ROSS SMITH

rsmith@hammondacademy.org

Hello, my name is Ross Smith and I am the 6th grade Global Studies teacher here at HAST.  I grew up in Dyer and graduated from Andrean High School in 2003.  In 2007 I graduated with honors from Purdue University Calumet with a degree in History and Political Science.  I worked for a year as a retail manager. This consisted of long hours and mostly overnight shifts.  Ultimately, I became victim of the bad economy and lost my job.  The only profession that seemed to make sense for me was teaching.  I went back to school and earned my second degree in education and have not looked back since. 

During the last half of the year, I was lucky enough to experience all that HAST has to offer.  I worked as a paraprofessional in the special education department and loved the opportunity to work with students here.  Education is a powerful tool that all should seek to acquire.  Students at HAST have a unique opportunity to use technology and learn in a non-traditional setting.  I am very excited to share my knowledge and facilitate an environment where students learn how to obtain knowledge.

In my free time I enjoy watching baseball games, working out, watching the history channel and travel channel, reading about history, and doing karaoke. 

 

ELIZABETH BURKE

eburke@hammondacademy.org

Hello Parents and Students! My name is Elizabeth Burke and I will be teaching English. I received my B.A. in Secondary English from Purdue University. I graduated with my Master's and mild intervention license in 2011 with a 4.0. For the last two years, I taught Composition for the Department of English and Philosophy at Purdue University. I belong to the International Reading Association. I was also an administrative assistant and a writing tutor in the Writing Center at Purdue.

I have piloted and presented several workshops for the Writing Center. I was also a moderator for the 18th Annual Clement S. Stacy Undergraduate Research Conference sponsored by the School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences which included over 120 presentations from twenty visiting universities. I am currently the Chicago Writing Examiner for an online newspaper. I grew up in Hammond, I currently reside in Hammond, I graduated from a Hammond high school and a Hammond university, I completed grad school in Hammond, I have taught in Hammond, and I am very excited to now be a part of the Hammond Academy of Science and Technology. I am proud to be a part of the community and to now be a part of this unique and challenging experience.

DEBBIE FENNO

dfenno@hammondacademy.org

One of my favorite quotations is, "Have a dream, make a plan, go for it. You'll get there, I promise." –Zoe Koplowitz, Achilles Track Club member with multiple sclerosis who required 24 hours on crutches but finished the 1993 New Your City Marathon.

I believe that dreaming, setting a goal, and having the perseverance to reach that goal, is the way to accomplish what is important to a person. As a long distance runner, I have run marathons, ultra-marathons, many 5Ks, 10Ks, and half-marathons. I have run from the north rim to the south rim at the Grand Canyon. And through it all, I have learned that giving up is not an option. This is what I would like to instill in my students.

I became a teacher 10 years ago, after working in the business world for several years. My high school dream of becoming a teacher finally became a reality. I now have a Master's of Science in Education, with a specialization in math. My goal is to help students see math as a part of our life in everything we do. Also, I believe students should have fun learning math while connecting math concepts to other areas of school such as science, social studies, language arts, physical education, and fine arts.

My husband, Rick, and I, have a yellow lab named Brock. We enjoy any outdoor activity such as running, fishing, gardening, bird watching, and family barbeques. During the more quiet times, I enjoy reading and jigsaw puzzles. I am truly lucky to have such a supportive husband and family as well as wonderful friends and co-workers.

 

Mira Projovic

mprojovic@hammondacademy.org

Hi! I'm Mira Projovic and i'm the newest member of the HAST team. I'll be teaching 6th Grade Science! I grew up in Dyer but graduated high school in Florida. I now live in Munster with my husband Chris and dogs Jack and Nancy. I've had lots of fun and interesting jobs but I have dreamed of being a teacher for as long as I can remember. 3 years ago I enrolled at Purdue University Calumet and I graduated this past December. I love adventure and traveling. My dream vacation is to go to the Amazon Rainforest. I'm also passionate about education and helping students to work and become successful in fulfilling their dreams.

