Faculty & Staff

Contact: sallshouse@lalumiere.org

Sandy Allshouse joined La Lumiere in 2012 as the Business Office Associate. Sandy has called the Great Lakes region home throughout her life. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration at Carthage College in Wisconsin. Prior to La Lumiere, Sandy worked in accounting and administrative services at various organizations in northern Indiana. Sandy’s office is often buzzing with students, who are stopping to chat or just passing through, which she says is the “best part of her day.”

Contact: tjaques@lalumiere.org

Torie Jaques officially joined La Lumiere in September of 2021 as the Assistant Director of Development. Although, she has unofficially been a part of the community for a number of years as her husband, Pat Holmes, is in his 10th year as the Head Basketball Coach. Torie grew up in South Bend, Indiana, attended Indiana University in Bloomington and has resides here on campus. She loves this picturesque landscape she has the privilege of calling home and is thrilled to be a part of the strong history here at La Lu!

Contact: talexander@lalumiere.org

Taylor Alexander graduated from La Lumiere in 2009 and rejoined the community as an Algebra teacher in 2024. She studied Physics and Math at DePaul University, where she began her career teaching math. Later, she traveled across the United States and internationally with her family. Taylor is thrilled to return to La Lumiere, where she first discovered her passion for math and science, and she loves sharing her passion with her students.

Contact: njones@lalumiere.org

Nico joined La Lumiere in 2026. Mr. Jones earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Secondary School Social Studies at Metropolitan  State University of Denver and his Master of Arts degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he focused on Modern Japanese History. Mr. Jones has taught at Metropolitan State and at Denver Center for International Studies, a charter school in Denver. In addition to his teaching duties, he will help us re-launch our Model UN program to make it a pillar of the Global Systems & Cultures strand of our strategic plan. He will also serve on our residential life team.

Contact: nalmanza@lalumiere.org

Mr. Almanza joined the La Lumiere faculty in 2026. He has worked in a variety of independent schools in his career, most recently at the Ojai Valley School, an independent day and boarding school in Ojai, California. Nico has tons of experience as Head of Resident Life, Associate Director of Admissions and a basketball coach. Nico earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University and an M.Ed. in Enrollment Management and Policy from the University of Southern California. Mr. Almanza will also serve on the residential life team here at La Lumiere!

Contact: ekablan@lalumiere.org

Emile Kablan joined La Lumiere in 2026. Dr. Kablan earned his Bachelor degree in French and Sociology and his MPhil in Francophone Literature from  Kwame Nkrumah University in Kumasi, Ghana. He then moved on to University of Tennessee, Knoxville to earn his MA in Francophone Literature, followed by a Ph.D. in Romance Languages from University of Alabama. Dr. Kablan has taught at virtually  every age level up through college level, in Ghana and the US. Most recently he served as Visiting Professor of French and Francophone Literature at Parkland College in  Illinois. He will live serve as an assistant coach in boys’ soccer and a residential life team member.

Contact: kandert@lalumiere.org

Ken Andert joined the La Lumiere faculty in 1995 after graduating from the University of Notre Dame, where he studied physics and secondary education. He joined Notre Dame’s physics department in 1999 as a teacher in the QuarkNet program and spends his summers on a variety of research projects, which have included construction and installation of particle detectors for Fermilab and CERN, decoding images from the Hubble Space Telescope, and designing shows for Notre Dame’s planetarium. He runs our version of Bookstore Basketball in the spring, and still holds out hope that he can win it again one of these years. What is your favorite location on campus? My favorite location at La Lumiere is standing behind the 3-point arc with a defender too far away to do anything about it. What is your favorite La Lumiere tradition? My favorite La Lumiere tradition is the senior banquet. (well, and of course Bookstore).

Contact: smurray@lalumiere.org

Sean Murray joined the La Lumiere School in 2021 after teaching math for three years at Academy of Our Lady in Marrero, Louisiana. Originally from Illinois, he earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics from Villanova University. After graduating from Villanova, Sean joined the Alliance for Catholic Education Teaching Fellows, where he was placed in New Orleans and earned his master’s degree in education from the University of Notre Dame. While teaching at Academy of Our Lady, Sean focused on supporting first year students, exploring math pedagogy and facilitating school-wide curriculum mapping.   Sean is also an Eagle Scout and enjoys mapping-out La Lumiere’s Freshman Experience program each summer.

