MEET THE
INAEYC STAFF
Indiana AEYC promotes high-quality learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children. The staff help to achieve our mission every day.
Hanan Osman, Ph.D., Executive Director
Email / 317.275.3506
Dr. Hanan Osman was promoted to Executive Director in May 2024. She originally joined the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children (INAEYC) in 2008. As Senior Director of the Early Childhood Professional Development and T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood© Indiana, she worked closely with the INAEYC leadership, board, and the Indiana Early Childhood Higher Education Forum. Hanan was instrumental in committees that have developed professional development systems nationally and in Indiana. Hanan’s 30+ years working with children and families has given her a wealth of diverse professional experiences and taken her across the globe. She taught at the School of Psychology and Preschool Education at Ahfad University for Women in Omdurman, Sudan. She worked with Head Start as a teacher and a center director in Kentucky. Hanan also served in the Kentucky State government: Governor’s Office of Child Development as a Head Start Collaboration Office Coordinator in Frankfort, Kentucky, Kentucky Department of Education as the Community Early Childhood Councils Coordinator, and as a Kentucky State-Funded Preschool Branch Manager. Hanan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Preschool Education from Ahfad University for Women, a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology from Bayero University, a Master of Arts in Family Studies/Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education from the University of Kentucky, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Early Childhood Education from Ball State University.
Stefanie Brooks, Chief of Staff
Email / 317.275.3516
Stefanie Brooks joined the Indiana AEYC staff in 2013. Stefanie received her bachelor’s degree in Political Science/International Affairs from Butler University. Prior to her current position, she worked as a Legislative Assistant for Wellpoint Inc., a Manager of Strategic Initiatives with the State of Indiana and within college Admissions.
Natalie Corvin, Manager, Marketing & Communications
Email / 317.275.3501
Natalie Corvin is Manager of Marketing & Communications with over 15 years of experience in Marketing and Graphic Design. Before joining the Association, she worked for a large CPA firm designing marketing collateral, for the Firm, its subsidiaries, and clients primarily in the non-profit, commercial, and healthcare arenas. She has experience with designing websites, print and digital ads, and strategic and marketing planning. Natalie obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Anne Hardwick, Manager, Grants
Email / 317.275.3527
Anne earned a bachelor’s degree in Education & Communications at DePauw University and a master’s degree in Education at IU Indianapolis. Her career has focused on museums, universities, and non-profit organizations. Anne likes to improve processes and solve problems. In her free time, she travels to explore and learn, does volunteer work, and researches history.
Matt Harsanyi, Senior Director
Early Education Professional Development & T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Indiana Project
Email / 317.275.3511
Matt has a Master of Arts in Teaching from Marian University and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and History from Florida State University. He has over a decade of experience in K-12 and early education, including classroom teaching, state education policy work, and managing projects and initiatives for Indiana’s Child Care Resource and Referral network. Matt worked for organizations such as Early Learning Indiana, Indiana Department of Education, and Indianapolis Public Schools. Matt is an avid rock climber and musician. He enjoys tabletop games and spending time with his wife, dogs, and chickens.
Lindsay Philpott, Director, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Indiana Project
Email / 317.275.3528
Lindsay has a Master of Arts in Education from Ball State University, a Bachelor’s in Business Management from IUPUI, and an Associate’s in Early Childhood Education from Ivy Tech Community College. She has over 10 years of teaching experience and over 11 years of Administrator experience in areas such as Assistant Director and Director. She worked for several years at Head Start and has worked with other licensed childcare centers. Lindsay is involved in volunteering in community activities, Brownies, Monrovia Youth Cheer Director, Phi Theta Kappa, and supports her local church Sunday School/Nursery.
Nahid Rezaei, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Indiana Bachelor and Special Projects Advisor
Email / 317.275.3514
Nahid has a Master’s in Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from Indiana State University. She has a BS in Psychology from the Azad University of Iran, and an Associate’s in Early Childhood Education from Ivy Tech Community College. Nahid also worked in the Zionsville Community School System GROW program. She enjoys working in an academic environment and assisting students to be successful in their education. She is passionate about teaching and working with children. Nahid believes a good quality early childhood education can build a strong foundation for a better future.