 

ERIC ARCELLA

earcella@hammondacademy.org

I am a graduate of Griffith High School ('04) where I was a honor student and a member of numerous clubs, including International Club, Choir, and Geography Club. I also participated in athletics, Football, Baseball, and Track & Field (All-Conference). I continued my education at Calumet College of St. Joseph where I majored in Secondary Education and Social Sciences. I also received a scholarship for baseball and track & field. I received many Dean's List and President's list honors during my under-graduate work at Calumet College before graduating in '09.

I have worked for many schools in Northwest Indiana. I worked as an avid tutor for East Chicago, a math tutor for students at Clark Middle School (Hammond, IN), and most recently, I served as a math tutor at Griffith Middle School, helping to prepare students for the ISTEP. During my time at Griffith, I also served as a coach in football and track & field.

In my spare time, I like to frequent the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago White Sox games, exercising, musicals, and reading books on the history of the United States.

ANNA HANSEL

ahansel@hammondacademy.org

Hello, I am Anna Hansel and I am the 7th grade math teacher here at HAST. I grew up in Hammond and graduated from Morton HS in 2004, often reaching honor roll status. During HS, I was on the cheerleading squad for two years, being captain of the JV squad my second year. I recently graduated from Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne (IPFW) with a B.S. in Middle School Education in both Language Arts and Math. In my time at IPFW, I received the Dean's List and was president of a student club on campus for 3 years. I got married in August of 2010 to my husband Chris, who I love as much as I love teaching. At home, I am the proud owner of two beautiful cats named Yogi and Ryuzaki. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, watching movies and anime, playing video games, spending time with friends and family, and researching different things that I can do in the classroom to better students' educations. I am a person who learns and adapts quickly and easily and I look forward to teaching here at HAST. :-)

JENNIFER RUFF

jruff@hammondacademy.org

Hello, I am Jennifer Ruff and I am a 6th and 7th grade English teacher here at the academy. I grew up in a small town called Star City Indiana, which is about 2 hours north of Indianapolis and about 2 hours south of Hammond. The town itself is about a mile long and has two restaurants, a park, and a post office. I graduated from Winamac Community High School in 2006, and I just recently graduated from Saint Joseph's College with a B.A. in English. My interests include writing, reading, teaching, and theater. I am a very enthusiastic and creative educator, who is definitely not afraid to work outside the box and find methods that best fit the student. I am very excited to meet and be able to work with your students in creating this new learning environment.

 

TRACI MIS

tmis@hammondacademy.org

About Me:
Traci Mis resides in the Robertsdale section of Hammond with her husband David Guiden, daughter Paige, and dog Crede. “I find comfort and solace in my garden; I escape with a good book; I focus through mediation and yoga; someday I want to learn how to knit.”

Experience:
Ms. Mis has taught middle school math or science for a total of 13 years before joining the HAST team. Ms. Mis has also coached Science Olympiad for 10 years, Destination Imagination (a competitive academic team) for 1 year, and has served as the program coordinator for gifted and talented middle school students for 3 years.

Why I Am A Teacher:
“I had my mind set on the teaching vocation since the 5th grade. There is no more worthy vocation than that of an educator. Next to family, there is no more worth a component in a child’s life than education. As a life-long learner, I take great pride in encouraging the virtues of curiosity and discovery in my students and there is no greater field than that of science in which to do so.”

 

 

 

LAURA ROYSTER

lroyster@hammondacademy.org

Hi! My name is Laura Royster and I am the 8th grade math teacher at HAST.  I am a Gary native and I graduated from Roosevelt High School. I received my Bachelor Degrees in Business Management and Criminal Justice from Calumet College of St. Joesph. I spent twelve years in the social work field. During my time in the field I was appalled at the educational disparity that I noticed. There was a huge gap for math with our children. I had previous teaching experience and a natural love/passion for math. I decided to become part of the solution. So I went back to school to obtain my teaching license. Here I am sharing my love of math with this generation and helping them find their love of math.

