Executive Mentoring
Connecting Administrators
The CIESC Executive Mentoring program is designed to connect a retired highly successful administrator with a current administrator to provide a high level of job-specific and socio-emotional support that will enhance that individual’s chances of having a long and successful administrative career. Being able to develop a trusting relationship with a mentor provides an opportunity for regular feedback in a safe environment.
Focused Mentoring
The demands of a central office or building-level administrator continue to increase, and no matter how prepared an educator might think he/she is for an administrative position, invariably once in the position individuals realize they would benefit from additional support. Although some districts may have an internal system in place to provide needed mentoring support, an outside mentor may be a better fit because of availability and/or the opportunity to receive feedback from an outside perspective.
Confidentiality
A key component of a successful mentor relationship is confidentiality. All communication between the mentor and the mentee will be confidential, unless the mentee agrees to disclose information shared during the mentoring relationship with the district’s superintendent.
What Our Districts Are Saying
The support that my mentor has provided me this year has truly made a difference in my first year as principal. Her investment in my success has been invaluable. She has provided guidance and support through both big decisions and everyday challenges. Her insightful perspective has been a source of comfort and clarity.
The CIESC Mentor Program has been an invaluable resource for Mooresville Schools administrators, providing them with expert guidance and support as they navigate their leadership roles. Having a dedicated mentor ensures that each administrator is equipped with the tools and insights necessary for success, fostering both personal and professional growth. This program exemplifies our commitment to excellence in education and leadership development.
I always look forward to my sessions with my mentor. The open and honest conversations have blessed me with a sense of perspective and has fostered a habit of self-reflection regarding my strengths and areas for growth in leadership. These meaningful interactions have been self-effacing and deeply revelatory about leadership in public education. The feedback has helped me look squarely at my surprising successes, frustrations, and failures which has proved to be valuable in assisting me to learn and grow as a leader.
Having a mentor as a new administrator has given me peace of mind because I know that I have someone behind the scenes cheering me on. My mentor is a phone call away if I need advice, and our meetings are a valuable time for me to gain knowledge from a different perspective. My mentor understands the struggles and complexities of this position and provides the listening ear that I need to keep pushing forward. Most of all, I am reminded to take time for myself and focus on my needs too in order to continue to lead others.
Experience. Guidance. Intentional Collaboration. Those three superlatives embody the opportunity to work with CIESC’s Executive Mentoring Program. School leadership is a very rewarding, albeit demanding, profession. Each day, school administrators are faced with a multitude of situations where they are expected to make decisions and have all the answers. The reality is, no one has all the answers. Having a mentor to talk to and help process matters is very comforting. I look forward to the times we can meet. I also know I can email or call at any time and have a trusted friend, with a wealth of knowledge and experience, that is there to support. I am so grateful for the relationships that have been built and to be able to participate in this program. Honestly, I don’t know why anyone in a school leadership position wouldn’t want to be part of this incredible learning opportunity.
Sheridan Community Schools values the relationship with CIESC and especially the Administrative Mentoring Program. The program is an invaluable way for our future leaders to gain insight and different perspectives from outstanding experienced leaders. Developing trusting relationships with an outside mentor allows honest and confidential conversations and problem-solving sessions to take place. We have seen firsthand how this creates opportunities for professional growth and reflection. I highly recommend the CIESC mentoring program to all leaders regardless of experience level. It will truly enhance your leadership skills.
My mentor has been an exceptional guide throughout my time with her. She has shown a deep commitment to my personal and professional development this year.
Her expertise in the field has been invaluable in helping me navigate the challenges of my first year as a building administrator. Her ability to provide insightful feedback and constructive criticism has helped me grow and improve as a professional.
One of the most remarkable things about my mentor is her passion for the work she does. She has a genuine interest in helping me achieve my goals and has been a constant source of motivation and encouragement throughout my journey.
