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.

Phone: 463.900.5367

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’s passion for learning lead her to complete her Master’s in Business Administration with Applied Leadership this past fall.

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.

Phone: 463.900.5304

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.

Phone:463.259.0644

Deb Fisher is our newest Special Education Administrator, however, she has been working in that role since 2009. She holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Special Education and has been a special education teacher for grades K-12, Diagnostician, Compliance Monitor, District Administrator and Case Conference Coordinator.

Phone: 463.900.5307

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

Phone: 463.900.5321

Crystal Goldsmith is the assessment and accountability coordinator 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. She comes from another Stride school where she taught the Criminal Justice CTE classes beginning in 2019.  She enjoys training and teaching staff and students new skills.

Phone: 463.900.5309

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.”

Phone: 463.900.5333

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!

Phone: 463.242.1855

Penny Lee was a school counselor for 12 years before transitioning to central office roles and has MEd degrees in School Counseling and Educational Psychology. She also worked at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis before transitioning to school counseling.

Fun fact: I have been on dinosaur digs in Alberta, Canada and Thermopolis, WY.

Phone: 463.900.5330

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

Phone:  (317) 495.6494 ext. 4024

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!”

Phone: 463.900.5364

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.

Phone: 463.900.5324

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!)”

Phone: 463.900.5304

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

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.”

Phone: 317.493.0388

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.

Phone: 463.900.5302

463.900.5371

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.

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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.”

Phone: 463.900.5325

Melissa Denney graduated from Purdue University in 2006 with a degree in Visual Communication Design. This will be her 6th year in teaching Digital Design (1st in a online only setting). Before HCCA, she worked for 5 years at the Century Career Center in Logansport. And previous to teaching design, she worked at the Sport Licensed Division of adidas, several small screen-printing shops, a non-profit, City of Columbus Indiana, and even now still runs her own design & graphic apparel business.

Outside of teaching, she’s a mom, wife, reader, gardener, chatty-goofy person who likes to learn new things. While we can learn a lot from books and history, we also can learn as much by making connections to others and learning about their experiences.

Fun fact: “I designed the 2011 WNBA Champions graphic”

Scott Eckert graduated from University of Toledo in 2002. He has 15 years experience as a classroom teacher in a variety of settings. Mr. Eckert is dual-certified in Mathematics and Special Education. He is aslo an entrepreneur in petroleum production and petrochemical manufacturing industries. He enjoys problem-solving, making real-world connections to Mathematics, and serving students and families across the spectrum.

Mr. Eckert is a passionate researcher of new and upcoming Quantum Computing/Financial Systems.

Phone: 463.900.5358

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.

Phone: 463.900.5310

I graduated from Western Governors University in 2022 with my Bachelor’s in Special Education – mild intervention. I have worked with grades P-12 and have loved each grade for their own special reasons. I love teaching because everyone learns in their own pace & way. I think it is so great to be creative & help my students find what works for them! In my free time, I love hanging out with my family & husband & trying new recipes!

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.

Fun fact: “I have two different colored eyes—one blue eye and one green eye.”

Phone: 463.900.5339

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, two grandkids, four German shepherds, four yorkies, an 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.”

Phone: 463.900.5322

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 is Mrs. Joly’s 5^th year teaching Special Education. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree at Indiana University Southeast and a Master’s degree at the University of Indianapolis. She loves to coach and play volleyball during her free time. She also loves spending time with family and friends, going boating, traveling, and going on walks with her dogs.

Phone: 317.493.0388

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.

Phone: 463.900.5315

Emma Kalinowski loves teaching because she loves helping kids see their own potential. She holds a degree in English and history from the University of Illinois. Her teaching experience is mostly at the middle school level, but she has also taught high school English. Middle school kids are her favorite age group! She is a licensed teacher in the state of Indiana.

As a parent of a former teenager, she hopes to better relate to both students and their learning coaches through her experiences with her son and his education. She looks forward to working together to support your child’s growth this year.

Emma’s interests include traveling to England to visit her family, hiking, swimming, reading, and art!

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.

Tim Kasper graduated from Ball State University in 2000 with a BS in mathematics education. This will be his 24th year in education. He has been a classroom teacher for 12 years and a director of eLearning for two years. For four years he was a teacher and an assistant administrator at a private school.

Fun fact: “I am a proud Hoosier and a big Colts fan! I’ve been married for 23 years and have three kids and two dogs. I’m happy to be at Hoosier College and Career Academy!”

Phone: 463.900.5305

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.