If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in. Rachel Carson

Laura A. Royster

MEAGAN ANDERSON

manderson@hammondacademy.org

Hello, I am Meagan Anderson and I am a Global Studies teacher here at the academy. I grew up in DeMotte Indiana, which is about 40 minutes south of here. I graduated from Kankakee Valley High School in 2006 and just recently graduated from St. Joseph's College with a B.A. in History. I love reading, watching movies, teaching, theater, sports, and history. I love to try new and creative things when teaching and I can't wait to get started working with your students.

NANCY COSTER

ncoster@hammondacademy.org

My name is Nancy Coster and I will be teaching Science this year. I
transitioned from industry to teaching two years ago and I have taught
at Merrillville Community School Corporation and most recently at Lake
Central School Corporation.

My years in industry were spent performing research and development
for UV Fiber Optic Coatings at DSM Desotech, stabilizing chemical
processes at Armstrong Flooring in Kankakee, and working as a chemist in
a microbiology and water chemistry laboratory.

I received my BS from Central Michigan University (GO CHIPS!). I had a
major in chemistry and minors in biology and mathematics. I stayed on for
graduate work in polymer chemistry where I was a graduate assistant for
the organic chemistry laboratory.

I grew up in a small town in northern Michigan called Cadillac. Although
growing up with a librarian for a father and a computer teacher for a mother
doesn't seem cool, I grew up respecting knowledge and technology. My
parents taught me about computers, gardening, sailing, politics, history,
and made sure I could change my own tire before they gave me my first
set of car keys. I was fortunate that my parents followed me to NWI after I
married a Brickie and can pass these things on to my three children.

As you embark on life, remember history makes everything seem easy.
Even though Edison made thousands of failing light bulbs, he was often
quoted as saying "Each mistake is like a stepping stone that you take
towards your goal."

KELLI LUCITO

klucito@hammondacademy.org

I was born and raised in Hammond and attended St. Casimir Grade School and Bishop Noll Institute. After graduating from St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana with a B.S. in Communications and minors in English and Secondary Education, I taught two years at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Grade School in Hammond. After the school closed, I began teaching at East Chicago Central High School and have been there for the last 17 years teaching Honors English, Speech, Group Discussion, and Theater Arts/Drama classes. During that time I earned my Masters in Education at Indiana Wesleyan University. I currently reside in Munster with my high school sweetheart husband and teenage son. Our family hobbies include travelling, boating, fishing, and watching our son play football. I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to be an instructor at HAST. My learning community motto this year is: “It HASTa be your best effort.”

 

SHALANE LATIKER

slatiker@hammondacademy.org

My name is Shalane Latiker and I'll be teaching 9th grade English/Language Arts as well as a course in Diversity Literature at HAST.  I graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 2003.  I earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and African American Studies from Indiana University Northwest in 2007.  Once I finally decided to integrate the passion I have for literature and writing along with my joy for teaching, I decided to return to IU Northwest to earn my teaching certification in English/Language Arts through the Urban Teacher Education Program (UTEP) at the Graduate level.  Currently, I am working to finishing my Master's Degree in Secondary Education by the end of Spring 2012. 

      During the 2010-2011 school year I completed my first full year of teaching at East Chicago Central High School as a 10th grade Reading Teacher, as well as an 11th and 12th grade Remedial English Instructor.  Some of my previous education related experiences includes substitute teaching for various Gary Community Schools, working as a Title I Reading Aide for Merrillville Intermediate School, and student teaching at Clark High School in Hammond.  All of these experiences have helped mold me into the current teacher and individual I am today.  Some of my hobbies include gardening, reading novels, and creative writing.  I have written a novel and various short stories and I hope to have them published in the next two to three years.  I enjoy sharing my passion for English with all of my students and I am truly looking forward to this opportunity at HAST!

