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Faculty Directory

 

  • 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: 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.

    How long have you taught at La Lumiere?

    This is my 27th year at La Lumiere.

    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 do you enjoy most about working with students at La Lu?

    I enjoy working with students at La Lumiere to help them understand physics and mathematics.

    What is your favorite La Lumiere tradition?

    My favorite La Lumiere tradition is the senior banquet. (well, and of course Bookstore).

 

  • Contact: bbalhoff@lalumiere.org

    Brett Balhoff is beginning his twelfth year at La Lumiere School where he serves as the Science Department Chair. 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.

    How long have you taught at La Lumiere? Since 2010

    What is your favorite spot on campus? The Amphitheatre.

    What do you enjoy most about working at La Lumiere? Collegiality amongst the faculty and the kindheartedness of our students.

    What is your favorite La Lumiere tradition? The Taste of La Lumiere.

 

  • Contact: mbenedict@lalumiere.org

    Matt Benedict holds a B.A. in English from the University of Massachusetts/Amherst and an M.A. in English and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing {fiction} from the University of Notre Dame. At La Lumiere, he teaches upper-level English Electives, including the year-long AP English Seminar. He also directs La Lumiere's Theatre Program, The La Lu Players. A working short story writer and playwright, he has published numerous short stories and several original plays have been produced at venues across the USA. When not at La Lumiere, he enjoys assemblage sculpture, digital art, traveling, and organic vegetable gardening.

 

  • Contact: sberndt@lalumiere.org

    Sarah Berndt joined the La Lumiere community in 2021 with a background in museum education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Art History from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. From there, she learned to analyze history through objects while completing a master’s degree in the Winterthur Program of American Material Culture at the University of Delaware. Working in community museums, Sarah spent the last several years connecting learners to local history through exhibits and educational programming. In the classroom, she is excited to encourage students as they engage with history and the world around them.

 

  • Contact: jblakely@lalumiere.org

    Jay Blakely joined La Lumiere School as the Assistant Director of Admissions in spring of 2022. Jay has experience in the admissions field at the collegiate-level serving as a student ambassador, tour guide, overnight host, and admissions data & retention intern at Bethel University. He earned his B.A. in Sociology from Bethel University and is currently pursuing his M.A. in Higher Education Administration at Grand Canyon University.

 

  • 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: sbrown@lalumiere.org

    Sara Brown joined La Lumiere Science Department in 2019. Sara joined our community after a move from the United Kingdom, where she has a stellar decade-long track record of teaching that discipline at various levels, including designing and running programs to prepare students for entry to Oxford and Cambridge Universities. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary Education from the University of Dundee in Scotland and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Sciences from the University of St. Andrews (also in Scotland).

 

  • Contact: pcampbell@lalumiere.org

    Dr. Peter J. Campbell began his work with independent schools in 1993 and as a college counselor in 1994. He holds a B.A. in English from The Citadel, an M.S. in Communications from Ithaca College, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in English from the University of Notre Dame. His teaching career includes AP English, World Literature, American Literature, and junior and senior English electives, as well as experience as an Adjunct Lecturer of English at several colleges.

 
 

  • Contact: gdemski@lalumiere.org

    Gary Demski joined La Lumiere in 2023 as the Director of Athletics. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology from Indiana University and earned his Masters Degree in Sports Administration from Valparaiso University. Demski brings 18 years of high school, collegiate, and professional Athletics Administration & Public Relations experience to La Lumiere. Most recently, he worked at the University of Notre Dame prior to his arrival to La Lu. From 2014-2022 he served as Assistant Director of Athletics & Sports Information Specialist at Frederick Community College. In addition, he served as Gameday Press Box Supervisor for seven seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.

    Demski is no stranger to the area. He grew up in South Bend and attended Washington High School. In 2009, he was named to the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce Young Professional Network Michiana Forty Under 40. Gary is excited to join the La Lu family and work with top notch faculty, staff, and students. Go Lakers! Gary and his wife Kelly are excited to be living in residence at La Lumiere.

 

  • 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 dorm parent and 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: 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: mfallon@lalumiere.org

    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, we believe he will be an invaluable asset to our community and bring fresh insights and expertise to our arts department.

