Meet Our Team
Meet Our Online Education Team
The staff at Hoosier College and Career Academy (HCCA) is dedicated to providing students with high-quality learning experiences.
School Principals
Melissa Medinger | Middle School Principal and CTE Principal
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.
Ext. 4015 | Email: mmedinger@k12.com
Samantha Goldsmith | High School Principal
Samantha Goldsmith is the high school academic administrator for Hoosier College and Career Academy (HCCA). She comes to HCCA 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.
Ext. 4004 | Email: sgoldsmith@hoosieracademy.org
Meet Your Teachers
Aaron Baugh | CTE Instructor
Aaron Baugh is a CTE instructor and has taught at HCCA since 2019. He has a BS in history from Purdue University. He has five years of experience teaching technical education and social studies in middle school and high school.
Fun fact: "I'm a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served from 2002–2006.
Ext. 4081 | Email: abaugh@hoosieracademy.org
Heather Baumann | High School English Teacher
Heather Baumann has been a high school English teacher at HCCA since 2019. She has a degree in secondary English language arts with a minor in literature. She has been helping students achieve success in the classroom for six years.
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!)"
Ext. 4014 | Email: hbaumann@hoosieracademy.org
John Casey | High School Mathematics Teacher
John Casey has taught high school mathematics for 3 years. He is passionate about the subject because math is all around us! John tries to make that apparent in his lessons by using real-world examples. He believes that all students can learn. He also believes that perseverance and discipline are two keys to being successful.
Ext. 4011 | Email: jcasey@hoosieracademy.org
Elizabeth Cole | High School Biology/Health Services
Ms. Cole has a BS in Animal Science from Purdue University, and a Master’s in Education from Valparaiso University. Biology has always been a strong passion in her life from working with and caring for animals to working in the healthcare industry. Ms. Cole is excited to share her love of Biology with students and to bring her healthcare experience to the classroom!
Fun Fact: I love to play games with my family and friends! I attend GenCon every year, and I am always looking for new fun board game recommendations.
Ext. 4134 | Email:ecole@hoosieracademy.org
Ashlee Deal | Middle School Science Teacher
Ashlee Deal graduated from the University of Southern Indiana in 2011. She has 11 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 10 years. We have two spoiled rotten Labrador retrievers. In my free time, I play competitive volleyball, and bake and decorate sugar cookies."
Ext. 4010 | Email: adeal@hoosieracademy.org
Scott Eckert | Grade 7/8 Mathematics Teacher
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.
Ext. 4137 | Email: seckert@hoosieracademy.org
Brittany Eckhardt | Special Education Teacher
Brittany Eckhardt has been a special education teacher for HCCA's high school since 2017. She holds a bachelor's degree in exceptional needs K–12 and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction. She taught for three years at Delta Middle School and six years at Oak Hill Junior High and High School as a special education teacher.
Fun fact: "I love watching cooking shows and cooking. My favorite things to cook and eat are Thai and Indian curries."
Ext. 4003 | Email: beckhardt@hoosieracademy.org
Lindsay Free | High School English Teacher
Lindsay Free has been a high school English teacher at HCCA since 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English education.
Fun fact: "I have two different colored eyes—one blue eye and one green eye."
Ext. 4080 | Email: lfree@hoosieracademy.org
Dalton Gibbs | Intern
Dalton Gibbs attended Indiana University for his bachelors in psychology and his masters in counseling. He is currently working on his PhD in school psychology with Indiana State University. Mr. Gibbs is a licensed mental health counselor and board certified behavior analyst. He has previously worked in school, inpatient, outpatient, and clinical settings.
Ext.4130 | Email: dgibbs@hoosieracademy.org
Carla Gehlhausen | CTE Instructor
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, a yorkie, an African grey parrot, and three Paso Finos. My favorite things to do are horseback riding and spending time with my family and critters."
Ext.4009 | Email: cgehlhausen@hoosieracademy.org
Brian Jones | Middle School Social Studies teacher
Mr. Jones is starting his 34th year as an educator (his 3rd 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.
Ext.6047 | Email: bjones@hoosieracademy.org
Emma Kalinowski | English Instructor
I love teaching because I love helping kids see their own potential. I have a degree in education from Michigan State University and a degree in English and history from the University of Illinois. My teaching experience is mostly at the middle school level, but I have also taught high school English. Middle school kids are my favorite age group! My son Joel is a freshman at IU. I hope I'm better able to relate to both students and their learning coaches because of my experiences with my son and his education.
Ext. 6095 | Email: ekalinowski@hoosieracademy.org
Tim Kasper | High School Math Teacher
Tim Kasper graduated from Ball State University in 2000 with a BS in mathematics education. This will be his 22nd 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 21 years and have three kids and two dogs. I'm happy to be at Hoosier College and Career Academy!"
Ext. 4008 | Email: tkasper@hoosieracademy.org
Mallory Kindig | MTSS, multi-tiered system of supports
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. My husband and I have two boys Lincoln and Roman, two cats, and one dog.
Ext. 6048 | Email: mkindig@hoosieracademy.org
Susan Kuckie | CTE Instructor
Susan Kuckie has been a CTE instructor at HCCA since fall 2020. She educational background includes family and consumer science education, business, and CTE. She has taught grades 7–12 throughout her 20-year teaching career. Her mission is to educate, inspire, and motivate young minds to build positive relationships, pursue their passions, and embrace happiness as a direction not a destination.