Modupe Olokun, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Indiana Bachelor and Special Projects Advisor
Email / 317.275.3508
Modupe has a Master’s in Education, and a Bachelor’s in Language Teaching and Curriculum Development from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, a postgraduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education from the University of Victoria, Canada, and a Harvard Edx Certificate in Child Protection. She has over 25 years of working with children, teachers, and trainers. She has worked on Early Learning projects sponsored by partners such as UNICEF, UNESCO, World Bank, and MacArthur Foundations. She worked with the Commission for Colleges of Education as ECE program director. She shares a passion for research and recommendations to guide the early learning system in maintaining quality.
Miracle Brame, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Indiana Professional Development Advisor
Email / 317.275.3515
Miracle has worked in the Early Childhood Education field for over 15 years, including positions as Lead Teacher and Office Administrator. She has a Bachelor of Science in Education Preschool-Grade 3 from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and an Associate’s in Early Education from Ivy Tech Community College. T.E.A.C.H Early Childhood® Indiana provided her the opportunity to obtain her degrees. She states, “my T.E.A.C.H. advisors kept me motivated to continue my education no matter how long it took. I am now working on a master’s degree. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be a T.E.A.C.H. advisor to pass on the same encouragement I received to further my education.” She is married to her high school sweetheart.
Mary White, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Indiana Professional Development Advisor
Email / 317.275.3517
Mary has over two decades of experience in the early education field. Having served in the Army, Mary brings discipline and unwavering commitment to her role. She holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, showcasing her passion for nurturing young minds. Mary’s love for animals and reading underscores her diverse interests and compassionate nature. With a wealth of experience and a profound dedication to fostering early development, Mary aims to continue making a positive impact in the field of early education.
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Michael Wiegmann, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Indiana T.E.A.C.H. Advisor for Graduate Degrees and Special Projects
Email / 317.275.3513
Michael has a Master’s in Leadership Development from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from IUPUI. Michael has held positions in Academic Success, Human Resources, and Accounting. Michael believes that we are a community of lifelong learners and citizens of the world who need to feel secure enough in our environment to share ideas and pursue our dreams. His belief drives him to support those around him who are trying to grow as individuals and pursue their dreams.
Nafissa Oumarou, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Indiana Project Assistant
Email / 317.275.3509
Nafissa Oumarou has a wealth of knowledge and experience in customer service, finance, and human resources. She earned a master’s degree in Human Resources Management and a Bachelor of Management and Business Administration with a major in Finance from the University of Paris XII (France).
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Michelle Weston, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Indiana Project Assistant
Email / 317.275.3510
Michelle has a Master’s degree in Organizational Management in Organizational Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science and Early Childhood Education. She was a development consultant for Christine W. Avery Learning Center. She held positions such as Assistant Director, Family Support Specialist, Kindergarten, and Pre-Kindergarten Teacher. Michelle takes joy in being a mom, raising and spending time with her daughter as she has continued to grow her passion for early childhood education.
CDA Navigator
Charlotte McCall, CDA Navigator
Email / 317.275.3502
Charlotte has over 20 years in the Early Childhood Education field. She has been a leader of multi-site corporate preschools and Center Director of a nationally accredited Level 4 Paths to QUALITY™ licensed preschool site. She has provided ongoing professional development training in pursuit of quality of early education for children. She served on the Advisory Board for J. Everett Light Career Center’s, Early Education program and hosted student interns with classroom mentoring opportunities to develop and improve skills as new teachers. Charlotte earned a Bachelor of Art in Home Economics at Butler University and added a CDA certification to further quality improvement initiatives with others in her field.
Pam Richa’rd, CDA Navigator
Email / 317.275.3512
Pam has over 30 years in the Early Childhood Education field. She has been a Child Care Center Director, an Education/Disabilities Coordinator in Head Start and Early Head Start, and an Infant/Toddler coordinator for the Migrant Head Start program. Pam earned the Indiana Mental Health Endorsement as a Family Specialist (II). She attended several National Trainings and loves to share information to help everyone be successful in Early Childhood no matter what their role. Pam earned an Associate and Bachelor of Science from Indiana State University in ECE, minor in Child Development and Family Life, with a Kindergarten endorsement. Pam also obtained a teaching certificate from Ball State University for grades 1-3.