JOSH ROWINSK

jrowinski@hammondacademy.org

My name is Joshua Rowinski and I will be teaching 9th grade Global Studies at HAST for the 2011-2012 school year. I live in Crown Point with my beautiful wife and daughter. I graduated with distinction from Purdue University Calumet in December of 2010. After graduation, I worked as a paraprofessional with the Special Education department at HAST from December until early February. In February I accepted a full time teaching position with the Gary Community School Corporation teaching high school U.S. History, World Civilization, and Government/Economics. While I was attending school I worked as a Youth Care Specialist at Campagna Academy in Schererville, Indiana. I really enjoy working with young adults, and I have been heavily influenced by the excellent teachers I had when I attended school in Highland, Indiana. I also was involved in sports like baseball, basketball, wrestling, and football.

I really love to discuss or read about history and politics. I feel grateful to be able to have a job that pays me to do the things that I love. My goal is to help my students have the same love and passion for learning that I do. I look forward to helping students learn how to become active and responsible citizens on a local, national, and global scale. I also look forward to building strong relationships with my students and their parents. Please feel free to contact me at anytime if you have any questions, concerns, or comments. When I am not in school or doing school related work, you can find me spending time with my family or out on our community lake fishing. I am looking forward to having a wonderful school year and helping my students reach their full potential as young adults. I hope that everyone will enjoy the rest of their summer, and come back to school prepared to have a productive year.

 

AMANDA MIRACLE

amiracle@hammondacademy.org

My name is Amanda Miracle and I am originally from Houston, TX. When I was 4 years old my family moved to the southern suburbs of Chicago, where I lived until I graduated from Bishop Noll in Hammond. I attended Lewis University in Romeoville, IL where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry in 2008. Throughout my college career and after graduation, I worked for DuPage County in IL performing water quality testing, process control testing and working on a large-scale river quality research project.

After being inspired to become a teacher by my college advisor, and tutoring for a local community outreach, I realized I was destined to teach. I was extremely lucky to find and be accepted by the Woodrow Wilson Indiana Teaching Fellowship. I am a proud member of the first cohort of fellows. I have spent the last year living in Indianapolis, completing an accelerated masters program and being immersed in the school districts in Indianapolis. HAST will be my first formal education job and I couldn’t be happier to have such an amazing school to start my career in.

In my time outside of the classroom, I will be fixing up my first home, spending time with my dog, developing my photography skills and continuing my volunteer activities with the American Cancer Society, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and local animal rescues.

 

JAMES BELL

jbell@hammondacademy.org

 

My name is James Bell and I am at math teacher at the Hammond Academy of Science and Technology.  I had lived in Hammond a majority of my life, and had graduated from Morton Senior High School (2000).  I had taught mathematics two years prior to joining HAST and I am looking forward to the opportunity to teach mathematics differently.  I have a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication from Purdue University Calumet (2005) and a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education along with a mathematics endorsement from Calumet College of St. Joseph (2009).  My interests include acting, playing music, reading, and any game that involves thinking (Chess, Risk, etc.).

 

Craig Bryant

cbryant@hammondacademy.org

What a rush it is to be working with such a diverse, talented staff and, of course…the class of 2014! After a rewarding (and sometimes insane) career as an actor, I decided to go back to school and get my teaching degree. I have performed everything from Mamet to Shakespeare on stages throughout the country and you may have seen or heard me in commercials for hotels, vacuum cleaners, or most recently, The American Lung Association. None of this, however, compares to my new adventure in Hammond, exploring the worlds of Literature and Creative Writing. Prior to HAST, I taught ninth and tenth grade English at Gordon Tech High School in Chicago, and Drama and Film Studies at Lake Bluff Middle School. I hold fast to the belief that we all have stories worth telling and how we choose to tell them informs the world about who we are. When I'm not living and dying with my favorite north side baseball team, I'm usually listening to classic rock and roll. I also have a weakness for anything chocolate.