Overall, I can confidently say that my mentor has been an outstanding support system for me. Her dedication and commitment to my success has made a profound impact on my life and career. I have no doubt that her mentorship has helped set me up for a bright and successful future.
With the CIESC mentoring program, you have the opportunity to connect with experienced leaders who have been in your shoes and are willing to share their expertise and guide you through difficult situations from an outside, nonjudgmental perspective. My mentor is like a personal success coach; the feedback and support I’ve received from her are invaluable. The time I spend with my mentor allows me to pause and reflect on everything that is happening, what my goals are, and most importantly, how I’m feeling. Every time we meet, I leave with a renewed perspective. I firmly believe that I would not be where I am today without the guidance and encouragement of my mentor.
When I first became a school administrator, the biggest lesson I learned was that leadership positions can be the loneliest and most isolating in education if you don’t intentionally seek out collaboration opportunities. The CIESC Executive Mentoring program has connected me with a mentor who pushes me to think bigger and offers perspectives beyond my own lens. As a result, I’ve made connections with other leaders throughout the state and I continue to develop and grow professionally. Everyone deserves a mentor, and I cannot recommend this program enough!
Our Mentors
Stephanie Bode
Works with: K-12, Assistant Principals
- Administration Certification, Butler University (EPPSP Group 13)
- M.T. and B.A., University of Virginia
- Interim Elementary Assistant Principal, Brownsburg Community School School Corporation
- High School Assistant Principal, Avon and Brownsburg Community School Corporations
- Middle and high school social studies teacher, Avon and Brownsburg Community School Corporations
Dr. Melissa Brisco
Works with: K-12, Central Office
- Ed.D. Indiana University
- MS Kelley School of Business, Indiana University
- MS Butler University EPPSP
- BA Marian College
- Superintendent – Alexandria Community School Corporation (retired 2024)
- Asst. Superintendent – MSD Wabash County and Wabash City Schools
- Director of Learning – Noblesville Schools
- Elementary Principal and Asst. Principal – MSD Wayne Township
- Elementary Teacher – Noblesville Schools
Dr. Kevin Caress
Works with: K-12
- B.S. and Ph.D. Indiana University, M.S. Purdue University
- High School Spanish teacher/coach (rural and suburban
Indiana) - Superintendent Flat-Rock Hawcreek, Frankfort,
Clark-Pleasant - Executive Director CIESC (retired 2019)
Bernie Campbell
Works with: Secondary
- B.S. and M.A. Ball State University
- Business Teacher
- Assistant Principal Principal Mt. Vernon High School
Dr. John Coopman
Works with: Central Office
- ED. D. – Ball State University
- ED.S/MS – Indiana University
- BS – Purdue University
- HS/MS – Language Arts, Communication, PE Coach
- HS/MS Administrator (Rural Suburban IN)
- Professor – Ball State University, Indiana Wesleyan University
- Professor – Indiana Wesleyan University
- Dean’s Advisory Board – Ball State University
- Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent Monroe County Community Schools (Retired)
- Executive Director – In Assc. Of Public School Supt. (Retired 2022)
Dr. Kent DeKoninck
Works with: Secondary, Central Office
- Ph.D. Indiana State University
- MS. IUPUI
- B.S. IPFW
- Superintendent Greenwood Community School Corporation (retired 2021)
- Associate Superintendent, Avon Community School Corporation
- Personnel Director, Perry Township Schools
- Middle School Principal, Perry Township Schools and Carmel-Clay Schools
Dr. Brian Dinkins
Works with: K-12
- Ed. D. & Ed. S. Ball State University, B.S. Butler University, M.A.T. Oakland City University, B.A. Purdue University
- Assistant Professor & Director of Experiential Program for Preparing School Principals (EPPSP) – Butler University
- District Culture, Climate, and SEL Coordinator – Indianapolis Public Schools
- High School Principal – Indianapolis Public Schools & Providence Cristo Rey High School
