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.

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.

Deb Leser

Director of Curriculum and Instruction/Guidance

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.

Linda Gagyi

Director of Outreach

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

Jane Panyard began her journey with Hope Academy in 2017 as a part-time staff member and joined the team full-time in 2020. As the Director of Operations, she and her team are responsible for accounting, payroll, facilities and day-to-day operations. Our work wouldn’t be possible without her!

Jane is a graduate of Indiana University and holds a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting.

When asked about what drew her to Hope Academy, Jane explained her passion for building relationships with the students she interacts with. “I have always appreciated the work Hope Academy does for young people and was excited to be a part of it. I love getting to know the students and watching them mature and grow.

Jane is an Indianapolis native and moved to Noblesville after getting married. She has two daughters and two grandsons, whom she enjoys spending time with at the beach and the lake.

Elisabeth Sharber

English Teacher

Elisabeth Sharber joined the Hope Academy team as an English teacher in February 2022. She attended Messiah College and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in writing. She holds minors in political science and psychology.

As an English teacher, she works with students in English class, Etymology, Composition, Creative Writing and Poetry. She also develops curriculum and works to build positive relationships with students and families alike.

Before coming to Hope Academy, she worked at Frankfort High School in Franklin, Indiana and at Crossland Hills High School in Temple Hills, Maryland.

Elisabeth was inspired to join the Hope Academy team because of their attention to student-centered learning and development.

“Hope has a unique understanding of trauma and the whole self. Hope understands the importance of social emotional learning. In addition, Hope values teamwork and progress.”

She hopes her students feel empowered to lean into the power of words, writing and communication. She urges them to use these tools with purpose. She also hopes to model self efficacy and resiliency in light of difficult moments.

When she isn’t with her students, you can find her writing poetry and blogs, hiking, and spending time around trees and rivers. She is often deep in thought but she loves to laugh and joke around.

Peter Coppinger

Science Teacher

pcoppinger@hopeacademyrhs.org

Dr. Peter Coppinger joined Hope Academy as the Science Teacher in August 2023. Before coming on board, Dr. Coppinger was a Biology Professor at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and a Biology Teacher at Charles A. Tindley Accelerated School.

He holds several degrees, including a B.A. in Biology from Kalamazoo College Michigan, a Biotechnology degree from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland and a Ph.D. in Molecular Plant Biology from the University of California at Berkeley. Additionally, Dr. Coppinger was a Fulbright Fellow at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia.

Dr. Coppinger looks forward to sharing his love of science and nature with the students at Hope Academy in a small classroom setting. He hopes his students will develop a deep and wonderous appreciation of nature that enriches a life that is happy, joyous, and free.

When he’s not teaching, you can find Dr. Coppinger helping his family care for their many animals, including cats, rodents and ducks. He also enjoys cooking and hiking.

Gianna Dowell

Art Teacher

gdowell@hopeacademyrhs.org

Gianna was initially drawn to Hope Academy because of its small community surrounded by people and students who are authentic as they overcome the obstacles they are facing. She has enjoyed getting to know her students and admires that they aren’t afraid to be real and open.

Gianna shared, “I like working in intimate settings with youth where I can help them learn but also help them be aware of their own emotions, thoughts and feelings while expressing it through art to help them take control of their life in an abstract way.”

Art is such an amazing outlet to be expressive, creative and vulnerable. This is Gianna’s hope for her students: “That they learn how to healthily cope with any issues they are having, learn how to be openly empathetic and find a passion in art they didn’t even know was there.”

Gianna is originally from Evansville and now living in Indianapolis. She double majored in Art History and Studio Art. Previously, Gianna worked as a freelance artist and for Amazon. Some of her hobbies include writing music, art commissions and watching anime.

Her favorite quote is “everything always happens for a reason.” We are sure glad that Gianna is at Hope Academy inspiring our students to express their creativity.

Justin Cain

School Nurse

jcain@hopeacademyrhs.org

Justin attended Indiana University to study sociology and criminal justice. He later attended Marian University to earn a degree in nursing.