Contact: candrews@lalumiere.org

Collin joined La Lumiere in January of 2026. He is excited to welcome students to La Lumiere, especially in his native Chicagoland area.

Contact: nmatt@lalumiere.org

Nick joined La Lumiere in 2026. Mr. Matt worked as student manager for the Men’s Basketball team while an undergraduate at Iowa State, where he earned his Bachelor of  Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. Mr. Matt then served as a Graduate Assistant Coach at University of Texas-El Paso. He coached basketball at Scecina Memorial High School in Indianapolis and Trinity Academy in South Bend, IN.

Contact: bbalhoff@lalumiere.org

Brett Balhoff started his career with La Lumiere in 2010. Brett teaches Anatomy and Physiology and Environmental Science. In addition to academics, Brett is the head coach of the varsity girls soccer team. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from Butler University and completed graduate work focused on Learning and Development at the University of Virginia. Mr. Balhoff has a love for the natural world and spends as much time as possible outside with his classes looking for new things to discover.   What is your favorite spot on campus?   The Amphitheater.   What is your favorite La Lumiere tradition?   The Taste of La Lumiere.

Ellen Ramsden-Belotti joined the La Lumiere community in 2023 with a background in social work and special education. She is known affectionately on campus as “Mrs.E”. Ellen has a Bachelor’s Degree in Family Studies from St. Xavier University, a Master of Social Work from University of Illinois at Chicago, Jane Addams College of Social Work and a Master of Educational Administration from Governors State University. Ellen’s path to joining La Lumiere includes positions as a substance abuse counselor, medical social worker, EAP coordinator, school social worker and a district administrator of special education programs. She enjoys collaborating with students, families and staff to problem-solve and create systems of support in the classroom.

Contact: dbrownstein@lalumiere.org

Daniel joined laumiere school in 2025. He earned a masters degree in applied economics from the University of Houston. Daniel has a passion for coaching sports, sports statistics and playing ping pong. In his spare time he also plays guitar. Daniel brings several years of mathematics teaching experience from schools back in his native Texas, along with a stint at a boarding school in New York.

Contact: mrivas@lalumiere.org

Magaly joined the La Lumiere family in 2023. Originally from Chile, she’s held been a teacher, academic coordinator and educational advisor. Magaly graduated with a degree in secondary education from La Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (Chile) and earned her Master’s in Education and Academic Management from the Universidad de los Andes, also in Chile. She’s passionate about being in the classroom and sharing the Spanish language and Latin American culture with students. Magaly says La Lumiere being the surrounding nature is a truly breathtaking setting.

Contact: mbuchanan@lalumiere.org

Matt Buchanan joined La Lumiere in 2009. He has taught Introduction to Literature, the Art of Rhetoric, American Literature, The Underdog and the American Dream, and other courses. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from the University of California, San Diego, and completed the Elementary Education credential program at UCSD the following year. He has coached baseball and the Academic Decathlon and been an assistant dorm parent over the years. He loves watching students find their writer’s voices and gain the skills to analyze and connect literary texts, and when he’s not in the classroom, he might be found around campus with a notebook, jotting down the seeds of poetry, around campus with his kids, chasing frogs or kicking a soccer ball, or somewhere across from the baseball field where nobody can hear him, playing the accordion that he’s played since the age of six.

Contact: nrupp@lalumiere.org

Nichole Rupp joined La Lumiere School in 2025. She brings over 10 years of experience in teaching english. She obtained her doctorate in English at the University of Surrey in Guildford, England. She has a published novel called The Fox and the Pear Tree and has taught English internationally. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and exploring.

