Greg VanSlambrook
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory, Principal
What do you enjoy about being an educator? Over the years I’ve been a teacher of economics, business, government, history, and religious studies. I’ve run community service programs, organized service trips, and led retreats. I’ve conducted and written music for marching percussion, for jazz ensembles. I’ve guided entrepreneurship students to start real-life businesses. I’ve always loved being a part of a school community- I love the rhythm and milestones of a school year, working with educators and with young people.
What did you appreciate most about the Fellowship? I really appreciated what I learned from our facilitators and colleagues in my fellowship cohort. It was really engaging to regularly spend time with really smart and passionate people who are leading a diverse mix of innovative and mission-driven schools. One of my main takeaways which remains very significant to my work today, was the importance of building our schools upon a foundation of strong and clear values, how our operations should all tie to those values, and how those values can unify the community.
Heba Elshakmak
MTI School of Knowledge, Principal
What led you to education? I believe my passion about helping others is what brought me to teaching. Education was highly esteemed in my family and in the country where I was raised. So, when I decided to switch to education, my husband, my parents, and all my family supported me.
What do you enjoy about being an educator? Having the opportunity to serve students, staff, parents, and the larger Muslim community is my real joy. There’s a quote from Prophet Mohammad PBUH about serving others. He says, “The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people”. I pray that we are among those people.
How would you describe your leadership style? I like to lead by example and build a culture of respect and trust. I believe in giving employees autonomy and inspiring their confidence.
My leadership style enhances employee empowerment through a transformational leadership style, driven by a shared vision and supported culture.
What did you appreciate most about the Fellowship? Providing us with the support we need to succeed as individuals and school leaders. I appreciate the personal connection even after finishing the program. I appreciate sharing the story and journey of the Oaks success and giving us access to many resources for our school’s success.
I appreciate reflection and issue processing practices which I continue to use with our team.
Deandra Thompson
A Learning Bee Academy, Founder and CEO
What led you to education? I know that my parents made a good life for me, and I want to help others see the goodness inside of them also and the opportunities that are achievable.
What do you enjoy about your work? I enjoy the children. I love seeing them show what they know. It amazes me to see a one year old who struggled with talking and some social and emotional stuff, turn 5 and thrive at communicating and telling us all the 8 planets of the solar system.
How would you describe your leadership style? TEAM. Together we Educate, hold us Accountable and Affirm students through the Meaningful work we do daily.
What did you appreciate most about the Fellowship? I loved reading the books and passages and the discussions. I also appreciate the knowledge in the room, which allowed us to create meaningful relationships. Every month I enjoyed learning something new.
Kathleen Stark Miller
Center for Inquiry 84, Principal
What led you to education? As a young kid I played school regularly and set up a school room in my basement. I had 12 students in my imaginary classroom, and I created that space like it was real. My imaginary students had name tags laid out on the floor, assigned books, and were organized by color coded folders of student work. Every book in my classroom library had a library card, organized alphabetically on a shelf. This classroom I created became a space in my house where I spent a lot of time imagining what it would be like to be a teacher one day.
While I majored in Spanish and Communications, I elected to take various education classes where I had the opportunity to observe teachers and support students. These were the moments of college learning that brought me the most joy. During these courses I was also exposed to discussions about equity and access in public schools and I quickly knew this was a field of work I wanted to pursue.
What do you enjoy about your work? I feel incredibly privileged to serve in my current role. My favorite part of the day is greeting students at the door each morning. Our students arrive with smiles on their faces, affirming my belief that our team is creating a safe learning environment where students are challenged and experience joy while learning.
Observing students engage in collaborative and meaningful learning brings me incredible joy. as a principal, I strive to support educators and remove as many barriers as possible to allow teachers to do what they do best- teach. When our educators are cared for and supported, they are in the best position to love and educate our students. I appreciate engaging in deep discussions around curriculum and critically evaluating current practices in an effort to refine our methods and decisions for the betterment of the school community.
Can you share something you are learning about yourself and your style of leadership? During this past year, I learned about the importance of adapting to ever-changing circumstances. I continue to learn the importance of allowing oneself to be pushed to think differently by allowing and inviting the perspectives of others. This work was never designed to be done in isolation. Being open, vulnerable, honest, and transparent about the circumstances and decisions creates an environment where growth is encouraged, and everyone can work to serve the community. I have also learned the value of demonstrating gratitude in all things. I am incredibly grateful to serve our community and be part of a team of dedicated educators who prioritize children in all things.
Emanuel Harper
Herron Riverside High School, Head of School
What do you enjoy about your work? I get to teach a section of French while also being the Head of School and it is wonderful. I love being able to vision cast about excellence in instruction and culture while also being on the ground with students each day teaching what I love. It is truly a dream come true.