Non-Formal CDA
Emily Roth, Director, Non-Formal CDA Project
Email / 317.275.3526
Emily has a master’s degree in Family and Consumer Science with an Emphasis in Family Studies and Child Development and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Minor in Interpersonal Relations and Psychology of Human Development both from Ball State University. Emily has a rich background in working with children and families having served as a Home Visitor through the Healthy Families Program, Lead Teacher for Infants and Toddlers at the Ball State University Child Study Center, Extension Educator with Purdue University, and Project Specialist and Human Resources Director at Honey Grove Educational Center. Emily has always had a passion for working with children and families. She enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Rachael Grissom, Project Coordinator, Non-Formal CDA Project
Email / 317.275.3505
Rachael has over 10 years of experience in Early Care and Education, serving multiple roles from teaching to a center director. Rachael holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University in Child Development and Family Life as well as a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University.
Kathy Maguire, Senior Director, Early Childhood Workforce Project
Email / 317.275.3534
Kathy has worked with NAEYC accreditation as a teacher, director, and validator. She has an Associate’s in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s in Developmental Psychology from Purdue University Calumet, and a Master’s in Education in Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy from National Louis University, Chicago. She has experience as a Program Associate providing Quality Improvement Coaching for homes and centers, conducting observations for quality ratings, and assisting programs in achieving or retaining NAEYC and NAFCC accreditation. She is interested in building early learning systems to sustain quality, leadership and advocacy, and creating better working conditions for EC professionals.
Jennifer Cioni, Director, Early Childhood Workforce Project
Email / 317.275.3532
Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Illinois Wesleyan University and a Master of Science degree in Developmental Psychology from Purdue University. She has worked as an Education Coordinator, Director, Assistant Director, and Teacher for early care and education programs that were accredited by NAEYC or NECPA. Jennifer served as treasurer for the Tippecanoe County chapter of the INAEYC for six years. She is currently a member of the ECE Advisory Committee for Ivy Tech and of Baby TALK in Lafayette.
Jennifer Moore, Senior Project Coordinator, Indiana Accreditation Project
Email / 317.275.3529
Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems from Indiana State University and a Master of Education in Higher Education and Administration. Jennifer worked in both higher education and early childhood education. She served as the Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Martin University. In this position, she assisted with compliance, quality review, training, and the accreditation project. Prior to working in higher education, Jennifer served as a bookkeeper at an early childhood center in which she assisted with the Accreditation process of the center. She also became a toddler-one’s teacher for a local center in which she assisted with curriculum development.
Bonnie Baldwin, Early Childhood Workforce Coordinator
Email / 317.275.3542
Bonnie served in many Early Childhood Education roles: Teacher, Assistant Director, Director, and Paths to Quality™ Master Coach. Bonnie has experience as a First Steps Developmental Therapist and working within the foster care system. Bonnie obtained a dual Master’s in Adult and Community Education and Executive Development of Public Service from Ball State University and a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from the University of Cincinnati. She takes pride in her ability to build positive relationships with early childhood professionals and partners to help the ECE workforce obtain and reach their goals.
Jackie Bond, Early Childhood Workforce Coordinator
Email / 317.275.3536
Jackie graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Home Economics Education and earned a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from Indiana University. She has worked as an owner/director of a licensed childcare home for thirteen years, served as the Education Coordinator for the South-Central Community Action (SCCAP) Head Start Program, and taught middle school Family & Consumer Science education. Jackie currently serves as an Indiana AEYC Coach.