SUE BREAZ

sbreaz@hammondacademy.org

I graduated from Purdue University with a BS in 1976. I was married in 1978. I worked for the School City of Hammond from 1978 to 1987. More recently I was a microbiology analyst for a pharmaceutical company until 2004, when I decided to go back to Purdue working on my master's degree and teaching certification. I taught physics, chemistry, AP biology, biology and horticulture at Crete-Monee High School, Crete, IL. Over the years I have been very involved in the field of Life Sciences, from helping with endangered species recovery programs to research in soil and water conservation. I live in the country on 10 acres.

Through my hobbies of showing and breeding dogs and horses, I have gotten involved in 4H programs, AKC public education, teaching horseback riding, therapy dogs, leader dogs for the blind and the "Chaps" program which uses horses to help handicap children.

As a lifelong learner, my goal for my students is to get them to be passionate about learning, open doors to the possibilities in life and to understand the importance of getting involved in the community.

My fifth grade teacher told our class on the first day of school that it was his job, as a teacher, to touch our lives and make it better. I hope I will do the same for my students.

 

World Languages

Judy Zeilenga

jzeilenga@hammondacademy.org

¡Buenos días! Bonjour! Guten Tag! Greetings students and parents! My name is Judy Zeilenga and I will be teaching World Languages at Hammond Academy. I was born and raised in Canada and learned French from a young age, moved to Germany in my young adult life, and then to the U.S. where I graduated from Indiana University with a B.A. Degree in Spanish. My personal goal has always been to enjoy a lifelong, linguistic and cultural journey as I experience people and places along the way. In our studies together this year, our shared goal will be to discover each student's important role as a member of "The Global Generation".
"Learning to speak another language means taking one's place in the human community. It means reaching out to others across cultural and linguistic boundaries. Language is far more than a system to be explained. It is our most important link to the world around us. Language is culture in motion. It is people interacting with people." – Sandra Sauvignon

ART

Rahsaan Taylor

rtaylor@hammondacademy.org

Hi, I am Rahsaan Taylor and I am the Art teacher at Hammond Academy of Science and Technology. I have a degree in Fine Arts and a minor in Art History. I am versed in Photography, Graphic Design and Drawing. I am very happy to be a part of the HAST team and I can not wait to show your children a new view of the arts.

Music

STEVE SENDEJAS

ssendejas@hammondacademy.org

My name is Steve Sendejas. I am a father, a husband, a DJ/producer, and a boombox scholar. And this, indeed, is a "Love Movement." I, like most everyone, love music. I grew up listening to Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, and Al Green. As well as hip hop and rock These were the sounds that got me interested in music at a very early age. I have been a DJ since my junior year in high school, when i bought my first pair of belt drive turntables. I've played house parties to Chicago clubs. While working at Guitar Center in the pro audio department, I started creating my own music, utilizing old records and a sampler, as a natural progression from DJ to producer. I have done music for multiple mixtapes. Most notable, a tribute song to avant-garde jazz musician, Sun Ra. Which was released on the mixtape, Adventures of the Sun. Which is available, for free at www.mondayjazz.com. I also have my DJ skills shining on the recent release, Dumm Lazee Lounge presents… Free Lunch. I am a graduate of Columbia College Chicago with my major in Audio Arts and Acoustics. My love for introducing people to quality, independent music has brought me to where I am now. With MPC and records by my side, I am ready to change your thought of "music class." Jeremy Williams, assistant principal and myself, have created a music program in which children learn the fundamentals of music using a technology based instrument. The Akai MPC1000. This will be amazing. I also love to grill and I make the best burger… ever.

P.E.

JACLYN RADTKE

jradtke@hammondacademy.org

My name is Mrs. Jaclyn Radtke. I grew up in Warren, Michigan and graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. I moved to Indiana in August of 2009. My major is in Physical Education and my minor is in Health Education. This past year I worked as a Title I Interventionist at an elementary school in Griffith. I have participate in basketball, volleyball, softball, and track for many years. I even played college basketball for 2 years. I have always enjoyed physical activity and I hope I can teach children to enjoy it as much as I have. In my spare time I enjoy reading, running, scrapbooking, cooking, spending time with family, and traveling.

