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Teachers & Instructional Assistants

Your children. Our Priority.

Meet our teachers & instructional assistants! They are the backbone of Mays Community Academy.

Elyse Cory

Elyse Cory

Kindergarten
   765.570.8616
  elysecory@mays.k12.in.us
  About Elyse

About Elyse Cory

I am Elyse Cory and I am very excited to have been chosen as the new kindergarten teacher at Mays Community Academy. I am originally from Greenfield and attended Ball State University. I graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I have had the privilege of teaching at several schools over my teaching career, and I have spent the most time teaching kindergarten.

I currently live in Morristown with my husband Cody, our son Camden, who is three and our newest addition, Tenley, who is three months old. We have two black labs we share our home with named Harley and Hunter. In my free time I enjoy traveling with our family, showing livestock across the state and nation.

I can't wait for the start of school, I look forward to getting to know the Mays community and the new faces that will make up my class!

Megan Schwering

Megan Schwering

Kindergarten
   765.570.8470
  meganschwering@mays.k12.in.us
  About Megan

About Megan Schwering

My name is Megan Schwering and I am excited to say this is my second year teaching at MCA! To give you some background information about myself, I graduated Western Governors University with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. I also hold a valid Indiana teaching license. Prior to graduation, I have eight years of experience working with school age children at a before and after school care program and summer camp. I completed my student teaching at RES West in both a kindergarten and second grade classroom. I also covered a maternity leave in a first grade classroom at RES East. Last year was my first year at MCA teaching first grade. It was also my first year having my own classroom. I’m looking forward to having another great year at MCA!

Alicia Cole

Alicia Cole

1st Grade
   317.864.3951
  aliciacole@mays.k12.in.us
  About Alicia

About Alicia Cole

My name is Alicia Cole. I am currently a part time aide and run the after-school program, Tiger Time, at MCA. I currently work part time at MCA and Stagg’s Dairy Treats in Rushville, and going to school full time. I have lived in Rush County all my life, and currently live with my father in my childhood home. I have two siblings and we all attended Mays Elementary. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, boyfriend, and friends.

When I was younger, I attended Mays Elementary and then later graduated from RCHS in 2014. That next fall, I started college majoring in Elementary Education with a Reading concentration at IUPUI. I was not a fan off the big city life, so in 2016, I moved home to commute. I stayed at IUPUI for a semester. This last semester, I made the transition to Indiana University East to major in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood minor. My plan is to start my student teaching journey in the fall of 2018 and earn my bachelor’s degree.

In the short time working towards my career, I have gotten a lot of experience and have learned so much. I have worked and volunteered in different types of classrooms. I have been a substitute teacher in numerous districts, after school care counselor, and volunteered in schools in many different areas of the state. I am very excited to be a part of the MCA family and the countless opportunities this school has provided for me to learn. I take great pride in working at MCA. It is awesome to walk the halls as an employee where I once walked as an eager student knowing I wanted to be a teacher one day. I am excited to see where this journey at MCA takes me!

Brin Bell

Brin Bell

1st Grade
   317.450.9968
  brinbell@mays.k12.in.us
Cindy Dougherty

Cindy Dougherty

2nd Grade
   765.570.2744
  cindydougherty@mays.k12.in.us
  About Cindy

About Cindy Dougherty

I am a first grade teacher at Mays Community Academy. I am a 1987 graduate of Rushville Consolidated High School and 1990 graduate of the University of Indianapolis. In 2005, I began taking classes through Indiana Wesleyan University’s Transition to Teaching program. While taking classes, I worked as a substitute teacher for Rush County Schools and South Henry Schools. After receiving my teaching license in 2007, I taught kindergarten at Arlington Elementary School for four years. I then taught first grade at St. Mary School for four years prior to joining the MCA family in 2015.

I currently live on a farm in northwestern Rush County with my husband, Brent, and two daughters, Monica and Shannon. In my spare time, I enjoy playing the piano, reading, and traveling with my family.

Lauren Yoke

Lauren Yoke

3rd Grade
   765.570.6379
  laurenyoke@mays.k12.in.us
  About Lauren

About Lauren Yoke

Hello, my name is Lauren Yoke and I came to MCA with a huge love for children and their dreams. I have a Bachelors in English and a Masters in Elementary Education. I have lived in Florida most of my adult life and moved back here to get married and fulfill my dream and passion for educating kids. Currently I live in Richmond with my husband, who owns a bait shop. When I am not being a teacher or working on everything that goes into being one, I enjoy spending time outside fishing, shopping, traveling, and learning what I don't know- I am always up for something new and will try anything once. As a teacher, I try my best to reach every child that is in my classroom and I enjoy it when my students achieve a goal that they have been working on. I enjoy being the listening ear when things just aren't going well for them.

