iEngage Leadership Team

Stephanie Serriere, Ph.D

Executive Director

Stephanie Serriere, Ph.D., is a Professor of Social Studies Education at IU Columbus and Director of the iEngage Youth Civic Empowerment Camp. After serving as a master teacher at Baylor University’s iEngage camp in 2022—the same year the program received the Sandra Day O’Connor Award for the Advancement of Civic Education—she brought iEngage to Indiana in 2023 with strong support from the Columbus community. Dr. Stephanie oversees all aspects of the program, including grant writing and reporting, staff hiring, research, community partnerships, and compliance with IU’s Programs Involving Children policies. Her research focuses on how young people become engaged citizens, and she is a strong advocate for youth voice and democratic participation.

Stephanie enjoys yoga, dark chocolate and hiking in the woods with her golden retriever and family!

Lillia Stidam

Hi! I’m Lillia, but you can call me Lilla or Lil! This is my first year helping with iEngage and I’m so excited to be part of the team as the Program Assistant! I’m a current student at IU Indianapolis studying Computer Science. I’ve lived in Columbus my whole life, graduated from East in 2022, and was a CYD Youth Ambassador from 21-22. I love to read, play board games, open blind boxes with my partner, Van, and be with my family and friends! I have two cats, Casanova and Gatsby, and a crazy dog named Luffy!

Danielle Burris

Hi! I’m Danielle and I work at IU Columbus helping with both the Divisions of Education and Nursing! This will be my third year with IU but my first year helping with iEngage! I have a degree in Event Management from Indiana University and have worked with camps, conferences, weddings, and even the Indianapolis 500. I have two kiddos, Kayden and Magnolia, and a goldendoodle named Boone. I love coffee, mexican food, and Dolly Parton!

Edie Logston

Edie Logston is a sixth-grade teacher at Parkside Elementary School with 25 years of experience. Over the years, she has also had the privilege of teaching at Taylorsville and Schmitt schools, where she’s built lasting connections with students and colleagues. Edie earned her Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Bloomington and her Master’s in Education from Indiana Wesleyan University. She also served as a counselor at iEngage Camp 2024, where she enjoyed working closely with young people. Edie loves coaching academic clubs as well as volunteering at many camps and youth events through her church. She and is deeply committed to helping her students grow not only academically but also as active, involved members of their community. When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll likely find her outdoors, staying active and enjoying nature or reading. Fun Fact: She grew up with 5 sisters in a one bathroom home!

Yamileth Martinez

¡Hola! I am so excited our wonderful students of Columbus, Indiana gets to experience another year of iEngage! I have been privileged enough to experience the magnificent movement of iEngage for 2 years in a row; now coming for a 3rd year as a counselor. I am a 3rd-grade dual-language teacher at Clifty Creel Elementary School. I have lived in Columbus, Indiana for about 18 years. Through those 18 years I have been able to build wonderful relationships with many people with different backgrounds. I am so excited to be part of this camp another year to bring guidance and support to all who partake in this exciting 1-week journey!

Freddie King

Freddie King was born and raised in Columbus, Indiana where graduated from Columbus East High School in 2009. He attended Ball State University where he obtained his Bachelor's degree in Psychology, and minored in Spanish and Counseling. After graduating in 2013, Freddie began his career as a Skills Development Specialist, working with foster care youth in the Indianapolis metro area at the Adult and Child Center. In 2015, Freddie graduated with his Masters of Science in Education and Education Specialist degree in School Psychology from Indiana University Bloomington. He served as a School Psychologist for six years at Fairfax County Public Schools in northern Virginia. In this position, Freddie worked with youth K through 12 from predominantly Title 1 schools, serving students of all backgrounds and ethnicities. In August 2023, Freddie decided to move back home to Columbus, Indiana to be near his family and to serve youth within Bartholomew County. Currently, Freddie works for the Council for Youth Development as the Youth Empowerment Program Coordinator. There he focuses on youth driven outreach initiatives that strengthen youth leadership skills, with an emphasis on equity in the community.

Miya Whitlock

Hello! My name is Miya Whitlock I am an incoming sophomore at Indiana University - Columbus, studying education. My senior year of high school I was in the Early Childhood Education program for C4 and I found a passion for teaching while teaching preschoolers. I am also a swim instructor, lifeguard, and assistant manger at the Edinburgh Aquatic Center during the summer months where I get to engage with the youth and gain leadership skills throughout the process. I also am a swim instructor and substitute teacher during the school year and this gives me many opportunities to experience all different age groups and personalities of students. I am so excited to have the opportunity to work with amazing kids and be apart of the iEngage program.

Mikenze Bostic

My name is Mikenze Bostic, and I am an incoming sophomore at Indiana University Columbus. Currently I study Elementary Education and plan to pursue a Bachelors and Masters degree in Education. I am truly passionate about children and the information that keeps them safe, informed, and knowledgeable. Currently I am a substitute teacher and have been a peer mentor in the past! Working with kids is my passion and I am beyond excited for the opportunity to be a counselor that represents the I Engage camp. One fun fact about me is that I love to travel! My favorite place so far has been Phoenix Arizona!

Ebony Okuleye-Ash

My name is Ebony Okuleye-Ash and I’m an Early Childhood Special Education teacher with over eight years of experience working with young learners and their families. I hold an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education. Teaching is more than just my profession—it’s something I love to do. I strive to empower every student or child I work with to see their worth, reach their potential, and believe in their ability to make a difference. Whether I am supporting a child through their early educational journey or working with families to access critical resources, my focus remains on fostering growth, building confidence, and creating pathways to success. I believe in preparing students not only for academic achievement but for life—encouraging them to pursue college, trade school, or any path that aligns with their strengths, while also becoming positive, contributing members of their communities.

