Our Educators

Ms. Breyonnah Davis

7th/8th Grade Crew Leader

Breyonnah Davis has transitioned from a part-time afterschool tutor to the full-time Building Substitute. Miss Bree, as the kids like to call her, received her bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology from Ball State University. She also obtained her license as a Registered Behavior Technician from the BACB. Ms. Bree is passionate about teaching kids various tools to help them self regulate for an all around better learning environment. She enjoys painting, watching movies, and taking her 2 dogs on hikes.

Mr. Brandon Hayes

6th Grade Crew Leader

Mr. Brandon Hayes is excited to join the Inspire Academy crew as the middle school social studies teacher. As a former NFL player with a bachelor's degree in history and a master's degree in education, Mr. Hayes brings a dynamic set of skills and knowledge to the classroom. Whether it is through his nonprofit organization, 3rd & 11 Inc., or through teaching students important lessons from history, Mr. Hayes's primary focus is giving back to his community!

Ms. Yolanda Lloyd

5th Grade Crew Leader

Ms. Yolanda Lloyd is excited to join the Inspire Crew. She received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Trinity University in Washington, D.C. She comes to Inspire Academy from Yorktown High School where she worked in the Library/Extended Learning Center. Ms. Yolanda loves spending time with her family and their dog, Nikko. She also enjoys reading, music, gardening, learning, and helping others!

Ms. Kristine Ellis

4th Grade Crew Leader

Mrs. Ellis' previous residence was in Norfolk, Virginia where she honorably completed her service with the United States Navy. Mrs. Ellis is a licensed Indiana teacher who graduated from Ball State University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, minoring in technology. Prior to coming to Inspire Academy, she did her student teaching at Erskine Elementary in Anderson, working in a 4th grade classroom. Mrs. Ellis enjoys spending her free time with her two young daughters.

Ms. CJ Smith

3rd Grade Crew Leader

Ms. CJ Smith joined Inspire Academy in 2019 as a teaching assistant and within a few months became a classroom teacher. Ms. CJ received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Indiana University-Bloomington in 2017. She is currently working to get her Master of Arts in Elementary Education at Ball State University. Ms. CJ enjoys biking and takes part in the Great Cycle Challenge each year to help fight childhood cancer. She also enjoys reading non-fiction, bowling, writing, nature, and cooking.

Ms. Jerika Schultz

2nd Grade Crew Leader

Ms. Jerika Schultz is a Muncie native who has returned to Muncie to continue her teaching career with Inspire Academy. Ms. Schultz is a licensed Indiana teacher who graduated from Ball State University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education with concentrations in Reading and State/Worldwide Connections. Ms. Schultz has two cats, Max and Leo. She loves to travel to new destinations and hopes to visit every AZA accredited zoo in America.

Ms. Shameka Gordon

1st Grade Crew Leader

Ms. Shameka Gordon started at Inspire Academy in 2013 as the Director of Nutrition. She currently holds a Substitute Education Permit and, in 2019, she transitioned to providing educational support. Ms. Shameka is currently studying at WGU for Special Education Mild to Moderate and currently serves as the long term sub in first grade, where families and students love working with her.

Mrs. Amy Friedeberg

Reading Interventionist

Amy Friedeberg began working as Inspire's Title 1 Reading Interventionist after fall break. She received her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Michigan State University and went on to complete a teaching program from St. Petersburg College in Clearwater, Florida. Mrs. Friedeberg began her teaching journey as a kindergarten teacher and then transitioned to Reading Interventionist for the past 7 years. She enjoys traveling to northern Michigan and going camping and kayaking.

Mr. Michael Cowherd

Teacher of Record

Michael Cowherd is affectionately known as "Mr. Max." He worked as a Title 1 Reading Interventionist and Literacy Coordinator for Inspire during the 2021-2022 school year, and will serve as the Special Education middle school teacher of record for the 2022-2023 school year. His journey as a reading specialist began as he watched his own children's reading skills develop. Mr. Max has also worked for the State of Indiana, advocating for adults with physical and intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Ms. Heidi Elliott

Teacher of Record

Heidi Elliott graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a degree in Special Education. After graduating, she spent several years teaching in Indianapolis. She is trained in the Wilson Reading Program, and is passionate about teaching students to read. Heidi enjoys spending her free time with her husband and their four daughters.

Ms. Connie Criswell

PreK Crew Leader

In 2004, Ms. Connie Criswell began teaching preschool at the Henry County YMCA. Since she came to Inspire in 2016, she and her preschoolers have loved spending time outdoors, getting their hands dirty, and exploring the wetlands located behind the school. Between assisting with the theatre program and serving as the school’s Family Events Coordinator, Ms. Connie is always looking to provide students with opportunities for extra-curricular fun, creativity, and self-expression.

Mr. Harry Pickett

Art/PE

Mr. Harry Pickett started his education at Ivy Tech before going to WGU, where he studied Elementary Education and High School Math. Mr. Harry has been a member of the Inspire Crew for 6 years. He grew up loving art and, at age 13, was accepted into an art program that sparked his interest in art education. Sports and physical activity also have an important place in Mr. Harry’s life. As a PE teacher, he shares his love of being active with Inspire students. Mr. Harry coaches every sport at Inspire.

Andrea Mae

Special Education Service Provider

Ms. Andrea Mae began working at Inspire in December 2019. She works as a middle school special education assistant and is currently enrolled at Ball State University. With her experience in special education as both a parent and educator, Ms. Andrea advocates for inclusivity and accessibility in both the classroom and society as a whole. She finds that openness and encouragement prompt students to provide feedback that helps her grow as an educator.

Ms. Misty White

Afterschool Teacher

Ms. Misty White joined the Inspire Crew in August 2021 as the Afterschool Teacher for the I ASK Tutoring Program. She is currently pursuing dual Master’s degrees in Management & Leadership and Curriculum & Instruction from WGU. As the I ASK Crew Leader, Ms. Misty is excited to provide students with both academic support and social-emotional learning opportunities. She enjoys baking, traveling, and spending time with her husband and 2 children.

Allannah Turner