Contact: acroft@lalumiere.org

Abby Croft joined La Lumiere in 2025. She has over 15 years of experience in college admissions and advising working in Indiana, Illinois, and even California. She loves working in college counseling because, “there is something magical about being a part of a student’s pivotal moment —when they discover their passion or take that leap toward their dreams.” She is excited to create meaningful experiences and support each journey of growth and discovery with the students of La Lumiere.  

Contact: jsanchez@lalumiere.org

Jorge joined our wonderful community in 2026. Mr. Sanchez teaches AP English Literature, Speech, English seminar electives and Biblical Literacy. Mr. Sanchez earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Loyola University, Chicago, and then earned two Master degrees, one in English from the University of Michigan and one in Divinity from the University of Chicago. He has taught in high schools and college over a 25-year career, most recently serving as English teacher and Dean of Students at Roycemore School. Mr. Sanchez has extensive experience with academic competitions. He also assists with the Academic Super Bowl team!

Contact: keffron@lalumiere.org

Kevin Effron joined La Lumiere as a full time faculty member in our theology department in the 2021-2022 academic year. He brings a BA in Philosophy from Marian University Indianapolis and a Master of Divinity degree from Notre Dame. Previously Kevin has been a director of religious education in Indianapolis and South Bend. He also has been a tutor at La Lumiere for the past year. Kevin is excited to give his full attention to the La Lu community this year and can be often found on the disc golf course here on campus.

Contact: tschmidt@lalumiere.org

Tatum joined La Lumiere in 2026. Ms. Schmidt’s conservation work in her adolescence led her to pursue science in college. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at the University of South Florida, far from her New Hampshire upbringing. Ms.Schmidt has taught for three summers back in New Hampshire at the Cardigan  Mountain School, where she learned to place a strong emphasis on experiential education and project-based learning. She learned the ropes of residential life there. She will also work on the residential life team here at La Lumiere.

Contact: seguizabal@lalumiere.org

Susie Eguizabal joined the Student Services Department at La Lumiere in 2007. Susie has lived in La Porte for the past 30 years and before arriving at La Lumiere she worked in student services at a boarding school and in social work for a non-profit in the area. Susie earned her bachelor’s degree studying Educational Administration at IFES in Guatemala, her home country. Susie is a go-to person on our campus, she is constantly providing support to our students and faculty in a multitude of ways. Her favorite traditions at La Lu are the Senior Dinner and The Taste of La Lumiere. Susie loves The Taste because “it gives us the opportunity to bring us all together and celebrate the cultures of students and faculty on campus.”

Contact: asmith@lalumiere.org

Andrea Smith joined La Lumiere in 2016. She grew up in Northwest Indiana and has been a nurse for over 20 years. Prior to La Lumiere, she has worked in doctor offices, hospitals, and as a case manager for home care. In 2020, Andrea and her husband along with their fur babies, moved to campus. This allowed her to be able to better support the community during the evenings and weekends.

During the week, the Health Center is always busy with students coming for medication, passing through and grabbing a sucker or snack, or hanging out during a free period. Andrea calls the students “her kids” and cares about each one as if they were her own.

Contact: mfallon@lalumiere.org

Michael Fallon joined La Lumiere in 2023.   Michael’s career in music education spans several decades. From 1992 to 2019, he served as the Director of Choral Music at Alan B. Shepard High School in Palos Heights, IL. In this role, Michael not only oversaw the choral programs and served as a sponsor for both the Musical Theatre Production and the Technical Theatre Club. Michael has produced and directed over 35 stage productions. Michael holds a Master of Music Education with an emphasis on Choral Conducting from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan and he pursued Post Graduate Studies in Choral Conducting, Vocal Jazz, and Opera/Theatre at the University of Miami. With Michael’s experience and educational background, he is an invaluable asset to our community and brings fresh insight and expertise to our arts department.

Contact: tallman@lalumiere.org

Chad Tallman joined La Lumiere in 2014. He teaches World History and coaches boys’ soccer at La Lu. He earned his master’s degree from Universitat Jaume I in Peace, Conflict, and Development Studies, which is supported by the UNESCO Chair of Philosophy for Peace. His thesis focused on the connection between identity and violence. He then spent a year as a visiting lecturer teaching at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta in Indonesia where he met his wife, Anastasia Tallman.

