Students

Josie Achenbach is a lifelong resident of Indianapolis, Indiana and has spent her career as an educator for Indianapolis Public Schools. She received her bachelor's degree in social work from Valparaiso University. Following graduation, she was a Teach for America Corps Member, which provided her the opportunity to teach elementary special education while pursuing her Masters in Special Education from Marian University. Josie taught special education at a K-6 Elementary School for 5 years as both a co-teacher and a resource teacher. She is currently a Specially Designed Instructional Coach for 5 elementary schools in Indianapolis. She and her spouse have two young children and enjoy spending time with family, traveling, and engaging with their church community.

Anteria Gross is currently an Instructional Coach for Indianapolis Public Schools, school #43. Her role allows her to work with teachers in grades 5 th -8 th on implementing best instructional practices, and strategies for building culture and climate in the classroom and as a school. Anteria has had the privilege of working in education for 11 years. She graduated from Ball State University in Muncie IN, where she began her teaching career. Starting as a PE teacher, moving into the third-grade classroom
where she spent most of her career, to creating and implementing a Fine Arts program to her current role as instructional coach. Later she continued her education journey pursuing curriculum and
education gaining her Master’s in Education.

Anteria was born and raised in Lafayette Indiana. Home is where she grew a love for music and performing. Music is her outlet, dancing, singing, listening, teaching it. It brings balance to the chaos of
moments, energy to the low moments, and a soothing calm to the moments of anxiousness and over stimulation.

Education is valuable, but for Anteria family is everything. She is the mother of 5 beautiful children ages 16 -3 years old. Anteria believes education is the key to the world. Knowledge is truly power. However that may look from person to person, education can unlock the doors of opportunity and amazing experiences can be created. It is her passion to provide the best educational experience possible.

Isabelle is an educator with classroom experience in private, charter, and public schools, currently teaching middle school Social Studies at Roberts Academy in Cincinnati, OH. As an educator, Isabelle strives to elevate the voices and perspectives of marginalized groups while creating an environment where student voice is centered through Student Council and service learning. In the non-profit sector, she has served as senior coordinator for Cincinnati Museum Center’s Youth Programs. There, she focused on youth leadership and career development, diversity and inclusion by providing youth unique experiences while also guiding them through the college admission process. Isabelle’s family has called Cincinnati home since her parents emigrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 80s. Isabelle and her husband Calvin are proud parents to their son Trey. Outside of teaching, Isabelle shares her passion for the sport of track and field at her alma mater Seven Hills where she has been a Varsity Sprints and Jumps coach for 14 seasons.

Vanessa is a language educator with experience teaching French and ESL to learners of all ages from elementary to adults. Vanessa graduated from Tulane University, where she studied history and French. After graduation, she participated in a Fulbright teacher exchange program in Paris, France. Vanessa has a Master's of Education in Curriculum & Instruction from Northeastern University, with an emphasis on second language acquisition. She currently teaches French at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. Vanessa also spends her time as an advocate for children in foster care through the CASA program. 

My name is Jessica Woody. I grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada and currently teach first grade at a K-8 charter school. I am a fourth-year teacher and have previously taught kindergarten and library. I graduated from the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a BS in Elementary Education and am elated to continue my education at SPA. I chose SPA because I am passionate about providing an inclusive and equitable education to all students. I am a strong advocate for social-emotional learning, restorative justice, and teaching the whole child. When I am not teaching, I enjoy reading, playing games, and trying new restaurants.