How would you describe your leadership style? My faculty likes to poke fun at me for being a “processor.” I do lots of listening and thinking. It is rare for me to make a decision or solve a problem in the moment. Rather, I try to evaluate the constellation of inputs, bring in the right people to process alongside me, and work towards a next step that aligns with our core values and mission.
What did you appreciate most about the Fellowship? Issue-processing was invaluable. Additionally, the opportunity to dialogue with similarly minded missional leaders created a rich well of wisdom that I still draw from today!
- Penny Adams | Bloomington, IN
- Brian Crouse | Elkhart, IN
- Andy Goodwin | Indianapolis, IN
- Steve Hesse | Hopkinsville, KY
- Steve Kirk
- Diana Petty | Indianapolis, IN
- Shaker Rashid | Fishers, IN
- Stephen Rensner | Indianapolis, IN
- Matt Riley | Indianapolis, IN
- David Sexauer | Indianapolis, IN
- Greg VanSlambrook | Indianapolis, IN
- Denny Vauters | Simpsonville, SC
Kari Buchinger | Indianapolis, IN
Logan Castle
Sonna Dummas | Indianapolis, IN
Heba Elshakmak | Indianapolis, IN
Jeannette Feliciano | Hammond, IN
Malcolm Gilchrist | Indianapolis, IN
Bethany Guerin | Jonesboro, IN
Amy Hedges | Avon, IN
Carissa Maddox | Indianapolis, IN
Deborah McCrorie | Indianapolis, In
Matt Moore | Evansville, IN
Dewayne Pinkney | Bloomington, IN
Mia Sankari | Fishers, IN
Kristie Sombke | New Palestine, IN
Anna Taul | Indianapolis, IN
Justin Armitage | Indianapolis, IN
Chris Brunson | Indianapolis, IN
Kevin Clark | Oviedo, FL
Katie Dorsey | Indianapolis, IN
Marisa Gill | Indianapolis, In
Shana Hoffman | Indianapolis, IN
Jesse Kell | Richmond, VA
Sherri Kirschner | Sunman, IN
Kathleen Miller | Indianapolis, IN
Eileen Mariani | South Bend, IN
Eric Oglesbee | South Bend, IN
Marie Owens | Charleston, SC
Amal Shehadeh | Indianapolis, IN
David Seibel | Indianapolis, IN
Deandra Thompson | Indianapolis, IN
Heather Ummel | Bloomington, IN
Diana Batarseh | Nashville, TN
Colleen Cannon | Indianapolis, IN
Valerie Eiler | Indianapolis, IN
Sara Grein | Indianapolis, IN
Jeremiah Lockett | Indianapolis, IN
Nuha Rifai | Crown Point, IN
Dr. Brian Dinkins | Indianapolis, IN
Tracie Douglas | Avon, IN
Morrise Harbour | Indianapolis, IN
Brandon House | Indianapolis, IN
Granville Jones | Austin, TX
Emaa Mahariq | Indianapolis, IN
Wade Moore | Wichita, KS
Mike Obergfell | Fort Wayne, IN
Stephen Piscura | Cleveland, OH
Cara Swinefurth | Indianapolis, IN
Danyel Thomas | Kendallville, IN
Fransisco Valdiosera | Indianapolis, IN
Genevieve Van Overberghe | New Carlisle, IN
Beth Wissler | Indianapolis, IN
Fred Yeakey | Indianapolis, IN
- Anne Deckard | Indianapolis, IN
- Kelly England | Indianapolis, IN
- Emanuel Harper | Indianapolis, IN
- JR Huff | Columbus, IN
- Dr. Sunny Jonas | Wheaton, Illinois
- Nigena Livingston | Indianapolis, IN
- Kristi Lucht | Indianapolis, IN
- Peter Lucht | Lafayette, IN
- Rayhana Modhish | Indianapolis, IN
- Brian Williams | Chicago, IL
- Dr. Tonja Williams | Franklin, TN
- Angeline Clark | York, PA
- Tami Clouse | Indianapolis, IN
- Monica Evans | Crown Point, IN
- DeeDee Feeney | Carmel, IN
- Donnie Fishburn | Indianapolis, IN
- Brandon Grunden | York, PA
- Michael Hornbaker | York, PA
- Kacy Naab | Indianapolis, IN
- Amanda Ratliff | Indianapolis, IN
- David Schaffer | Valparaiso, IN
- Ronda Swartz | Indianapolis, IN
- Atticus Westerfeld | Indianapolis, IN
- Cody Whitesell | Indianapolis, IN
- Jeremy Wilhelm | Indianapolis, IN