Tory Brinson, Early Childhood Workforce Coordinator
Email / 317.275.3541
Tory Brinson serves as an Early Childhood Workforce Coordinator. Tory was the Director of a NECPA accredited, PTQ Level 4 facility in Fishers for ten years. She also has multiple years of experience as a preschool teacher with various community-based and school-based programs. Tory comes to us with a B.S. in Kindergarten – Primary Education, Early Childhood Education with a Technology Endorsement from Ball State University. She has truly loved the opportunity to coach her internal staff and looks forward to growing the reach of that work to so many other professionals in the field.
Dawn Cole-Easterday, Early Childhood Workforce Coordinator
Email / 317.275.3470
Dawn earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Earlham College, has completed graduate work in Education from Indiana University and is finishing a master’s degree in Nonprofit Administration from North Park University. She has been a part of the NAEYC accreditation process as a teacher, director, and trainer. Dawn has provided training and coaching for diverse programs throughout the United States as a field consultant for the High Scope Educational Foundation. She sees her role as an Indiana Accreditation Project coach to be a support and resource to teachers and administrators as they continually work together to improve their programs to provide the best for young children.
Carla Gadson, Early Childhood Workforce Coordinator
Email / 317.275.3539
Carla has over 25 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education and more than 15 years of experience in a classroom setting. She has a M.S. in Early Childhood, and a B.S. in Business Administration. Carla was Assistant Director & Executive Director for the Woodland Child Development Center. Carla has held several positions: Local Chapter President, Parent Involvement Coordinator, Master Teacher, Lead Teacher, and Assistant Teacher. Carla affirms that her combined years of experience and education has allowed her to embrace the field and its importance through the eyes and mind of her first grandchild. She states that “this is the most humbling and rewarding field anyone could be in.”
Randall Garratt, Ph.D., Early Childhood Workforce Coordinator
Email / 317.275.3537
Randy Garratt serves as an Early Childhood Workforce Coordinator. Randy earned a M.Ed. and Ph.D. at Indiana State University in Elementary Education/Child Psychology with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. He has experience as an education coordinator and director in early care and education programs that were accredited by NAEYC. Randy was employed as the Education Coordinator for 4C of Southern Indiana, and a Faculty Fellow at Ivy Tech Community College-Evansville. He has been a CDA rep since 1989 and has also completed NAFCC observer training.
Cassie Eberly, Early Childhood Workforce Coordinator
Email / 317.275.3538
Cassie was a coach with the Indiana Accreditation Project and an On My Way Pre-K Manager. She led Pre-K and kindergarten rooms in a NAEYC accredited program, served as a community early childhood trainer and assessor, as well as held the position of Early Childhood Specialist for state funded Pre-K programs in Michigan. She received a bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Bethel College in Mishawaka, IN and a Master’s in Developmental Psychology from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California. She is passionate about building relationships with educators and supporting them.
Emma Dragoo, Early Childhood Workforce Coordinator
Email / 317.275.3572
Emma serves the East Central region sharing the vision that early childhood education must “complete, not compete”! As a T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Indiana scholarship recipient, she earned a CDA, Associate’s in Early Childhood Education with an Administrative certificate, and Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Ball State University. She piloted the area’s first Nature Preschool with the YMCA of Muncie and Ball State. She completed Forest Kindergarten teacher training at Cedarsong Nature School and joined the 2018 INAEYC Reggio Emilia, Italy study tour. Emma’s passion in Early Childhood encompasses collaboration and community participation – championing child-centric, culturally competent, and nature-based practice.
Dawn Sparks, Early Childhood Workforce Coordinator
Email / 317.275.3531
Dawn has worked in the ECE field for over 25 years. Through the support of the T.E.A.C.H. scholarship program, Dawn earned an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and a certificate in Child Development from Ivy Tech Community College. She has a BS in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education from Ball State University, a MA in Education, and a Master’s certification in Leadership and Mentoring. She served as a program aide, lead teacher, mentor coach, education supervisor, PD Specialist, and Ivy Tech adjunct. Dawn was President for the North Central Region of INAEYC.