 

  • 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 do you enjoy most about working at La Lumiere? Interacting with the students in so many different ways throughout the day.

    What is your favorite La Lumiere tradition? Friday Funnies.

 

  • 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: mgausselin@lalumiere.org

    Megan Gausselin ('19) returned to La Lumiere School as the Assistant Director of Marketing in the spring of 2023. As a recent graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington, she earned her degree in journalism and public relations. Megan is thrilled to be back at La Lumiere and is looking forward to being on campus in this new capacity.

 

  • 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: cheffron@lalumiere.org

    Cindy Heffron moved to La Lumiere in July of 2001 after getting married to Mike Heffron. Before becoming a dorm parent, Cindy was a medical assistant. In 2004, Cindy decided to leave her medical job to raise her daughter and became a dorm parent. When her daughter went to school, 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 this community. Being at La Lumiere for over 20 years, she has gotten to see her former dorm daughters grow up and start their own families.

 

  • 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: pholmes@lalumiere.org

 

  • 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 5th year as the Head Basketball Coach. She grew up in South Bend, attended Indiana University in Bloomington, and has resided here on campus for the last 5 years. She loves this picturesque campus she has the privilege of calling home and is thrilled to be in her new position here at La Lu!

 

  • Contact: akellenberg@lalumiere.org

    Alex Kellenberg (‘10) is excited to return to La Lumiere as the Ethics Teacher after completing Master’s degrees in the Western Great Books and the Eastern Classics at St. John’s College. Before that, he completed his undergraduate studies at The Evergreen State College, where he studied moral and political philosophy. Alex is an avid hiker who has hiked ~10,000 backcountry miles, and has worked as a backpacking guide at a wilderness therapy program.

 

  • Contact: kmcclintock@lalumiere.org

    Katie (‘94) joined La Lumiere in 2023 as an English teacher. She holds a B.A. in English, an M.A.T. in Secondary English Education, an M.S. in Education Administration, and an EdD in Educational Studies. Her teaching career includes K-12 English/Language Arts, English language development, and university teaching.

 

  • Contact: jmcdaniels@lalumiere.org

    James earned a bachelor’s degree in Integrative Biology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. James is a Teach for America alum, where he earned his teaching certification in tandem with a graduate program at Calumet College of St. Joseph. He is also an alum of the Saga Innovations mathematics organization, serving as a Mathematics Fellow and recruiter. James joins the Math Department with aims to inspire students toward building a conceptual understanding of math, and applying math in their daily lives.

 

  • Contact: smurray@lalumiere.org

    Sean Murray joined the Math Department 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. He then joined the Alliance for Catholic Education Teaching Fellows program 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.

 

  • Contact: ppangborn@lalumiere.org

    Dr. Patti Pangborn joined La Lumiere’s English Department in 2020. Patti earned her Ph.D. in English from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she also taught college writing, literature courses, technical writing, and creative writing. She holds an M.F.A. in Poetry from Columbia College Chicago and her work has been published in OCCULUM, Pulp Lit, NightBlock, and the Columbia Poetry Review, among others. Patti's chapbook of poetry, titled Adrift, features a lonely astronaut who pines for Earth and is available from Space Cowboy Books. With over six years of teaching experience at the college level, Patti aims to prepare high school students for the rigors of a college education.

 

  • Contact: kpowers@lalumiere.org

    Dr. Katrina Powers was inspired to learn Spanish when she saw El Greco’s View of Toledo at the Metropolitan Museum of Art during her first visit to New York City when she was 21. After time spent living in Spain and Ukraine, she earned her B.A. in Spanish Literature from Hunter College of the City University of New York, and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Spanish Literature from the University of Chicago. While working on her doctorate, she taught courses in Spanish, gender studies, and writing at the University of Chicago for six years before joining the faculty of La Lumiere in the autumn of 2018. She loves teaching at La Lumiere and being able to form meaningful relationships with her students.

 

  • Ellen Ramsden-Belotti joins the La Lumiere community with a background in social work and special education. She 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 looks forward to collaborating with students, families and staff to problem-solve and create systems of support in the classroom.