Contact: jfrankle@lalumiere.org

Jaime Frankle joined La Lumiere School in 2010 and is also an alumna of the school. She teaches Honors Precalculus, Precalculus, and Physics and serves as the Math Department Chair and the Library Coordinator. In the winter and spring seasons she coaches the Academia Cup and Academic Super Bowl teams. Jaime graduated from Grinnell College with a BA in Physics and completed their education licensure program. She spends her summers working as a stage manager at a local theater. What is your favorite spot on campus? The Lake Loop. What is your favorite La Lumiere tradition? Friday Funnies.

Contact: btonino@lalumiere.org

Brian graduated from La Lumiere in 2012 and joined La Lumiere School in the summer of 2016 after earning his BSBA in Finance and Financial Analysis from Creighton University. Brian has served in roles on both our Admissions and Advancement teams, and has been the Director of Advancement since 2021. As a product of La Lumiere, he knows from firsthand experience the distinct advantages of our school, as well as the unique impact of an independent boarding school for college preparation. Brian grew up in River Forest, Illinois. He currently lives on campus and is a part of our Residential Life team, Brian is also is the Associate Head Coach of our Boys National Varsity basketball team.

Contact: mfunderburg@lalumiere.org

Michelle Funderburg joined La Lumiere in 2011 as the Main Office Coordinator. Michelle earned her certificate in Paralegal Studies from Purdue. Before La Lumiere, Michelle worked as a paralegal for 17 years in Chicago. A lifelong resident of northern Indiana, Michelle and her family currently live in Chesterton with a myriad of pets. Two of her sons are alumni of La Lumiere and her daughter is currently enrolled at the School.

Contact: cvdmehden@lalumiere.org

Chris von Der Mehden joined La Lumiere in 2025. Chris earned his M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and taught chemistry at both the college and high school levels. He believes science comes alive when it connects to real life. Chris’s his background in positive psychology, yoga, and mindfulness inspires a teaching style that is both hands-on and holistic. Whether guiding students through a lab experiment or a big-picture conversation, Chris aims to spark curiosity and joy in learning. Outside the classroom, he enjoys running, cooking, reading, and ice baths – including his annual Christmas morning plunge into a frozen lake.

Contact: sglidden@lalumiere.org

Stacy Glidden Bobillo joined La Lumiere in 2017 as the Senior Advisor to the Head of School and has worked in local high schools since 2011. While she acts as the liaison for both the Board of Trustees and the Parents Association, she focuses heavily on campus safety. Mrs. Glidden Bobillo is an Indiana School Safety Specialist and is dedicated to making campus a safe place to learn, live, and work for all students and staff.

Contact: kwall@lalumiere.org

Katie Wall joined La Lumiere in 2017. Katie earned her MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and has taught art at La Lumiere during her tenure here. When studying art in Rome as an undergraduate at the Loyola Rome Center, she was often found sitting on the steps of the fountain in front of the Pantheon drawing. Her favorite location at La Lumiere is the art room!

Contact: cheffron@lalumiere.org

Cindy Heffron became a member of the La Lumiere community in 2001. Cindy became a part of the Residential Life team in 2004, when she began raising her daughter who would eventually graduate from la Lumiere! Cindy ran a discipline room at an elementary school prior to joining the La Lumiere’s faculty as the Attendance Coordinator in 2017. Cindy loves being a dorm parent and living in our community. Being at La Lumiere for over 20 years, she has gotten to see her former dorm daughters grow and start their own families.

Duncan Webb joined La Lumiere in 2023. He earned a Bachelor of Art from the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied art and art history. He came to the Midwest to earn a Master of Fine Arts in Art degree from the University of Chicago. He brings 28 years of experience in education as a faculty member, department chair, and Academic Dean working with a diverse range of students, including high schoolers and college age students. His administrative work includes curriculum development, faculty recruitment and mentoring, strategic planning, and coordinating accreditation preparation. He led faculty through a five-year Assessment of Student Learning Academy with the Higher Learning Commission. As a painter, his work has been exhibited in cities such as Chicago, San Francisco, Toronto, and London. Additionally, his pieces are part of several private collections, including one belonging to a member of the royal family. British born Duncan plans adventures with his South African raised wife Joanne and their two children, Callum and Orla. Recent trips include camping in Nova Scotia, exploring Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons and this summer, backpacking Isle Royale in Lake Superior. Duncan is looking forward to contributing to the special community that is La Lumiere.

