Jess joined TPS in the fall of 2023 as an instructional assistant. Jess grew up in Ellettsville and graduated from Indiana University in 2018 with a degree in Youth Development. She previously worked as an assistant teacher in preschools. When not at school, she loves spending time with her great niece and dancing.
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Hi! My name is Lily Banks and I am a sophomore at Miami University studying school social work. 14 years ago I was a student at TPS, and I now come back on my breaks from school to assist in the classroom, wherever I am needed!
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After a brief stint as a forest troll, Makenna joined The Project School in 2022. Her role as an instructional assistant includes providing classroom support, creating meaningful relationships with students, and listening to second graders share stories about their hopes and dreams. When sheβs not at school she spends her time reading about magic, eating mangoes, and hiking through her forest home.
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The 2024-25 school year is my first year at the Project School. I will be working as Middle School Instructional Assistant. In my free time I like to collect comic books, read, and watch movies. I am looking forward to a great year!
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Joel joined TPS as an instructional assistant in 2023. They graduated in 2021 with a degree in Psychology and discovered how much they love working with kids after being a therapist for children with autism. In their free time, they enjoy crocheting, playing video games, and accumulating new hobbies.
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My name is Cate, and I've been with TPS since February of 2022 as an instructional assistant, just one year after moving to Indiana from Kentucky. I am studying at IU to become an art teacher, and I am so excited to have a career helping kiddos apply their creativity and learn new and exciting things about art! In my free time, I love to draw cartoon art and do artist alley booths at comic conventions. I have written, illustrated, and self published a chapter book for young readers called ππ©π¦ πππ°πΆπ₯ ππͺπ³ππ΄. I also love playing my Switch, listening to symphonic metal, reading, watching animated movies and shows, and hanging out with my two bunnies.
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My name is Karmyn and I'm excited to join TPS as an Instructional Assistant this year. I grew up in Indiana, then lived in Boston and Pittsburgh. In 2021, I moved back to this lovely city, where I live with my partner, two sons, and two exuberant dogs. My previous work involved helping adults find careers. I loved hearing each person's unique story and helping them figure out how to achieve their goals. Similarly, in this new role, I intend to get to know each child as an individual and help them solve problems and love learning. In my free time, I enjoy musical theater, writing, hiking, canoeing, and reading/listening to podcasts about science and history.
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Ms. Grace has been with TPS since early 2023. Working at TPS has been joyous and she loves working with the kiddos. Grace loves aimless walks through town, competitive pickle ball games, and spending time with those she loves! She is so excited to grow with your kiddos!
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Maliya is an educator, community organizer, visual artist, and life-long learner, who is committed to resource building, storytelling and youth empowerment. Aside from her current work here at TPS, she is a Project Manager with DSE Solutions and a 2023-2024 YouthxYouth Global Action Fellow β developing Global Community-Based Learning Models! Maliya graduated from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Science in Pan-African Studies, and is continuing her education at Indiana University Bloomington. She is a compassionate, critical thinker, and she is eager to build connections with TPS students and families. When Maliya isnβt working, she is likely tending to her house plants, reading, writing, or playing with her dog, Neptune!
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Jennifer just joined TPS for the 24-25 school year with the role of an instructional assistant. When Jennifer is not at TPS she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family; including fishing, boating, camping and horseback.
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Myke started at TPS in 2024. Prior to coming to TPS, he was an automotive technician, worked for local nonprofits, and served on the boards for local and regional arts and environmental organizations. In his scant spare time, he can be found in the garden with his family, playing music and dancing with friends, and watching basketball.
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Erin set sail on her maiden voyage with The Project School in 2024. She values spending time outside, regularly swimming in cold lakes, and early bedtimes. Erin has worked with kids both in and out of the classroom and loves the outpour of imagination each child shares with her. She believes in the power of science, community, and a killer soundtrack.
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I started at TPS in the Spring of 2024 as a 1:1 instructional assistant. I graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Psychology. Iβve enjoyed supporting the teacher in the classroom and providing personalized support in activities that incorporate the students individual needs and learning style. Prior to TPS, I spent the last 10 years raising my three children. Two of them are current TPS students. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family β swimming, exploring, and learning new things.
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Coach Lindsay grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio before attending college at the University of Notre Dame and graduate school at Indiana University and the University of Southern Indiana. She currently teaches high school math at Bloomington High School South and has also taught sophomore English, Latin I-IV, Algebra II, and Public Speaking. She has been a TPS parent since 2016 and now has four kids enrolled at TPS. She loves being active and her current training focuses on long-distance triathlons. But running is her favorite!
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Nicole recently graduated from Indiana University in 2023 with a degree in Creative Writing and a minor in Education. She has had several leadership roles over the years, which has given her a love for teaching, training, and making herself helpful. She also loves poetry, coffee, cooking, movies, dancing, singing, and treating herself to nice dinners. Nicole spends her free time playing video games, reading, going to board game nights with friends, and spoiling her cats, Celery and Buttercup, who have taught her the true meaning of patience.
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I am Ms. Felice. This is my first year at The Project School and my 10th year in elementary school education. I love encouraging students to let their minds go on a creative journey at every opportunity I can. I live in Bloomington with my husband, daughter, and a very spoiled golden retriever named June. I enjoy hiking, running and traveling. My favorite store in Bloomington is The Book Corner. My hope this year is to make some incredible memories for your kids.
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Sarah joined The Project School as an Instructional Assistant for the middle school in the 2024/2025 school year. A lifelong Indiana resident, Sarah graduated from IUPUI with a degree in Tourism, Conventions, and Event Management. Sarah brings valuable experience from teaching swim lessons and gymnastics. Additionally, she serves as a Girl Scout leader for the local Daisy/Brownie troop. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys camping, hiking, and swimming. With her daughter a student at The Project School, Sarah is especially excited about this new role and looks forward to building connections with students and supporting their needs.
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Hello there! Iβm Matthew Schacht (pronounced shocked), and I was previously a student at TPS from kindergarten through 8th grade. I recently finished high school, and I am coming back to be a part of this amazing school, as an instructional assistant. A little about me: Iβve lived in Bloomington for mostly my whole life. Hobby wise I am a very big fan of tennis, and I enjoy sailing! I also love to listen to music, particularly music that has layers of meaning.
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Ms. Cindy is excited to return to TPS as a Title I Instructional Assistant supporting students as they discover joy and confidence as new readers. Cindy and her husband Mike have two daughters who attended TPS and are now in college at Bradley University and Indiana University, as well as a spunky young dog, Finn. She loves searching for antique treasures, baking and testing new recipes, volunteering for local youth theatre, and most of all, gathering with family around a campfire.
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