certificate of completion, K–6 general education license, and a K–12 special education license. She was a developmental preschool teacher from 2008 to 2014.

Fun fact: “I like to exercise and garden.”

Katelyn Markwell is one of our middle school special education teachers.  She has experience working in special education in the brick-and-mortar schools with student from Kindergarten up through 12th grade.  She studied education and the German language at Purdue University.  She holds a MS in education – special education and a BA in German language and literature.  Katelyn loves dogs, chickens, and anything outside; adventures with her family and animals are her favorite.

Fun Fact: “I lived in Germany for one year and am fluent in the German language.  I love learning new things from languages to homesteading to cooking delicious, healthy food.  I like being an example to my students that we never stop learning!”

Amanda Moor received her bachelor’s degree in political science, with minors in International Relations and Journalism, with a plan to immediately pursue teaching her favorite subject – Social Studies. She later received an advance degree in Public Affairs. Her passion was put on hold for careers as a newspaper reporter, and in college and professional athletics, before ultimately transitioning to teach. Now, she shares her passion for Social Studies with her students. She’s previously worked with exceptional learners and taught history in city schools before sharing her love of Government, World History, and Psychology with her high school students at HCCA.

Mrs. Angie Moya is proud to teach 7th grade science at Hoosier Career and College Academy. She lives in Gary, Indiana with her husband and their two children. Passionate about making science engaging and hands-on, she designs lessons that help students build skills they can use beyond the classroom. As a bilingual educator in Spanish and English, she incorporates both languages to promote inclusion and connect science to the diverse world around us. Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring nature, and finding creative ways to make science come alive for her students.

Brian Nash had been a high school social studies teacher at HCCA since 2011. He has a degree in undergraduate social studies education.

Fun fact: “I was in a TV commercial as a kid.”

John Osborn teaches math and science at HCCA. He as a bachelor’s degree in physics from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in physics from the University of Arkansas. He has been teaching high school and middle school for eight years, and has been an adjunct faculty member at Ivy Tech Community College since 2007. Before he was a teacher, he was a computer engineer, so you can ask him about unix commands. He is a strong science technology engineering and math (STEM) advocate.

Fun fact: “My lifelong teaching goal is that one of my students will go to Rose-Hulman to help build the future.”

Brooke Richardson graduated from Arizona State in 2008.  She has 14 years of experience teaching Science.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education with two science endorsements, biology being her favorite.

Fun fact: “I like anything in nature.  From bugs to fish, everything is amazing!”

Sra. Rusch graduated from the University of Southern Indiana in 2011 with a degree in Secondary Spanish Education. She has been a teacher for 12 years (5 of them in a virtual classroom) and she has taught all levels of Spanish, English 9-10, and Reading Intervention 7-8. At Hoosier, she teaches Spanish I-III and Workplace Spanish. She has been married to her husband for 7 years and they have 4 children, and a schnauzer/terrier mix named Oreo. Sra. Rusch enjoys canoeing, working out, crocheting, reading, baking, and making memories with her family.

Fun fact: “I love to bake but don’t really have much of a sweet tooth.”

Phone: 463-900-5337

Jenny Schaffer has been a dedicated Health and Physical Education teacher for the past 12 years. She brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and experience to HCCA, fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment for students. Jenny is passionate about helping students build meaningful connections while ensuring a safe and educational online space. Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Tyler, and their four children. She is excited for the opportunity to inspire and educate students in their health and wellness journey.

John Schellenberg has been a CTE/Business teacher for over 20 years. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Southern Indiana and worked in sales, marketing and management before earning his Indiana state teaching license. Mr. Schellenberg also played high school and college basketball (U.S.I.) and was a basketball coach for 16 years at the high school level.

Fun facts: “I enjoy 80s-90s music, going to concerts and sporting events, golfing, doing yard work, watching true crime shows and scary movies, and spending time with my family.”

Sabrina Scroggin is the Work Based Learning Specialist and Flex Coordinator at HCCA. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science Education and a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Purdue University. She has worked as a FACS teacher, a Natural Helpers sponsor, a therapist, an internship director, a director of student learning and development for international students, a graduation coach, and a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Coordinator.

Fun fact: My favorite season is garage sale season. I love a good treasure hunt!

Sherrie Shackelford is a CTE instructor.  She worked in healthcare for 17 years before becoming a teacher.  She graduated from Western Governors University with a B.A. in Life Science education in 2013.  She has been teaching since 2013 and has been at HCCA since 2022.

Fun Fact:  She has three daughters, two dogs, and loves history (genealogy research, antique shopping, documentaries – all of it!)

Mrs. Smith received her Bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from Ball State University in 2014. She later went back to Ball State University where she received her Master’s degree in Special Education. Mrs. Smith is currently in her 10th year of teaching. She has three children of her own and loves spending time with her family and being actively involved in her church.

Keegan received his degree in history from Anderson University in 2020. He has been teaching since 2021. Keegan enjoys watching movies and TV if he is not playing video games with his friends or spending time with his fiancé or family. Keegan is a massive soccer fan and college coach for Marian university.

phone: 4639005346

I grew up and attended college in Illinois, but I moved to NWI immediately after graduation. I have been teaching since 2016, and I have always taught Mathematics. I’ve taught all levels from 7th grade math – Algebra I, II, and Geometry.