Brie O’Rourke, Early Childhood Workforce Coordinator
Email / 317.275.3533
Brie O’Rourke serves as an Early Childhood Workforce Coordinator. Brie has been in the early childhood field for fourteen years. Brie has worked in various childcares in Nevada and Indiana as a teacher, Admissions Coordinator, Enrollment Specialist, Operations Manager and School Leader. She obtained her degrees in Elementary Education from Nevada State College and Early Childhood Education from The College of Southern Nevada. She is very excited to serve more of the Central Indiana Early Childhood Education Workforce and building strong relationships within the community.
Rose Allen, Early Childhood Workforce Coordinator
Email / 317.275.3540
Rose serves as the Workforce Coordinator Early Childhood Workforce Project. Rose has a master’s in human resource management, bachelor’s in human development, associate degree in social Behavioral Studies, and is currently working on a master’s in elementary ed with emphasis in ECE. Rose has twenty plus years of experience working with children ages birth to twelve. Her passion is collaborating, and partnering with individuals and organizations on inclusion, diversity, and equity in the workforce. Rose is a veteran and a mother of three daughters and three cats.
Marla Segal, Senior Director, On My Way Pre-K Project
Email / 317.452.0380
Marla has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University and 16 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. Marla has worked closely with On My Way Pre-K program since its conception in 2015. Within Marla’s years of experience, she has also held several key positions in the ECE field; a Director of a PTQ Level 4 and NAEYC Accredited Child Care Center, Assistant Director, Office Manager, and a Pre-K teacher. Outside of work, Marla likes to bake and spend time with her family!
Erica Hubbard, Director, On My Way Pre-K Project
Email / 812.260.0011
Erica is the Director of the On My Way Pre-K program. She holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Development and a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Communications. She has worked for the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, as Professor of Communications in Louisville, Kentucky, and as a preschool teacher. Erica has been with the Pre-K program since 2015 and took a leading role in the statewide texting communications pilot. Today, Pre-K Managers utilize this text method to increase communication avenues with families. In her leisure time, Erica enjoys spending time with her three children.
Claudia Pedraza, On My Way Pre-K Manager – Northern Region
Email / 574.395.3682
Claudia is a Pre-K Project Manager serving Northern Indiana. She comes to INAEYC with an associate degree in early childhood education from Ivy Tech Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Bethel College, and certification in Leadership, Organizing, and Action: Leading Change from Harvard Kennedy Academy. Claudia has worked in the Early Childhood Education field for over 10 years. She is a mother, educator, and connector. Guided by her heart to see the possibility of change, action, hope, and commitment in empowering families to gain access to an equitable education.
LaKesha Fillmore, On My Way Pre-K Project Manager
Email / 317.509.0928
Lakesha is a Pre-K Project Manager serving Marion County and the surrounding area. She has a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Life from Indiana State University. Lakesha most recently served the Association as a T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® INDIANA Professional Development Advisor. She has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in early childhood education and family services while holding various positions, including a social worker, developmental therapist, counselor, and case manager. An Indianapolis native, in her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her children.
Jody Bono, On My Way Pre-K Project Manager
Email / 219.384.8426
Jody is the Pre-K Project Manager serving Lake County. She comes to Indiana AEYC with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and 25 years of Early Childhood experience. Jody has held several key positions in the early childhood education field, previously a center Director of a Level 4 Path to Quality Center for twelve years, Lead Teacher, and taught children two through five years of age. Jody works to meet the needs of children and families through recruitment, family engagement activities with lasting results and quality enhancements in the On My Way Pre-K Program.
Kimberly Gordon, On My Way Pre-K Project Manager
Email / 765.480.5135
Kimberly has a Master of Arts degree in Psychology and Education from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Ball State University. Kim has held several positions, including lead teacher for the Early Head Start program. She recently studied the Spanish language to be a better resource and support to families in Grant, Howard, and Tippecanoe counties. Kim enjoys reading and traveling.
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Emily Syslo, On My Way Pre-K Project Manager
Email / 574.218.2641
Emily has a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Early Childhood from Ball State University and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the Indiana University of South Bend. Emily has held a position as Center Director of a childcare center for 3 years. During her tenure, the facility received its nationally accredited of Level 4 in Paths to QUALITY™ rating. Emily held positions as a paraprofessional in a local school, PD Specialist, Assistant Director, and preschool teacher. Her passions in the early childhood field include working with other EC professionals and supporting family engagement practices.