Fun fact: "My family and I love to travel, camp, and spend time in nature exploring. My personal hobbies include, reading, sewing/quilting, crafting, and cooking."
Ext. 4007 | Email: skuckie@hoosieracademy.org
Maya Losnedahl | English Teacher
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!
Ext. 4136 | Email: mlosnedahl@hoosieracademy.org
Nikki Lynch | Special Education Teacher
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."
Ext. 4079 | Email: dlynch@hoosieracademy.org
Brian Nash | High School Social Studies Teacher
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."
Ext. 4002 | Email: bnash@hoosieracademy.org
Kevin Nolley | English Teacher
Dr. Kevin A. Nolley is a new English teacher this semester. Although he is a new to the school this year; he is no stranger to the field of education. He is a licensed teacher in both Latin and English! Early in his career Dr. Nolley taught Latin at Indianapolis Cathedral and Indianapolis North Central High School. Nolley also worked for Indiana University School of Medicine, Ball State University, East Carolina University, Ivy Tech Community College, and most recently, Blackford County High School. He has 30 years of educational experience including teaching, advising, administration, instructional designer, and Director of Academic and Student Affairs. Dr. Nolley has also coached varsity tennis and junior high baseball.
Dr. Nolley holds a Doctor of Education degree from Ball State University. His areas of interest are in collaborative learning, staff development, adult training and program evaluation. His primary focus of research was in continuing medical education. Also, Dr. Nolley has recently passed his licensure exam for becoming a principal. He still needs two internship classes to complete that program.
Ext. 4135 | Email: knolley@hoosieracademy.org
Jon Osborn | High School Science Teacher
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."
Ext. 4068 | Email: josborn@hoosieracademy.org
John Schellenberg | CTE Instructor
John Schellenberg has been the business CTE instructor at HCCA since 2017. He holds a BS in business administration and a teaching license. This is his 20th year teaching.
Fun fact: "I worked in sales, marketing and management in the business world before becoming a teacher. My wife and I have been to five Coldplay concerts and three Earth Wind & Fire concerts—my two favorite bands!"
Ext.4016 | Email: jschellenberg@hoosieracademy.org
Sherrie Shackelford | CTE - Health Services
Sherrie Shackelford is a CTE Healthcare Occupations 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. This is her 10th year teaching.
Fun Fact: She has three daughters, two dogs, and loves history (genealogy research, antique shopping, documentaries – all of it!)
Ext. 4138 | Email: sshackelford@hoosieracademy.org
Brian Shepherd | High School Social Studies Teacher
Brian Shepherd is a science teacher from Indianapolis, Indiana. He earned his BS in geology with a minor in chemistry from Indiana State University. He also holds an MS in athletic administration from Ohio University and has been a successful track and field coach in the past.
Fun fact: "I'm married and have three daughters. I enjoy various sports as well as the outdoors. When my career comes to a close, I plan on moving to rural Washington to enjoy the beaches and mountains on the west coast."
Ext. 4089 | Email: bshepherd@hoosieracademy.org
Connie Smith | CTE Coordinator/Teacher
Connie Smith has been a CTE coordinator/teacher at HCCA since 2018. She holds an MEd in curriculum and instruction and a BS in business management. She has 15 years teaching experience primarily at Indiana charter schools, 20 years’ experience as a marketing manager in a variety of industries.
Fun fact: "I taught IB business for three years in Curacao, a Caribbean island."
Ext.4063 | Email: csmith@hoosiereacademy.org
Kathleen Tatone | Special Education Teacher
Kathleen Tatone has been a special education teacher at HCCA since 2014. She holds a Master's degree in Special Education from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Kathleen earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Agricultural Business from California State University, Fresno. She lives five minutes from Lake Michigan with her two children, and loves going to the beach. Kathleen is entering her 15th school year, and eighth with HCCA.
Fun fact: "I was teaching online before COVID made it cool! My previous job and life experiences have helped me a lot with our student population. I feel it brings a different perspective to the table."
Ext.4082 | Email: ktatone@hoosieracademy.org
Emily Thiesling | Intern
Emily Rose Thiesing is one of the school psychologist interns 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.
Ext.4131 | Email: ethiesing@hoosieracademy.org
Corissa West | Health and Physical Education
Corissa West has been the Health and Physical Education teacher at HCCA since Fall 2021. She holds a BS in Health and Physical Education from Ball State University. This is Mrs. West’s 11th overall year of teaching. She has experience teaching PE and Health at the middle school and high school levels.
Fun Fact: “I have three dogs and four cats. All seven animals were adopted!”
Ext.4005 | Email: cwest@hoosieracademy.org
Annie Wickersham | Special Education Teacher, Department Lead
Annie Wickersham has been a high school special education teacher and the department lead at HCCA since 2012. She holds a BS in education–special education, mild interventions. Before coming to HCCA, she taught for six years at Options Charter School in Noblesville, Indiana.
Fun fact: "I love to incorporate music in my classes and often speak in song lyrics."
Ext.4006 | Email: awickersham@hoosieracademy.org