I have two daughters named Payton and Charlotte; they are 8 years apart in age! My eldest daughter, Payton, plays travel softball and swims competitively. My hobbies are pretty non-existent because most of my free time (and money) is spent at the softball fields or a natatorium.

When I DO have the opportunity to do something for myself, I like to go to the beach and attend concerts/festivals/amusement parks (I love roller coasters)! I am a huge hopeless Chicago Bears fan (emphasis on the “hopeless”) and Chicago Cubs fan!

She has a BS in Visual Fine Arts from Indiana University of Kokomo for grades P-12. She has taught visual fine arts in every grade level, but high school is her favorite! She absolutely loves teaching art! There are so many options people never think about when it comes to creating artwork and she loves helping students find their ability and passion for it!

Fun Facts: She hosts a board game night every Saturday with friends and she also attends GenCon with them every year! She also enjoy reading, crocheting, and swimming!

Annie Wickersham serves as the Special Education Case Conference Coordinator and Department Lead Teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in special education from Indiana University Southeast and a master’s degree in psychology from Indiana Tech. Annie has proudly supported HCCA families since 2012. She is passionate about advocating for students with diverse learning needs and fostering collaborative partnerships between families, staff, and the community.

Michelle is a teacher of service with a background in language learning, politics, and governments of the world. She is an advocate, mom, and coach. In her spare time, she coaches youth softball, basketball, and Girls On The Run. Michelle has two boys, two dogs, and an axolotl.

Danielle Yankauskas teaches elementary and middle school math in northwest Indiana. As a mom of four daughters, she understands how to make math less intimidating and more fun for students. She believes every kid can succeed in math with the right approach and encouragement.
When she’s not in the classroom, Mrs. Yankauskas loves to read and watch movies. At home, she stays busy with her four daughters and a house full of pets – two dogs and four cats keep things lively! She’s excited to help students discover that math can be fun!

Tina York began teaching with HCCA in October of 2022. She is a graduate of Ball State University and the University of Phoenix. She has been teaching special education since 1996. She has taught at Hagerstown Junior/Senior High School and New Castle Community schools. She and her husband Tim have been married since 1992 and have three boys, as well as four grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and reading. She enjoys vacationing in Tennessee and Florida!

Emily Young was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After graduating from Ball State University, she began her teaching career in Family and Consumer Sciences. She later moved to Chicago, where she lived near Wrigleyville and celebrated the Cubs’ historic 2016 World Series win (Go Cubbies!).

An opportunity took her and her partner to the San Francisco Bay Area, where she worked at an Early Education Non-Profit, teaching Early Educators and families about parenting and child development and connecting them to vital community resources. After welcoming their child, Mrs. Young and her partner followed their hearts back to the Midwest—trading California sunshine for the comfort of family and the (chillier) embrace of home.

Mrs. Young enjoys hiking, spinning vinyl of various genres and dance parties in the kitchen while cooking nutritious plant-based meals for her family.

Jennifer graduated from Western Kentucky University with a degree in School Counseling. She was a middle school and high school teacher for 11 years and a counselor for 3 years before joining HCCA as a counselor. Jennifer has 3 children who are all very active in sports, so she spends much of her time at those events. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cycling, and jeeping.

Brooke Corley is a School Counselor and has been at HCCA since March 2023. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications from Indiana University and a Master of Education in School Counseling from the University of Saint Francis.  She worked in higher education for many years prior to becoming a school counselor, primarily as an advisor and admissions counselor.

FUN FACTS: Brooke is married and has 3 daughters. She loves seafood, Taco Tuesdays, and ice cream. Brooke has a knack for music trivia and hopes to one day be a contestant on a game show.

Carley Crist is a school counselor for HCCA. She has worked with youth for over a decade. She started out as a camp counselor and as an after-school programs coordinator. Carley went to IUPUI and earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and Master’s in School Counseling/Counseling Education. She believes that whatever you do in life, be intentional and you never know unless you try.

Fun Fact: I want to become a personal trainer! I love lifting weights and getting stronger.

Kami Kramer is a school counselor for HCCA. She has a bachelor’s degree in music from Saint Joseph’s College and a master’s degree in school counseling from Purdue University Northwest. Kami began her career in education as an elementary music teacher for eleven years. After earning her master’s degree, she was a high school counselor for four years and a K-12 counselor for two years before coming to HCCA in February of 2025. She enjoys spending time with her husband and miniature dachshund as well as playing video games and making crafts.

Veronica is our Family Resources Specialist. She obtained her bachelor’s in health management & policy through Indiana University in 2015. She went on to get her master’s degree in social work from Aurora University. She has held numerous positions in social services and in various communities surrounding Marion County. Prior to working at HCCA she has served as a program director for a shelter, a homebased case work, a therapist for at risk youth, a community health worker, and a domestic violence coordinator. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and gardening!
Fun Fact: She has personally created and correlated recipe collections of over 100 recipes.

Kendyl Weise earned a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Education with a minor in Spanish from Ball State University. She taught English at a public high school for five years, during which time she earned her master’s in School Counseling from Indiana State University. She spent five years working as a school counselor for a private Catholic school, and one year as a City Connects Site Coordinator in two elementary schools in the same school system. She began working as Lead Counselor at HCCA in 2024. She is passionate about helping all kids learn and grow. Kendyl enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids, exercising, reading, baking, and being crafty.