Crystal Moore, On My Way Pre-K Project Manager
Email / 812.230.1983
Crystal is the On My Way Pre-K Project Manager for Monroe and Vigo Counties. She has a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Life with a minor in community health. Crystal has worked in the Early Childhood Education field for more than 15 years. She is pursuing her Master of Education in Teaching and Learning with a concentration in Early Childhood. Crystal previously held positions including Referral Specialist, Paths to QUALITYTM Coach, and an Inclusion Specialist. In her spare time, Crystal enjoys boxing, exercise, biking, hiking, and exploring with her family.
Cheryl Tyler, On My Way Pre-K Project Manager
Email / 317.358.9698
Cheryl is a Pre-K Project Manager serving Marion and Hamilton Counties. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University. Cheryl’s most recently held position was with Child Care Resource and Referral Agency as an Outreach Coordinator. Cheryl’s passion is helping families succeed in every aspect, especially the education of their children. This passion has been a motivator for Cheryl working in the field of Education for over 25 years. She has held many positions including Elementary Teacher, Pre-K Teacher, Assistant Director in a Level 4 PTQ center. In her spare time, Cheryl likes to spend time with her family, traveling, and watching softball.
Cindy Gould, On My Way Pre-K Project Manager
Email / 765.623.6783
Cindy has a Master of Arts in Education from Ball State University, with a certificate in program Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, with a minor in special education, from St. Mary of the Woods College. She has over 25 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood and has held positions from program cook, driver, classroom teacher to Director. She worked at a Level 4 Paths to Quality NAEYC Accredited program for several years. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also likes to go hiking, kayaking, and reading.
Sarah Anderson, On My Way Pre-K Project Manager
Email / 219.384.9657
Sarah is a Pre-K Project Manager serving Adams, Allen, Dekalb, Huntington, Jay and Wells Counties. She has a Master’s degree in Management and a minor in Early Childhood Education. Sarah has worked in the Early Childhood Education field for over 30 years. She has extensive experience in the ECE field and has held several positions. During her career, she has held positions as a Director of Registered Ministries, Corporations, Hospitals, Head Start, standalone facilities and Non-Profits. Sarah has held a coaching position with Early Learning Indiana, Bona Vista and as an Outreach Specialist.
Amy Bishopp, On My Way Pre-K Project Manager
Email / 463.483.6528
Amy is a Pre-K Project Manager for Bartholomew, Jackson, Johnson, Shelby, Jennings, Brown, Ripley, Decatur, Dearborn, Lawrence, and Franklin Counties. Amy has a BS in Education from Butler University and a MS in Education from IUPUI. She has over 25 years of Early Childhood Education experience, including Kindergarten Teacher, Center Director, CDA Instructor, and ECE Adjunct Faculty at Ivy Tech Community College. Amy completed volunteer service in the Peace Corps teaching in the Eastern Caribbean and at the International School of Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago. Amy enjoys hiking and traveling.
Vanessa Wagler, On My Way Pre-K Project Manager
Email / 812.603.9625
Vanessa is the Pre-K Project Manager for Posey, Vanderburgh, Gibson, Daviess, Martin, Pike, Dubois, Warrick, Spencer, and Perry Counties. Vanessa has a Master of Science in Special Education from Purdue Northwest and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Southern Indiana. Vanessa spent 15 years as a director of early childhood programs at a Level 3 PTQ registered ministry and a Level 4 PTQ NAEYC accredited center. She also worked as a Special Education Teacher for elementary students with emotional disabilities. Vanessa enjoys traveling, watching baseball, and performing arts productions.
Kendra Needham, On My Way Pre-K Project Manager
Email / 812.929.1215
Kendra Needham is the Pre-K Project Manager serving Clark, Floyd, Scott, Harrison, Washington, Jefferson, Orange, Crawford, Ohio, and Switzerland Counties. Kendra has a Master of Science Degree in Social Work from the University of Louisville and a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work with a minor in Psychology from Indiana University. Kendra has held several positions, working with children and families, and recently she worked as a school social worker. Kendra’s passion for early childhood education includes family and child advocacy. In her spare time, Kendra enjoys spending time with family, attending musical concerts, and visiting friends.