Michelle Hensley

Michelle Hensley

4th Grade
   765.570.8320
  michellehensley@mays.k12.in.us
Whitney Durbin

Whitney Durbin

5th - 8th Grade Science
   765.570.2643
  whitneydurbin@mays.k12.in.us
  About Whitney

About Whitney Durbin

My name is Whitney Durbin and I am the 4th grade teacher at MCA. I attended Mays Elementary as a child and went on to graduate from RCHS. I have a Bachelors degree from Indiana University East in elementary education. I am a married mother of a two year old boy and am pregnant with my second child. I enjoy getting out and talking to people. I strive to always be there for my students, their parents, and anyone who needs someone to listen. I am a part of the Education Council at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis and I am the chairperson for the Book Fair at MCA.

Being involved is a part of who I am as a teacher, and that is what I love most about MCA. We have a unique chance to make a difference in these students' lives. As a teacher here, I am afforded the chance to teach to each child's interest and ability. I am not restricted to only certain curriculum on a certain schedule. I can be as fluid as my students' interests.

Hannah Thomas

Hannah Thomas

5th - 8th English Language Arts
   317.864.1495
  hannahthomas@mays.k12.in.us
  About Hannah

About Hannah Thomas

My name is Hannah Thomas and I am the 5th and 6th grade English Language Arts (ELA) and Social Studies teacher at MCA. I am also "home room" for 5th grade. Currently, I live on a ten acre farm with my parents and two younger sisters. I enjoy reading fiction, spending time with my sisters, working on the farm, swimming and kayaking, and traveling within the states as well as out of the country. I am always ready for a great adventure! I have known ever since I was eleven that I was going to be an elementary teacher. I have a great love for kids and enjoy teaching them in a way that makes learning fun and targets their interests. I graduated from Liberty University in 2016 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education. After completing my degree, I was a substitute teacher at Eastern Hancock Elementary School for the 2016-2017 school year during which I subbed a nine week maternity leave as the elementary art teacher for grades K-5. I am excited about teaching this year at MCA. The staff is incredibly kind and I have only heard the best of praise from parents about the school and staff. I am blessed to be a part of the MCA family and cannot wait to meet all of the students.

Katy Zentz

Katy Zentz

5th - 8th Social Studies
   317.864.1314
  katyzentz@mays.k12.in.us
  About Katy

About Katy Zentz

My name is Katy Zentz and I am from New Palestine, Indiana. I graduated from New Palestine High School in 2013 and went on to further my education at Anderson University where I received a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood. I've always had a passion for working with and teaching children. I knew since the age of 8 that I wanted to become an educator. I have had the opportunity to be in a multitude of practicums where I have worked with multiple age groups ranging from infant age through 6th grade.

I chose to work at May's Community Academy because the community as a whole was very open, positive, and welcoming. Immediately I could tell that they were invested in the children's education along with the parental involvement.

Outside of school I enjoy being with friends and family, watching movies, and reading.

Lisa Shoppelle

Lisa Shoppelle

5th - 8th Math
   765.570.8349
  lisashoppelle@mays.k12.in.us
Trish Mastin

Trish Mastin

Preschool
   765.570.6851
  trishmastin@mays.k12.in.us
  About Trish

About Trish Mastin

My name is Trish Mastin, I am very excited to be the part of Lil’ Tigers Academy. I grew up in Knightstown and moved to the Mays area twelve years ago. I married my wonderful husband in 2007, we have two children Korbin and Katen, whom both attend Mays Community Academy. We live on a small farm. I enjoy gardening, canning, reading, and anything that involves my family!

Before joining my MCA family, I worked as an educational sign language interpreter. I attend school at Vincennes University, and IU East. I am thrilled to be able to use my passion and enthusiasm to teach young learners. I love that everyday I get to come to a place I love and to smiling faces that are always happy to see me. I know that Lil’ Tigers Academy will continue to grow, I am so excited to see what the future holds.

Sarah Sparks

Sarah Sparks

Pre-K Instructional Assistant
   317.779.4270
  sarasparks@mays.k12.in.us
Paige Sorrell

Paige Sorrell

Special Education
   317.864.1435
  paigesorrell@mays.k12.in.us
  About Paige

About Paige Sorrell

Hello, my name is Paige Sorrell. I was born in Somers Point, New Jersey. In my Junior year of High School, my family moved to Knightstown, Indiana. I currently reside in Carthage, Indiana.

I graduated from Ball State University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. I am currently attending Western Governors University for my Master’s degree in Special Education.

For the past 4 years I have worked in the moderate to severe Special Education room at Blue River Valley Elementary School, as a paraprofessional for 3 ½ years. Next, I took a position as their Special Education teacher for 6 months to cover a maternity leave.

I am excited about my first-year teaching at Mays Community Academy and I am truly honored to be here. MCA is a wonderful place that truly cares about every student that walks through their doors. We can teach standards in a manner that works for all of our students. Students receive a hands-on approach to learning which enables them to use what they are learning at school in their daily lives.