In his role as the Hope Academy Nurse, Justin completes nursing assessments for new students, conducts monthly drug screenings for our students and is a resource for the students and staff regarding education about substance use.

He decided to take on this role because he wanted to work in a position where he could have an impact on at-risk youth and be a positive example in their lives.

“This is a unique school with a purpose,” shared Justin. “I am impressed with how the school brings academics and recovery at the same time to its students.”

Justin has been a great fit for this role so far and he looks forward to continuing to get to know the students here.

“I hope to help educate students about substance use and how it can impact their life as well as be a trusted resource,” he said.

In his free time, Justin enjoys riding his bicycle on various local greenways, spending time with his family and reading. Thanks for joining the Hope Academy team, Justin, and bringing your positivity and hopeful attitude to our community!

Joseph Minnis

Social Worker Recovery Coach

Joseph Minnis is a dedicated professional with a passion for helping others. With a bachelor’s degree in journalism and business from Indiana University, Joseph spent close to 14 years in the real estate development industry in Denver, CO. However, his path and purpose led him to the Behavioral Health, Mental Wellness, addiction, and substance abuse field.

In April of 2023, Joseph joined Hope Academy as a Peer | Parent Recovery Coach, where he utilizes his skills and experience to help those struggling with addiction and mental health issues. Joseph is committed to lifelong learning and is currently pursuing a master’s in psychology from Indiana University.

Joseph enjoys spending time with his Husky, Billie, practicing yoga, hiking, traveling, and attending live music events. His dedication and drive to make a difference in the lives of those he works with are what sets him apart, and we are honored to have him as part of our team.

Aleesha Bullock, LSW

Recovery/Parent Coach

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

Recovery Team 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.

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.

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.

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.

Joyel Frank

Special Education Teacher

Joyel Frank joined the Hope Academy team as the Special Education teacher in August 2023. Joyel comes to us from Oklahoma, and currently resides in Avon. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in speech communications. She is planning to pursue her master’s degree in communications at Purdue University next year.

Joyel was inspired to come on board with Hope Academy because she wants to advocate for students and assist them in becoming successful both personally and academically. She says her goal is to help her students achieve their goals.

She was inspired by the leadership at Hope Academy and how they guide students struggling with substance abuse to an education as well as sobriety. Joyel appreciates the diverse backgrounds of each member of the Hope Academy staff, and believes this better equips them to meet the needs of their students.

When she isn’t in the classroom, Joyel enjoys singing, entrepreneurship, and writing. She spends time with her family exploring their new Indiana home.

Kristen Bolden

Operations Manager

Email: kbolden@hopeacademyrhs.org

Originally from Indianapolis, Kristen obtained her title insurance license in 2006 and worked as an escrow officer for more than ten years.

Kristen has a personal connection to recovery and has known about Hope Academy for many years. She’s ready to put her organizational and operations skills to good use at Hope.

Kristen loves reading, traveling, boating and working on DIY projects. Kristen also enjoys spending time with her family, especially her teenage daughter.

Kelly Johnson

STARR Room Coordinator

Jen Saavedra

Receptionist

Jen Saavdedra joined the Hope Academy team in July of 2023 as the Front Desk Receptionist. She calls Indianapolis home, but hails from Brownsville, Texas originally. Before beginning her work at Hope Academy, she was a Registered Behavioral Therapist.

Each day, she welcomes every student and visitor into the building and ensures they have the things they need. She says she hopes that she is able to help students feel appreciated and part of a community.

So far, she says she loves everything about Hope and appreciates the school’s values most of all. She loves to see that everyone on staff embodies these values so naturally. She especially enjoys the heartwarming feeling she gets when seeing students interact and bond with coaches.

Jen is fluent in Spanish and enjoys baking with her kids for family events. She and her husband also have a pug named Coco who loves eating bacon! She says Trent Shelton’s words inspired her when she was at her lowest: “We are all a little broken, but last time I checked broken crayons still color the same.”

Victoria Tompkins

Bus Driver

Administration

School Staff

Board of Directors

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