Fun Fact: I had a fun and unique experience of participating in the Columbus edition of Dancing with the Stars while 3 months pregnant, and I also hold a Blue Belt in Taekwondo!

Megan Kleinhelter

My name is Megan Kleinhelter and I am an incoming Senior at IUC where I am studying Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education. I am a Triplet with one brother and one sister. I have worked at Greenwood Christian in the Daycare for a year and a half. I work with infants and four year olds currently. I have always been passionate about working with kids and I aspire to be the best elementary teacher for my future students one day.

Caroline Sheaffer

My name is Caroline Sheaffer and I just graduated from IU Columbus in May. My teaching license includes K-6 General Education, K-9 Math, and K-12 English as a New Language. I am in search for a teaching job, hopefully close to the small town that I call home. I have had experience teaching at all of the school ages, including elementary through high school. I covered a high school math position last spring and loved it! I did my student teaching in a fourth grade classroom, and I also coach both girls and boys middle school tennis. Fun fact about me is that my favorite meal is chicken and potatoes. You can eat it any way!

Amy Warren

I am a senior in the pre-Education program.  I have worked in elementary education for almost ten years, specifically as a teaching assistant for English Language Learning students.  Working with students is always exciting and fun! I am looking forward to exploring iEngage camp and our civic community!

La Wanda Tidd

Hello! I am La Wanda Tidd. I am a 2020 graduate of IU Columbus, with a BS in Elementary Education. I have been teaching for the last five years and I love my job! I have taught 6th grade math, science and social studies, but this year I moved to 5th grade and I am teaching writing and grammar! I love VW cars and vans! I do own a VW Beetle convertible and hoping for a van one day to use from camping when I retire!

Bailey Gitcheff

My name is Bailey! I am so excited about the iEngage Youth Camp! I am currently going into my senior year at Indiana University Columbus. I am an elementary education major. I have always wanted to become a teacher, and I have enjoyed my time at IUC. I work as a teaching assistant at a preschool when school is in session, and it is one of my proudest accomplishments because of how much I have impacted my class through learning. On my free time I love to walk my dog, Jagger. He is a german shepherd mix from the shelter. Jagger, my fiance, and I love going on walks together around town.

Maddison Brittain

I'm Maddison Brittain. I am currently a Senior at IU Columbus, I play softball here as well and my major is elementary education. I am from Brownstown.

Angela "Angie" Kirkham

Angie has lived in nine states and two countries. Her experiences growing up and living in diverse environments have nurtured her love of people, cultures, and travel.

She accepted the role of Multicultural Coordinator at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year. Before that, she taught elementary grades for thirteen years, including nine years at Clifty Creek Elementary. She holds a dual license in ENL and is passionate about fostering inclusivity and social justice. Angie is a co-author of the chapter "Supporting 'Lived Civics'" in the book Real Classrooms, Real Teachers: The C3 Inquiry in Practice, edited by Kristy Brugar and Kathryn Roberts. She served as the Minority Affairs Chairperson for the Indiana State Teachers Association for two years and hosted the event Race & Unity: How Can I Be an Advocate for Inclusion? She continues to collaborate with the state association by facilitating training on topics related to social justice and inclusion.

Karon LeCompte

Karon LeCompte, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Social Studies Education. Her research interests include civics education, technology and teacher preparation. She works with teacher education candidates and Texas teachers on civics education and law-related education and teaches classes in elementary social studies methods. In 2022, Dr. LeCompte and the iEngage team were awarded the Sandra Day O'Connor Award for the Advancement of Civic Education.

Karen Garrity

Karen Garrity is a dedicated educator with extensive experience in both PreK-12 and higher education settings. She has held various roles, including teacher, Teacher Center Director, principal, and Director of Elementary Education at Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation. Currently, she serves as a Lecturer and Director of School and Community Relations at Indiana University Columbus, overseeing field and student teacher placements. Passionate about teacher preparation and student success, Karen has contributed to the development of programs that enhance educator effectiveness and has been an advocate for innovation, equity, and service learning. She has also been involved in committees and is the Faculty Advisor for the IUC Kappa Delta Pi chapter. A literacy advocate, she led the creation of the Bartholomew County Literacy Task Force, promoting diversity and inclusivity in literature. Karen’s research includes co-editing an anthology of multilingual parent stories, and she has been recognized with honors such as the Education Hall of Fame and the Indiana University Trustees Teaching Award. A fun fact about her: growing up, she dreamed of marrying baseball legend Mickey Mantle, and at age 38, she had the chance to meet him and be interviewed with him on TV!

Larry Ruich

Lawrence J. Ruich is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Indiana University Columbus, where he coordinates the Dual License Program in Special Education. With a Ph.D. from Indiana University Bloomington and degrees from Purdue University Calumet and Columbia College Chicago, he brings over 20 years of experience in education, spanning K–12 learning environments, curriculum leadership, and higher education. His teaching blends expertise in special education, instructional design, and the arts, and he’s especially passionate about preparing future teachers to create inclusive, creative classrooms. Lawrence is an active member of professional organizations like the Council for Exceptional Children and has been honored with several teaching awards, including IU’s Trustees’ Teaching Award in 2023. When he’s not teaching, you’ll likely find him behind a camera—he enjoys both digital and film-based photography and is a member of the Bloomington Photography Club (BPC). He also gives back locally as an executive member of the Park Ridge East Neighborhood Association (PRENA).