Contact: mheffron@lalumiere.org

Mike graduated from DePaul University in 2000 with a B.A in Secondary Education. After serving as a student teacher at Chicago Vocational School in 2000, Mike joined La Lumiere as a history teacher in the Fall of 2000. He has taught AP US History, AP US Government and Politics, US History, Government, Economics, and Geography. From 2002 until 2015, Mike was chair of the Social Studies Department, becoming the Director of Residential Life in the Fall of 2014. Mike has also served as the Head Varsity Baseball coach for 17 years.

As Director of Residential Life, Mike is responsible for dorm life, residential activities, and student behavior in the dorms.

Mike is a lifelong area resident. He was born in Hammond, Indiana and graduated from Chesterton High School in 1996.

Contact: awebster@lalumiere.org

Andy Webster joined the La Lumiere community in July 2023 as Interim Head of School. He began his work in independent schools in 1987, shortly after graduating from Brown University with a degree in history. He taught at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, a day/boarding school in Austin, TX, where he also coached, served as a coach, and did dorm duty. He left to earn his master’s degree in U.S. History from the University of Virginia, and then moved to NYC where he joined the Berkeley Carroll School in Brooklyn as an Upper School History teacher, coach, and advisor. He took on administrative roles and soon became Director of Admission, and then Upper School Director. In 2005, he became Head of School at the Wardlaw-Hartridge School, in Edison, NJ, an independent PK-12 school of 475 students. Several decades after first entering a classroom as a teacher, he never tires of the joy of building community in schools and guiding the growth of students and colleagues.

Andy and his wife, Aurea, have four sons and a daughter, all of whom graduated from Wardlaw-Hartridge and are young adults in college or beyond. They are enjoying their introduction to the La Porte area and La Lu. Campus is lovely and the area reminds his family of Vermont, where Andy was raised, albeit without the mountains. The lakes and beaches, however, are wonderful. They have found the community to be truly welcoming, warm, and friendly and are excited by the new connections and experiences that lie before them.

What is the most important thing you have learned about the community as you have begun your work?

There is a palpable passion for the school and its students that is woven strongly through the faculty and staff, the Board, and the families I have met. People see the school as a special place that takes good care of its community members.

What has been the biggest challenge you have found thus far?

I grew up in the 1980s in New England, where athletic rivalries were intense. As a lifelong Celtics fan, it has taken some adjustment to call myself a Laker. I’ve worked my way through that cognitive dissonance, though, and I look forward to cheering the Lakers on with complete enthusiasm.

Contact: shill@lalumiere.org

Stephanie Hill joined La Lumiere as the Director of Admission and Financial Aid in 2024. With a deep-rooted connection to the world of boarding schools, she grew up on a boarding school campus, and has been immersed in it ever since. Now in her 12th year in independent school admissions, Stephanie is dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive community at La Lumiere. The vibrant school community is what ultimately drew Stephanie to LaLu, and she continues to be inspired by the students and faculty alike. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys spending her free time walking the lake loop with her dog, Payton.

Contact: mwiggins@lalumiere.org

Matt joined La Lumiere in 2024. An Indiana native, Matt returned home after gaining experience in Texas and is dedicated to providing high-quality sports medicine care for Laker student-athletes. He works closely with coaches, physicians and families to promote injury prevention, rehabilitation and the health and performance of every athlete.

Contact: pholmes@lalumiere.org

Pat Holmes just finished his 9th year leading the boys’ national basketball program. Prior to being the head coach for the national basketball team, Pat served as an assistant coach with the national basketball team, the head coach of the boys’ regional basketball team, and was an assistant athletic director in La Lumiere’s athletic department.