 

  • Contact: mrivas@lalumiere.org

    This year I am joining the language department of La Lumiere as a Spanish teacher. I am Chilean and I have 16 years of experience in education. I have worked as a teacher, academic coordinator, and educational advisor. I am a high school teacher from the Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso in Chile, and I have a Master's degree in education and academic management from the Universidad de los Andes in Chile. I love being in the classroom and teaching my language and culture. The campus is a beautiful place and the nature that surrounds us is incredible.

 

  • John Rumely '69 has served La Lumiere in a number of capacities in the five decades since his graduation - as an alumni class representative, a Trustee (2005-17) and on a number of ad hoc committees serving the Headmaster and Trustees. John's professional career included serving as financial advisor to a number of municipalities and non-profit institutions including higher education and healthcare. Recently, he has advised a number of law firms in their marketing and business development efforts. As a volunteer John has served as a Trustee for the Cathedral School and serves on the Board of the Laymen's Club of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. He and Christine are the parents of two married children and grandparents of one. John resides in New York City but is a frequent visitor to campus.

 

  • Contact: bsendziak@lalumiere.org

    Bridget Sendziak joined La Lumiere in 2019 after spending 6 years abroad in France. She got her masters degree in French from Middlebury College CV Starr Schools abroad in Paris where she took classes at the Sorbonne. After working in a French university she went back to school for her second masters degree from the Catholic University of Lille where she specialized in history and translation and worked simultaneously as an English teacher in a French middle and high school. She is very excited to join the La Lumiere community and especially to encourage the correct pronunciation of the school's name.

 

  • Contact: mnitschke@lalumiere.org

    Molly Nitschke joined La Lumiere in 2021 after finishing a teaching fellowship program called the Alliance for Catholic Education, through the University of Notre Dame, where she taught science in Tampa, Florida. This is her first year teaching at La Lumiere, and she is extremely excited to teach Biology on a campus full of such rich and natural beauty. She fell in love with Biology in high school and looks forward to fostering that love with her students throughout this school year.

 

  • 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: asperling@lalumiere.org

    Andy joined La Lumiere in 2023 as their Chief Financial Officer. He holds an undergraduate degree in Marketing from Indiana University, where he was a distinguished Evans Scholar, as well as an MBA degree in Finance and Entrepreneurship from The University of Notre Dame. With a strong and successful 20-plus year career focused on finance, planning and operations and strategic leadership, he is adept at delivering impactful results for organizations. Prior to joining the staff at La Lumiere, he worked for firms including Citibank, William Blair and Company, OneSource Distribution, and Horizon Bancorp.

    In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf and attending church. As a former graduate of La Lumiere (Class of 1987), he is glad to “be back home on campus” where the spirit of La Lumiere is alive and growing.

 

  • Contact: tallman@lalumiere.org

    Chad Tallman joined La Lumiere in 2014. He is in his seventh year teaching World History and coaching boys’ soccer at La Lumiere School. 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: btonino@lalumiere.org

    BSBA, Finance, Financial Analysis, Creighton University

    Brian joined La Lumiere School in the summer of 2016. He 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 in Linnen as a part of our Residential Life faculty, and is the Associate Head Coach of our Boys National Varsity basketball team.

 

  • Contact: ruryga@lalumiere.org

    Rachel Uryga joined La Lumiere in 1986. In her years at the School, Rachel has worked in several areas of the school from Development to the Headmaster’s Secretary. She is now the Registrar and International Coordinator at La Lu. In her free time, Rachel loves reading mystery novels, spending time outdoors, and fishing, which is her favorite sport.

 

  • Contact: kwall@lalumiere.org

    Katie Wall earned her MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and has taught art at La Lumiere for the past six years. When studying art in Rome as an undergraduate at 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.

 

  • Duncan Webb joins La Lumiere as the Director of Academics and Student Life 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: 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: bwright@lalumiere.org

    Brandon Wright joined La Lumiere in the fall of 2020 as a College Advising Assistant and Regional Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach. Originally from New Jersey, he holds a bachelor’s degree in human development & family science from Syracuse University ’18, and a M.Ed from the University of Washington ’19. During his time in school, he worked for the men’s basketball programs as a student manager and graduate assistant respectively. Before arriving at La Lu, he spent a year working as an assistant men’s basketball coach for Davis & Elkins College.