Phone: 317.547.4766

Mallory Kindig is the English Interventionist & MTSS Coordinator. She went to Purdue University and has been with Hoosier since 2012.  Previous to switching to Intervention, she had taught English grades 7-9 throughout her Hoosier years.

Fun Facts: I did my student teaching with Hoosier and was hired at the end of that year.

Phone: 463.900.5340

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!

Phone: 463.900.5363

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.”

Phone: 463.900.5343

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!”

Phone: 463.242.1375

Amanda Moor received her first degree in Political Science, with minors in International Studies and Journalism, with a plan to immediately pursue teaching her favorite topic – Social Studies. Her passion was put on hold for careers as a newspaper reporter, and then in college athletics, before ultimately returning to teach. Now, she shares her passion for Social Studies with her students.

Fun Fact: “I was born and raised near Lake Michigan, and love to talk about it.”

Phone: 463.900.5362

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.”

Phone: 463.900.5348

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.”

Phone: 463.900.5377

Ethan Osuch is the Mathematics Interventionist. He holds a BSE in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Iowa. Prior to switching to Intervention, he taught Math for grades 9-12. He is passionate about sharing his enthusiasm for numbers and revealing how they influence the world around us.

Fun fact: Once I rescued a stray kitten from the top of a huge sand dune at the Indiana Dunes National Park, and now he lives in Iowa with one of my friends from college!

Phone number: 463.900.5331

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!”

Phone: 463.900.5314

Mrs. Rusch graduated from the University of Southern Indiana in 2011 with a degree in Secondary Spanish Education. She has been a teacher for 11 years (4 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 and Preparing for College and Careers. She has been married to her husband for 6 years and they have 3 children, and a schnauzer/terrier mix named Oreo. Mrs. 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.”

Phone: 463.900.5356

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!)

Phone: 463.900.5359

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.

phone: 463.900.5344

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

Fun Facts: We host a board game night every Saturday with friends and we also attend GenCon with them every year! I also enjoy reading, crocheting, and weightlifting!

I have a BS in Visual Fine Arts from Indiana University of Kokomo for grades P-12. I taught visual fine arts in elementary for 2 years, high school for 5 years, and middle school for 1 year. I absolutely love teaching art! There are so many options people never think about when it comes to creating artwork and I love helping students find their ability and passion for it!

Annie Wickersham is a 2006 graduate of Indiana University Southeast with a BS in Education – Special Education, Mild Interventions. She is currently pursuing an MS in Psychology through the STEM-Teach Indiana program. Since 2012, Annie has been the lead special education teacher at HCCA and now serves as the Case Conference Coordinator. Before HCCA, she taught for six years at Options Charter School in Noblesville, Indiana.

Fun Fact: “I absolutely love the opportunities online learning provides to people and learners from all walks of life.”

Phone: 463.900.5373

Tina York has been teaching with HCCA since 2022.  She is a graduate of Ball State University and University of Phoenix.  She has been teaching special education since 1996. She has taught at Hagerstown Jr/Sr High School and New Castle Community Schools. She has been married to her husband, Tim, since 1992.  She is mom to three boys and grandma to two granddaughters and 2 grandsons.   She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and reading.

Fun Fact:  My husband and I were foster parents to our 4-year old and were blessed to be able to adopt him!

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.

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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.

Phone: 463.900.5338

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.

Phone: 463.900.5306

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.

Phone: 463-259-0912

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. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two miniature dachshunds as well as playing video games and making crafts.

Tomi Jo Leistner is a school counselor for HCCA.  She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a Sociology minor from the University of Evansville.  She taught first and fourth grades prior to earning her master’s and educational specialist degrees from the University of the Cumberlands.  Prior to joining the team, she was a school counselor for seven years at a large high school in Kentucky.  She has also served as a College Connection Coach for Ivy Tech where she helped students enroll in dual credit and explore possible career and college opportunities after graduation.  Tomi Jo enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, running, boating, and jeep riding.

Phone: 463-900-5312

Lois Love has been with Hoosier Academy Network of Schools since 2018 ,with the exception of an eight- month absence in 2022. She has held several positions in her tenure at the school. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management as well as two master’s degrees in Higher Education. She is an advocate for education and regards learning as fun.

Fun Fact: “I love reading and writing fictional short stories.”

Phone: 567.200.4924

Fun Fact:  I am passionate about cooking! I have a personally created and correlated recipe collection of over 100 recipes.

Phone: 463.900.5308

Sabrina Scroggin is the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) 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, and a graduation coach.

Fun fact: I am continually learning how to do home improvement projects. My most recent project is tiling floors and walls.

Phone: 317.547.2100

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!”

Ext. 5003

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.

Phone: 463.900.5323