Meet Our Staff

Keri Shackelford

Mrs. Keri Shackelford is continuing in her role for the second year as the special education teacher for the alternative program. She earned her master’s degree in education with a special education focus from Indiana University Northwest. She has more than 20 years of experience in special education in many forms; as a teacher, a parent advocate, and most importantly to her, as a parent. Mrs. Shackelford is also very happy to have this opportunity to get to know you individually and work with you on achieving your goals.

Ms. Shackelford adores her five cats and enjoys nature, hiking, and the beach. Her pronouns are she/her, and she is a proud ally. She was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and is the proud mother of three.

Ms. Wetzel

Ms. Wetzel pursued a new adventure after teaching for nearly 25 years in a small, parochial school. In January 2021, she began teaching the credit recovery courses at Indiana Gateway Digital Academy. She taught British and World Literature and AP Literature and Composition the following year. She was thrilled to be invited to join the Bridges team and participate in this new alternative program. In the fall of 2022, she began to work with Bridges and is excited to see the program grow and become INGAS. Seeing students earn these credits but, more importantly, recognize their potential and grow in their confidence as they succeed is a highlight reel for her.

Ms. Wetzel enjoys reading and camping, and she has recently started gardening. She loves traveling and enjoys spending time with her family. Her two dogs—Fitzgerald and Winston—are constant companions and will frequently be seen or heard in Class Connect sessions.

Amy Certain

Mrs. Amy Certain is the school counselor for the alternative school Indiana Gateway Alternative School (INGAS). She has more than 20 years of experience as a school counselor, and this is her third year at INGDA. Mrs. Certain loves her work with the INGAS Program because she loves to see students overcome their challenges and reach their graduation goals!

Mrs. Certain loves traveling, sports (watching, not playing), and everything Disney! Her dream is to retire someday and work at Disney! She lives in Nashville, Tennessee. A fun fact—Mrs. Certain’s husband is a travel nurse, so they move around the country and live somewhere different every 3 to 6 months!

Mrs. Jones

Mrs. Jones teaches math and dual credit economics. She is excited to meet each of you and looks forward to a great school year. She holds a master’s degree in mathematics education and an MBA. She has been a math teacher for several years and has had the opportunity to engage with diverse groups of students in multiple settings, including online instruction; high school, middle school, and college teaching; summer math camp; math tutoring; and music instrument teaching. The common thread in all her experiences is her commitment to helping students realize their potential. Most importantly, she enjoys working with students and sharing the joy of their success. Mrs. Jones lives with my husband in Bloomington, Indiana, and has three children.

Nicole Snow

Mrs. Nicole Snow is the electives school educator for the alternative school, INGAS (Indiana Gateway Alternative School). She has more than five years of experience as an educator; this is her third year at INGDA. Mrs. Snow graduated in 1992 with an associate’s degree in accounting from International Business College. She worked in the business industry for two years before attending the Learning Education Adult Program through Indiana Wesleyan University. After completing her business credentials, she enrolled in their cohort and graduated in May 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in business management. Mrs. Snow enrolled at Indiana Wesleyan University, completing their Transition to Teaching Program. Afterward, she earned her master’s degree in teacher leadership in 2020. Mrs. Snow loves her work with INGAS because she loves to help the students believe in themselves and know they can do it—it is a mindset!

Mrs. Snow has been married to her husband for nearly two decades. Their daughter Savannah also attends INGDA. She loves spending time with her family, learning new things, holistic health, and meditation! A fun fact: Mrs. Snow lived in California and pursued her dreams as an actor.  She earned her SAG (Screen Actors Guild) status and worked as an extra on The Young & The Restless, Malcolm in the Middle, and a major film starring Mark Wahlberg.

Luke Grim

Mr. Luke Grim began teaching in 2017 after spending 20 years in the Department of Defense. He holds four master’s degrees in educational leadership, business administration, management, and political science. For 2.5 years, he has taught at Indiana Gateway Digital Academy and oversees the Indiana Gateway Alternative School. Mr. Grim is passionate about helping youth develop life skills that will benefit them outside of the education world.

Mr. Grim and his wife have seven daughters and one son. The Grim family lives on the south side of Indianapolis, where they are active in their church and local homeschooling soccer league. Mr. Grim is a u15 soccer coach, and 7 of his kids are developing character through the soccer program.

Liz Owens

Ms. Liz Owens teaches all the science courses for INGAS. Dr. Owens—but please do not call her that—will begin her 36th year as an educator, including 22 years in Indianapolis Public Schools. Her service has included being a middle and high school principal and an alternative education district director. This will be her second year at INGDA. Her degrees include a BS and MAE from Ball State University, an administrative license from IUPUI, and an EdS from Indiana University. Ms. Owens looks forward to meeting the new students, continuing to build positive relationships with the experienced students and an exciting year of scientific adventures!

Ms. Owens lives on the southeast side of Indianapolis with her 90-year-old mother and her Siamese cat Rose. Her family, church, and homeowner’s association keep her busy. Ms. Owens gardens, crafts, and is a huge fan of the Indianapolis Colts. She is a member of the Theodore Roosevelt Association and loves to do historical research. Her side hustle is selling 3D-printed dragons and Harry Potter items.