Staff and Board - Hope Academy Recovery High School

Rachelle Gardner

Executive Director

Email: rachellegardner@hopeacademyrhs.org

One of the school’s founders, Rachelle Gardner began her career as an addictions counselor, and is now the executive director of Hope Academy. She previously served as director of adolescent services at Fairbanks Recovery Center and as the board chair for the Association of Recovery Schools. Rachelle holds a bachelor of arts in psychology from Indiana University, and a master’s degree in organizational management. She is also a licensed clinical addiction counselor in Indiana. With over 20 years of experience in the field, she is passionate about helping adolescents affected by drug and alcohol abuse and addiction.

Linda Gagyi

Principal

Email: lgagyi@hopeacademyrhs.org

Linda Gagyi grew up in the Chicago area, attended Eastern Illinois University and graduated from Illinois State University with a bachelor’s degree in education. She earned a master’s degree in education and an administrator’s license from Indiana Wesleyan University. Linda has been an educator for over 30 years, having served as a math, science and technology teacher as well as a building-level administrator. Linda and her husband have two sons, Steven and Christopher, and one grandson.

Jane Panyard

Director of Operations

Email: jpanyard@hopeacademyrhs.org

Mariann Williams

Director of Development

Email: mwilliams@hopeacademyrhs.org

Mariann has been in fundraising since 1990 and loves the mission of Hope Academy. Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, she earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Michigan, did graduate work at Arizona State University and later received the CFRE designation (Certified Fund Raising Executive). She and her husband live in Carmel and they have two adult sons and a daughter-in-law-to-be.

Jon Shapiro

Director of Fundraising and Donor Relations

Email: jshapiro@hopeacademyrhs.org

Jon grew up in New York City and has called Indy home for the past 11 years. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Service Management from Empire State College and has spent his career, over 25 years, working in a variety of youth focused nonprofit organizations. Jon has a personal connection to and is passionate about the journey of recovery. He enjoys biking, exercising and spending time with his wife & teenage son.

Julie Kurrasch

Occupational Therapist

jkurrasch@hopeacademyrhs.org

Kailey Nickels

Administrative Assistant

email: knickels@hopeacademyrhs.org

Kailey is a former Hope Academy student and current freshman at IvyTech for pre-nursing studies. She joined Hope Academy in the fall of 2020. When she is not working she likes to spend time with her son or read a book.

Aleesha Bullock

Licensed Social Worker

Email: abullock@hopeacademyrhs.org

Aleesha grew up in Indianapolis, IN. She attended Trine University for undergrad and graduated with a bachelor’s in science and a minor in criminal justice. She also earned a master’s degree in social work from Indiana University Purdue University.

Aleesha has been working in this field since 2012, having served as a program coordinator, adolescent and young adult guidance specialist, intern, and addictions counselor. She has been working with individuals who struggle with addiction and their families since 2015.

Caroline Vas

GPS Coordinator

Email: cvas@hopeacademyrhs.org

As the Guiding Paths to Success Coordinator, Caroline is responsible for running the after-school program. Caroline enjoys planning and leading the recovery groups, AA & NA meetings, and social events that students can attend.

Caroline graduated from IUPUI with a B.A in Psychology and is currently in her last year of the Master of Social Work program at IUPUI. She is also certified yoga instructor. Caroline enjoys hiking, fishing, travel, rock climbing, and spending time with her family and friends.

Marsha Wilson

Science Teacher

Email: mwilson@hopeacademyrhs.org

Marsha Wilson completed her graduate degree in Education at Purdue University Global and a graduate certificate in Instructional Systems Technology at Indiana University Bloomington. She has taught in Allied Health Sciences since moving to Indianapolis in 1999 with four of those years working in Instructional Design. Prior to moving to Indianapolis, Marsha worked in nonprofit program direction and administration. When Marsha is not working, she listens to music, reads, and spends time in the gym or on the computer. Her grandson calls her TechnoGranny.

Jonathan McClure

Art Teacher

Email: jmcclure@hopeacademyrhs.org

Mr. Jonathan McClure is entering his first academic year with Hope Academy, and the 11th of his teaching career. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Indiana University – Bloomington, and his Master’s in Art Education degree from Boston University. Mr. McClure enjoys being outdoors, listening to music, cooking/eating food, creating art, and spending time with his wife, children, and dog. In addition to his part-time role with Hope Academy, he serves as the Director of Player & Staff Development at Zionsville Youth Soccer Association (ZYSA).

Jordan Mills

Social Studies Teacher

Email: jmills@hopeacademyrhs.org

Originally from Evansville, Jordan Mills moved to Indianapolis in 2008 to teach at Hope Academy. An avid board gamer who attends Gen Con every year, Jordan enjoys finding social deduction and bluffing games to bring back to school for the students to play. Additionally, he enjoys collecting antiques – many of which are on display in his classroom – and running half marathons.

Deb Leser

Guidance Counselor

Email: dleser@hopeacademyrhs.org

Mrs. Leser’s goal is to ensure that all students are Career and College ready before graduation. She helps students determine what classes they need in order to keep students on track for graduation. She coordinates special education services and is a member of the new student interview team. Mrs. Leser provides help with FAFSA, college and scholarship applications, and assists students in meet testing and submission deadlines. She coordinates all the state required testing.

Mrs. Leser earned a Bachelor of Science in Science Education with her teacher certification in Chemistry and Biology at Ball State University. She has a Masters degree from Butler University’s CACREP Accredited School Counseling Program, an Administrator’s Certification from IUPUI and an ED.S. from Indiana University. In addition, she recently completed an Associates Degree in Cybersecurity at Ivy Tech Community College.

Sandy Austin

Special Education

Email: saustin@hopeacademyrhs.org

Sarah Platt

Peer Recovery Specialist

Email: splatt@hopeacademyrhs.org

Sarah Platt is a former student of Hope Academy and a current freshman at IUPUI studying Psychology. She graduated from Hope in the spring of 2019 and joined the Hope team the fall of 2019. She enjoys getting to know students and assisting them on their high school journey. She has a love for art, fashion, and traveling.

Renee Carberry

Special Education Teacher

Email: rcarberry@hopeacademyrhs.org

Renee Pieroni Carberry retired, after 42 years, from full –time employment in education in June of 2018. She has a master’s degree in special education. Renee has provided support to teachers in developing strategies for student success in the classroom while also monitoring IEP compliance. She has been married for 49 years and has two sons and two grandchildren.

Shannon West

Recovery Coach

Email: swest@hopeacademyrhs.org

Shannon West completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at IUPUI in 1994. She has worked in the field of mental health and addictions for over 30 years. Shannon got sober as a teenager, without the benefit of a Recovery High School, so she feels deeply passionate about helping teens on their recovery journeys.

Katelyn Knoll

Math Teacher

Email: kknoll@hopeacademyrhs.org

Kate is a continuous learner. She studied political science at IUPUI, public policy at German University of Administrative Sciences in Speyer, Germany, economics at the University of Southern Indiana and is now pursuing a Master’s Degree in economics at IUPUI.

Her teaching style is very individualized, and she enjoys spending time with her students one-on-one so she can closely monitor their learning.

Felicia Moore

School Nurse

Email: fmoore@hopeacademyrhs.org

Felicia Moore received her Nursing Degree from Fortis College here in Indianapolis.She has been married to her high school sweetheart for 27 years, she has 7 children and 12 grandchildren. When she is not nursing she enjoys reading, cooking and coloring for her “me” time.

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