This will be my first year teaching my subject area and I am extremely excited to put everything I have learned through the years into use. My goal is to help children become skilled and knowledgeable in ways to stay healthy and active throughout their entire life.

ABIGAIL GAZDA

agazda@hammondacademy.org

Hello, I'm Ms. Abigail Gazda, HAST's newest Physical Education and Health
teacher. I was raised and currently reside in Whiting, Indiana. I graduated top
10 in my class from Whiting High School in 2007 and earned my Bachelor's of
Science degree in Physical Education from Saint Joseph's College in Rensselaer,
Indiana this past spring. I have two minors which are Health and Special
Education.

I am well-rounded and qualified in my field as a result of my experiences.
Playing volleyball, basketball, and golf at WHS, I was a 3 sport letter winner.
I continued my basketball career playing for the women's team at SJC (NCAA D2).

I am very familiar with the many aspects of athletics and I am extremely
enthusiastic about them. I served as President/Co-President of the Student
Athletic Advisory Committee, a committee made up of student-athletes assembled
to provide insight on the student-athlete experience. I have coached,
personally trained,
and instructed basketball players and teams. Also, I have taught
grades K through 12 in
Physical Education, Health, and Special Education.

I highly value Physical Education and Health and I think that they are vital
aspects to your children's education. I not only teach sports and
athletics, but
work ethic, manners, perseverance, life skills, and life lessons as well. Your
children will receive my very best efforts and in return I expect the same. In
my class, they will learn how to live active and healthy lifestyles now and for
their future.

 I look forward to working with the entire HAST community. Always feel free to
contact me by email.

 

PROJECT LEAD THE WAY

CARRIE HUTTON

chutton@hammondacademy.org

I grew up in Hammond Indiana. I attended Kenwood Elementary School, Eggers Middle School, and Hammond High School. I went on to pursue a B.S. in Actuarial Science with a minor in Accounting at Purdue University in West Lafayette. Currently, I am pursuing a Masters Degree in Mathematics and Statistics at Purdue University Calumet. I’m sure that this will not be the end of my academic career. Obviously I’m a mathematics girl and I LOVE school (teaching and being a student).

I taught Project Lead the Way (engineering and technology courses) at Hammond High School for 3 years and mathematics for 2 years previous to that. I also currently teach undergraduate statistics at Purdue University Calumet. I like to integrate math, science, technology and English skills into relevant projects. I like to build and experiment. I like having the most up–to–date technology at my fingertips. My classroom tends to be organized chaos most of the time…..and it’s FUN!

I enjoy traveling and reading books. I enjoy great food (my husband is a chef). I enjoy problems and puzzles and the exhilaration of discovering solutions. I like bike riding. I enjoy working in my garden (I can’t wait to see my vegetables and herbs grow). I am always up for a new adventure or challenge. I am very high energy. I love learning from my students as they learn from me. I’m excited to be part of the Academy and look forward to the energy of my students as we begin an exciting path, of knowledge and discovery, together.

 

 

 

 

TRACI DAVIS

tdavis@hammondacademy.org

Greetings HAST family!  It is my honor to serve as your new Director of Special Education Services.  I am excited to be a part of this talented, diverse band of educational players and pray that this is an extended plateau in my career journey.  Although I took a long road to get here, I feel that all of my experiences, i.e. customer service, financial services, law school, and teaching (general and special education), in addition to raising three children along the way, have prepared me for my purpose here.  I am passionate about my work with diverse learners because it is my personal belief that ALL children deserve access to a high quality education in an academically challenging environment with high expectations for each student.  It is my mission that each student in my charge here at HAST will attain the highest level of achievement possible for them whatever that looks like.  Failure is not an option!  Here's to an awesomely, outstanding year!!   

BRENT FOX

bfox@hammondacademy.org

Brent enjoys computer programming, web design, graphic design, video editing, photo editing, and any piece of technology he can get his hands on! He also enjoys a variety of sports, but loves soccer the most. Brent is married to Lyndi Fox, a kindergarten teacher. Brent’s dream teaching job is at a school that focuses on student learning through technology, problem solving, and real world projects. He is thrilled to be a member of the Hammond Academy of Science and Technology faculty because they share the same dream of education.

