Meet Our Staff

Science

Karen Burkhart has taught at the Wayne Enrichment Center for the past six years. After studying chemistry and physics at Winona State University and completing her master’s thesis in organic chemistry at Iowa State University, she developed new products and packages for Procter & Gamble and Bristol-Myers Squibb. Upon becoming a mother, she devoted her time to raising her son, Michael, and volunteering. She returned to school to earn a teaching license Indiana Wesleyan University. Her teaching license includes chemistry, physics, biology, art and earth and space science. She enjoys teaching. Her hobbies include gardening, garden design, fiber arts and reading.

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Mr. Collins

Joseph Collins is starting his 6th year teaching. He has a B.S. in Biology, secondary education, from Ball State University. He has 5 years of experience teaching in alternative environments. Joseph enjoys lifting weights, riding his motorcycle, reading and playing video games.

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Amanda Eades is in her first year of teaching. She received her bachelor of arts degree from DePauw University in 2009, where she majored in biology and minored in history. Following her graduation, she spent a year as a naturalist at the Indiana Dunes Environmental Learning Center located in the Indiana Dune National Lakeshore. In 2010, Mrs. Eades returned to school to obtain her teaching license from the University of Indianapolis, and she will receive her master’s degree in 2012. Her interests include going to the movies with her husband, Alex, and spending time with her cockapoo, Jasper.

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Mr. Medley

Jeff Medley is in his 17th year of teaching. He has a B. S. degree in Biology and Earth Science education from Ball State and a master’s degree in education from Indiana Wesleyan University. Mr. Medley has coached football, wrestling, and track. Today he enjoys spending time with his 3 children, and coaching their sports teams. Mr. Medley enjoys his work with AVE, as he knows that this is another tool to help students reach their goals.

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Ms. Renner

Grace Schmitt is in her 17th year of teaching AP biology and her 20th year at Ben Davis High School and Wayne Township. She has a B. S. degree in biology and a master’s degree in education from IUPUI. She is the department chair of science at Ben Davis High School. She is married and has two daughters. Mrs. Schmitt is active in her church, enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and loves to cook, bake and garden. Mrs. Schmitt thoroughly enjoys working with high school students and wants to encourage them to be their best!

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Deanna York has taught high school chemistry for 22 years. She has been at Ben Davis High School since 1997 and currently teaches chemistry honors, AP chemistry and IB chemistry. Prior to this, she taught at Bloomingdale Senior High School in Valrico, Florida, and at Lakeland Senior High School in Lakeland, Florida. Mrs. York received her B. S. in chemical education and her M. A. in secondary science from Ball State University. She is married with two young daughters. She enjoys challenging students, using demonstrations and chemistry competitions.

Mrs. York has won numerous awards for teaching including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in 2011, the Indiana University Armstrong Educator Award in 2003 and an IPL Golden Apple Award in 2002.

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Mr. Wentland

John Wentland has taught high school science for 15 years. He is certified to teach Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science and Physical Science. He has been at the Ben Davis ninth grade center since 2011 and currently teaches freshman Biology. Prior to this, he taught at a local charter school and Broad Ripple High School. Mr. Wentland received his Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Purdue University and conducted research at Methodist Hospital before entering teaching. Mr. Wentland has won numerous awards for teaching including the Toyota International Teacher Award and an IPL Golden Apple Award in 2006, and A Teacher Creativity Fellowship from the Lilly Endowment in 2011.

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