Mandy Cook, On My Way Pre-K Program Manager
Email / 812.746.9278
Mandy has 13 years of experience in the classroom, with a bachelor’s in education from the University of Louisville, dual-certified in elementary and early childhood education, as well as a master’s from the University of the Cumberlands in teacher leadership. She has always had a passion for ensuring young learners have the tools necessary for success. She loves to spend time with her family and traveling to visit new places.
Amanda Torres, On My Way Pre-K Program Manager
Email /574.229.8292
Amanda is the On My Way Pre-K Project Manager for Northern Indiana. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education from Bethel University. Amanda has worked in the Early Childhood Education field for more than 15 years. She has previously worked as a lead preschool teacher in a level 4 PTQ Center, ABA Therapist, and Community Engagement Specialist. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and reading. Her passion is coming alongside families and teaching them how to thrive.
Ed Hoy, Senior Director
Email / 317.275.3521
Ed joined INAEYC in 2010. Ed has a background in integrating information systems into operations. He has leveraged technology investments to streamline INAEYC’s business processes and increase the accessibility of its products and services. With experience in nonprofit management, Ed specializes in human resources administration, fiscal management, benefits design and administration, fundraising and network administration. Ed was previously Vice-President of Business & MIS for the Indiana Youth Institute where he was responsible for business operations. He also served as a technical advisor to the National Youth Development Information Center’s web-based information clearinghouse. Ed graduated from IUPUI.
Kristin Lackey, Manager, Business Systems and Quality Assurance
Email / 317.275.3504
Kristin Lackey is a graduate from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Child. She started with Indiana AEYC in November 2012 and served as a T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Indiana Professional Development Advisor for six years. Kristin has worked in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2007, as a teacher and as a director of a NECPA accredited cooperate site. Kristin has a passion for making a difference for families and children through Indiana AEYC.
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Iris Alvarado, Project Assistant
Email / 317.275.3503
Iris Alvarado has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from IUPUI. Iris has an extensive background in customer service and held a position of Manager operations, of customer service. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her 4 fur babies.
Elise Rabatin, CPA, Chief Financial Officer
Email / 317.275.3507
Elise brings a wealth of knowledge from her educational and professional backgrounds in accounting and finance. She started her career at one of the largest Indianapolis public accounting firms, specializing in non-profit tax. After transitioning to private accounting, Elise served as a Controller for both a for-profit company and a non-profit organization before joining the Indiana AEYC team as the Chief Financial Officer in April 2019. Her expertise includes oversight of financial operations in accordance with GAAP and non-profit financial management, budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting, and effective internal controls. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Business Administration, an MBA and an active CPA license.
Abby Warner, CPA, Director of Finance
Email / 317.275.3522
Abby is an Indiana CPA with over 15 years of experience in public, corporate, and non-profit accounting. Her wide range of financial management experience includes financial statement preparation, budgets and forecasts, financial analysis, and tax return preparation. She is adept at developing and implementing accounting processes that increase the efficiency and accuracy of financial data as well as designing and evaluating internal controls. Abby loves analyzing and interpreting financial data and using her financial knowledge to help INAEYC further their mission. Abby has Bachelor of Science degrees in accounting and economics and a Master of Accountancy from the University of Missouri.
Marcus Warthen, Senior Staff Accountant
Email / 317-275-3518
Marcus is a dedicated finance professional with a background specializing in the private credit fund industry. His experience encompasses preparing formal financial statements, conducting financial statement analysis, and managing tax financial preparation with meticulous attention to detail. Beyond his technical skills, Marcus takes pride in delivering outstanding service to his clients and colleagues alike, ensuring financial reporting is not only precise but also insightful. Marcus holds a Bachelor’s degree in accounting from IUPUI Kelley School of Business.
Alise Walker, Finance Accounting Clerk
Email / 317.275.3519