- Elementary Principal – (2) Indianapolis Charter Schools
- National Education Consultant and Keynote Speaker
Rick Doss
Works with: Secondary, Central Office
- B.S. Indiana University
- M.S. Butler University
- Middle School Science Teacher, Wayne Township
- Middle School Principal, Brownsburg Schools
- Director of Human Resources, MSD Washington Township
- Director of Teaching and Learning, MSD Washington Township
Jenny Froehle
Works with: K-12, Central Office
- B.S. Education, Indiana University and M.S. School Administration, Indiana University
- Middle School language arts teacher/instructional coach
- Middle School assistant principal/principal (MSD Pike Township)
- Butler University College of Education faculty
- Elementary School assistant principal and district administrator for special projects (Zionsville Community Schools)
- Chief Academic Officer (Zionsville Community Schools) (retired 2017)
- State/Regional Consultant (Standard for Success, Indiana Youth Institute, private clients)
- Board of Directors, Firefly Children and Family Alliance (formerly Children’s Bureau of Indiana)
Stan Good
Works with: K-12
- B.S. Bluffton University (Ohio), M.S. Indiana University
- Elementary teacher and principal
- Middle School Principal
- Alternative High School Principal
- First mentor for CIESC serving a dozen Indiana districts
Dr. Maggie Hoernemann
Works with: K-12, Central Office
- Ph.D. Purdue University, M.S. Roosevelt Chicago, B.S.
Miami of Ohio - Certificate University of Dijon, France
- High School French/Spanish teacher
- High School, Middle School, Elementary School
administrator (suburban Chicago, rural IN) - Director of Human Resources, Associate Superintendent, Superintendent
Avon Community Schools (retired 2020)
Kevin Horrigan
Works with: Athletic Administrators
- BA Bellarmine University; MA Butler University
- Teacher, Assistant Principal, Coach, Guidance Counselor, Athletic Director (Brebeuf, Lawrence Central, Greenfield-Central)
- Certified Athletic Administrator; Certified Master Athletic Administrator; Registered International Athletic Administrator
- IHSAA Boy’s State Basketball Tournament Director, Girl’s State Basketball Assistant Tournament Director, in charge of Finish Line Boy’s, Girl’s and Unified State Track & Field Championship
- National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Athletic Director’s Hall of Fame
Chad Hudson
Works with: K-8, Alt. HS, HS Asst. Principal
- B.S. Indiana University, Dual M.S. programs Indiana
- Wesleyan & Indiana University
- Middle School Science teacher/coach (Southern Hancock
and Warren Township) - Administrator Hamilton Southeastern Schools
- Chief Academic Officer, Alternative/Charter Programs
- State/National consultant virtual school programs
Dr. Lisa Lantrip
Works with: K-12, Central Office
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Ed.D., Ed.S, and MS. – Indiana University. BS – Ball State. MBA – Wesleyan University
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Elementary Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal (Monroe-Gregg, Spencer-Owen, Cloverdale, MSD of Wayne Township)
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Assistant Superintendent MSD of Wayne Township
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Superintendent – New Palestine Community Schools (formerly, Community School Corporation of Southern Hancock County)
Cheri O’Day Marcotte
Works with: K-12, Central Office
- Ed.S.–Indiana State University, M.S.- Butler University, B.S.-Indiana University
- Elementary Teaching Experience – Indianapolis Public Schools
- Assistant Principal –MSD of Lawrence Township
- Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of Communications, Director of Elementary Schools, and Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools–MSD of Wayne Township (Retiring June 2021)
- Wayne Women’s Leadership Group Founder and Facilitator (10 years)
Dr. Maryanne McMahon
Works with: K-8, Central Office
- Ph.D. Indiana State University
- Administration Certification, Butler University
- MS. IUPUI
- B.S. Indiana State University
