OUR STAFF

Meet Our Educators

CATHY CHRISTENSON, BS EDUCATION

Cathy Christenson currently holds a BS in Education from Western Illinois University. Mrs. Christenson is currently teaching Grades K-2. Her prior experience at the Porter County Education Services included working with all ages of children with multiple disabilities.

Mrs. Christenson says “I have always enjoyed working with children because of the enthusiasm they have for learning. It is great to see the world through their eyes.”
 

JENNY DAVIS, BS EDUCATION

Jenny Davis currently holds a BS in Education from Bowling Green State University for grades 1-8.  Mrs. Davis is currently teaching Middle School students.  Mrs. Davis has experience working in a varied number of educational setting which include:  Head Start Programming, General Education Development (G.E.D.) and English as a Second Language, Elementary School and Middle School. 

Mrs. Davis states that she enjoys being a part of a child’s academic and personal development, she says “they can offer a refreshing perspective on things.” 

LISA DRISCOLL, BS EDUCATION

Lisa Driscoll holds a BS in Education from Mount Mercy College for grades 1-8.  For over four years, Mrs. Driscoll taught in Florida with at risk children. Mrs. Driscoll is currently teaching middle school students.  Mrs. Driscoll is the recipient of the Golden Apple Award for Teaching Excellence.  In Indiana, Mrs. Driscoll taught fourth grade Mathematics and Science in a private education setting.  Mrs. Driscoll states that her favorite part of teaching is working with challenging children. 



Mrs. Driscoll states that, “I want to be a positive influence in children’s lives and I love working with children.”

KARI SMITH, BA EDUCATION

Kari Smith holds a BA in Education from Purdue University.  Her past experience is with both primary and intermediate level students.  At Midwest Academy, Mrs. Smith teaches Elementary Education.  Mrs. Smith also works as an adjunct staff member at a local college.  Mrs. Smith’s prior experiences in education include:  tutoring both adults and children, focusing on the area of Mathematics, remediation teaching for at-risk students and a buddy program pairing high school and elementary age children. 

Mrs. Smith shares that, “The best thing about my job is helping the students get from where they are to the next level of learning and seeing them succeed.”

SANDRA MERSCHER, BA ENGLISH EDUCATION

Sandra holds a BA in English Education from University of Denver and a MA in Special Education from University of Detroit Mercy. Sandra worked for over 20 years in the Information Technology Industry and for six years, worked as a teacher in the Detroit Juvenile detention services. Sandra enjoys working with students
challenged with low IQ’s. Her favorite part about working with these children are watching the effort they put in to learn.
 

JIM VAN DEKEERE, BS SPECIAL EDUCATION

Jim VanDeKeere holds a BS in Special Education from Indiana University for grades K-12 as well as, a learning disabilities endorsement from Purdue University. He has obtained additional certifications from Bethel College and Indiana Wesleyan. For over 22 years, Mr. VanDeKeere taught students with learning disabilities and emotional disabilities in all content area subjects. He has additional working experience as a mental health case manager, counseling of dislocated workers/job training coach for adolescents and independent living skills instructor.
Mr. VanDeKeere will be teaching the high school students at Midwest Center.

Mr. VanDeKeere says “The best part of my job is to help student’s develop new positive thinking patterns, expand their talents and skills as well as find their true potential.”