Meet Our Team

Judy has spent most of her life as an educator in the roles of special education teacher, middle level teacher and elementary principal.  Learning, at any level, is a passion. In 2008, she accepted the role of Director of Professional Learning at Southern IN Education Center and in 2012 became Executive Director.  She really has the best job in the world! Her number one goal is to foster strength and certainty in all levels of education that WE CAN BE GREAT!  This means supporting leaders and the growth of leadership in the SIEC region, promoting the development of teacher efficacy and encouraging educators to take the chance and be brave enough to listen to student voices.  First ask, then listen…closely.  

Katy is a passionate advocate for innovative learning, dedicated to helping educators and students thrive in a rapidly changing world. With a Master’s in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University and a background in teaching and instructional leadership, she supports Southern Indiana schools in creating purpose-driven, future-ready learning environments. At SIEC, Katy leads professional learning, develops career-connected certification programs, and builds partnerships that connect classrooms to real-world opportunities. She also plays a key role in integrating emerging technologies, like AI, into K-12 education, empowering teachers to inspire the next generation of learners. A proud Hoosier and IU alum, Katy draws on her experience as a teacher, instructional technology director, and lifelong learner to support schools in creating impactful, student-centered learning experiences.

Marleigh is a dedicated literacy advocate who began her career in West Michigan's highly successful Great Start Readiness Program before spending seven years teaching K-4 classrooms, delivering Science of Reading-based instruction and using high-quality assessment data to drive instructional decisions for diverse learners. For the past three years, she has served as a Training Support Specialist with the Indiana Literacy Cadre, leading professional learning across 15+ regional schools, facilitating Professional Learning Communities, coaching instructional coaches and administrators through data-driven decision-making, and building MTSS systems that turn research into sustainable classroom practice. A Western Michigan University alum, she also holds an Early Literacy Reading Endorsement and has deepened her expertise through extensive training in Structured Literacy, cognitive science, and the integration of AI-enabled tools into instruction. Beyond the classroom, she leads and teaches students in dance and color guard through marching band, building leadership capacity and genuine, collaborative relationships in service of student-centered instruction for all learners. 

Debbie Gries has over 25 years as an educator engaging students as a teacher with middle level math, preschool and elementary grades, special education, and as a principal. She is married with two grown children.  Debbie’s role includes a major focus on the educational aspects for migrant students in the region. She works with other migrant staff to hire, train, and oversee tutors and summer teaching staff. She is the region’s migrant technology liaison implementing related curriculum and troubleshooting technology issues. She communicates with schools regarding academic progress, coordinates interstate collaboration, and assures support services are being provided to migrant students.

Sharon has worked at the SIEC for 34 years.  She works with Accounts Payable / Accounts Receivable, assists with workshop facilitation, and other various office duties.  She attended Vincennes University Jasper Campus and majored in Business Management.   

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Alexander Rodriguez is the ID&R Specialist for Region 2. Originally from Costa Rica, he is a certified Spanish teacher from Ohio. Alexander graduated from the University of Costa Rica in Education and did his Graduate work at IUPUI. Alexander’s role includes locating the migrant families as they move into this region. He is usually the first contact for families to determine eligibility for migrant education services with a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). He is a native Spanish speaker who also works to refer families to available public resources in their community.

Angelica Tackett is an Identification and Recruitment Specialist for Region 2. She is originally from Chihuahua, Mexico where she worked in the nursing field. What was supposed to be a short trip to Indiana to visit her cousins turned into a much longer stay.  With her husband and three children, Angelica still calls Indiana home. Since then she has worked as an interpreter/translator for different school corporations as well as a migrant clerk/home school coordinator/parent involvement liaison for North White School Corporation for five years. She is currently working on finishing her teaching degree, and is very excited to be part of this great team. 

DeAnne served the southwestern Indiana region as the SIEC Director of Professional Learning from 2014-2020.  She now serves the Southern Indiana Education Center as the Solutions Specialist and is excited to continue supporting educators at all levels. She is also pursuing her Ph.D. in Educational Studies from Ball State University and serves as an innovator and problem-solver for SIEC, working alongside colleagues and school districts across Indiana.

April is a dedicated educational professional with a passion for building strong, sustainable systems that support student learning. With her Business Administration degree and over 12 years of experience in K-12 education, she brings a deep understanding of school operations, strategic planning, and coordination with school and district leaders. At SIEC, April serves as Director of Finance & Special Projects, where she oversees budgeting processes, supports grant and program implementation, and helps align resources with the needs of schools across Southern Indiana. She is committed to ensuring that teachers and students have the tools and support they need to thrive. 

Oscar Trujillo truly loved his experience teaching math and coaching wrestling in both the middle and high school buildings. The passion of working with students continues to drive his work as education coordinator. He sees a great opportunity in increasing family communication with their respective schools. He also enjoys practicing his Spanish more in this role. He's married with two toddler-aged daughters.