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Russ Simnick serves as Lead Teacher at ICHS. He has been recognized by the Indianapolis Business Journal as a recipient of its prestigious ‘40 under 40’ award that recognizes the city’s top leaders under the age of 40. He has also received Junior Achievement’s Best and Brightest award for excellence in his field. He is a licensed Language Arts and Social Studies teacher. In addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations and faculty at ICHS, Simnick guides the school’s relationships with the Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning (CELL) and community relations. A graduate of Ball State University and Indiana Wesleyan University, Simnick is active in the community as a member of the Irvington Historical Society; former Director on the Historic Irvington Community Council; and member of the Board of Directors of Southport Presbyterian Christian School, a private elementary school on the city’s south side. He is the author of Irvington Haunts, a book about the infamous side of Irvington history; owner/publisher of The Irvington, a 5,000-circulation community newspaper that published from 1998-2002; and has authored several works of short fiction. Prior to joining ICS in 2005, Simnick served ten years as Executive Vice President of Coles Public Relations, one of the state’s largest public relations/communications firms. He has worked in the Indiana State Senate in media relations and as a legislative aide, and he has led several political campaigns at the congressional, gubernatorial and state legislative level. Contact: rsimnick@ics-charter.org
Daryl Werner serves as Assistant Lead teacher and instructs in U.S. History and World Geography at ICHS. Mr. Werner is originally from Batesville, Indiana, where he graduated from Batesville High School in 1998. He holds two degrees from Indiana University Bloomington: a bachelor's degree in General Studies and a master's degree in Secondary Education. Prior to joining ICHS, Werner taught two years in the Anderson Community School Corporation. In addition to his teaching duties, Mr. Werner is involved with several extra-curricular activities including service as the Student Council Sponsor. Contact: dwerner@ics-charter.org
Stephanie J. Brinsley serves ICHS as Guidance Counselor. A licensed teacher and school counselor, Ms. Brinsley has master’s degrees in School and Clinical Counseling and has experience in non profit agencies as well as private, traditional public and charter schools. Her role at ICHS is to help students succeed in school and be prepared for life beyond high school. Ms. Brinsley provides brief, school-based counseling for students who are having emotional difficulties. Additionally, Ms. Brinsley collaborates with teachers to help students who are experiencing academic difficulty. She is also a resource to parents on a variety of issues and is able to help parents with referrals for outside counseling. Contact: sbrinsley@ics-charter.org
Michelle Coy teaches Art classes at ICHS including Graphic Design, Student Publications, and 2-Dimensional Art. Coy blends strong talents in illustration with computer design in order to teach students in a wide variety of art classes. An Irvington resident, Coy has many years of experience in the professional design world working for a variety of clients. Contact: mcoy@ics-charter.org
Michael Dodds teaches Spanish at ICHS. In addition to his studies of both French and Spanish at Purdue University, Mr. Dodds has studied and worked abroad both in France and in Mexico. Mr. Dodds has experience teaching in both public and private schools.
Contact: mdodds@ics-charter.org
Jennifer Hollandbeck has made Irvington her home for 14 years, having spent most of her life living in the Indianapolis area. She attended Lawrence Central High School, and IUPUI, where she graduated with degrees in French and in Math Education. She has taught French at IUPUI and IU Kokomo for 12 years, and has worked at Irvington Community School since it opened, first as an instructional assistant, and for the past two years as the French teacher. Contact: jhollandbeck@ics-charter.org
Kelly Thomas teaches Music courses, including Choir and General Music, at ICS and ICHS. She is trained extensively in choral education and graduated with educational honors from Anderson University. Kelly also gives private voice lessons and assists with a show choir in the Indianapolis area. Contact: kthomas@ics-charter.org
Amy Withem instructs students in Physical Education and Health. An athlete at and graduate of Franklin College, Mrs. Withem serves as Athletic Director for the H.S. and head cross country and track/field coach. She has gained previous experience at another charter school and has worked for the YMCA. Contact: awithem@ics-charter.org
Peggy Larkin teaches Language Arts classes at ICHS. Ms. Larkin graduated with honors from Indiana University, simultaneously earning a B.A. in English and teaching certification through the Community of Teachers program. Ms. Larkin was trained and employed for two years as a peer writing tutor for undergraduate and graduate students at IU's Campus Writing Program; she has also taught adult literacy courses through the Cincinnati YMCA, served as a substitute teacher in Lawrence Township schools, and worked as an ISTEP+ evaluator and tutor. Ms. Larkin coaches Girls' Basketball and facilitates the Anime Club. Contact: plarkin@ics-charter.org
Michael Wilson teaches Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry at ICHS. Prior to joining the high school, Mr. Wilson taught math in the 6-8th grades at Irvington Community School. He works as a camp supervisor during the summer and is highly skilled at tutoring individual students and small groups. He also leads the school’s rich intramural program that includes flag football and 2-on-2 basketball.
Contact: mwilson@ics-charter.org
Ronda Hallquist teaches Chemistry, Biology, and Integrated Chemistry and Physics (ICP) at ICHS. She has several years of experience teaching science in the IPS system, including Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Prior to entering education, Mrs. Hallquist worked for Eli Lilly. Contact: rhallquist@ics-charter.org
Richard Coffey returns to teaching at Irvington Community High School after almost 20 years in the sports marketing industry. Mr. Coffey taught high school until 1990 when he left the field to pursue business interests. Mr. Coffey hold a BA from DePauw University and received both his MBA and MSEd from Indiana University. He has taught at the college level both at Indiana Tech and Indiana Wesleyan University. Rich teaches in the math and history departments and serves as Head Boys Basketball Coach. Contact: rcoffey@ics-charter.org
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