 

 

 

 

 

School Leader

SEAN EGAN

segan@hammondacademy.org

Welcome to HAST. I'm not what most people would call your typical school principal. I have been a door to door salesman, custodian and salesperson for JCPenney and Bloomingdale, and a waiter. I have lived, worked, travelled, and studied on 5 continents, with 1/10th of my life spent in Africa. I am one of 7 children; holidays bring together over 50 people under one roof! How many years can a person stand going to school? In my case, over half of my life has spent learning in some type of formal studying. My childhood dream was to be an architect or a math teacher. That never happened. I love travel, music, reading, solo sports (running, swimming, biking), and garden and yard work. More than anything, I love helping other to discover and develop their talents and gifts. I look forward to meeting HAST students and learning what your interests and abilities are! We're going to have a great year!

JAMES BOROM

jborom@hammondacademy.org

James Borom attended Merrillville High School from 1997 – 2001. While at Merrillville he was apart of the very successful Merrillville football and basketball programs. After graduating from Merrillville he attended Williston State College form two years to earn his Associate of Arts degree in Business. After completing his two year degree from Williston he transferred to Augustana College to obtain his Bachelor of Science degree in computer information systems. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree he accepted a job to become the assistant manager at Blains Farm and Fleet in Ottawa, Il. In his spare time James continuously reached back to his hometown to help other student athletes prepare to become successful in college. James decided to go back to school to work towards his Master’s of Arts degree in Counseling and Guidance from Lewis University.

 

 

DEBBIE SNEDDEN

dsnedden@hammondacademy.org

I am the curriculum director for the Hammond Academy of Science and Technology. Previously I taught for Crown Point Schools for 14 years. I taught with the gifted and talented program for eight years then taught 6th grade at Jerry Ross for 2 years prior to moving to the Colonel John Wheeler Middle School. I was team leader and the Math Department Chairperson. I have a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Purdue and a Master degree in Educational Administration from Ball State. I work with Purdue Calumets' Math Department on a state grant called the MARK project in which I am the lead teacher.

My husband Mark and I live in Crown Point with our family and have seven children. Justin is 22 and participates in Special Olympics, Megan 20, is a junior at Ball State, studying Elementary Education, Derek 19, just finished basic training for the Air Force and is now in California studying Linguistics, Scott is a Freshman studying Architectural Engineering at Ball State. Chelsea 15 and Caity 14 are freshman at Crown Point High School, lastly and Jack 13 is an 8th grader at the middle school.

I enjoy getting to know students and their families. Because I have so many kiddos myself, I understand the demands of middle school and struggles middle schoolers have. I hope that I can best serve the students not only academically but also emotionally during this important time of their life.

NIKITA ODOM

nodom@hammondacademy.org

Hello, my name is Nikita Odom and I am the guidance counselor here at HAST. I was born on the south side of Chicago and raised in the south suburbs of Hazel Crest. In 2004, I graduated from Hillcrest High School in the top five of my class and as a three sport athlete (volleyball, basketball, and track & field). Upon graduation, I accepted full scholarship to play Women's Basketball at Northern Illinois University. In May 2008, I graduated with my B.A. in Communications and had aspirations to go into TV/Radio Production. However, my plans quickly changed due to an injury. Despite the physical setback, I believe everything happens for a reason and took it as a sign to go back to school to become a professional school counselor. This was the best decision I could have ever made!!! Throughout my academic career, I have had several great teachers and coaches that influenced me to pursue a career in Education. I view the opportunity to work with the students and parents at HAST as a way to pay it forward and work with our future generation. I believe that ALL students are capable of becoming successful adults along with the right guidance.

I'm looking forward to working with the students and parents at HAST. I also look forward to a great 2011-2012 school year. GO HAWKS!!!