- Assistant Superintendent Avon Community School Corporation (retired 2019)
- Director of Education, Avon Community School Corporation
- Elementary Principal, Avon Community School Corporation
- Staff Development Consultant, Decatur Township Schools
Tom Olson
Works with: K-12, Central Office
- Retired middle and high school principal with 18 years of experience
- Administrative team coach for Wyoming City Schools (Wyoming, OH)
- Director of Human Resources and Operations (Three Rivers Local Schools, OH)
- Leadership and culture transformation coach for administrative teams and individual administrators
- Building capacity in administrators to be stronger instructional leaders
Jill Overton
Works with: Food Service Director
- B.S. University of Delaware
- R.D. Dietetic Internship, Sacred Heart Hospital, Wisconsin
- Dietitian/Food Service Manager, Methodist Hospital of Indiana
- Dietitian/Food Service Director, IN School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
- Food Service Director Franklin Community Schools (Retired 2021)
- SNS School Nutrition Specialist
Marsha Reynolds
Works with: K-8, Central Office
- B.S. Indiana University
- M.S. Butler University
- Elementary Principal – Indianapolis Public Schools, MSD of Lawrence Township, Anderson Community Schools
- Elementary Principal – MSD of Washington Township
- Director of Elementary Education – MSD of Washington Township
- Consultant Indiana Youth Institute
Dr. Scott Robison
Works with: K-12, Central Office
- B.S and M.S. – Indiana University; Ph.D. – Purdue University
- Middle and elementary teacher and principal in diverse city and suburban settings
- K-12 curriculum and professional development director in central office
- Growing suburban school district chief financial officer
- K-12 superintendent in rural (Sheridan-1.5 yrs.) and large suburban (Zionsville-16.5 yrs.) schools (ret. 2023)
- Various community boards, commissions, and advisory panels
Mike Sipe
Works with: Athletic Administrators
- B.A. Hanover College, M.S. Ball State
- Principal – Benton Central Jr./Sr. H.S.
- Athletic Director, Personnel Director MSD of Perry Township
- Adjunct Professor – Sport Management University of Indianapolis
Dr. LaTonya Turner
Works with: Secondary, Central Office
Dr. LaTonya Turner will be working with those in the Secondary level and Central Office.
- Ph.D. Indiana State University
- M.S. Indiana University
- B.A. Missouri Valley College
- Dean, Fred S. Klipsch Educators College-Marian University
- High School English/Journalism Teacher (urban IL)
- High School Counselor (Lawrence Central/North Central)
- Middle/High School Counselor (Private)
- High School Principal (Charter/Private)
- Actively participates on multiple community boards, federal commissions, and national advisory panels
Dr. Mike Whitman
Works with: K-8
- Elementary Principal, Director of Human Resources for Avon Community Schools (retired)
- Elementary School, Middle School, University Teacher, Mentor, Consultant
- Founding Principal of Avon Elementary School
- Doctorate Degree in Curriculum/Instruction from Purdue
Dr. Brenda Wolfe
Works with: K-6
- Ed.D. Indiana University, M.S. and B.S. Ball State University
- Elementary Teaching Experience
- Preschool Special Education Coordinator – Indianapolis Public Schools
- Elementary Assistant Principal – MSD Washington Township
- Elementary Principal – MSD Decatur and Lawrence Township, School Town of Speedway (Retired 2022)
- Background in Early Childhood Education and School Reform
Jud Wolfe
- B.S. Indiana State University
- M.S. and Ed. S. Indiana University
- High School Business Teacher, Plainfield Jr-Sr High School
- Assistant Principal, Brown County High School and Decatur Central High School
- Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations, MSD of Decatur Township, Center Grove Community Schools, Plainfield Community Schools
Schedule a Mentoring Session
Ready to get started with your first mentoring session? Members can log in to their membership Dashboard to schedule a mentoring session with a specific mentor. If you are not an ESC member, or if you have questions, please submit a request and Maggie Hoernemann will reach out to help!