LaDonna Raab

LaDonna Raab

Special Education
   765.570.6846
  ladonnaraab@mays.k12.in.us
  About LaDonna

About LaDonna Raab

My name is LaDonna Raab. I was born and raised in Rush county and currently reside in Rushville. I graduated from Anderson University in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. In the fall of 2010, I began working as a Special Education Aide at Mays Elementary. Due to that job, I decided to go back to school to get my Special Education license. I have a passion for reading and enjoy spending time with my family and pets.

Cindy Cartwright

Cindy Cartwright

Speech Language Pathologist
   317.779.4923
  cindycartwright@mays.k12.in.us
Darrin McGowan

Darrin McGowan

Martial Arts
   765.570.8196
  darrinmcgowan@mays.k12.in.us
Andrew Turpen

Andrew Turpen

Building Sub
   765.745.0803
  andrewturpen@mays.k12.in.us
Lori Johnson

Lori Johnson

Instructional Assistant
   463.202.1106
  lorijohnson@mays.k12.in.us
Francie Patterson

Francie Patterson

Art / Instructional Assistant
   765.561.7489
  franciepatterson@mays.k12.in.us
  About Francie

About Francie Patterson

I am the Art Teacher and a teaching assistant at MCA. I am a graduate of RCHS. I received my CDA certificate for preschool teaching from Ivy Tech. I have spent most of my life working with children in some form or another. I ran an in-home childcare in Colorado. I taught preschool dance with Creative Dance for Children in Virginia, Georgia, and Colorado.

I co-taught preschool for Bluffton Parent Co-op for four years before taking a teaching assistant position with Bluffton-Harrison MSD. I worked for BHMSD for 15 years in several positions: Classroom teaching assistant before moving to Title I assistant, substitute teacher, Kindergarten Enrichment Teacher, and Childcare Director. I was BHMSD Middle School track coach for ten years and coached volleyball for one season.

Before taking a position at MCA I was working as a preschool/childcare teacher and soccer referee for YMCA of DeKalb County. I was also working for Impact Institute, an adult education program tutoring 16-70 year olds to help them get their HSE formally known as GED.

I am the mother of six children and grandmother of ten. My eleventh grandchild is due Dec. 2016. I have served as a Sunday school and VBS teacher for many years, as well as, served as a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout den mother, Optimist soccer coach, youth softball coach, BHMSD room parent volunteer, and PTO member.

I enjoy creating paintings, cross-stitch, macramé, glass art yard sculptures, and various other arts and crafts. I have painted murals for children’s rooms and sold a few paintings. I hope to pass on my love for art to the students at MCA.

“Every child is an artist. The problem is staying an artist when you grow up.” –Pablo Picasso

Rita Richmond

Rita Richmond

Spanish / Band / Music
   463.202.1065
  ritarichmond@mays.k12.in.us
Heather England

Heather England

Instructional Assistant
   463.202.5481
  heatherengland@mays.k12.in.us
Becky Stanley

Becky Stanley

Instructional Assistant
   317.864.4564
  beckystanley@mays.k12.in.us
  About Becky

About Becky Stanley

My name is Rebecca Stanley. I am the 3rd grade IA. This is my 1st year at MCA. I love working with children. I previously worked at God's Little Blessings working with infants. I absolutely loved it! I had to find something closer, and I knew Mays would be the perfect place. The staff and the atmosphere are terrific.

I'm married and I have two children. My son attended Mays all of his elementary years and now attends BRMS. My daughter still attends Mays. She is currently in 5th grade. Both love the school. I have lived in Falmouth 16 years. I belong to Falmouth First Southern Baptist.

I'm so excited to see what the first year at Mays brings. I look forward to working with your children. I know it will be awesome!

Donita Davis

Donita Davis

Instructional Assistant
   765.745.0824
  donitadavis@mays.k12.in.us
Sara Smith

Sara Smith

Instructional Assistant
   317.450.9552
  sarasmith@mays.k12.in.us
Savannah Cross

Savannah Cross

Instructional Assistant
   765.745.0665
  savannahcross@mays.k12.in.us
Kaylee Marlatt

Kaylee Marlatt

Instructional Assistant
   765.570.6030
  kayleemarlatt@mays.k12.in.us
Faith Ebbert

Faith Ebbert

Instructional Assistant
   765.570.3009
  faithebbert@mays.k12.in.us
Lacey Powell

Lacey Powell

Instructional Assistant
   765.570.3929
  laceypowell@mays.k12.in.us
Becky Schonfeld

Becky Schonfeld

Instructional Assistant
   765.570.6649
  beckyschonfeld@mays.k12.in.us
  About Becky

About Becky Schonfeld

Hi, my name is Becky Schonfeld. I am married & have three sons. I am a graduate of RCHS & Purdue University where I received a BSN degree in nursing, with a minor in psychology. I've been a nurse for over 25 years. I came to MCA this year as an instructional assistant in special education. I really enjoy working with children & watching them apply what they have learned. I think MCA is a terrific place to work.

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Esta institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.
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